Hi Roger,
The interferer in the 10m WSPR segment came back again this evening. It's rather odd. It is a very stable carrier modulated at about 0.0875Hz (7 tones every 80 seconds). It exhibits signs of long-distance propagation (fading, no doppler). The frequency of the pulsed carrier is precisely 28.126031 Hz.
It is rather annoying - I hope it doesn't persist.
David G0LRD
3 Aug 2014
Interferer to 10m WSPR
David G0LRD is seeing the same interferer that I am. Looks like it is coming in from some distance perhaps by Es.
Enforced QRT
As my younger granddaughter (2) is now occupying a cot in my shack, I have been forced to go QRT for the night. This is much earlier than I would normally close down, but I have no choice. They are staying 3 nights, so it will be the same situation until Wednesday night. I should still be able operate WSPR during the daytime.
Before going QRT on 10m WSPR, most stations copied were locals with a smattering of Eu Es. I may be missing South Americans this evening by N-S F2. I shall have to check WSPRnet.org to see what I'm missing on 10m and 6m.
There are storms currently over Belgium that may reach the UK later. I think we will miss them here in Burwell though. See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en .
My last 10m WSPR report was from G4KPX (14km) at 1750z at -14dB S/N.
6m seems to be open with Es from across the continent, according to WSPRnet.org, but I don't seem to be missing any intercontinental DX. On 10m HS1 was being copied in EA on WSPR and LU in W2.
Before going QRT on 10m WSPR, most stations copied were locals with a smattering of Eu Es. I may be missing South Americans this evening by N-S F2. I shall have to check WSPRnet.org to see what I'm missing on 10m and 6m.
There are storms currently over Belgium that may reach the UK later. I think we will miss them here in Burwell though. See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en .
My last 10m WSPR report was from G4KPX (14km) at 1750z at -14dB S/N.
6m seems to be open with Es from across the continent, according to WSPRnet.org, but I don't seem to be missing any intercontinental DX. On 10m HS1 was being copied in EA on WSPR and LU in W2.
No F2 today (yet)
Today has surprised me: not a single F2 signal yet copied on 10m so far. It is now around 1650z. Sunspot count is quite good and 20-30MHz conditions suggested that N-S F2 would be possible. It may just be there were no stations active on WSPR in the right areas today.
There are now more USA stations (east coast) on 10m WSPR, which is encouraging.
There are now more USA stations (east coast) on 10m WSPR, which is encouraging.
Yet more 10m Es transatlantic!
This morning around 1100z KZ8C (6290km) in EM88 square was spotted for the 8th time (I think) this Es season. I think this is the earliest time in the day I have copied 10m Es transatlantic. It means the USA station was on very early local time.
UPDATE 1611z: CT1PT (1685km) was spotted on 10m WSPR at 1604z.
UPDATE 1613z: PD0OHW (459km) was copied mid afternoon. I think this was by Es. All storms seem to be well away from the UK currently. See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en . Sadly I must go QRT early this evening because of guests, not because of storms.
UPDATE 1611z: CT1PT (1685km) was spotted on 10m WSPR at 1604z.
UPDATE 1613z: PD0OHW (459km) was copied mid afternoon. I think this was by Es. All storms seem to be well away from the UK currently. See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en . Sadly I must go QRT early this evening because of guests, not because of storms.
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| 10m unique WSPR spots so far today |
Current set-up for WSPR, JT65 and JT9-1
Best DX (on WSPR) is Australia at 1W out on 40, 20 and 10m and Israel on 6m WSPR (1W ERP).
Not shown (on shelf above) is the 472kHz homebrew transverter, the 15m MFJ Cub and the Mizuho 200mW 2m SSB rig. Also out of sight are a 136kHz beacon, the 2m Fredbox, the 6m Sixbox, the VLF 8-9kHz beacon, and optical rigs. I am waiting for better health to be able to use these again. Currently my operating is all from home and mainly modes not requiring me to talk, although I have ventured onto our Monday night FM net and the odd 2m and 70cm contest.
10m WSPR - early Sunday
10m WSPR was turned on quite early today and the band is already lively with EU Es signals (LB, I and EA). I shall stay on 10m all day all being well, but may have to close early this evening if the shack is being used as a bedroom for our granddaughter.
There is a local (?) interferer low down in the WSPR sub-band pulsing on and off every 5 seconds or so - any idea what this is? It does not seem to be doing anything bad to decodes,which is a relief. It was there last night too I noticed.
Sunspot count today is 178 (good) with blackouts. 20-30MHz forecast is "normal". I'd expect N-S F2 today on 10m.
UPDATE 1045z: No 10m F2 propagation seen yet.
UPDATE 1045z: No 10m F2 propagation seen yet.
2 Aug 2014
6m - QRT soon
After over 4 hours now with just reports from local G4IKZ, I think I shall go QRT soon. I'll leave the kit running WSPR until bedtime, then disconnect and switch everything off. Knowing my luck, 6m WSPR will then open strongly to the USA!
