472kHz WSPR RX

For the last hour I have been charging the shack PC's battery, so that I can operate on PC battery power this evening. Unbeknown, I had the 472kHz RX connected, even though the noise floor would have been high. Remarkably, 5 unique stations were spotted with the best DX LA2XPA (1310km). I am now operating on battery power with a lower noise floor for the rest of the evening.

UPDATE 2306z: 12 uniques so far. I'll leave things running until the PC battery dies,which should be about 0300z. I doubt I'll spot much more though.

10m FT8 RX

Since just after breakfast, I have been on 28MHz (10m) FT8 RX. Only 2 stations spotted with best DX 9A7JCY (1424km).

UPDATE 1930z: As well as a few EU stations I spotted a couple of Brazilians and VP8LP (12773km) in the Falkland Is on 10m FT8 today. Oh, by the way, the sunspot number is zero!

UPDATE 2012z: Wonder what antenna other people recommend for 10m? Presently I am just using a low Par triband end fed, which is not ideal on 10m. Some have recommended the Solacon I-MAX 2000, which is a CB 5/8 vertical.

Cottage - NOT amateur radio

There are quite a few old houses in our village. The oldest dates back to the 12th century, I think. This cottage is probably much younger - maybe 100 years old. Nonetheless, it is quite fine.

OFCOM - again about auctions!

Why do they spend so much time and effort telling us this again and again?

See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/05E79BE1B139A0112540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C

In my mind they should work a bit harder on actual enforcement and less on dribble.  As I have said many times, we live in a democracy and others may have totally different views. This is my personal view.

What I see is the law being flouted and little being done to make sure those who break the law are tracked down. I am thinking of dirty SMPSUs and similar.

In the days of the GPO they actually enforced the laws and were less bothered about auctions. Yes, my blood is boiling. All we seem to be driven by these days is money and how to make it. Nothing else, it would appear, matters. Meanwhile, Rome burns.

472kHz (630m) WSPR last evening

Until bedtime, I was monitoring 472kHz WSPR RX.  In all, 14 uniques spotted, although no new stations that I'd not spotted before. Once again, I was using my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

4m (70MHz) band

For some time now I have been after a new challenge. A band I have hardly tried is 4m.

At the moment I have no 4m antennas and my QRP transverter is somewhere! The transverter has not been seen since we moved shortly before my 2013 stroke. It may be somewhere in a box in the loft.

4m sounds like a good band to try as I should be able to work by Es all the EUs allowed access. Also, much of the UK should be workable under normal conditions with a halo and say, 20W SSB. I guess all the UK would be possible with just a few watts on FT8.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/4m_tvtr .

Sunspots - Tuesday March 20th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number 0. A=16 and K=1

137kHz

This winter, I went on 137kHz WSPR RX for the first time at this QTH. I used my earth-electrode antenna in the ground. Really, I ought to try TXing from this QTH. One possibility is my TX transverter on my website (see schematic). I used this at the old QTH before my 2013 stroke with best DX 250km.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/mflf/137khz_tvrtr

Daytime 472kHz

For about 20 minutes now, I have been on 472kHz WSPR RX in the daylight. So far just several spots of G8GPO (36km) and one of  PA3ABK (306km).

UPDATE 1944z: LA2XPA (1340km) is the best DX spotted so far. 8 uniques so far today.

Trumped? - NOT amateur radio

Someone I know works for Qualcomm in California. Apparently President Trump was worried by a possible takeover by Broadcom of Singapore. They have now withdrawn their offer I understand according to the BBC.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43401675 .

472kHz WSPR RX last night

Yesterday evening I was on 630m (472kHz) WSPR RX. In all, 9 unique stations spotted, although I went QRT at bedtime and did not look overnight.

King's - NOT amateur radio

Living near Cambridge, we see many famous places that people travel the world to see. We can get in free too. One such is the world famous King's College Chapel shown here.

Sunspots - Monday March 19th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number 13. A=25 and K=4.

Friedrichshafen - June 2018

Although I have never been, this "rally" in Germany is probably the biggest in Europe.  It is often the place where new products are introduced to Europe for the first time. I expect Yaesu will have the underwhelming FT818 there. WiMo will not be there sadly. Perhaps ICOM will announce a new product? The other "big one" is in the USA at Dayton, Ohio. Again, I have never been.

See http://www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de/ham-en/

630m (472kHz) WSPR RX

A few minutes ago I went QRT on 2m FT8 RX and switched to 630m WSPR RX. To be honest, I now know what 2m FT8 can do and I need a new challenge!

