Many years ago, just after WW2, my dad was in S.Rhodesia, later Zimbabwe, posted there by the RAF. Whilst there he met King George VI and our future queen.
What has happened to that country in recent times is saddening. What will happen to Robert Mugabe is anyone's guess. He appears as an old man clinging to power. Whatever happens, I hope it benefits the people of that country.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-42048412 .
20 Nov 2017
630m OPERA RX
OK, I may give this a try tonight. The software needs downloading and I have to find the right frequencies, but it is more sensitive than WSPR, so seems worth a try. My noise floor (S7) may limit what I can decode.
UPDATE 2040z: So I downloaded OPERA software, set the AGC to "off", set the frequency to 477kHz DIG (i.e. USB), set the RX to "wide", but so far nothing received!
UPDATE 2220z: 3 stations copied on 630m OPERA with best DX so far being LA3EQ (768km). I might give OPERA TX a try tomorrow evening. Others with a lower noise floor might be able to spot me on OPERA but not on WSPR?
UPDATE 2040z: So I downloaded OPERA software, set the AGC to "off", set the frequency to 477kHz DIG (i.e. USB), set the RX to "wide", but so far nothing received!
UPDATE 2220z: 3 stations copied on 630m OPERA with best DX so far being LA3EQ (768km). I might give OPERA TX a try tomorrow evening. Others with a lower noise floor might be able to spot me on OPERA but not on WSPR?
630m WSPR overnight
In all, 12 unique stations spotted my 10mW 630m WSPR in the last day. In turn, I spotted 8 uniques.
Amateur licences - rising or falling?
This probably depends on which country you are in. Southgate News picked up a WIA story that reported roughly static numbers in Australia. In the UK, unless a trend is reversed, we are likely to see numbers rapidly fall in the next 20 years. People are getting older and die. Sadly there are too few young people and women in the hobby here in the UK.
Call me sad but every month I look in RadCom to see how many G3s are now SK. It averages about 5 a month. At this rate we'll soon all be dead!
What is it like in your country?
Call me sad but every month I look in RadCom to see how many G3s are now SK. It averages about 5 a month. At this rate we'll soon all be dead!
What is it like in your country?
10m FT8
Since breakfast, I have been on 10m FT8 RX. The last few days have been disappointing with little or no DX copied here. So far this morning just MM0HVU (479km) spotted. Aircraft reflection ?
UPDATE 1045z: Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is currently 4Z4DX (3544km) in Israel. I assume this is F2.
UPDATE 1624z: Two South Americans on 10m FT8 RX! Things are looking up. Best DX is LU4VZ (12459km).
UPDATE 1045z: Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is currently 4Z4DX (3544km) in Israel. I assume this is F2.
UPDATE 1624z: Two South Americans on 10m FT8 RX! Things are looking up. Best DX is LU4VZ (12459km).
How much better is WSPR compared with 12wpm CW?
It is very hard to calculate this as you have to compare "apples with apples". A calculation by PA3FWM suggests this could be 17dB!!
See http://www.pa3fwm.nl/technotes/tn09b.html .
See http://www.pa3fwm.nl/technotes/tn09b.html .
Sunspots - Monday November 20th 2017
Solar flux is 74 today and the sunspot number zero again. It seems to be zero quite often now. A=5 and K=1.
19 Nov 2017
Driverless Cars - NOT amateur radio
It seems we are going to see driverless cars on our roads in the UK sooner rather than later. The UK budget is this week and rumours suggest the go-ahead will be given for more on-road tests. Already the collision avoidance software is very good, but the main issue is consumer (driver) confidence. Somehow we find it hard not to still want to drive, even though the software driven car is probably safer!
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42040856 .
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42040856 .
Return to 630m WSPR (10mW ERP, 20%)
As 10m FT8 seemed quiet, I have QSYed to 630m WSPR for the evening and overnight. As yet, no spots but it usually takes several minutes for the transverter crystal to warm up and stop drifting. This affects TX.
