30 May 2018
10m WSPR TX
Yet again I am on 10m WSPR TX (500mW, 100% TX, randomised frequencies). As yet, no spots received today.
Optical DXing
Since my 2013 stroke I have not felt fit enough to do field work. I really miss my 481THz over the horizon NLOS (non line of sight) optical work.
The results back in 2013 suggested much further would have been possible NLOS. All the gear was home made and the experiments were fun. Sadly I am just too wobbly these days.
It would be good to try infra-red frequencies. What amazed me was the total lack of a visible signal, yet perfect decode using QRSS3 on the PC on a very non line of sight path over the horizon.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/optical
See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/optical/481thz-nlos
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| Testing the optical kit |
It would be good to try infra-red frequencies. What amazed me was the total lack of a visible signal, yet perfect decode using QRSS3 on the PC on a very non line of sight path over the horizon.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/optical
See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/optical/481thz-nlos
6m FT8 RX
Since just before breakfast, I have been on 6m FT8 RX. Some people hate this mode and I can quite understand why.
It is not a mode for chatting (unlike SSB, FM and AM) with "quick fire" formulaic QSOs. But it works with quite weak signals and in my condition it means I can monitor what I am spotting whilst doing other things.
On 2m FT8 I can spot DX every day which I just wouldn't believe possible a few months ago. Who needs lifts? With FT8 I can spot DX anyway. Most times when I go on 2m FT8 TX with 2.5W and a big-wheel omni I get spotted over 300km.
So far today (it is now 0844z) just 5 Gs spotted and no sign here yet of 6m Es.
UPDATE 1052z: 10 Gs and one ON spotted so far today. No Es here yet on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1309z: Now 15 stations in 4 countries. Best DX is SP2DDV (1177km) probably Es.
UPDATE 1923z: As yet, no DX outside Europe and North Africa on 6m FT8 RX here today. Best DX is (again) S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara. 54 stations in 10 countries so far today on 6m FT8 RX.
It is not a mode for chatting (unlike SSB, FM and AM) with "quick fire" formulaic QSOs. But it works with quite weak signals and in my condition it means I can monitor what I am spotting whilst doing other things.
On 2m FT8 I can spot DX every day which I just wouldn't believe possible a few months ago. Who needs lifts? With FT8 I can spot DX anyway. Most times when I go on 2m FT8 TX with 2.5W and a big-wheel omni I get spotted over 300km.
So far today (it is now 0844z) just 5 Gs spotted and no sign here yet of 6m Es.
UPDATE 1052z: 10 Gs and one ON spotted so far today. No Es here yet on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1309z: Now 15 stations in 4 countries. Best DX is SP2DDV (1177km) probably Es.
UPDATE 1923z: As yet, no DX outside Europe and North Africa on 6m FT8 RX here today. Best DX is (again) S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara. 54 stations in 10 countries so far today on 6m FT8 RX.
Storm Gazing - NOT amateur radio
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en
29 May 2018
6m FT8 thought why I'm not spotting NA
Perhaps the lack of North Americans being spotted on 6m FT8 is in part due to them being on different frequencies? Most days I monitor 50.313MHz FT8, but I believe different frequencies may be favoured "across the pond". FT8 is less good (I think) than JT65, so maybe that is not helping too. For now, I'll carry on looking at 50.313MHz FT8 RX.
NOTE May 30th 2018: Someone has told me today that 50.313MHz is still the preferred FT8 frequency in the USA.
NOTE May 30th 2018: Someone has told me today that 50.313MHz is still the preferred FT8 frequency in the USA.
IARU and threats to VHF and up
Southgate News has an article about the threat to our higher bands written by the IARU Region 1. Personally, I think the threat in the UK and Europe is mainly to our microwave bands. Recently great swathes of lower VHF has been made available to amateurs in Eire and in the UK OFCOM has released 2MHz total at 4m and 2m.
See http://www.iaru-r1.org/index.php/vhfuhsshf/newsletters .
See http://www.iaru-r1.org/index.php/vhfuhsshf/newsletters .
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral - NOT amateur radio
My wife told me to watch a TV programme called "Flog It" as it included a piece on Liverpool's catholic cathedral.
