22 Aug 2018
21 Aug 2018
More VLF experiments
Stefan DK7FC is planning more VLF tests at 17.47kHz:
"Hi VLF,
For this week, i'm planning to start with new experiments on 17.47 kHz,
where i have a (renewed) special permission to transmit.
So far the best results were a prooved carrier detection as well as a 1
character EbNaut decode by Edgar from Tasmania (VK7).
The first goal will be to determine the best time (start time and
length) on the path for this season. We have a usable path for about 2
months centered on our autun/spring time (21st SEP).
The Signal will be exported by SpecLab to simple txt files containing
the FFT data. This allows stacking, which will be required to get some
S/N at all. A reasonable stable path is essential during the
transmission time. All this will be determined by running some carrier
transmissions, a few hours per day, starting about 16 UTC.
When knowing the time to try we will attempt to transfer a 2 character
message and then even longer messages. 5 characters would be realistic i
think, with some luck and good propagation and low QRN on the RX site...
More soon.
73, Stefan"
"Hi VLF,
For this week, i'm planning to start with new experiments on 17.47 kHz,
where i have a (renewed) special permission to transmit.
So far the best results were a prooved carrier detection as well as a 1
character EbNaut decode by Edgar from Tasmania (VK7).
The first goal will be to determine the best time (start time and
length) on the path for this season. We have a usable path for about 2
months centered on our autun/spring time (21st SEP).
The Signal will be exported by SpecLab to simple txt files containing
the FFT data. This allows stacking, which will be required to get some
S/N at all. A reasonable stable path is essential during the
transmission time. All this will be determined by running some carrier
transmissions, a few hours per day, starting about 16 UTC.
When knowing the time to try we will attempt to transfer a 2 character
message and then even longer messages. 5 characters would be realistic i
think, with some luck and good propagation and low QRN on the RX site...
More soon.
73, Stefan"
New Monster Antenna
Southgate News has a piece today about a new dual-band monster antenna from Innovantennas for 4m and 2m. I think if I tried to erect this I would incur the wrath of the neighbours. Perhaps you live on a remote hillside and the nearest neighbour lives 2 miles away!
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/august/new-2m-4m-dual-band-yagis-from-innovantennas.htm#.W3w-ZfZFzIU
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/august/new-2m-4m-dual-band-yagis-from-innovantennas.htm#.W3w-ZfZFzIU
Llangollen Aqueduct - NOT amateur radio
Catch 22 - NOT amateur radio
This book is always rated highly but I have yet to speak with anyone who has enjoyed it. I managed to get through it, but found it boring as hell. My wife has tried several times, but always given up! We gave away our copy (keep it PLEASE) and were only too glad to get rid of it. Maybe it means more if you are American and it was read years ago?
If you read it, I'd like to know how you got on.
I still find it hard to see why it is so highly rated.
If you read it, I'd like to know how you got on.
I still find it hard to see why it is so highly rated.
20 Aug 2018
Last month's 2m activity contest
Despite a logging error, I see my position in the AL section is unchanged. My error was stupid and cost me points, not that I take any contests seriously. My main aim is fun, to work a few stations and exercise my voice.
19 Aug 2018
10m WSPR TX (500mW)
As usual, I am on 10m WSPR TX with my beacon. As yet, no spots.
UPDATE 1110z: Several Es spots. Best DX is CS7AOL (1457km).
UPDATE 1110z: Several Es spots. Best DX is CS7AOL (1457km).
Yet more on 60m band
The 60m WRC 15kHz allocation is being widely allocated now, with Finland (OH) joining the growing list. Sadly, the Finns are losing some other slots at 60m.
6m FT8
For about 5 minutes I have been on 6m FT8 both RX and TX (2.5W). So far, just G1IDZ (182km) spotted.
UPDATE 1120z: Lots of Es spots. I am convinced FT8 is extending the Es "season". Best DX spot is of IT9QPF (1867km)
UPDATE 1120z: Lots of Es spots. I am convinced FT8 is extending the Es "season". Best DX spot is of IT9QPF (1867km)
Margaret, are you greaving.... - NOT amateur radio
Yesterday there was a young blackbird in the garden when I was cutting the grass. At first I thought it was with its parents being fed. Hours later it was still there. This morning it was dead.
Now, I know this is the rhythm of life. I know it was probably very sick and bound to die. Nonetheless it saddened me. I hid the body in the bushes so my wife would not see it. She will think it just few off. Perhaps it is just a reminder than what happened to this little bird happens to us all. Perhaps that is why I am saddened.
Margaret, are you greaving over Goldengrove unleaving?
See https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44400/spring-and-fall
Now, I know this is the rhythm of life. I know it was probably very sick and bound to die. Nonetheless it saddened me. I hid the body in the bushes so my wife would not see it. She will think it just few off. Perhaps it is just a reminder than what happened to this little bird happens to us all. Perhaps that is why I am saddened.
Margaret, are you greaving over Goldengrove unleaving?
