FT8

There is little doubt that FT8 digital mode has taken the world by storm. Bandwidth is much less than JT65 and QSOs are faster although I think it needs stronger (weak) signals to work. One thing it does is concentrate operations in a small part of the band, so fleeting openings are more likely to be noticed.

As many know, I keep a watchful eye on 10m FT8 RX. Although openings are now much rarer than at the peak of the sunspot cycle, they do occur. Rarely does a day pass when 10m does not open to somewhere overseas. In the last few weeks it has opened to South America. Even the very briefest openings get noticed. At one time a quick CQ on SSB would have led to 10m being given up as a "dead" band.

Try FT8 on a higher band: you may be surprised.

WSJT-X, which is the software needed, is totally free.

See https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html.

Cheese rolling - NOT amateur radio

This saddens me. A cheese rolling contest has been cancelled this year. They hope to do it in 2019. We English like doing odd things and it would be sad if this tradition died out.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-42788965 .

Fake speed camera - NOT amateur radio

All I can say is well done that lady.

I certainly hope it makes some drivers slow down. The next thing we'll hear is this is causing a health and safety hazard and has to be removed.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-berkshire-42775070/berkshire-mum-fakes-road-camera-to-tackle-speeding-cars

Amateur files - useful link

My friend Steve G1KQH has sent me an interesting link. These are amateur radio related files in pdf format.

See http://www.n5dux.com/ham/files/pdf/ .

Giddiness - NOT amateur radio

This morning, in the drizzle, we did a short walk at Wicken Fen. I find walking along the board walk there very hard nowadays. Perhaps it is the water on either side, but I always feel giddy there since my 2013 stroke. I find having to concentrate so hard exhausts me these days. Pathetic. Today, it was wet too, which made it even harder. On the positive side, there were few people!

Daytime 630m WSPR RX

For a change, I am on 630m WSPR RX in the daytime. A couple of spots with best DX PA3ABK/2 (306km).

UPDATE 1308z: G0MRF (139km) is always a good signal with me, but his daytime S/N is much worse than in the middle of the night. I presume this is due to my local noise level being higher rather than propagation.

UPDATE 1420z: 3 different stations in 3 countries spotted so far. Best DX spotted F5WK (364km).

UPDATE  1615z: LA3EQ (769km) is currently the best 630m WSPR spots today.

UPDATE 1745z: 5 uniques in the last hour with best DX DH5RAE (995km).

UPDATE 2245z:  My last spot was at about 2116z, so the PC lasted over 9 hours on its internal battery - impressive!

Last night on 630m WSPR RX

Again, an average night here with 15 uniques copied. As far as I know, these were all stations spotted before and all EU stations. G3XIZ was actually very very strong (+9dB S/N). What is shown here is a second spotting probably as a result of my system handling strong signals!

Sunspots - Saturday January 27th 2018

Quiet and not much happening. Solar flux is 69 and the sunspot number zero still. A=8 and K=2.

630m WSPR RX

Just before 1900z, I decided to go onto 630m WSPR RX with the earth-electrode "antenna" that has been successfully used on previous nights with the preamp and shack PC on battery power. Already 3 spots in the very first period.

MLS discounts

MLS is again doing its "something for the weekend" discounts. If you were thinking of buying any of these, you might save a bit.

See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/

Hygge detox, no thanks! - NOT amateur radio

OK, I am getting old and grumpy, but I do not need my newspaper (free and only chosen as it is big enough for bones to be recycled in it when folded) to tell me to spend £849 on a machine to restore ionic balance.

Go for a walk, open some windows, get a life.

Daffodils - NOT amateur radio

In better years, we have had daffodils from late November until May. This year, they were late with this clump appearing just a few weeks ago. Soon we'll have daffs everywhere.

Right now, snowdrops are appearing everywhere - a sign that spring will soon be with us and (hopefully) some better weather.

Ukraine - NOT amateur radio

Either the people in the Ukraine have suddenly taken a great interest in the content of this blog (mainly amateur radio) or I am being targeted by hackers or bots. Yet again, visit numbers are through the roof. I find it hard to think that the numbers I normally see in a whole day have already popped in.

Now on 10m FT8 RX

Following my usual pattern, I am currently monitoring 10m FT8 RX. As yet, no spots.

UPDATE 1330z: F5RD (681km) is the best DX spotted so far.

UPDATE 1452z: Now PG0DX (409km) spotted strongly. Aircraft?

UPDATE 1547z: 5 stations in 3 countries so far today on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1757z: Now 7 stations in 4 countries with best DX SQ4OJD (1357km) on 10m FT8 RX today.

Last night on 472kHz WSPR RX

Overnight I was on 472kHz WSPR RX using the earth-electrode "antenna", a preamp and the shack PC on battery power. In all, 15 unique stations spotted. Not bad, but not the best.

Are we becoming more stupid? - NOT amateur radio

Having just finished reading Bill Bryson's excellent book called, "The Road to Little Dribbling" (a laugh on every page!), I was struck by something he said.

Are we getting more stupid?