When I was at university this had just been finished. Inside it is a sea of colour. Outside it is (perhaps) uninspiring and some call it "Paddy's Wigwam". Inside it feels very calming. I like it.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_Metropolitan_Cathedral
When I was at university this had just been finished. Inside it is a sea of colour. Outside it is (perhaps) uninspiring and some call it "Paddy's Wigwam". Inside it feels very calming. I like it.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_Metropolitan_Cathedral
Human Consciousness - NOT amateur radio
Opinions differ about what happens when we die.
Some say human consciousness just ceases and we know nothing. Those of several religious persuasions say "something" lives on. Perhaps all religions are attempts to make sense of our lives? Honestly, I am not sure.
What I am sure about is our attempts to understand are futile. We are human and fallible.
Logic says we just cease to exist. Maybe.
Several events in the last year have made me less religious: all the evidence points to human cruelty and randomness.
And yet.....
Some say human consciousness just ceases and we know nothing. Those of several religious persuasions say "something" lives on. Perhaps all religions are attempts to make sense of our lives? Honestly, I am not sure.
What I am sure about is our attempts to understand are futile. We are human and fallible.
Logic says we just cease to exist. Maybe.
Several events in the last year have made me less religious: all the evidence points to human cruelty and randomness.
And yet.....
6m FT8 RX only
For a while now, I have been on 6m FT8 RX. Quite a few Es spots around Europe, but nothing further afield as yet apart from a 7X2 on the North African coast.
UPDATE 1324z: 29 unique stations in 7 countries and 2 continents so far today spotted on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1410z: Now 10 countries spotted.
UPDATE 1900z: Now 27 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1324z: 29 unique stations in 7 countries and 2 continents so far today spotted on 6m FT8 RX.
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Stations spotted on 6m FT8
RX to 1415z today
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UPDATE 1900z: Now 27 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
10m WSPR TX
For the last few hours, I have had my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon on. Quite a few spots fron Germany.
UPDATE 1716z: FY5KE (7110km) is the best DX today. This station spotted my 10m 500mW at 1650z. 8 different stations have spotted my little 10m WSPR beacon today so far.
UPDATE 1716z: FY5KE (7110km) is the best DX today. This station spotted my 10m 500mW at 1650z. 8 different stations have spotted my little 10m WSPR beacon today so far.
Catching - NOT amateur radio
Sunspots - Tuesday May 29th 2018
Solar flux is 77 and the sunspot number 20. A=4 and K=2.
In recent days the solar flux and sunspot number have been higher than expected. We are on the slow descent to the next minimum and such "blips" are to be expected. We are likely to be "on the way down" until 2020 or later.
In recent days the solar flux and sunspot number have been higher than expected. We are on the slow descent to the next minimum and such "blips" are to be expected. We are likely to be "on the way down" until 2020 or later.
28 May 2018
Selfless heroism - NOT amateur radio
How good to see how someone showing selfless heroism gets in the news and how he is justly rewarded. Well done that man!
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-44275776 .
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-44275776 .
Is the Yaesu FT818 just a stop-gap?
Recently Yaesu introduced the successor to the hugely successful FT817. Like many, I was seriously underwhelmed: this was a huge disappointment. One could be forgiven for thinking this was more about Yaesu dealing with component obsolescence than meeting market needs.
Being charitable, perhaps Yaesu is working on a real FT817 successor with the features people really want. Less charitably, Yaesu is broke and trying to do developments on the cheap. I sincerely hope the former!
In recent times Yaesu seems to be drifting. I have owned lots of Yaesu rigs and it they are going to fail this would be a great pity.
Being charitable, perhaps Yaesu is working on a real FT817 successor with the features people really want. Less charitably, Yaesu is broke and trying to do developments on the cheap. I sincerely hope the former!
In recent times Yaesu seems to be drifting. I have owned lots of Yaesu rigs and it they are going to fail this would be a great pity.
10m WSPR TX
Well I have been active of about an hour (500mW, 100% TX, randomised frequencies) with just EA8BFK (2880km) spotting me so far.
UPDATE 2005z: So far, 22 unique stations spotted me today. QRT soon.
UPDATE 2005z: So far, 22 unique stations spotted me today. QRT soon.
6m FT8
Yet again, I am on 6m FT8, starting at about 0845z. After a few CQ calls at 2.5W (2 G spots received) I have been RX only. So far, 9 stations in 3 countries.