UPDATE 1840z: No less than 5 unique stations spotted my very first 630m WSPR transmit period this evening. My drift was high (up to 3Hz), but this soon drops to 0Hz.
UPDATE 1850z: My noise floor (S7) is surely limiting what I can copy on 630m. As an example, not a single station has been decoded here so far this evening on that band. My slightly deaf FT817 does not seem to be much of a problem.
UPDATE 2104z: Quite a decent haul in the last 2 weeks. These are the unique stations who spotted me in the last 2 weeks and this with a poor antenna and just 10mW ERP. Just think what a decent antenna could do! In the same period, I spotted 27 unique stations despite my S7 noise floor. I am sure this is limiting what I can spot.
UPDATE 2202z: G0LUJ (278km) is currently the best DX spot of my 10mW this evening.
UPDATE 1840z: No less than 5 unique stations spotted my very first 630m WSPR transmit period this evening. My drift was high (up to 3Hz), but this soon drops to 0Hz.
UPDATE 1850z: My noise floor (S7) is surely limiting what I can copy on 630m. As an example, not a single station has been decoded here so far this evening on that band. My slightly deaf FT817 does not seem to be much of a problem.
UPDATE 2104z: Quite a decent haul in the last 2 weeks. These are the unique stations who spotted me in the last 2 weeks and this with a poor antenna and just 10mW ERP. Just think what a decent antenna could do! In the same period, I spotted 27 unique stations despite my S7 noise floor. I am sure this is limiting what I can spot.
WLN Portables
Solar conditions
Gradually, the sun is going to sleep. Sunspot numbers and solar flux are declining and this will be the case until around 2019. Of course, these are averages and sometimes conditions are much better. The forecasts for the next sunspot maximum are not great. The best I've seen is a peak about the size of the last maximum. It could be much worse!
See http://www.solen.info/solar/ .
See http://www.solen.info/solar/ .
Old friends - NOT amateur radio
This morning, we had a visit from old friends who moved away from our village several years ago. We picked like we'd seen them only yesterday. My wife is in the middle.
The photo was taken in our front garden with "our" windmill in the background.
10m FT8 RX
Although I've been on 10m FT8 RX since early morning, just EA6 and OZ spotted so far.
UPDATE 1646z: No more spots seen here today on 10m FT8. Disappointing.
UPDATE 1646z: No more spots seen here today on 10m FT8. Disappointing.
630m WSPR overnight
In all, 11 unique stations spotted my 10mW ERP 630m WSPR last night and I spotted 11 uniques here. An average night.
New cubesat - Oscar 91
Southgate News reports that a new cubesat is "up there".
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/november/radfxsat-launched.htm#.WhFcpbp2vIU
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/november/radfxsat-launched.htm#.WhFcpbp2vIU
18 Nov 2017
630m WSPR
For the last few hours I have been on 630m WSPR (10mW ERP, 20%). So far just spots from Gs although (as usual) I am spotting DH5RAE (995km).
UPDATE 2108z: So far this evening, 9 unique spots of my 10mW ERP WSPR on 630m. These were all G stations.
UPDATE 2108z: So far this evening, 9 unique spots of my 10mW ERP WSPR on 630m. These were all G stations.
Takeaway Tax? - NOT amateur radio
To my mind, this is a no brainer. Takeaway boxes that are not environmentally friendly should be heavily taxed. These are a major source of litter and such a tax would make suppliers switch to better materials that are better for everyone. Switching is easy and they just need a nudge.
I also get annoyed with supermarkets: these days all packaging should be environmentally friendly. The big supermarkets should be blazing the trail and telling their suppliers. Waitrose is bad, with lots of their packaging unclear about whether or not it can be recycled. I find this totally not excusable in this day and age. They should lead the way.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42033760 .
