UPDATE 1030z: Just one spot received today so far. EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is..
UPDATE 1658z: Just 4 spots so far today on 10m WSPR TX.
UPDATE 1832z: FY5KE (7110km) is the best DX spot of my 500mW WSPR beacon on 10m today.
12 Jun 2018
10m WSPR TX
Since just before breakfast, my 500mW WSPR beacon has been on 10m. No spots yet today.
UPDATE 1030z: Just one spot received today so far. EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is..
UPDATE 1658z: Just 4 spots so far today on 10m WSPR TX.
UPDATE 1832z: FY5KE (7110km) is the best DX spot of my 500mW WSPR beacon on 10m today.
UPDATE 1030z: Just one spot received today so far. EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is..
UPDATE 1658z: Just 4 spots so far today on 10m WSPR TX.
UPDATE 1832z: FY5KE (7110km) is the best DX spot of my 500mW WSPR beacon on 10m today.
6m FT8 RX
Already, there is some Es to Spain on 6m FT8 RX. 3 Spanish stations (Es) as well as several Gs spotted in the last few hours.
UPDATE 0904z: 12 stations in 3 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1029z: 32 stations in 5 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX today.
UPDATE 1346z: Best DX today so far on 6m FT8 RX is FM5AN (6792km) on Martinique, West Indies. Spots suggest he is genuine and not a pirate.
UPDATE 1807z: WP4G (6803km) now spotted in Puerto Rico on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1930z: My best DX on 6m FT8 RX is now PV8DX (7830km) in northern Brazil. As this station is being widely spotted in Europe and North America, I am pretty sure he is genuine. Funny how D41CV (4518km) would be considered "real" 6m DX, but this is small fry compared with PV8DX!
UPDATE 0904z: 12 stations in 3 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1029z: 32 stations in 5 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX today.
UPDATE 1346z: Best DX today so far on 6m FT8 RX is FM5AN (6792km) on Martinique, West Indies. Spots suggest he is genuine and not a pirate.
UPDATE 1807z: WP4G (6803km) now spotted in Puerto Rico on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1930z: My best DX on 6m FT8 RX is now PV8DX (7830km) in northern Brazil. As this station is being widely spotted in Europe and North America, I am pretty sure he is genuine. Funny how D41CV (4518km) would be considered "real" 6m DX, but this is small fry compared with PV8DX!
Roses - NOT amateur radio
Sunspots - Tuesday June 12th 2018
Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number remains 0. A=4 and K=2.
11 Jun 2018
How to lose friends? - NOT amateur radio
This beggars belief from "the leader of the free world". Toys, prams etc. come to mind. If China is dumping steel maybe, but the EU and Canada?
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-44434558
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-44434558
Even more simple VHF and up licence?
On Southgate News there is a report about the RSGB's thoughts on activity levels on VHF and UHF bands. Apparently activity levels have dropped badly in the UK and there is talk of an even simpler exam and licence to encourage activity. There is no doubt that the hobby is facing a future crisis as people get older, less active, and die.
Like many things, we seem to try "dumbing down" as the answer. The basic issue is radio is not the magic it was to many in the 1950s and 1960s. These days you only have to look at the magazines for sale in newsagents to see this. Sadly, there are far more gaming, PC and railway magazines with, if you are lucky, just a couple of radio magazines.
Certainly, many on 2m have switched to FT8. A casual tune across the bands would suggest low levels of activity. Some would argue much less wide bands would do.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/june/could-a-new-entry-level-licence-boost-vhf-uhf-activity.htm#.Wx42tPZFzIU
Like many things, we seem to try "dumbing down" as the answer. The basic issue is radio is not the magic it was to many in the 1950s and 1960s. These days you only have to look at the magazines for sale in newsagents to see this. Sadly, there are far more gaming, PC and railway magazines with, if you are lucky, just a couple of radio magazines.