UPDATE 1406z: 50 unique stations, 9 countries, 2 continents so far today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2110z: I have lost count of the different stations spotted on 6m FT8 today, but 31 countries in 3 continents on 6m FT8 RX today.
UPDATE 1406z: 50 unique stations, 9 countries, 2 continents so far today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2110z: I have lost count of the different stations spotted on 6m FT8 today, but 31 countries in 3 continents on 6m FT8 RX today.
27 May 2018
Weather forecasts - NOT amateur radio
So, if you do not like "grumpy old man" rants look away.
Yesterday, the BBC weather forecast had heavy clouds and a 70% chance of rain. The Met Office forecast said dry, sunny and light clouds. In the end I cut my front lawn and hedge yesterday afternoon.
OK, I know the UK weather is hard to predict, but honestly, you simply could not use the forecasts as they were so different.
This morning it was supposed to be dark clouds and thunder. We had light cloud, sun and warm!
It bugs me that we simply do not know. I reckon they have a phone call and say, "you say this and we'll say that. One of us is bound to be right".😀
Yesterday, the BBC weather forecast had heavy clouds and a 70% chance of rain. The Met Office forecast said dry, sunny and light clouds. In the end I cut my front lawn and hedge yesterday afternoon.
OK, I know the UK weather is hard to predict, but honestly, you simply could not use the forecasts as they were so different.
This morning it was supposed to be dark clouds and thunder. We had light cloud, sun and warm!
It bugs me that we simply do not know. I reckon they have a phone call and say, "you say this and we'll say that. One of us is bound to be right".😀
60m in South Africa
Southgate News reports that South Africa has allocated 100kHz to amateurs at 5MHz. This is excellent and enlightened spectrum allocation. Of course this is secondary and strictly on a non-interference basis. Wouldn't it be good if CEPT followed suit? OFCOM?
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/may/south-africa-gets-100-khz-at-5-mhz.htm#.Wwp0-vZFzIU .
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/may/south-africa-gets-100-khz-at-5-mhz.htm#.Wwp0-vZFzIU .
10m WSPR TX
Yet again, I am TXing with my 10m WSPR beacon (100% TX, 500mW, randomised frequencies). So far, just a couple of spots from CT1CAK (1438km). Apart from synchronising the time at the start of the day this tiny beacon is totally stand alone. If the antenna is available I go on 10m WSPR TX.
UPDATE 2112z: Lots of Es spots of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon. OZ1IT (864km) was copying me at +8dB at times. Time to go QRT soon.
UPDATE 2112z: Lots of Es spots of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon. OZ1IT (864km) was copying me at +8dB at times. Time to go QRT soon.
6m FT8 again
At the moment this is my favourite band and mode. As usual, I have been on since before breakfast. So far (0859z), 28 unique stations spotted in 7 countries and 2 continents. Quite a bit of Es.
UPDATE 0914z: Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is currently EA8DBM (3016km). 31 uniques in 8 countries already on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2118z: Lots of Es today on 6m. I have lost count of the number of stations. Soon be time to go QRT.
UPDATE 0914z: Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is currently EA8DBM (3016km). 31 uniques in 8 countries already on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2118z: Lots of Es today on 6m. I have lost count of the number of stations. Soon be time to go QRT.
26 May 2018
Abortion in Eire - NOT amateur radio
The people of Eire have voted overwhelmingly in a referendum to overturn the law so abortion in the early weeks of pregnancy will become legal. To me this seems sensible and returns the rights to the mother. The people voted almost 2 to 1 in favour of the change. It is likely to become law later this year.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-44256152.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-44256152.
Weekend MLS deals
As usual, MLS has some deals for the weekend. They have some deals for this weekend, which is a public holiday in the UK on Monday.
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/
Well, I am sick to death of GDPR - NOT amateur radio
It seems that every other email is about GDPR and even some of these are "dodgy". Yes, we all know data privacy is important, but this is taking political correctness to new heights, or is it depths?
Surely we want just a simple rule that says each person has to give express, clear, permission for any data held about them to be passed on. If data is currently held people cannot pass it on. Simple. No doubt some Brussels bureaucrats have to translate this into 27 languages at our expense too. Jobs for the boys.
GDPR = Great Deal of PRoper crap!
Surely we want just a simple rule that says each person has to give express, clear, permission for any data held about them to be passed on. If data is currently held people cannot pass it on. Simple. No doubt some Brussels bureaucrats have to translate this into 27 languages at our expense too. Jobs for the boys.