UPDATE 2110z: Eventually, after 5 hours G6AVK (78km) spots my 1W ERP on 6m as well as G4IKZ (18km).
UPDATE 2220z: Now going QRT.
UPDATE 2110z: Eventually, after 5 hours G6AVK (78km) spots my 1W ERP on 6m as well as G4IKZ (18km).
UPDATE 2220z: Now going QRT.
Nevada deal on Alinco DR-135UK 28MHz transceiver
Steve G1KQH has found a good deal!
This 28MHz transceiver is available for £159.95 from Nevada. It looks like a useful rig at a good price. No doubt a few wire cuts will allow full CB coverage (illegally) for those who desire this.
This 28MHz transceiver is available for £159.95 from Nevada. It looks like a useful rig at a good price. No doubt a few wire cuts will allow full CB coverage (illegally) for those who desire this.
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| http://images.nevadaradio.co.uk/large/alinco2/DR135UK-Banner3.jpg |
Back on 6m WSPR at 1604z
Now gone back to 6m WSPR. So far, just being seen strongly by local G4IKZ (18km). No GDX or Es seen yet.
There is a storm coming this way from the Gloucester area but it will be a few hours yet and might miss us? See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en . Currently it is over the Milton Keynes area. and seems to be tracking E/SE-wards.
UPDATE 1710z: The storm is moving NE. It may get us after all. Currently it is in Northamptonshire. We'll see soon where it goes next.
UPDATE 1727z: Still just G4IKZ (18km) spotting me. No Es, no GDX seen here on 6m WSPR (yet). Will abort proceedings if the storm gets dangerously close.
UPDATE 1807z: The storm appears to be fading away before it gets here. Good. This means I can stay on 6m WSPR for longer. So far, there is distinct lack of Es DX being seen by any reporters.
UPDATE 1820z: Still no DX on 6m. Storm HAS died out.
UPDATE 1922z: Still no 6m DX. The storm over the North Sea is now moving south and there is lightning at Cromer. Watching this carefully in case it comes our way tonight.
There is a storm coming this way from the Gloucester area but it will be a few hours yet and might miss us? See http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en . Currently it is over the Milton Keynes area. and seems to be tracking E/SE-wards.
UPDATE 1710z: The storm is moving NE. It may get us after all. Currently it is in Northamptonshire. We'll see soon where it goes next.
UPDATE 1727z: Still just G4IKZ (18km) spotting me. No Es, no GDX seen here on 6m WSPR (yet). Will abort proceedings if the storm gets dangerously close.
UPDATE 1807z: The storm appears to be fading away before it gets here. Good. This means I can stay on 6m WSPR for longer. So far, there is distinct lack of Es DX being seen by any reporters.
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| The ONLY 6m WSPR spots here in the last 2 hours - local G4IKZ |
UPDATE 1922z: Still no 6m DX. The storm over the North Sea is now moving south and there is lightning at Cromer. Watching this carefully in case it comes our way tonight.
6m/10m WSPR - or not?
I was about to switch back to 6m WSPR but the lightning map shows deteriorating weather with possible storms approaching from Lincolnshire and the North Sea. Maybe I'll stay on 10m a while longer and then decide what to do. If the storms get close I shall go QRT.
UPDATE 1318z: Well, the Lincolnshire storm is moving north. That means it is getting further away from here. I'll QSY up to 6m WSPR later this afternoon, unless another storm rears its ugly head.
UPDATE 1410z: GM4FVM (428km - very short 10m Es skip) copied strongly at -10dB S/N on 10m WSPR at 1340z. Suggests decent Es on higher bands.
UPDATE 1442z: First GDX today G8VDQ (93km) spotted on 10m WSPR at 1424z but quite weakly.
UPDATE 1318z: Well, the Lincolnshire storm is moving north. That means it is getting further away from here. I'll QSY up to 6m WSPR later this afternoon, unless another storm rears its ugly head.
UPDATE 1410z: GM4FVM (428km - very short 10m Es skip) copied strongly at -10dB S/N on 10m WSPR at 1340z. Suggests decent Es on higher bands.
UPDATE 1442z: First GDX today G8VDQ (93km) spotted on 10m WSPR at 1424z but quite weakly.
Missed 6m transatlantic openings
I missed at least 2 transatlantic 6m openings.
KB2MEN spotted G4JVF on July 29th in the middle of the night (in the UK) and KU4QI spotted ON7KO on the evening of June 21st. I was probably on 10m, or I simply missed these openings. The season has not yet ended for real long distance 6m DX. I may go back on to 6m later.
KB2MEN spotted G4JVF on July 29th in the middle of the night (in the UK) and KU4QI spotted ON7KO on the evening of June 21st. I was probably on 10m, or I simply missed these openings. The season has not yet ended for real long distance 6m DX. I may go back on to 6m later.
10m WSPR - resumed at 0914z today
So far, all quiet on 10m WSPR with no recent GDX, Es or F2 DX seen here today so far.