I also get annoyed with supermarkets: these days all packaging should be environmentally friendly. The big supermarkets should be blazing the trail and telling their suppliers. Waitrose is bad, with lots of their packaging unclear about whether or not it can be recycled. I find this totally not excusable in this day and age. They should lead the way.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42033760 .
Closed Bank - NOT amateur radio
Southgate News - exploding meteor in Finland
Southgate News reports on a video on Spaceweather about an exploding meteor in Finland that turned the night sky blue.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/november/exploding-arctic-meteor-turns-night-into-day.htm#.WhAXf7p2vIU .
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/november/exploding-arctic-meteor-turns-night-into-day.htm#.WhAXf7p2vIU .
Now 10m (not 6m) FT8 RX
As of breakfast time, I have switched from 6m FT8 RX to 10m FT8 RX. No spots as yet.
UPDATE 1120z: Spots of quite a wide spread of Europeans on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1240z: Nothing beyond Europe as yet on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1522z: Nothing outside Europe spotted on 10m FT8 today. Probably telling me to QSY to 630m WSPR sooner rather than later!
UPDATE 1120z: Spots of quite a wide spread of Europeans on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1240z: Nothing beyond Europe as yet on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1522z: Nothing outside Europe spotted on 10m FT8 today. Probably telling me to QSY to 630m WSPR sooner rather than later!
Sunspots - Saturday November 18th 2017
Solar flux is 74 today and the sunspot number has risen to 26. A=6 and K=2.
17 Nov 2017
People power - NOT amateur radio
We often have more power than we think as individuals. As an example, a private company slipped in an application for a large gas power station on unused land on the edge of the village. The village council "quietly" nodded it through. It was about a month before most of us found out. Locals were up in arms and very many letters were sent to the district planners. We also found out that some of the data used in support of the application were wrong.
Since the protest, the applicant has reportedly withdrawn the application. The applicant was out to make a quick buck (allegedly) but this was thwarted by people power.
Power to the people!
Since the protest, the applicant has reportedly withdrawn the application. The applicant was out to make a quick buck (allegedly) but this was thwarted by people power.
Power to the people!
Glitter ban - NOT amateur radio
When I first saw this I thought it was "Health and Safety" gone mad. Deeper reading and I see they have a good point about environmental damage.
Incidentally, our grand-daughter sprinkled some gold glitter in our home at the start of the year and I am still finding bits despite sweeping floors every day!
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-42023245 .
Incidentally, our grand-daughter sprinkled some gold glitter in our home at the start of the year and I am still finding bits despite sweeping floors every day!
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset-42023245 .
More UK rallies
Here was me thinking the rally season had ended!
19 NOVEMBER 2017 : PLYMOUTH RADIO CLUB RADIO RALLY
Harewood House, Ridgeway, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 2AS. There is car parking available and the venue has disabled facilities. Doors open from 10am to 2.30pm with disabled visitors gaining access from 9.50am. Admittance is £2. There will be trade stands, special interest groups, a Bring & Buy and RSGB bookstand. A raffle will take place on the day. Catering is available on site. Information from David Beck, 2E0DTC on 0777 766 4822 or by email to d.beck123@outlook.com.
19 NOVEMBER 2017 : CATS 40th ELECRONICS RADIO BAZAAR
Oasis Academy Coulsdon, Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon CR5 1ES. Doors open 10am to 1pm and admittance is £1.50. Car parking and disabled facilities are available. There will be a Bring & Buy and flea market. Catering will be available on site. Details from Andy Briers, G0KZT on 0772 986 6600 or email bazaar@catsradio.org.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
19 NOVEMBER 2017 : PLYMOUTH RADIO CLUB RADIO RALLY
Harewood House, Ridgeway, Plympton, Plymouth PL7 2AS. There is car parking available and the venue has disabled facilities. Doors open from 10am to 2.30pm with disabled visitors gaining access from 9.50am. Admittance is £2. There will be trade stands, special interest groups, a Bring & Buy and RSGB bookstand. A raffle will take place on the day. Catering is available on site. Information from David Beck, 2E0DTC on 0777 766 4822 or by email to d.beck123@outlook.com.
