Es

Both on 6m JT65 and 10m WSPR I am being spotted in Spain by Es early. This bodes well for the rest of the day.

Sunspots and 10m - Monday July 18th 2016

Solar flux is 112 today and the sunspot number 51 (K=1). The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".

Local Museum Summer Fete - NOT amateur radio

Today, in the sunshine and warmth, our local museum and windmill is holding its summer fete with free entry for all. It is good the sun is shining. The windmill and museum are well worth a visit at any time. There is always so much to see and do.

See http://www.burwellmuseum.org.uk/ .

JT65 on 6m and 10m WSPR - Early Sunday

So far, no Es seen here yet on 6m JT65 but 5 UK stations (best DX report 219km with 1W ERP) have spotted me, most in the last few minutes. This is either tropo or aircraft reflection. It is early (0910z). Meanwhile 10m WSPR is very quiet with not a single spot so far. I did a full re-sync to internet time before breakfast. The PC clock is automatically readjusted every 1000 seconds, so as long as the PC works JT65 timing should be very good. The stand-alone W5OLF WSPR beacon on 10m is re-synced every day, although this is probably not necessary.y

UPDATE 1230z:  Still 6 UK spots on 6m JT65 and no Es here on 6m. I see that 4X1RF has spotted at least one G today, sadly not me. Maybe my 1W ERP (vertical) is not enough?  Just LZ1UBO (2039km) has spotted me on 10m WSPR earlier.

UPDATE 1728z:  Now been spotted by 8 different UK stations on 6m JT65 toda. Have copied Cornwall, France and Belgium on 6m JT65 RX today, but this must have been either tropo or aircraft reflection. No 6m Es today and very little on 10m WSPR - just LZ1UBO this morning.

UPDATE 1814z:  6m Es at last today!

ON4KST chat

See http://www.on4kst.com/chat/start.php . This is probably the most well used chat facility for radio amateurs on the internet. It is set up with various "rooms". People tend to use it to arrange skeds from VLF to microwaves.

Sunspots and 10m - Sunday July 17th 2016

Solar flux is 106 (respectable) and the sunspot number 47 (K=2). Yet again, the 10m F2 propagation forecast remains "poor".

QRP and QRP Club

More from Oleg:

Dear Club 72 members and friends,
72 QRP Net (Rendez-Vous) weekly report (July 11 to July 17, 2016)
Visitors  of  the  week:  UA1CEG,  TF/RA1M,  OE7EHH,  UA1ADF, DL0DAB, SV5/M0VRW/p,  OH6NPV,  R2AJA,  RV3DSA,  G3XJS,  EA8YV, G3XVL, US5ERQ, RU3JC, UR7VT, US3EN,  UR0ET, RN4NAA, UA1CEX, RA7R
See full Visitors and Frequenters lists - www.club72.su
Welcome  all  QRP  stations  on  the  next week "rendezvous" at 9 UTC
Tuesdays, Thursday, Saturday on 14060 (alt 10116) +/- QRM, QRL
72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"

10m WSPR

Odd, but no 10m WSPR Es spots here since breakfast, whereas 6m JT65 has produced quite a lot, mainly this morning. I assume there was Es on 10m and this shows a lack of activity on 10m WSPR?

Shortage of RF Engineers? - NOT amateur radio

Southgate News has a link on this subject. When I was in the RF business most RF engineers were getting older and close to retirement. There were few RF engineers coming through leading to a crisis in the near future. A shortage of RF engineers is a real issue in any nation. In my youth, RF was magic: these days it is not seen this way.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2016/july/looming-rf-engineering-age-crisis.htm .

UPDATE 1512z:  In a recent look in our local shop I counted 15 train magazines, but not a single radio magazine. No, RF (radio frequency) is not the magic it once was. When there are as many radio magazines as train magazines RF will again be seen as interesting! It goes without saying that gaming and PC mags are everywhere.

WSJT-X versus JT65-HF software

On 6m JT65, I have reverted to WSJT-X v1.6 from JT65-HF. For some reason, I seem to RX more stations with WSJT-X. A few days ago I had some locals reporting a "ghost" TX signal some 700Hz HF but I have not heard again, despite asking, so I am carrying on with using WSJT-X V1.6. For those not familiar with WSJT-X V1.6 it combines JT65, JT9-1 and WSPR into one package.

For those not familiar with it, JT65 allows basic QSOs and is not that much worse than WSPR. Activity on 6m is far higher than WSPR.  Software is free.

6m JT65 and 10m WSPR

Plenty of early Es about and lots of 6m spots already.  Today could be a good day, but still to catch a transatlantic Es opening here on 6m JT65. Most 10m WSPR spots have been local.

UPDATE 1055z:   Best DX on 6m JT65 TX was a spot by SV1NZX (2421km) in the early hours of the night. On 6m RX I have spotted Ukraine on JT65.

UPDATE 1842z:  Still to see any transatlantic Es DX on 6m JT65. I keep looking, but no luck as yet on TX or RX. I am sure the chances are better than on 6m WSPR. I shall be on overnight again, ever hopeful.