Certainly, many on 2m have switched to FT8. A casual tune across the bands would suggest low levels of activity. Some would argue much less wide bands would do.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/june/could-a-new-entry-level-licence-boost-vhf-uhf-activity.htm#.Wx42tPZFzIU
6m FT8
So far, 18 stations in 2 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX this morning with Es to Spain evident. A brief TX period (2.5W to my V2000 vertical omni antenna) brought spots from 6 G stations.
UPDATE 1125z: 30 stations in 4 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1935z: Loads of Es stations again on 6m FT8 RX with best DX 4X4DK (3580km) who was a very strong 0dB S/N. This looks like E layer propagation, but is it double hop Es or something else?
UPDATE 1125z: 30 stations in 4 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1935z: Loads of Es stations again on 6m FT8 RX with best DX 4X4DK (3580km) who was a very strong 0dB S/N. This looks like E layer propagation, but is it double hop Es or something else?
10m WSPR TX
Although my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon has been on since before breakfast, no spots today so far.
UPDATE 1930z: 113 10m spots today. 11 unique stations with best DX EA8BFK (2880km).
UPDATE 1930z: 113 10m spots today. 11 unique stations with best DX EA8BFK (2880km).
Sunspots - Monday June 11th 2018
Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number 0 still. A=4 and K=1.
Younger and thinner! - NOT amateur radio
DX spots map
If you want to see which bands are "open" to where then this site might be of interest. You can select bands, modes and continents.
See https://www.dxmaps.com/spots/mapg.php?Lan=E&Frec=50&ML=M&Map=NA&HF=N&DXC=ING2&GL=N
See https://www.dxmaps.com/spots/mapg.php?Lan=E&Frec=50&ML=M&Map=NA&HF=N&DXC=ING2&GL=N
10 Jun 2018
The great FT8 debate
Like Marmite (here in the UK) you either love it or hate it! I love FT8.
Reading Southgate News today I was pointed to Dom Smith's blog on the subject. My voice is poor these days so I find speech modes hard. I also like seeing what is coming through on a different PC in the house, whilst doing something else. Although I go on FT8 TX sometimes, I use RX mostly.
See http://www.domsmith.co.uk/blog/2018/06/09/the-great-ft8-debate/
UPDATE 1336z: There is little doubt that FT8 is controversial. Some see it as the end of amateur radio as we knew it: the end of casual chats, leisurely QSOs. They may be right. Certainly FT8 is not a chat mode. Fast(ish) formulaic QSOs yes, but these cannot be received by a casual SWL. On the other hand it has transformed operating for many allowing QSOs where these would not have happened in the past. Every time I go on 2m FT8, even when conditions are "flat" I seem to get spots from over 300km away despite running 2.5W to an omni antenna! Every time I spend a day on 2m RX I seem to spot stations very very far away. It certainly has transformed bands for many. Overall, I think FT8 is a good thing.
Reading Southgate News today I was pointed to Dom Smith's blog on the subject. My voice is poor these days so I find speech modes hard. I also like seeing what is coming through on a different PC in the house, whilst doing something else. Although I go on FT8 TX sometimes, I use RX mostly.
See http://www.domsmith.co.uk/blog/2018/06/09/the-great-ft8-debate/
UPDATE 1336z: There is little doubt that FT8 is controversial. Some see it as the end of amateur radio as we knew it: the end of casual chats, leisurely QSOs. They may be right. Certainly FT8 is not a chat mode. Fast(ish) formulaic QSOs yes, but these cannot be received by a casual SWL. On the other hand it has transformed operating for many allowing QSOs where these would not have happened in the past. Every time I go on 2m FT8, even when conditions are "flat" I seem to get spots from over 300km away despite running 2.5W to an omni antenna! Every time I spend a day on 2m RX I seem to spot stations very very far away. It certainly has transformed bands for many. Overall, I think FT8 is a good thing.
10m WSPR TX
For the last hour (I guess) I have been on 10m WSPR TX (500mW, 100% TX, randomised frequencies).
UPDATE 1000z: Still no spots as yet.
UPDATE 1205z: So far today, just one spot from CT1CAK (1438km).