Sunspot count is 165 with blackouts and 20-30MHz propagation "normal". We should see F2 DX today. It was there yesterday on 10m.
The nearest storms are over the North Sea, but I shall continue to keep a watchful eye and disconnect everything if things start to look at all dodgy.
UPDATE 1047z: FR1GZ (9724km) was spotted (F2) just a few minutes ago, LB9YE (1533km) is now coming through by Es. The 10m band is waking up. FR1GZ is also spotting me I see.
UPDATE 1247z: TF3HZ (1837km) now being spotted via Es.
Sunspot count is 165 with blackouts and 20-30MHz propagation "normal". We should see F2 DX today. It was there yesterday on 10m.
The nearest storms are over the North Sea, but I shall continue to keep a watchful eye and disconnect everything if things start to look at all dodgy.
UPDATE 1047z: FR1GZ (9724km) was spotted (F2) just a few minutes ago, LB9YE (1533km) is now coming through by Es. The 10m band is waking up. FR1GZ is also spotting me I see.
UPDATE 1247z: TF3HZ (1837km) now being spotted via Es.
1 Aug 2014
10m WSPR - F2 this afternoon
FR1GZ (9724km) running 5W was spotted on 10m WSPR today at 1352z at -21dB S/N. No other DX - Es, F2 or GDX - has been seen since (yet). The band did, at least, open deep into the Indian Ocean (Reunion Is). Maybe we'll see South America later?
UPDATE 1812z: G8JNJ/A (184km) was spotted after a very quiet afternoon at 1708z, but nothing since then.
UPDATE 1923z: CX2ABP (11127km) copied at -22dB S/N at 1844z (and earlier) from Montevideo. Yet moretdecent F2 propagation. LB9YE was spotted at 1858z. No Es seen since then.
UPDATE 2145z: With a (distant) threat of storms, WSPR has been closed down, antennas disconnected and rigs and PC unplugged from the mains. Think the risk is greater tomorrow, but better safe than sorry. Will resume on either 6m or 10m tomorrow if weather safe. According to http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en there are storms moving up from France. By tomorrow morning they could be here?
UPDATE 1812z: G8JNJ/A (184km) was spotted after a very quiet afternoon at 1708z, but nothing since then.
UPDATE 1923z: CX2ABP (11127km) copied at -22dB S/N at 1844z (and earlier) from Montevideo. Yet moretdecent F2 propagation. LB9YE was spotted at 1858z. No Es seen since then.
UPDATE 2145z: With a (distant) threat of storms, WSPR has been closed down, antennas disconnected and rigs and PC unplugged from the mains. Think the risk is greater tomorrow, but better safe than sorry. Will resume on either 6m or 10m tomorrow if weather safe. According to http://www.lightningmaps.org/realtime?lang=en there are storms moving up from France. By tomorrow morning they could be here?
10m - results this morning
10m WSPR - immediate Es success
As well as early spots by OK2RO (1282km) both ways, I am now being spotted by EA1KV (1304km). 10m Es is hotting up again.
UPDATE 1025z: I have also been spotted by LB9YE (1533km) in the last 40 minutes and am spotting him.
UPDATE 1025z: I have also been spotted by LB9YE (1533km) in the last 40 minutes and am spotting him.
6m overnight - disappointing
Leaving 6m WSPR on overnight was a waste: apart from local G4IKZ (18km) only 1 spot of me by G8JNJ/A (184km) and no Es seen here on 6m WSPR at all.
At 0856z I QSYed back to 10m where I was immediately spotted by OK2RO (1282km) several times at good strength. I have also spotted him. 10m is definitely a more productive band for Es.
Sunspot count today is 139 and 20-30MHz is forecast to be "good", so some 10m F2 propagation should be expected later.
At 0856z I QSYed back to 10m where I was immediately spotted by OK2RO (1282km) several times at good strength. I have also spotted him. 10m is definitely a more productive band for Es.
Sunspot count today is 139 and 20-30MHz is forecast to be "good", so some 10m F2 propagation should be expected later.
31 Jul 2014
QSYed to 6m WSPR at 1642z
As 10m Es is so good, I have now QSYed up to 6m in the hope of catching some Es on this higher band. As yet, just G4IKZ (18km) spotting me on 6m, but I'll stay on 6m for some hours to give the higher band a fair chance.
On 10m, DK0SC was spotting me just before I changed bands up to 6m.
UPDATE 1802z: OZ7IT (853km) in Denmark was spotted on 6m WSPR by Es at -12dB S/N (strong) at 1730z.
UPDATE 1844z: DL4MFC (916km) spotted on 6m WSPR a few minutes ago at -8dB S/N. Es is good on 6m.
UPDATE 1852z: HB9TJM (764km) now being spotted. 6m is good this evening.
DB0ZDF spotted me on 6m Es (for 1W ERP) at a respectable -15dB S/N.
UPDATE 1954z: F6HTL (831km) was spotted on 6m at 1944z.