If you look around, you could be forgiven for thinking this. On TV quiz shows I am amazed how poor most UK people are on UK geography: no-one seems to know where anywhere is in our connected world! Allegedly, many USA citizens do not know where California or Texas is.  Allegedly Sarah Palin thought Africa was a country. England? Where is that? Iraq? Iran? Afghanistan?

Bryson may have a point. Perhaps we are slowly being poisoned by something in our foods or atmosphere that is adversely impacting our brains. Perhaps we really are dimmer than our forefathers. Certainly we seem to be thicker and need things dumbing down. Are we also more selfish?

It would not totally surprise me if we found out in years to come that something, currently unknown, is slowly doing us harm. The most worrisome thing is we may be too stupid to even realise!

Sunspots - Friday January 26th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number still zero. A=10 and K=2.

Mag-mount 136kHz E-field probe picture

This is a photo of the E-field probe used some years ago to receive my very low ERP 136kHz QRSS3 signal on the far side of Cambridge (20km?).  It was mounted in the middle of the car roof.  As you see, the whip was very small!

UPDATE 1550z: Well, I found the EFP in a drawer, but the coil and cap in the drain had been removed years ago. If I want to resurrect this, I shall have to rebuild this part. A nice small project over the spring or summer.

QSYed to 630m WSPR RX

At about 1915z I QSYed to MF. Using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground, a preamp into the FT817, the shack PC on batteries, I have the best chances. Already many countries have been spotted.

UPDATE 2212z: After a break so the shack PC batteries could be fully charged before the overnight period, everything is now ON for the overnight run on 630m WSPR RX. Noise floor is as low as I can get it with this setup.

Yet more excuses to NOT do real work?

"Ofcom has today published a further statement regarding the regulations for the award of spectrum in the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz bands.

Today’s statement sets out our decision to make further statutory instruments related to the spectrum award, following publication on Wednesday 24 January of the regulations that will apply for the award process.

The two statutory instruments are: the Limitation Order, which limits the number of licences to be awarded for the two spectrum bands; and the Register Amendment Regulations, which allow Ofcom to publish certain information regarding the licences awarded under the auction regulations.

The two statutory instruments will come into force on 1 February 2018."

Life is such fun at OFCOM. Do they ever do anything that does not involve money?

Hackers back? - NOT amateur radio

In the last hour or so blog visits have more than doubled.

Now, a naïve person might say this corresponds with the East Coast USA waking up and these people really enjoy the blog. Sadly, I think this explanation is incorrect and I suspect people/machines with very different intentions are peeking around again. I expect numbers will return to normal again in a few days.

Maybe the thought police have detected the word "Trump"?

Trump-May meeting in Davos - NOT amateur radio

So the UK wants a trade deal with the USA after it leaves the EU and Mrs May (UK PM) is to meet President Trump, aka the genius.

Now, neither is exactly my image of a good, charismatic leader. Sadly I cannot think of any, anywhere. Where are the men and women who are truly interested in the common good?  Please may someone really good step forward as the world badly needs you.

My personal views, which others may totally disagree with. In free countries you are entitled to hold vastly differing views. Basically, the lack of real leaders is troublesome.  Trump, Putin, May? - let history judge.

Cynical me? Surely not.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42819405 .

Rally

27 JANUARY 2018 : HORNCASTLE RADIO RALLY

Banovallum School, Mareham Road Entrance LN9 6DA. Entry £2. All on one level and all indoors, with all the usual attractions including bacon butties. Free car parking on site. Traders contact 01507 527835 for details. Tony, G3ZPU on01507 527 835 or email tony.nightingale@yahoo.co.uk.

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

10m FT8 RX

Although I have been on this band and mode for about 15 minutes, no spots yet, although I am not surprised. Unless we see some winter Es, it is unlikely I'll spot anything until later this afternoon. Even that is hopeful!

UPDATE 1125z: Well surprise! F5RD (681km) has been spotted. Winter Es or aircraft?

UPDATE 1305z:  No further 10m FT8 spots thus far today.

UPDATE 1634z: Just a couple of G stations spotted, presumably off aircraft.

Sunspots - Thursday January 25th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number is still zero. A=8 and K=3.

Success on 630m WSPR RX with earth-electrode "antenna"

Last night I was on 630m WSPR RX using my earth-electrode "antenna" with a preamp and the shack PC on battery power. It was my best night yet with 23 unique stations spotted. This haul included 4 different Spanish stations and 2 different Norwegians.

More OFCOM

Just thinking about what OFCOM will write about next nearly brings on an orgasm. Gosh, this is so exciting!! And thinking about what their next thing will be? Working there must unquestionably be truly wonderful.

http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/CD4073DA6CF1FEF42540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C

630m WSPR RX tonight

About 15 months ago (although it may be longer!) an anonymous friend just sent me a 472kHz preamp. This was very kind and I never did find out who sent this. To whoever the kind mystery person was, thank you again. This was a kind act and it was generous hearted of you.

Tonight I have returned to 472kHz WSPR using this pre-amp with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Sensitivity should be fine, so it is a good test of this "antenna" on this band.

The shack PC is on battery power so the noise floor should be pretty low.