GDPR = Great Deal of PRoper crap!
10m WSPR TX
As I have had an antenna free, I have been on 10m WSPR TX in the last few days with some success. Today is no exception. Yet again I am on 10m WSPR TX (500mW, 100%, randomised frequencies).
Most, if not all, spots seem to have been Es. Activity levels seem lower than previous years on WSPR. Perhaps more are using 10m FT8?
UPDATE 1540z: Just a single SWL spot from Italy early this morning so far.
UPDATE 1805z: Now 22 unique spots on 10m WSPR of my 500mW beacon. Suddenly the band came alive!
UPDATE 1845: DK6UG was copying me as strong as +14dB S/N. Classic Es. 23 unique stations copying my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon.
UPDATE 2110z: QRT.
Most, if not all, spots seem to have been Es. Activity levels seem lower than previous years on WSPR. Perhaps more are using 10m FT8?
UPDATE 1540z: Just a single SWL spot from Italy early this morning so far.
UPDATE 1805z: Now 22 unique spots on 10m WSPR of my 500mW beacon. Suddenly the band came alive!
UPDATE 1845: DK6UG was copying me as strong as +14dB S/N. Classic Es. 23 unique stations copying my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon.
UPDATE 2110z: QRT.
UK pound against the Euro - NOT amateur radio
We still await a Brexit deal that respectful of both the UK and the EU. It is in everyone's interest to split amicably.
In the meantime the UK Pound and the Euro are just bumbling along. The exchange rate has hardly changed in some months. Although it fell quite a bit following the Brexit referendum it has been around 1.14 Euros to the UK Pound for some time. It dipped to around 1.12 but seems to have climbed a bit.
Last year I was expecting the Euro to fall in value, but this does not appear to be happening any time soon. Fundamentally, I still think the Euro is under threat.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cx250jmk4e7t/pound-sterling-gbp
In the meantime the UK Pound and the Euro are just bumbling along. The exchange rate has hardly changed in some months. Although it fell quite a bit following the Brexit referendum it has been around 1.14 Euros to the UK Pound for some time. It dipped to around 1.12 but seems to have climbed a bit.
Last year I was expecting the Euro to fall in value, but this does not appear to be happening any time soon. Fundamentally, I still think the Euro is under threat.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cx250jmk4e7t/pound-sterling-gbp
6m FT8 and "super DX"
It is now almost the end of May and I have still to catch "super DX" on 6m FT8. My system allowed me to catch a lot of great 6m DX on JT65 last year. I continue to watch in hope.
The system was turned on before breakfast. A quick 6m FT8 CQ (2.5W) brought spots from as far as Italy by Es, as well as Gs. Since then, I have been on 6m FT8 RX only.
UPDATE 0840z: So far 12 different stations spotted today in 3 countries.
UPDATE 1028z: 21 stations in 5 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1540z: Now 30 stations in 5 countries on 6m FT8 RX today so far.
UPDATE 1814: Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is now 4X4DK (3580km). 5B4AIF (3193km) is the first station I have ever spotted on Cyprus on 6m. Also on again is S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara.
UPDATE 1855z: Now 28 countries (I think) spotted in 3 continents so far today on 6m FT8. I have lost count of the number of stations, but there have been lots!
UPDATE 2110z: QRT.
The system was turned on before breakfast. A quick 6m FT8 CQ (2.5W) brought spots from as far as Italy by Es, as well as Gs. Since then, I have been on 6m FT8 RX only.
UPDATE 0840z: So far 12 different stations spotted today in 3 countries.
UPDATE 1028z: 21 stations in 5 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1540z: Now 30 stations in 5 countries on 6m FT8 RX today so far.
UPDATE 1814: Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is now 4X4DK (3580km). 5B4AIF (3193km) is the first station I have ever spotted on Cyprus on 6m. Also on again is S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara.
UPDATE 1855z: Now 28 countries (I think) spotted in 3 continents so far today on 6m FT8. I have lost count of the number of stations, but there have been lots!
UPDATE 2110z: QRT.
Friedrichshafen, Germany
This big European rally is fast approaching. Outside of the USA, I think this is the biggest amateur radio showcase in the world. Dates are June 1st-3rd 2018. Like Dayton, this is a chance for the big players to showcase new radios.