UPDATE 2130z: No more Es and GDX since 1944z. It may yet return, so I am leaving the WSPR kit running through the night in the hope and have reset the PC clock to internet time.
PS Get Israel to make peace, not war.
On 10m, DK0SC was spotting me just before I changed bands up to 6m.
UPDATE 1802z: OZ7IT (853km) in Denmark was spotted on 6m WSPR by Es at -12dB S/N (strong) at 1730z.
UPDATE 1844z: DL4MFC (916km) spotted on 6m WSPR a few minutes ago at -8dB S/N. Es is good on 6m.
UPDATE 1852z: HB9TJM (764km) now being spotted. 6m is good this evening.
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| 6m unique spots to 1844z-1915z today |
UPDATE 1954z: F6HTL (831km) was spotted on 6m at 1944z.
UPDATE 2130z: No more Es and GDX since 1944z. It may yet return, so I am leaving the WSPR kit running through the night in the hope and have reset the PC clock to internet time.
PS Get Israel to make peace, not war.
10m WSPR - Es all over Europe
Currently there is Es coming through on 10m WSPR from all over Europe. Conditions on 10m Es seem wide open.
Sunspot count today is 146 (good) and 20-30MHz conditions are described as "good". We should expect F2 propagation on 10m today. Yesterday we saw South Africa on the band. Today should be at least as good, or better, for F2 DX.
UPDATE 1535z: GM4SFW (662km) and I are exchanging WSPR spots and still plenty of Es from across Europe on 10m.
UPDATE 1740z: PD0OHW (459km) just spotted on 10m WSPR. Probably Es, but short skip. May QSY to 6m?
PS Get Israel to make peace, not war.
Sunspot count today is 146 (good) and 20-30MHz conditions are described as "good". We should expect F2 propagation on 10m today. Yesterday we saw South Africa on the band. Today should be at least as good, or better, for F2 DX.
UPDATE 1535z: GM4SFW (662km) and I are exchanging WSPR spots and still plenty of Es from across Europe on 10m.
UPDATE 1740z: PD0OHW (459km) just spotted on 10m WSPR. Probably Es, but short skip. May QSY to 6m?
PS Get Israel to make peace, not war.
30 Jul 2014
USA yet again on 10m - multi-hop Es?
KZ8C (6290km) was spotted twice this evening from EM88pm around teatime. It seems WSPR is proving the summertime Es path to the USA on 10m is open far more than I previously thought. I am losing count of how many times this season I have copied the USA on 10m, but it is a lot - on 6 days now I think. I assume it is multi-hop Es but could be F2 backscatter? More WSPR stations would help. Remember, if this is Es the same may be possible any summer including right at the sunspot minimum in 5-6 summers from now. Now there's a thought.
UPDATE 1835z: DK0SC (827km) copied me very strongly at +7/+8dB S/N at 1758z. Since then just wispy weak signals which are probably GDX stations not quite strong enough to decode. G8VDQ (93km) was decoded at 1730z.
UPDATE 1950z: Worldwide just 13 stations on 10m WSPR and only 12 stations on 6m. This is pathetic. People are really missing out on an excellent mode for propagation studies and more. To be fair, the list does not show people on WSPR who have not spotted or been spotted in recent minutes, so there may be more people active than are shown on www.wsprnet.org .
UPDATE 2222z: Three Es spots this evening of SI9AM (1503km) up in N.Sweden on 10m so far this evening. Will leave 10m WSPR kit running overnight.
UPDATE 1835z: DK0SC (827km) copied me very strongly at +7/+8dB S/N at 1758z. Since then just wispy weak signals which are probably GDX stations not quite strong enough to decode. G8VDQ (93km) was decoded at 1730z.
UPDATE 1950z: Worldwide just 13 stations on 10m WSPR and only 12 stations on 6m. This is pathetic. People are really missing out on an excellent mode for propagation studies and more. To be fair, the list does not show people on WSPR who have not spotted or been spotted in recent minutes, so there may be more people active than are shown on www.wsprnet.org .
UPDATE 2222z: Three Es spots this evening of SI9AM (1503km) up in N.Sweden on 10m so far this evening. Will leave 10m WSPR kit running overnight.
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| More recent WSPR spots today PS Get Israel to makr peace, not war. |
ZS on 10m F2
ZS5PMB (9563km) was just spotted on 10m WSPR. I am pretty sure this is N-S F2 propagation. It is a pity there are not more stations active this early evening on 10m WSPR. Currently there are just 14 stations active on 10m WSPR in the world.
Low WSPR activity levels
At the moment, in the entire world, there are just 20 active WSPR stations on 10m and just 16 on 6m. These are very low levels of activity: Es and F2 openings are being missed as there are no stations active in the target areas.
UPDATE 1425z: No new Es on 10m since switching down to 10m from 6m WSPR.
UPDATE 1505z: Now just 5 stations on 6m and 25 stations on 10m in the world on WSPR. Pathetic levels of WSPR activity.