UPDATE 2006z: 19 spots of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon from FY5KE (7110km) in South America. At times, he was receiving me at -9dB S/N. 15 different stations spotted me today.
UPDATE 1000z: Still no spots as yet.
UPDATE 1205z: So far today, just one spot from CT1CAK (1438km).
UPDATE 2006z: 19 spots of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon from FY5KE (7110km) in South America. At times, he was receiving me at -9dB S/N. 15 different stations spotted me today.
6m FT8 RX
I stayed on 6m FT8 RX (50.313MHz) overnight, but no Americans spotted. This morning, so far, quite a few Es stations from Iberia as well as many Gs.
Best DX, so far, is EA8AQV (2989km) in the Canary Is..
UPDATE 0959z: So far, 21 stations in 4 countries today on 6m FT8. 41 countries spotted on 6m in the last day.
UPDATE 1345z: Umpteen stations in 6 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
Best DX, so far, is EA8AQV (2989km) in the Canary Is..
UPDATE 0959z: So far, 21 stations in 4 countries today on 6m FT8. 41 countries spotted on 6m in the last day.
UPDATE 1345z: Umpteen stations in 6 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
Church Fete - NOT amateur radio
9 Jun 2018
Afghanistan - NOT amateur radio
In the middle of the 1800s we were fighting in Afghanistan. Recently I read that the Taliban now controls the main city in Helmand province where many US and UK troops lost their lives. Was it worth it? Probably not.
If we have been fighting in Afghanistan for so long, you would think we'd mind our own business. Some battles are not worth fighting. Putting our troops in Afghanistan must have wasted billions. Better we spend the money on something more useful.
If we have been fighting in Afghanistan for so long, you would think we'd mind our own business. Some battles are not worth fighting. Putting our troops in Afghanistan must have wasted billions. Better we spend the money on something more useful.
FT8
There is little doubt that FT8 is a very big thing.
On 6m FT8 this morning I have spotted well over 50 different stations already. QSOs (albeit basic) are fast and all the activity is concentrated in a few kilohertz on each band. It works with weaker signals than CW or SSB.
What I fear is people will desert SSB and CW and use FT8 instead. A casual tune across bands might lead some to think the band is dead.
On 6m FT8 this morning I have spotted well over 50 different stations already. QSOs (albeit basic) are fast and all the activity is concentrated in a few kilohertz on each band. It works with weaker signals than CW or SSB.
What I fear is people will desert SSB and CW and use FT8 instead. A casual tune across bands might lead some to think the band is dead.
What happens when we die? - NOT amateur radio
When we are young, we assume death is a long way off and nothing to think about too much. As we grow older, I guess dying has a greater concern. In my own case, if I see another 20 years I'll be doing well. On my paternal side both my dad and granddad died in their 60s. I am 69.
Basically, we just cease to exist or something of us carries on in some sort of after life. The truth is no-one really knows. It is the deepest mystery of all.
What is certain is that we cannot imagine this: we live in one plain of a multi-dimensional universe. Religions hint at an after-life, yet all are different. In my mind, they are attempts to explain our existence, but all (probably) are incomplete or wrong looking at them with the perspective of history. We still believed in witches not too many generations ago! Some believed in fairies in the last century!
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zs4k39q#zskdg82
Basically, we just cease to exist or something of us carries on in some sort of after life. The truth is no-one really knows. It is the deepest mystery of all.
What is certain is that we cannot imagine this: we live in one plain of a multi-dimensional universe. Religions hint at an after-life, yet all are different. In my mind, they are attempts to explain our existence, but all (probably) are incomplete or wrong looking at them with the perspective of history. We still believed in witches not too many generations ago! Some believed in fairies in the last century!
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/zs4k39q#zskdg82
Sibling reunion - NOT amateur radio
10m WSPR TX
Already there are plenty of spots from southern Europe of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon (500mW, 100% TX, randomised frequencies). OZ7IT (853km) was spotting me in the middle of the night!
My strongest report (from Italy) was -9dB S/N. This implies just 5mW would have been enough if the receiving station had a nice, quiet noise floor.