UPDATE 2135z: Since just before 2100z the shack PC has been on mains power with its internal battery on charge. So, until I go back to battery power, the noise floor will be poorer. Before bedtime I shall return to battery power to give me best chances overnight.

UPDATE 2200z: Back with shack PC on battery power, so this should last most of the overnight period woth a low noise floor. Looking at G3KEV and G0MRF the noise from the SMPSU for the shack PC made a huge difference (much worse) to my S/N reports. Now noise floor much lower again.

10m FT8 RX

Since 1330z I have been on 10m FT8 RX. No spots as yet.

We are some months way from the main Es season, sunspot numbers are low and openings brief. Nonetheless 10m FT8 does open and it is worth keeping an eye out.

I have been amazed how far away stations are copied on 10m FT8. People desert the 10m band assuming it is dead, when many days it is open, albeit briefly, to somewhere far away. My strong recommendation is monitor 10m FT8 and be prepared to be surprised. On many days it has opened to some DX location.

UPDATE 1715z: Today has been the exception! No spots today so far. I'll stay on 10m FT8 for a while longer, ever hopeful.

Mobile phones and young women - NOT amateur radio

About a year ago I posted something similar.

Every Wednesday I go to my University of the Third Age lecture on Samuel Pepys in Cambridge. If I have time I buy a coffee on the way. It usually gives me 15-20 minutes of "people watching" in central Cambridge. Last winter and this I have observed the same thing. This is not a scientific experiment, more of an observation.

Young, single women seem to use smart phones more than men. Most smart phone users are alone. To a casual observer it looks like these young women are using the phone to say, "keep away from me", "I am not available" or similar.

It is quite possible that I am entirely wrong and these young girls are using valuable time between lectures to catch up with social media. I am making no judgements, just relaying what I see.

Sunspots - Wednesday January 24th 2018

Solar flux is 70 today and the sunspot number zero. A=4 and K=1.

Fuel prices - NOT amateur radio

Have you noticed that UK fuel prices are creeping up? The UK £ to US $ is getting better and better, but the wholesale price of crude is rising faster. At the moment diesel is up to £1.29 a litre, but it seems to go up every week.

Results of 630m WSPR RX experiment with earth-electrode "antenna" in ground.

A couple of Gs came on. G3XIZ (46km) was 2-3dB better S/N on the earth-electrodes than on the compromise vertical. He is end-on to the "loop" in the ground. G6AVK was not copied at all. He is orthogonal to the "loop" in the ground. I was quite surprised not to spot him at all though.

Conclusions? The earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground is quite effective at 136kHz, but more directional.

136kHz WSPR RX using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground

At about 1915z I started up on 136kHz WSPR RX using my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. The nearby (in frequency) commercial station is stronger on this than on my compromise vertical. It will be interesting to compare results.

OFCOM rubbish?

OFCOM is consulting on diversity and inclusion. Whilst this important, I think this government QUANGO is struggling to find its way. This is my personal view, which others may not share.

Time and time again I see OFCOM doing the less important things, whilst not doing the important stuff.  Bring back the GPO and people who really understand RF. We seem to have a bunch of clueless people unable to be pragmatic and make any decisions. This is based on direct, personal experience. Unless things have changed dramatically for the better, they have not done much to "win me over".

Impressed? Me? NO.

10m FT8 RX

Since about 1335z I have been on 10m FT8 RX. This much later than usual. As yet, no spots.

UPDATE 1804z: No spots all day here on 10m FT8.

UPDATE 1918z: PY2DMZ (9686km) was spotted. Life on 10m yet!

136kHz WSPR RX

Even with my unbelievably poor system, I managed to spot 4 unique stations on 136kHz WSPR RX in the last day. WSPR is a wonderful mode.

Next season I really must try a miniwhip on 136kHz and 472kHz RX.

Many years ago I received 136kHz QRSS3 (sent from home) on a miniwhip mag-mounted on my car. Despite the very low ERP, it was clearly copied the far side of Cambridge (20km?) and I stopped. Much further would have been possible.  I am pretty sure this was using my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground as the TX antenna. As far as I am aware, I used this E-field probe on RX on the car roof. This fed the deaf (at 137kHz) FT817.

Sunspots - Tuesday January 23rd 2018

Solar flux is 70 today. The sunspot number is zero. A=12 and K=2.

10m FT8

In the later part of the morning I went on 10m FT8 RX. Nothing was spotted, so I QSYed to LF WSPR RX. Guess what? Nothing spotted here either!

136kHz WSPR RX - trying again

I have optimised my settings and may have gained a few dB. My RX is currently monitoring 136kHz WSPR with the shack PC on internal batteries so the noise floor is pretty low. As someone said in a comment to an earlier post, I'd definitely be better with a miniwhip on RX. Maybe for next season?

UPDATE 1337z: No spots.

UPDATE 1432z: G3XIZ spotted! Not strongly, showing how poor my system is on 136kHz.

UPDATE 1445z: Now G4GIR spotted too.

UPDATE 1600z: Soon be time to charge the shack PC. I'll leave things running, but my noise floor is likely to rise. Back on battery power later.

UPDATE 1815z: G8HUH (250km) is now my best DX on 136kHz WSPR. Spotted at 1742z.