UPDATE 1425z: No new Es on 10m since switching down to 10m from 6m WSPR.
UPDATE 1505z: Now just 5 stations on 6m and 25 stations on 10m in the world on WSPR. Pathetic levels of WSPR activity.
Back to 10m WSPR from 6m
With little Es on 6m, I am going to QSY back to 10m, hoping to catch some F2 propagation. 6m is a great band but 10m is more productive of DX. Initially I'll use WSPR but hope to try JT65 and JT9-1 later after I've finished helping my XYL with the ironing.
UPDATE 1340z: Now QSYed back to 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1340z: Now QSYed back to 10m WSPR.
Israel, Gaza and war crimes
I don't like getting political on this blog but feel the actions of Israel overnight attacking a school designated a UN safe area, is nothing short of a war crime. 15 innocents killed and dozens injured - disgraceful in any language. There is absolutely no excuse for this slaughter. Even if rockets were fired from the local area it is no excuse to kill already traumatised children. Slaughter of the innocents.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28558433 .
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28559537 .
For years, the state of Israel has treated the Palestinian people like scum. They deserve to be treated as full humans and accorded the full rights all humans deserve. No more settlements on Palestinian land. After the horrors to the Jews in WW2 you would think Israel would want to help build a kinder world. Not a bit of it! They seem to want to spread hate. I know Hamas must stop firing rockets at Israel and I know there are good Jewish people, but the war on Gaza is fostering hate and yet more resentment.
What is needed are real substantive talks leading to a comprehensive and fair peace for all in the region. Now is the time for jaw, jaw not war, war. Will Israel never learn? If you treat the Palestinian people as less than human what do you expect?
At the moment, Israel, supported by the USA and the UK amongst others, is not even seriously trying to get a lasting peace. I am embarrassed by my government. An eye for an eye seems to be all Israel understands.
I am sorry, but I get increasingly frustrated by the continued violence. Now is the time for real love and kindness to be shared and long-term peace to be given a real chance. People of Israel - wake up! USA and UK - support the Palestinians at the same level as Israel. Give peace a chance!
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28558433 .
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-28559537 .
For years, the state of Israel has treated the Palestinian people like scum. They deserve to be treated as full humans and accorded the full rights all humans deserve. No more settlements on Palestinian land. After the horrors to the Jews in WW2 you would think Israel would want to help build a kinder world. Not a bit of it! They seem to want to spread hate. I know Hamas must stop firing rockets at Israel and I know there are good Jewish people, but the war on Gaza is fostering hate and yet more resentment.
What is needed are real substantive talks leading to a comprehensive and fair peace for all in the region. Now is the time for jaw, jaw not war, war. Will Israel never learn? If you treat the Palestinian people as less than human what do you expect?
At the moment, Israel, supported by the USA and the UK amongst others, is not even seriously trying to get a lasting peace. I am embarrassed by my government. An eye for an eye seems to be all Israel understands.
I am sorry, but I get increasingly frustrated by the continued violence. Now is the time for real love and kindness to be shared and long-term peace to be given a real chance. People of Israel - wake up! USA and UK - support the Palestinians at the same level as Israel. Give peace a chance!
6m WSPR again
At around 0920z I moved from 10m up to 6m to see what's doing on 6m WSPR. At first just the usual (strong) spots from local G4IKZ (18km) but I've now, at 1038z, been spotted by OH5RM (1860km) on Es. I run 1W ERP on 6m WSPR with a V2000 vertical antenna.
UPDATE 1120z: G3WKW (134km) in IO91og has been spotted a couple of times, -20/-24dB S/N, presumably with the aid of aircraft reflection.
UPDATE 1200z: No further Es or GDX spots since OH5RM , just spots by local G4IKZ.
UPDATE 1120z: G3WKW (134km) in IO91og has been spotted a couple of times, -20/-24dB S/N, presumably with the aid of aircraft reflection.
UPDATE 1200z: No further Es or GDX spots since OH5RM , just spots by local G4IKZ.
10m - transatlantic yet again by Es
Just before midnight local time here KZ8C (6290km) was spotted running 5W WSPR on 10m. This is the 5th transatlantic Es opening I have caught on 10m this summer. Despite letting WSPR run through the night, no other transatlantic DX was seen and no EU Es either, just wispy traces from G8JNJ/A (184km) - partial decodes of Martin's QTH locator through the night, but no full decodes. Signals had all the hallmarks of aircraft reflection or MS - several traces in each burst , Doppler and short duration.
This morning (early) I am seeing EU Es DX from SI9AM (1503km) Sweden and IK1WVQ (1084km) Italy by 0702z.
Sunspot count today is 160 (good) and 20-30MHz conditions are expected to be "normal". We may see F2 propagation. but none was seen here on 10m yesterday, surprisingly. This may be a lack of active WSPR stations rather than a lack of F2. WSPR is the ideal mode to check for fleeting band openings. I would never have noticed KZ8C without WSPR. I just wish more people would use it, and in more places.