UPDATE 1920z: So far this evening 6 uniques with best DX spotted here HF7A (1294km).

UPDATE 2008z: Now 9 uniques spotted.

Super 6m DX

A reminder than 6m propagation often extends far further than traditional 1 or 2 hop Es. Last summer, even with a modest V2000 vertical I spotted Japanese stations on 6m JT65 many times. I am not a great believer that many of these very long 6m paths are due to multi-hop Es. This may account for some, but not all. Personally I think some other mechanism is at work. One example is reflections due to noctilucent clouds. Maybe we are seeing some sort of chordal hop E layer propagation. There is much we do not know.

I guess next Es season the best mode will be FT8. I shall certainly be monitoring this band/mode.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/noctilucent .

That nerve agent - NOT amateur radio

Although the "considered opinion" is that Russia was behind the nerve agent attack in the UK recently, nagging doubts remain. If we could totally trust our government, I might feel differently.

As it is, we need independent proof that this was definitely Russia and not the UK out to cause mischief. One could argue that the Russians would not be stupid to use a nerve agent clearly with Russian origins. On the other hand, Russia does not exactly have a "whiter than white" record.

But, we have to remember that history often shows we are not always whiter than white. Propaganda is a murky affair: one can never be totally sure who is telling the truth. In reality both the Russians and the UK will have secret agendas and the true story is probably hard to discern.

One thing is likely: the Russians will attempt a cyber attack on the UK in the coming days. If nothing else, this is a perfect excuse. Watch out NHS, National Grid and banks.

Es Season and 10m

It seems scarcely possible, but the northern hemisphere Es (sporadic-E) season will soon be here again. Bands like 10m, 6m, and to a lesser extent 4m and 2m bring in DX from distant places.

If you don't have a suitable antenna, may I suggest my Homebase-10 antenna? 

Although designed for 10m, it can easily be scaled for other bands like 6m or 4m. It is basically a wire halo made from readily available material. It has a near omnidirectional horizontal pattern and is ideal for Es. I have worked the world with mine and all across Europe with 50mW CW, in the days before FT8 and WSPR.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/homebase

Village Exhibition - NOT amateur radio

This weekend we have "Burwell at Large", which is a 2 day exhibition at which village groups have a chance to showcase themselves. It happens every 2 years.

We are a thriving village, so there is plenty to do whatever your interests. One example was the "mobile belfry" brought along by the local tower bell-ringers (see photo).

We have a thriving sports scene and lots of different groups and clubs.

Moon based amateur radio?

According to Southgate News, China is to launch a couple of lunar satellites which will send data on 70cms. The Chinese also plan a lunar rover.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/satellites-to-transmit-amateur-radio-data-from-the-moon.htm#.Wq5Bgkx2vIU

Sunspots - Sunday March 18th 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number 15 (quite high for recent times). A=12 and K=3.

Return to 2m FT8 RX

After yesterday's foray onto 20m, today I have returned to 2m FT8 mainly RX.

Just before breakfast I called CQ and was reported by a couple of local Gs. Since then I have been RX only. So far, 8 stations spotted in 3 countries with best DX DL6YBF (471km).

UPDATE 1050z: Currently 13 unique stations spotted in 4 countries on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1208z: Now 28 uniques in 5 countries with best DX spotted DL0HOL (619km).

UPDATE 1358z: Now 47 uniques in 7 countries spotted today. Some reports are so strong that I am convinced at least some stations are coming in by aircraft reflection e.g. G7RAU (469km) in IN79jx square at +2dB S/N.

Grandkids - NOT amateur radio

My wife made this collage earlier.

20m FT8 RX

As far as I recall I had never tried FT8 RX on 20m. In the past I took a peak at 20m JT65.

Within just a few minutes I was copying all across Europe as well as spotting Japan on 20m FT8. It is amazing how FT8 has "taken off" in such a short time. The slot was crowded with stations.

My end fed antenna is quite low (4m or less?) and definitely not brilliant for 20m DX! Yes, FT8 is transformational.

UPDATE 1026z: Now seeing South Americans coming through including VP8LP (12773km).

UPDATE 1725z: Incredible! The photo show the stations spotted today on 20m FT8 RX.

Sunspots - Saturday March 17thn 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number zero again. A=20 and K=3.

472kHz WSPR RX

For about 90 minutes I have been on 472kHz (630m) WSPR RX. So far 8 uniques spotted in 5 countries with best DX EA5DOM (1525km). This is pretty average.

UPDATE 2235z: So far 13 uniques spotted on 472kHz WSPR.