Sunspots and 10m - Sat July 16th 2016

Solar flux is 101 today and the sunspot count a respectable 73 (K=2). The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor". Yet again, Es comes to the rescue on 10m and 6m.

Kazakhstan (again) on 6m JT65

UN7TW (5214km) was spotted on 6m JT65 this afternoon. This is a very long way on VHF. Although the considered view is this is multi-hop Es, I think some sort of chordal-Es is more probable.

UPDATE 1702z:  Still UN7TW as the best 6m DX.

6m JT65 spots

Rally in the Reading area

Sunday 17 JULY : McMICHAEL RADIO RALLY
Reading Rugby Football Club, Holme Park Farm Lane, Sonning Lane (B4446), Sonning on Thames, Reading RG4 6ST. The venue has free car parking and a talk-in station will be on air. Doors open at 9.30am and admission is £2. There will be trade stands, a car boot area and special interest groups. Catering and a licensed bar are available on site. A raffle will take place on the day. Details from Min Standen, 0771 577 1665. www.mcmichaelrally.org.uk.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

I get sent these notifications and reproduce them in good faith.  It is worth contacting the organisers before travelling any distance to check the data is correct.

Nice, France - NOT amateur radio

My heart goes out to the people of France who suffered another nasty terrorist attack last night. This was an act of pure evil. There is no way that those who carry out such acts will be rewarded in an after-life.

The people who are encouraged to carry out such attacks on innocent men,women and children may have genuine grievances, but acts of evil are evil. Losing ones life to carry out acts of evil cannot be rewarded.

2m UKAC Results

See http://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/vhfresults.pl?Contest=144MHz%20UKAC&year=2016 .

It was gratifying to see I am more than half way up the AL section at 73rd out of 162, despite just using 5W, a small omni-antenna and only being active for about 40% of the time because of my poor voice. There are multipliers I know I could have worked, but did not. As you can tell, I only enter a few contests a year and go on the air because of the activity, not to seriously enter contests. I am definitely a "fair weather" contester. I am the same with my bird watching!

Re-sync

6m JT65 spots in last 12hrs (1W ERP)

At about 0655z I re-synced my PC to internet time. I also rebooted and re-synced my 10m WSPR beacon. So, I should be perfectly set up both on 10m WSPR and 6m JT65 for the rest of the day. It could be a while before my 10m WSPR beacon settles: this can take up to 20 minutes.

UPDATE 1000z:  So far this morning all the 6m JT65 spots have been from G stations with the best DX 219km. No Es seen here as yet on 6m. At this distance this is either tropo or aircraft reflection. On 10m just one Es spot so far at 0938z by EA1FAQ (1249km) in northern Spain.

UPDATE 1208z:  Plenty of Es about now on 6m and 10m.

Sunspots and 10m - Friday July 15th 2016

Solar flux is 95 today. Sunspot number is 54 (K=3) and the forecast for 10m F2 propagation is yet again "poor".

Despite this, my 10m 500mW WSPR has been spotted over 10000km on 2 days recently.

Even when 10m seems "poor" it is often a lack of activity rather than poor conditions. Just check the CB bands just LF of 10m: if these are "humming" the chances are 10m could be too. Try a few long CQs or use a digital mode like PSK31, JT65, JT9-1 or WSPR. You could well get a nice surprise.

ZP4KFX copies me again on 10m WSPR

Just one spot by ZP4KFX (10277km) in Paraguay earlier this evening of my 500mW WSPR on 10m. Again, I am unsure of the propagation mode, but it was possibly a combination of F2 (or spread F) and Es. This is the second day he has copied me on 10m recently.

IC7300 Reviews

Both PW and the August RadCom have reviews of the ICOM IC7300. RadCom's is by Peter Hart and is the more "heavyweight" review.  Both rave it with Peter Hart saying it is "a superb radio" and "outstanding value" at £1050.

Rally reminder (2017)

14-16 JULY 2017: HAMTRONIC SHOW, FRIEDRICHSHAFEN
Messe, Friedrichshafen, Germany Trade stands, special interest groups and IARU Member Society's all have stands in the main hall. Large flea market. Lectures take place each day, some in English. There will be a large RSGB book stall. www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

This is a big event. Some have compared it with Dayton in the USA.Get it in your diaries well in advance!

See www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de/ham-en/  for details in English.

Mr Bean sacked - NOT amateur radio

The man, allegedly, who stabbed Boris Johnson - a possible UK Prime Minister candidate - in the back (metaphorically) has been sacked from the new UK Cabinet. I for one, although not a Conservative, agree with this. There is no place in the UK government for such people. I am told Mr Gove was a bright man. His recent behaviour has left me speechless.

10m WSPR and 6m JT65

Recently I resynced the 10m WSPR beacon and PC. The PC probably closed overnight whilst installing updates. Anyway, I am now definitely on both bands.