UPDATE 0918z: OH1W (1646km) spotted me at 0848z. I think I'm switching to 6m now!
This morning (early) I am seeing EU Es DX from SI9AM (1503km) Sweden and IK1WVQ (1084km) Italy by 0702z.
UPDATE 0918z: OH1W (1646km) spotted me at 0848z. I think I'm switching to 6m now!
29 Jul 2014
Same callsigns?
One of the drawbacks of WSPR (currently) is you tend to get spotted, or spot, the same stations over and over again. I am even seeing the same stations being spotted on 10m and on 6m.
It would be very nice if there were a lot more active stations, so spots came from a variety of stations. I am even seeing this on JT65 and JT9-1.
Perhaps people think these "new fangled" digital modes are hard and so only a limited number of people (currently) use them. Let me say, if even I can use these modes then anyone can! All these modes are great with low power and have really opened my eyes as to how far very low powered signal can be detected.
It would be very nice if there were a lot more active stations, so spots came from a variety of stations. I am even seeing this on JT65 and JT9-1.
Perhaps people think these "new fangled" digital modes are hard and so only a limited number of people (currently) use them. Let me say, if even I can use these modes then anyone can! All these modes are great with low power and have really opened my eyes as to how far very low powered signal can be detected.
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| 10m unique WSPR spots this afternoon (duplicates not shown) |
Over priced KX3 options
Steve G1KQH has spotted the price of "after-market" mics on eBay. Under £5.
"The price of a Microphone:
Someone is having a good laugh at stitching folk up with those KX3 Mics. The whole KX3 price is through the roof but there are plenty on the bands?"
I stand by my assertion that, sadly, the KX3 is overpriced, certainly over here in the UK. I know that it is a truly exceptional radio with a first class specification but, as I have said before, for my sort of operating - mainly from home and occasionally /P, the FT817ND is FAR better value and it covers 432MHz all modes too. I cannot fault the FT817 although I appreciate the KX3 is better on RX. My FT817 has worked the world on SSB and always with simple wire antennas. I have worked a lot of continents with whips on the rig indoors too.
Back on 10m WSPR
For the next several hours I have gone back to 10m WSPR. This means I can monitor progress in the lounge. So far, SI9AM (1503km) from Sweden, running 200mW, is coming in pretty well by Es. I am running about 2W ERP on 18% TX duty cycle, so mostly listening/looking.
Sunspot count today is good at 143 and the 20-30MHz forecast is "normal", so I am hopeful of some F2 propagation on 10m today.
UPDATE 1435z: OH6GKW (1839km) and I have just exchanged WSPR spots on 10m.
Sunspot count today is good at 143 and the 20-30MHz forecast is "normal", so I am hopeful of some F2 propagation on 10m today.
UPDATE 1435z: OH6GKW (1839km) and I have just exchanged WSPR spots on 10m.
More JT65 and JT9-1 operation
Over the lunch period I operated JT9-1 and JT65 on 20m. Although I got plenty of reports of my CQ calls on JT9-1 (via PSKreporter) not a single QSO. When I went to JT65 on 20m I had a decent 2-way QSO with EA3KU (1307km) in JN00 square. Seems JT65 operators outnumber JT9-1 operators by about 10:1.
100kHz - 1.7GHz SDR
This data was passed to me by Steve G1KQH (again). It looks like an SDR in a screened box with proper interfaces. It comes from Hong Kong. Price is £36.99. I have never played with SDS dongles.
See
See
28 Jul 2014
Near miss - 11742km on 10m JT65
This evening CA3SOC (Chile) was calling CQ on 10m JT65. I called and called him - he called CQ about 14 times - but I was unable to raise him. At the start he was -16dB S/N but in the end was down to -22dB S/N. I was copied in Sweden at the same time, but that was no compensation.
Earlier in the afternoon I worked an E74 on PSK63, my first ever QSO on PSK at that speed. I am finding real-time keyboard operating in PSK modes quite "challenging". Whenever I use the keyboard e.g to write this blog, I make lots of errors that need correcting. This is hard on PSK31 and PSK63 in real time. JT65 and JT9-1 are a lot easier. Currently I am using Digipan software which is simple and basic for PSK modes. I am using WSJTX V1.3 r3673 for JT65 and JT9-1.
Earlier in the afternoon I worked an E74 on PSK63, my first ever QSO on PSK at that speed. I am finding real-time keyboard operating in PSK modes quite "challenging". Whenever I use the keyboard e.g to write this blog, I make lots of errors that need correcting. This is hard on PSK31 and PSK63 in real time. JT65 and JT9-1 are a lot easier. Currently I am using Digipan software which is simple and basic for PSK modes. I am using WSJTX V1.3 r3673 for JT65 and JT9-1.
PSK Reporter maps
See https://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html.
This is a really useful resource when using modes like JT9-1 and JT65. Even if you get no replies, the map gives a good idea of where your signals are reaching. As an example, I recently transmitted JT65 on 20m and worked OE5DML. As the map shows, my signals were widely received including in the USA.