19 NOVEMBER 2017 : CATS 40th ELECRONICS RADIO BAZAAR
Oasis Academy Coulsdon, Homefield Road, Old Coulsdon CR5 1ES. Doors open 10am to 1pm and admittance is £1.50. Car parking and disabled facilities are available. There will be a Bring & Buy and flea market. Catering will be available on site. Details from Andy Briers, G0KZT on 0772 986 6600 or email bazaar@catsradio.org.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Roses - NOT amateur radio
630m WSPR overnight
Overnight my 10mW ERP WSPR was spotted by 11 unique stations with best DX LA3EQ (769km) in Norway and I spotted 11 uniques here.
Orchids - NOT amateur radio
Over-watering can be fatal, so just a thimbleful a week seems to keep them healthy. This one is in the lounge. At night this is hot as my wife likes to be cosy!
We have an enclosed wood-effect gas fire, which works well and looks totally convincing and leaves no mess. Someone even asked if we kept snakes in it in summer!
6m FT8 RX
Since breakfast, I have been on 6m FT8 RX.
As the antenna is free, I am on 10m WSPR TX (500mW) at the same time.
UPDATE 0902z: No spots on either band.
UPDATE 1600z: No spots on 10m. Just G6ZRV (79km) in the Reepham area near Norwich spotted on 6m FT8 RX - tropo?
UPDATE 1750z: G4PMZ (123km) was spotted this afternoon late. I shall be staying on 6m FT8 RX all night long, hoping to catch some Leonids activity, if there is any. I shall give 630m WSPR a miss tonight.
UPDATE 2200z: M0VXX (175km) now spotted on 6m FT8.
As the antenna is free, I am on 10m WSPR TX (500mW) at the same time.
UPDATE 0902z: No spots on either band.
UPDATE 1600z: No spots on 10m. Just G6ZRV (79km) in the Reepham area near Norwich spotted on 6m FT8 RX - tropo?
UPDATE 1750z: G4PMZ (123km) was spotted this afternoon late. I shall be staying on 6m FT8 RX all night long, hoping to catch some Leonids activity, if there is any. I shall give 630m WSPR a miss tonight.
UPDATE 2200z: M0VXX (175km) now spotted on 6m FT8.
Sunspots - Friday November 17th 2017
Solar flux is 74 today and the sunspot number 15. A=14 and K=2.
16 Nov 2017
630m WSPR
As usual, I have gone on 630m WSPR (10mW ERP, 20%) for the evening and overnight. Things are pretty promising so far.
6m FT8
Starting tomorrow for a few days, I shall be leaving 10m FT8 RX and trying 6m FT8 RX instead. It will be interesting to see how much "local" inter-G traffic is now on 6m FT8.
For the rest of the afternoon, I shall be sticking with 10m FT8 RX, although I am not too hopeful.
For the rest of the afternoon, I shall be sticking with 10m FT8 RX, although I am not too hopeful.
10m FT8 - disappointing
Since breakfast I have been on 10m FT8 RX, but it has been disappointing with just one G spotted so far today. No Europeans, no "real" DX.
UPDATE 1434z: Now a couple of Gs spotted in the London area and nothing else today on 10m FT8. The latest is G4YBI (83km).
UPDATE 1612z: DL1PV (601km) spotted on 10m FT8. Aircraft?
UPDATE 1434z: Now a couple of Gs spotted in the London area and nothing else today on 10m FT8. The latest is G4YBI (83km).
UPDATE 1612z: DL1PV (601km) spotted on 10m FT8. Aircraft?