UPDATE 1145z: A few 6m JT65 spots including an Es spot from Austria.  My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon has not been spotted by anyone yet. It looks like there is less Es about.

UPDATE 1620z: Although I have received, and given, a few more 6m JT65 spots, there is still just the one Es spot on 6m here so far today.#

UPDATE 1625z:  With just a couple of Es spots by EA1FAQ (1249km), it has been pretty quiet on 10m WSPR here too.

UPDATE 1750z:  On 6m JT65 receive the best DX so far is OH7RJ (2001km) a few moments ago.

OFCOM

See http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/call-for-inputs-fixed-wireless-spectrum-strategy/?utm_source=updates&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=call-for-inputs-fixed-wireless-spectrum-strategy.

OFCOM is asking for inputs on a consultation.

10m WSPR DX analysis by PA1B

Bert PA1B has done some analysis of my recent 10m WSPR spots in Paraguay. At times, much lower power than my 500mW would probably have been enough to be spotted by ZP4KFX.

Dunham Massey - NOT amateur radio

Since Monday, we have been in Cheshire for our annual sibling reunion. As my wife and her two brothers were getting older, we thought it a good idea to meet up annually for a few days. This is a tradition we've now done for 13 years. Traditionally we go somewhere on the second day and the hosts are treated to a nice meal out. Each year we go to a different home. This year we visited Dunham Massey in Cheshire for our day out. This rose was in the Rose Garden there. Next year, we are the hosts.

Sunspots and 10m - Thurs July 14th 2016

Solar flux is 94 today. Sunspot number 54 (K=3) but the forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".  I suspect this will be the case now until the autumn. At least there is summertime Es to liven things up from time to time.

Return to 10m WSPR and 6m JT65

Since returning home I have reactivated my 10m WSPR and 6m JT65 transmissions. Not having been home long, I have yet to check how things are going but there was a strong Austrian calling CQ on 6m so there is definitely Es around.

Sunspots and 10m - Wed July 13th 2016

As mentioned, we were away for a couple of nights, so there were no postings yesterday.

Today solar flux is 93 and sunspot number 63 (K=2). The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".
.

Away - NOT amateur radio

As you may have guessed, we have been away for a couple of nights so there were no blog updates yesterday. Normal service should soon be resumed.

Alibris UK - NOT amateur radio

"15% everything today only". Yet another offer! They must think we are all totally stupid. Is it 3 a week or more?

6m and 10m - early Es

Both on 6m JT65 and 10m WSPR, I have been receiving early spots from Europeans. This is Es.

UKAC - 70cm leg tomorrow evening

A reminder than the RSGB's 70cm UKAC activity contest is on Tuesday evening this week from 1900-2130z. Last month was very quiet, but usually there is quite a bit of activity. Even with my 5W pep and an omni antenna for 2m I can usually work moderate distances.

Sunspots and 10m - Mon July 11th 2016

Solar flux is 94 and sunspot number 46 (K=3). The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".

Paraguay on 10m WSPR - F2 at last

10m WSPR this evening

ZP4KFX (10277km) in Paraguay has copied my 500mW 10m WSPR this evening several times. I assume this is F2 although it could be Es and F2.

UPDATE 1758z: So far, he has copied me 8 times and as strong as -15dB S/N.

UPDATE 1844z:  So far, ZP4KFX (10277km) has spotted me 23 times on 10m WSPR at up to -8dB S/N. We almost have a pipe!

6m Es all day

Well it is only 1745z but already there have been extensive 6m Es openings right across Europe with my 1W ERP signal being widely reported. So far, I have not been spotted outside of Europe, although I remain ever hopeful!

BBQ weather? - NOT amateur radio

Sunset

Last evening we went to some friends for a BBQ. In all, there were 8 people there. This was the sunset over their back garden. It stayed dry, but like the rest of our summer here in the UK, the weather was mixed. Although the BBQ was cooked outside, we ate indoors.

Early Es

Both on 10m WSPR and 6m JT65, I am seeing evidence of early Es. This is a good sign. It is good to see I am being spotted already in Spain and Portugal on 6m JT65 and in northern Spain on 10m WSPR.

Sunspots and 10m - Sun July 10th 2016

Solar flux is 92 and sunspot number 63 (K=2). The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor". Despite the forecast this is an improving solar situation in the short-term. Overall, things are still sliding, but we are seeing improving short-term conditions due to the sun's rotation bringing more active regions into view.

QRP and QRP Club

More from Oleg:

Dear Club 72 members and friends,
72 QRP Net (Rendez-Vous) weekly report (July 4 to July 10, 2016)
Visitors of the week: R1OA, UT8NR, UF6V/RX3PR, RV3GM, UA1ADF, RA1M/mm, US3EN, UR5EFD, UR0ET, Z35M, UA1CEG, LA8BGA, UR7VT, RX3DIT, RU3NJC, US5ERQ
RX3DIT entered in the Honor Frequenters list
see full Visitors and Frequenters lists - www.club72.su
72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"