This is a really useful resource when using modes like JT9-1 and JT65. Even if you get no replies, the map gives a good idea of where your signals are reaching. As an example, I recently transmitted JT65 on 20m and worked OE5DML. As the map shows, my signals were widely received including in the USA.
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| https://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html |
10m - JT65 QSOs first thing
Well, I've had success on 10m digital with a couple of JT65 QSOs on 10m. Managed to work CT1AYO and LY3OO on 10m JT65 early this morning.
No success this time in JT9-1 on 10m. I listened for a while - heard nothing - so put out some CQ calls in JT9-1, but sadly without success. It was a case of lack of activity. Currently I am monitoring (i.e. not TXing) on 50.276MHz JT65.
Tried 7.076MHz JT65, but the 40m band was very noisy.
Although PSK reporter maps show I've been copied outside Europe, I have still to work anyone outside Europe this summer since I started on digital 2-way modes a few days ago. It will certainly happen as JT9-1 is only about 2dB worse than WSPR. JT65 is about 4dB worse. So, on many stations, I should be in range, even with my compromise antenna system on 20m and 10m.
No success this time in JT9-1 on 10m. I listened for a while - heard nothing - so put out some CQ calls in JT9-1, but sadly without success. It was a case of lack of activity. Currently I am monitoring (i.e. not TXing) on 50.276MHz JT65.
Tried 7.076MHz JT65, but the 40m band was very noisy.
Although PSK reporter maps show I've been copied outside Europe, I have still to work anyone outside Europe this summer since I started on digital 2-way modes a few days ago. It will certainly happen as JT9-1 is only about 2dB worse than WSPR. JT65 is about 4dB worse. So, on many stations, I should be in range, even with my compromise antenna system on 20m and 10m.
27 Jul 2014
Second JT9-1 QSO today
This evening I worked my second station on JT9-1, again on 20m as 10m was dead when I listened. The station was DL1KCQ (475km) in JO22 square. He was running 10W to a vertical. I was using 5W to my Par 10/20/40m end-fed.
I have still to try JT65 and JT9-1 on 10m as the band has not been open when I listened. 20m seems to be an ideal band as it is open pretty often. Although I heard some stateside stations on JT9-1, none were worked or indeed called. So far 4 JT65 QSOs and 2 JT09-1 QSOs in the log since yesterday.
Anyone know the recommended JT65 and JT9-1 preferred operating frequencies on 40m? 7.076 and 7.078MHz?
A real advantage of JT9-1 is it only occupies just over 16Hz of bandwidth whereas JT65 is about 10 times this bandwidth. JT9-1 is really only suited to lower HF, MF and LF bands as the tone separation is very small and HF Doppler and rig drift can play havoc.
I have still to try JT65 and JT9-1 on 10m as the band has not been open when I listened. 20m seems to be an ideal band as it is open pretty often. Although I heard some stateside stations on JT9-1, none were worked or indeed called. So far 4 JT65 QSOs and 2 JT09-1 QSOs in the log since yesterday.
Anyone know the recommended JT65 and JT9-1 preferred operating frequencies on 40m? 7.076 and 7.078MHz?
A real advantage of JT9-1 is it only occupies just over 16Hz of bandwidth whereas JT65 is about 10 times this bandwidth. JT9-1 is really only suited to lower HF, MF and LF bands as the tone separation is very small and HF Doppler and rig drift can play havoc.
KX3 antenna failure
I read on the M1KTA blog that an antenna lead on one of his Elecraft KX3 units has failed. I know these have seen some harsh portable field use but I would not have expected this. I have owned an FT817 for close on 14 years and, touch wood, it has never once failed me - still the same PA, same everything.
In my view, the KX3 is overpriced (over here in the UK) and not well built for rugged field use. I don't doubt it has excellent features and an excellent receiver, but it is still over twice as much as an FT817ND which covers DC to blue light, out of the box ready built. The KX3 is a mess for leads, coming out all over the place. The FT817 is neat, rugged, and compact.
For me, the FT817 still wins.
In my view, the KX3 is overpriced (over here in the UK) and not well built for rugged field use. I don't doubt it has excellent features and an excellent receiver, but it is still over twice as much as an FT817ND which covers DC to blue light, out of the box ready built. The KX3 is a mess for leads, coming out all over the place. The FT817 is neat, rugged, and compact.
For me, the FT817 still wins.
First JT9-1 QSO this summer
Like David G0LRD, I think WSJT-X (latest version certainly) seems as easy to use as JT65-HF. What's more it supports JT9-1 as well as JT65.
I tried 10m, but soon QSYed down to 20m where there was activity. Managed to work an OE (Austria) on JT9-1 (easily), for my first JT9-1 QSO is some while, running 5W from the FT817. Just tuned to 14.078MHz and clicked away with WSJT-X. Must try again on 10m and 6m. JT65 is at 14.076 and 28.076MHz. USB dial. JT9-1 is 2kHz higher. On the FT817mI use the DIG setting.