UK Rally
18 NOVEMBER 2017 : RADARS TRADITIONAL RADIO RALLY
St Vincent de Paul's, Caldershaw Rd, off Edenfield Rd (A680), Norden, Rochdale OL12 7QR Doors open at 10.30am with disabled visitors gaining access 15 minutes earlier. Admission is £2.50 with those under 12 years free. There will be a Bring & Buy as well as commercial traders, a junk stall and amateur radio sellers. Traders can set up from 8am. Pitches must be booked at least 2 weeks beforehand with prices starting at £5. There will be refreshments available including bacon and sausage butties. Dave, G3RIK by email to rally@radars.me.uk www.radars.me.uk
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
St Vincent de Paul's, Caldershaw Rd, off Edenfield Rd (A680), Norden, Rochdale OL12 7QR Doors open at 10.30am with disabled visitors gaining access 15 minutes earlier. Admission is £2.50 with those under 12 years free. There will be a Bring & Buy as well as commercial traders, a junk stall and amateur radio sellers. Traders can set up from 8am. Pitches must be booked at least 2 weeks beforehand with prices starting at £5. There will be refreshments available including bacon and sausage butties. Dave, G3RIK by email to rally@radars.me.uk www.radars.me.uk
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Black Friday - NOT amateur radio
I know retailers are having a hard time, but this recent import from the USA makes me want to vomit. It is purely about profits and how to encourage people to spend more. If you can, boycott it.
In my view retailers have to adapt or go out of business. Online sales are a reality. Those that adapt will remain and those that do not will close. Maybe a good model is a mix of retail places and online? Models like John Lewis comes to mind. You often browse in the shop, but buy online then collect from a John Lewis or Waitrose store.
Like the commercialisation of Christmas, Easter and Halloween, I think Black Friday has no place in UK society. If you like this sort of thing in the USA, by all means keep it there. I for one hate it. It is retailing of the worse sort.
In my view retailers have to adapt or go out of business. Online sales are a reality. Those that adapt will remain and those that do not will close. Maybe a good model is a mix of retail places and online? Models like John Lewis comes to mind. You often browse in the shop, but buy online then collect from a John Lewis or Waitrose store.
Like the commercialisation of Christmas, Easter and Halloween, I think Black Friday has no place in UK society. If you like this sort of thing in the USA, by all means keep it there. I for one hate it. It is retailing of the worse sort.
Leonids meteor shower
The Leonids meteor shower peaks this week. I think I'll look on 6m FT8 RX to see what I spot.
See http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-leonid-meteor-shower .
See http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-leonid-meteor-shower .
More DX on 630m WSPR
Last evening and overnight, I was again on 630m WSPR (10mW ERP, 20%). Yet again LA2XPA (1310km) spotted me. Honestly, have a go with whatever you have. You will be surprised. I am sure an optimised antenna and ground system would be better, but even a totally bad system will work. You cannot get a more basic system than mine!
All change - NOT amateur radio
I have no idea who is coming here next. Boring to many, but a reminder to me of when these changes happened. Picture taken from a moving bus.
George GM3OXX - SK
It was saddening to read in the latest RadCom that George GM3OXX has died.
He was a stalwart of QRP and I have one of his QSL cards on my wall for a QRP contact on CW many years ago. This was either 80m or 40m. George made most of his equipment at home. Apparently he was also on the microwave bands.
Sadly, a lot of our old-timers are going to leave us in the coming years.
I think he died some time ago.
He was a stalwart of QRP and I have one of his QSL cards on my wall for a QRP contact on CW many years ago. This was either 80m or 40m. George made most of his equipment at home. Apparently he was also on the microwave bands.
Sadly, a lot of our old-timers are going to leave us in the coming years.
I think he died some time ago.
Sunspots - Thursday November 16th 2017
Solar flux is 74 today and the sunspot number 14. A=11 and K=3. Sunspot number is slowly rising. I guess this is due to the sun's rotation. Long-term, solar conditions are sliding downwards.
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