Red Legged Partridges - NOT amateur radio

For years we have seen these attractive birds around our Close. Then, a couple of months ago, they disappeared.

Today, a couple were outside our home again, probably after food or a nest site. Anyway, it was good to see them around.

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/red-legged-partridge

Rally

18 MARCH 2018 : HACK GREEN BUNKER RALLY

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, French Lane, Hack Green, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. This will be a sale of electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. Doors open 10AM, there will be refreshments available onsite. Contact 01270 623 353, coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk www.hackgreen.co.uk.

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

10m Moxon

With limited space and neighbours who would not approve, I can only dream of HF beams! One good choice where space is limited is the Moxon 2 element beam. These have useful gain, wide bandwidth and are relatively small. This would still look huge in my garden, even on 10m!

Some years ago I made one for 70cm from an old coat hanger. It was easy to make and worked well.

See http://www.innovantennas.com/our-antennas/view/productdetails/virtuemart_product_id/455/virtuemart_category_id/4.html

See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/70cm_moxon

Just leave me alone! - NOT amateur radio

At Anglesey Abbey there is usually a swan's nest close to this spot, although this one was more interested in sleep than nest building!

On another bird matter, I see that wheatears are returning to Devon. Spring is springing, even though we have a brief return to snow this weekend.

6m EME

One of the great things about our hobby is the huge diversity. Some just enjoy chatting, whereas some choose to chase DX, often by the most difficult methods. In the latter category is 6m EME (moonbounce).

On Facebook today, I spotted this photo of a 6m EME antenna. Now, the antennas alone must be £1k plus (I'd guess) and the tower similar. The low-loss coax won't come cheap and neither will the amplifier and rig.  You also need a fair bit of space.

Now, how people choose to spend their disposable income is their affair, but there is no way you'll catch me spending thousands on the hobby. This is an impressive antenna.

See www.innovantennas.com .

Sunspots - Friday March 16th 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number 11. A=15 and K=4.

6m FT8

For a change, I am on 6m FT8. After a few minutes on TX calling CQ (no reports) I am on RX using the V2000 vertical antenna. As yet, nothing spotted.

UPDATE 1134z: Just 2E0VDS (30km) spotted so far.

UPDATE 1307z:  G3PXT (80km) has been spotted.

UPDATE 1547z: G0GGG (211km) is currently the best 6m FT8 DX spotted today.

UPDATE 1705z: Just 4 UK stations spotted today, which is well down on the numbers spotted on 2m FT8. There must be much less activity on 6m FT8.  I'll give it a bit longer, then QSY to MF WSPR RX.

More OFCOM

You will be thrilled at this exciting news from OFCOM. One of the bidders in their upcoming auction of microwave spectrum has dropped out! Such excitement - I must watch my heart. Gosh, this beats enforcement any day! This really is such unbelievable news that I can scarcely stand the thrill of it!

One day they will "get real".

See http://ofcom.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/i/44F8D9458F3B629A2540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C

RSGB discounts

The RSGB is doing discounts for members for World Book Day. In my case this was worth £2.50 off a book. For once, I have bought something! Rather sneakily, they add the shipping costs at the very end. Naughty.

RSGB, I don't like this. Change it!!

Spies - NOT amateur radio

The UK government has accused Russia of trying to poison an ex-spy and his daughter with a nerve agent. Although probably true, I have nagging doubts.

Most world powers have "dirty tricks" departments including the UK and the USA. The secret is not to get caught. Also, there is a lot of propaganda around, on all sides. It is just possible this is not as it seems. We may never know.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43415271 .

World Happiness Report - NOT amateur radio

Wondered where in the world are the happiest and saddest people? Well the World Happiness Report may have some answers. Incidentally, the UK is ranked 19th out of 156. Burundi is the worst.

See http://worldhappiness.report/ed/2018/

mcHF clones

There has been quite a bit of interest in this HF transceiver project. At one time MLS was going to sell a Chinese clone, but had second thoughts. You can buy this Chinese clone direct from China. It is much less than the FT817/818.

There is a German derivative coming called the OV140. At the time of writing, kits are not yet available. This is open source hardware and software. It looks like this will be good when it comes.

See https://www.amateurfunk-sulingen.de/projects/ovi40-sdr#start

See also http://www.m0nka.co.uk/

Cambridge Concert - NOT amateur radio

A reminder that my wife's concert is in early April (see photo). You can get tickets on the door.

LimeSDR review

Southgate News has links to a review of the LimeSDR transceiver.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/limesdr-mini-software-defined-radio-transceiver.htm#.WqpM30x2vIU .