25 May 2018
FT8 versus JT65
In the last few months the usage of FT8 is phenomenal. It uses about a third the bandwidth (about 50Hz) of JT65 and a much shorter TX period. In many ways it is an ideal QRP mode, especially in Es conditions.
I think FT8 is not as good as JT65 in terms of very weak signals, but I am no expert. So far, I have not spotted what I would call real DX on 6m, whereas last season I copied lots on 6m JT65. Now, this may be just conditions, so I need a few more months to decide.
It would be interesting to know how serious DXers find FT8. I only use a V2000 vertical, so others probably do better than me. As you know I'm a fair weather DXer. I do not chase DX, but I observe 6m FT8 most days.
FT8 is not a mode for chats. Without auto-sequencing enabled there is very little reaction time. It is a good mode for quick, formulaic exchanges.
See http://www.dx.nl/?p=860
This seems to show FT8 is some 6dB worse than JT65 on weak signals. Maybe this accounts for why I am spotting less real DX? Now, since then FT8 has been improved. Certainly, I shall stick with 6m FT8 this season to see what is spotted.
I think FT8 is not as good as JT65 in terms of very weak signals, but I am no expert. So far, I have not spotted what I would call real DX on 6m, whereas last season I copied lots on 6m JT65. Now, this may be just conditions, so I need a few more months to decide.
It would be interesting to know how serious DXers find FT8. I only use a V2000 vertical, so others probably do better than me. As you know I'm a fair weather DXer. I do not chase DX, but I observe 6m FT8 most days.
FT8 is not a mode for chats. Without auto-sequencing enabled there is very little reaction time. It is a good mode for quick, formulaic exchanges.
See http://www.dx.nl/?p=860
This seems to show FT8 is some 6dB worse than JT65 on weak signals. Maybe this accounts for why I am spotting less real DX? Now, since then FT8 has been improved. Certainly, I shall stick with 6m FT8 this season to see what is spotted.
Hamnet growing
According to a report on Southgate News, the Hamnet amateur network, mostly in Germany, is growing.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/may/hamnet-amateur-radio-network-is-growing.htm#.WwggIvZFzIU
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/may/hamnet-amateur-radio-network-is-growing.htm#.WwggIvZFzIU
Old Cars - NOT amateur radio
The owners of these old cars were also staying in our hotel.
Lightning in Europe
At the moment, the lightning is in mainland Europe with nothing shown here in the UK on the lightning maps. I guess the storms over northern France could be an issue in southern counties of the UK later. Definitely worth a look in a few hours time.
Another rally
27 MAY 2018 : DURHAM DISTRICT ARS RADIO RALLY
Bowburn Community Centre, Durham road, Bowburn , Co. Durham DH6 5AT. Doors open from 10.10am to 2.30pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10am. Admittance is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy Sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and licensed bar on site. Michael Wright , G7TWX, 07826 924 192, dadars@gmx.com.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Bowburn Community Centre, Durham road, Bowburn , Co. Durham DH6 5AT. Doors open from 10.10am to 2.30pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10am. Admittance is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy Sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and licensed bar on site. Michael Wright , G7TWX, 07826 924 192, dadars@gmx.com.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
10m WSPR TX
Although I have been on since before breakfast (500mW, randomised frequencies, 100% TX) no spots yet today on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1155z: CT2IWW (1383km) is the best DX spot of my little beacon so far today.
UPDATE 1246z: Best DX spot now was from EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.
UPDATE 1155z: CT2IWW (1383km) is the best DX spot of my little beacon so far today.
UPDATE 1246z: Best DX spot now was from EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.
6m FT8 - very quiet so far
Although I have been on 6m FT8 since before breakfast, all is very quiet so far with just a couple of Gs spotted and no Es here yet. I did go on TX very early (just one spot with 2.5W to my V2000 vertical stick).
UPDATE 1327z: Plenty of spots now. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX today is D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Is.
UPDATE 1640z: So far today, 30 different stations in 5 countries and 2 continents spotted on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1950z: 43 different stations in 6 countries and 2 continents today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1327z: Plenty of spots now. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX today is D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Is.
UPDATE 1640z: So far today, 30 different stations in 5 countries and 2 continents spotted on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1950z: 43 different stations in 6 countries and 2 continents today on 6m FT8 RX.
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