On 6m, I suspect my rig will not be stable enough for JT9-1. It should be fine for JT65.
I tried 10m, but soon QSYed down to 20m where there was activity. Managed to work an OE (Austria) on JT9-1 (easily), for my first JT9-1 QSO is some while, running 5W from the FT817. Just tuned to 14.078MHz and clicked away with WSJT-X. Must try again on 10m and 6m. JT65 is at 14.076 and 28.076MHz. USB dial. JT9-1 is 2kHz higher. On the FT817mI use the DIG setting.
On 6m, I suspect my rig will not be stable enough for JT9-1. It should be fine for JT65.
Continuing JT65/JT9 today
When we get back from shopping I shall return to JT65-HF and JT9-1 modes hoping to work more stations. Yesterday, staying on 20m, I worked 4 Europeans running 2.5 or 5W. JT65-HF is very intuitive and works well. Althought I have had JT9-1 QSOs on 10m in the past, I suspect the rig stability is "challenging" and JT65-HF gives me a better chance. JT65-HF is some 4dB worse than WSPR but the TX period is only 48 secs (1 minute TX period but actual TX is less) so may be better with QSB? JT9-1 is a narrower bandwidth mode than JT65-HF and is about 2dB worse than WSPR. Of course, JT65 and JT9 are proper QSO modes.
Sunspot count today is 76 (decent) and 20-30MHz conditions are supposed to be "normal" so there could well be some F2 (as well as Es) on 10m today. JT65-HF and JT9-1 on 10m are calling I think.
The great advantage of WSPR is you can set the rig running and monitor things in another room. JT65 and JT9 seem to require "hands on" operation, which is fine.
Sunspot count today is 76 (decent) and 20-30MHz conditions are supposed to be "normal" so there could well be some F2 (as well as Es) on 10m today. JT65-HF and JT9-1 on 10m are calling I think.
The great advantage of WSPR is you can set the rig running and monitor things in another room. JT65 and JT9 seem to require "hands on" operation, which is fine.
26 Jul 2014
More JT65 QSOs
This evening I went on 20m JT65 again and managed a couple of European QSOs in reply to the CQs of others. I am using JT65-HF software that is very simple to use. So far I have used the FT817 at either 2.5 or 5W.
If you see a station calling CQ (shows up in green) you just click on it to start a QSO with that station. If he copies you and replies then the started QSO shows up in red - all very simple. Wonder if there is a similar (easy) package for JT9-1 on HF?
Looking on PSK Reporter I see plenty of USA stations were copying me too, so it should not be too hard to work DX with just a little effort even with my compromise antenna. When 10m and 6m are open, DX should be easier still.
With JT65-HF and JT9-1, I have to be in the shack, but at least there is no speaking, saving my poor voice.
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| JT65-HF screenshot |
Looking on PSK Reporter I see plenty of USA stations were copying me too, so it should not be too hard to work DX with just a little effort even with my compromise antenna. When 10m and 6m are open, DX should be easier still.
With JT65-HF and JT9-1, I have to be in the shack, but at least there is no speaking, saving my poor voice.
JT65HF and JT9-1
Well, I made a start today. Nothing much doing on 10m, so I QSYed down to 20m where answering CQ calls got me replies from UR4UHE (KO50 square) and SP6ECQ on JT65HF. Although I heard an Italian calling CQ on JT9-1 I failed to get a reply.
No great DX but the first couple of countries in the log.
No great DX but the first couple of countries in the log.
6m WSPR this morning
I QSYed back to 6m about 50 minutes ago and already been spotted by G4IKZ (18km), OH5RM (1860km) and have myself spotted G6AVK (78km) and OH5RM strongly. Looking quite promising on 6m Es so far today.
Sunspot count today is 65 (creeping up again) and 20-30MHz forecast to be "normal". I expect some F2 on 10m today.
I may stick with 50MHz (6m) WSPR today, but want to give JT65 and JT9-1 a good go on 10m and 6m. I have had JT9-1 QSOs on 10m before but believe the rig stability is probably better with JT65. At 6m I suspect JT9-1 will be unsuitable. JT9-1 is better suited to LF and MF use. I shall use JT9-1 on 630m again soon.
UPDATE 1235z: Still very much a Scandinavian colour to the Es with OH7AI (2000km) a new call today at 1126z. He is also spotting me. G6AVK is also spotting me.
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| 6m WSPR this morning (1W ERP) |
I may stick with 50MHz (6m) WSPR today, but want to give JT65 and JT9-1 a good go on 10m and 6m. I have had JT9-1 QSOs on 10m before but believe the rig stability is probably better with JT65. At 6m I suspect JT9-1 will be unsuitable. JT9-1 is better suited to LF and MF use. I shall use JT9-1 on 630m again soon.
UPDATE 1235z: Still very much a Scandinavian colour to the Es with OH7AI (2000km) a new call today at 1126z. He is also spotting me. G6AVK is also spotting me.
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