UPDATE 1248z: Best DX today, so far, on 10m WSPR TX is IK0DMQ (1484km).
UPDATE 1522z: Well, I am surprised. Apparently my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon has been copied by 73 unique stations in the last 2 weeks.
UPDATE 1540z: A couple of reports (Italy and Germany) were 0dB S/N. This is very strong. Es definitely. Several hours later DK6UG was spotting me at up to +10dB S/N. Amazing.
UPDATE 1801z: 15 unique spots of my 10m, 500mW WSPR beacon so far today.
My strongest report (from Italy) was -9dB S/N. This implies just 5mW would have been enough if the receiving station had a nice, quiet noise floor.
UPDATE 1248z: Best DX today, so far, on 10m WSPR TX is IK0DMQ (1484km).
UPDATE 1522z: Well, I am surprised. Apparently my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon has been copied by 73 unique stations in the last 2 weeks.
UPDATE 1540z: A couple of reports (Italy and Germany) were 0dB S/N. This is very strong. Es definitely. Several hours later DK6UG was spotting me at up to +10dB S/N. Amazing.
UPDATE 1801z: 15 unique spots of my 10m, 500mW WSPR beacon so far today.
 |
| 10m WSPR TX spots far today |
6m FT8 RX today
Although it is only 0836z, there is already lots of Es evident on 6m FT8 RX. Es looks good today.
UPDATE 0858z: Already 12 countries spotted here today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1136z: Best DX today so far on 6m FT8 RX is 5B4AAB (3185km).
UPDATE 1218z: 21 countries spotted so far today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 0858z: Already 12 countries spotted here today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1136z: Best DX today so far on 6m FT8 RX is 5B4AAB (3185km).
UPDATE 1218z: 21 countries spotted so far today on 6m FT8 RX.
 |
| 6m FT8 RX so far today |
Homebrew videos
Thanks to a recent post on Southgate News, I have seen the homebrew videos by Charlie Morris ZL2CTM. Inspiring.
See https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSNPW3_gzuMJcX_ErBZTv2g/videos .
See https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSNPW3_gzuMJcX_ErBZTv2g/videos .
Towpath walk - NOT amateur radio
8 Jun 2018
No American DX on 6m FT8 tonight?
Although I shall be monitoring 6m FT8 through the night, I have the feeling that no transatlantic DX will be spotted tonight. The Canary Isles were spotted this morning, but all the spots since have been EU and North Africa. Very recent spots have been UK and Eastern and Southern Europe.
UPDATE 9.6.18 0600z: Indeed no American stations spotted here on 6m overnight.
UPDATE 9.6.18 0600z: Indeed no American stations spotted here on 6m overnight.
IC7300 Price
Are the UK dealers playing chicken?
In the UK the IC7300 price is still the same, but now accompanied by all sorts of free extras.
Now, I have little doubt this is a good radio, but I still feel it is being "market priced". By that I mean we buy at the ticket price as there is no real competition from the other big players and most are happy to pay.
The architecture would allow the price to be reduced to less than £1000. Will it happen any time soon?
In the UK the IC7300 price is still the same, but now accompanied by all sorts of free extras.
Now, I have little doubt this is a good radio, but I still feel it is being "market priced". By that I mean we buy at the ticket price as there is no real competition from the other big players and most are happy to pay.
The architecture would allow the price to be reduced to less than £1000. Will it happen any time soon?
Toy Car - NOT amateur radio
More on our reunion - NOT amateur radio
SAQ (17.2kHz CW) transmissions July 1st 2018
To celebrate Alexanderson Day on July 1st 2018, there will be several transmissions from the historic radio station SAQ (VLF) on that day. There will also be special event stations active on several amateur bands. I think QSL cards will be available. I have one from many years ago.
See http://alexander.n.se/the-radio-station-saq-grimeton/saq-transmissions/?lang=en
See http://alexander.n.se/the-radio-station-saq-grimeton/saq-transmissions/?lang=en
Lichfield - NOT amateur radio
More rallies
10 JUNE 2018 : EAST SUFFOLK WIRELESS REVIVAL (Ipswich Radio Rally)
Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW just off the A14. Doors open at 9.30am, with free car parking. Entry is £2. There will be trade stands, car boot sale, Bring and Buy, special interests groups, GB4SWR HF station and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site. Contact Kevin, G8MXV, 07710 046 846 www.eswr.org.uk.
10 JUNE 2018 : JUNCTION 28 RALLY
Bowls Hall, Alfreton Leisure Centre, Alfreton, Derbyshire. Anya Lawrence on 01246 456 625 or adylawri@btinternet.com.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW just off the A14. Doors open at 9.30am, with free car parking. Entry is £2. There will be trade stands, car boot sale, Bring and Buy, special interests groups, GB4SWR HF station and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site. Contact Kevin, G8MXV, 07710 046 846 www.eswr.org.uk.
10 JUNE 2018 : JUNCTION 28 RALLY
Bowls Hall, Alfreton Leisure Centre, Alfreton, Derbyshire. Anya Lawrence on 01246 456 625 or adylawri@btinternet.com.
OFCOM and 900MHz and 1800MHz licence fees
Yet more joy in heaven. £££££ via OFCOM.
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/44C020C8E6C498612540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/44C020C8E6C498612540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
6m FT8
A very brief QSO before breakfast has been followed by lots of Es on 6m FT8 RX. The best spot of my own low ERP signal was from northern Spain. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is currently 7X2TT (1766km) in North Africa.
UPDATE 1905z: In the last day, 40 different countries spotted here on 6m FT8 RX. I have lost count of all the stations spotted by Es today on 6m FT8 RX. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is EA8EE (3014km) in the Canary Islands.
UPDATE 1905z: In the last day, 40 different countries spotted here on 6m FT8 RX. I have lost count of all the stations spotted by Es today on 6m FT8 RX. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is EA8EE (3014km) in the Canary Islands.
10m WSPR TX
This morning, I am again on 10m WSPR TX (500mW, 100% TX, randomised frequencies). Several Es spots already with the best DX EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.
UPDATE 2142z: 20 different stations spotted my little 10m WPR beacon today, mostly by Es.
UPDATE 2142z: 20 different stations spotted my little 10m WPR beacon today, mostly by Es.
7 Jun 2018
Rally
9 JUNE 2018 : PORTSMOUTH RADIO RALLY
Milton Village Hall, 182 Milton Road, Southsea, Portsmouth PO4 8PR. Free on-street and disabled parking. Doors open 12.30pm, admission £2, tables £5 (clubs, charities etc free). Any profits will go to RAIBC. Matthew, 0793 615 2846, Matthew.twyman63@btinternet.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Milton Village Hall, 182 Milton Road, Southsea, Portsmouth PO4 8PR. Free on-street and disabled parking. Doors open 12.30pm, admission £2, tables £5 (clubs, charities etc free). Any profits will go to RAIBC. Matthew, 0793 615 2846, Matthew.twyman63@btinternet.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
6m FT8 RX
Since returning home, I have been monitoring 6m FT8. Quite a few stations spotted by Es with the best DX currently S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara.
UPDATE 2055z: Best 6m FT RX DX spotted in now D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Islands.
UPDATE 2055z: Best 6m FT RX DX spotted in now D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Islands.
10m WSPR TX
For a few days we have been away from the QTH, so I have not been on the air. Since returning home, I have been on 10m WSPR TX with my beacon (500mW, 100% RX, random frequencies). As well as EU stations spotting me by Es, FY5KE (7110km) has been spotting me in South America. At times these reports have been quite strong. This is probably Es but could be F layer.
OFCOM preparations for WRC19
OFCOM has produced a consultation document on the UK preparations for WRC19. One of the low priority agenda items is the allocation of 50-54MHz to amateurs in Region 1. To be honest they seem more focussed on satellite services and money.
See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/114524/consultation-wrc-19.pdf
See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/114524/consultation-wrc-19.pdf
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