See https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44400/spring-and-fall
A statesman gone - NOT amateur radio
Yesterday the world lost one of its great statesmen: Kofi Annan who for several years was head of the UN. There are sadly very few great statesmen and women in this world.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-45235800 .
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-45235800 .
18 Aug 2018
Now QRT
At 2030z I went QRT on all bands. The last Es here was at 1950z on 10m WSPR. In all quite a decent Es day. I shall probably be on 6m FT8 mainly RX tomorrow.
Grass mowing - NOT amateur radio
In the UK we have had a hot, dry summer. For just the second time since May, I have cut our grass. Although parts are still brown, it is slowly recovering as we have had some rain.
Perhaps President Trump can be persuaded that global warming is a reality and not a Chinese plot.
Perhaps President Trump can be persuaded that global warming is a reality and not a Chinese plot.
FT8 and Es
This summer I have not used JT65 at all. Instead, I have been mostly on 6m FT8 RX with just the occasional TX period. Once in a while I tried 2m and 10m FT8. I have also been on 10m WSPR TX, although WSPR seems much less active than FT8.
FT8 is supposed to be not quite as good as JT65 on weak signals. However, the take-up of FT8 is phenomenal.
I am wondering if one of the reasons we are still seeing Es on 6m so much this late in the season is that users are in just one place and even very short openings get detected? Most FT8 is between 50.313 and 50.315MHz. In the past, a CQ on SSB or CW might well have been missed. Also, FT8 works with signals that are more marginal than SSB or CW.
Let us hope a few remain on 6m so we can see if 6m Es is much commoner than we previously thought. In an average "out of season" day it would not surprise me to see brief openings. Remember, you only need 15 seconds to be spotted with FT8, probably even less.
FT8 is supposed to be not quite as good as JT65 on weak signals. However, the take-up of FT8 is phenomenal.
I am wondering if one of the reasons we are still seeing Es on 6m so much this late in the season is that users are in just one place and even very short openings get detected? Most FT8 is between 50.313 and 50.315MHz. In the past, a CQ on SSB or CW might well have been missed. Also, FT8 works with signals that are more marginal than SSB or CW.
Let us hope a few remain on 6m so we can see if 6m Es is much commoner than we previously thought. In an average "out of season" day it would not surprise me to see brief openings. Remember, you only need 15 seconds to be spotted with FT8, probably even less.
 |
| 6m FT8 RX spots today |
ARRL numbers falling
There is a gradual downward trend in ARRL membership. This does not surprise me. However, it is worrying.
Around the world, generally, the amateur radio population is getting progressively older and it is getting harder to attract and keep younger people. We come over as an old man's hobby. I know this is not so, but we have to "connect".
As the demographic gets generally older, membership of national societies and radio clubs is likely to suffer. When I was fitter, I gave quite a few talks at radio clubs in East Anglia, UK. By and large, the audiences were male and older men with very few women and young people. Unless we attract and keep younger people our hobby will die.
Around the world, generally, the amateur radio population is getting progressively older and it is getting harder to attract and keep younger people. We come over as an old man's hobby. I know this is not so, but we have to "connect".
As the demographic gets generally older, membership of national societies and radio clubs is likely to suffer. When I was fitter, I gave quite a few talks at radio clubs in East Anglia, UK. By and large, the audiences were male and older men with very few women and young people. Unless we attract and keep younger people our hobby will die.
Monkey Dust - NOT amateur radio
In all my life I have never taken drugs. Even smoking cigarettes at school made me sick and after a few I stopped.
At university many were taking LSD. In later years you find people taking cocaine and marijuana.
Now there is a new menace called "magic dust". It looks like a real problem for police.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45186581 .
At university many were taking LSD. In later years you find people taking cocaine and marijuana.
Now there is a new menace called "magic dust". It looks like a real problem for police.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45186581 .
New FRS rules in the USA
This applies in the USA and NOT in Europe!
The ARRL reports on some rule changes by the FCC which come into effect next year.
See http://www.arrl.org/news/view/new-fcc-part-95-personal-radio-services-rules-published-in-the-federal-register?utm_source=amateur-radio-weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
The ARRL reports on some rule changes by the FCC which come into effect next year.
See http://www.arrl.org/news/view/new-fcc-part-95-personal-radio-services-rules-published-in-the-federal-register?utm_source=amateur-radio-weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
10m WSPR TX (500mW)
More in hope than expectation, I am again on 10m WSPR TX with my little beacon. As yet, no spots of me.
UPDATE 1220z: Several Es spots received from Italy and Denmark.
UPDATE 1422z: 6 unique stations have spotted my 10m WSPR today.
UPDATE 1600z: 10 unique spots today so far with 96 spots. Still seems to be plenty of Es.
UPDATE 1220z: Several Es spots received from Italy and Denmark.
UPDATE 1422z: 6 unique stations have spotted my 10m WSPR today.
UPDATE 1600z: 10 unique spots today so far with 96 spots. Still seems to be plenty of Es.
Patio flowers - NOT amateur radio
Surprisingly, the flowers in pots on our patio have done quite well as the photo shows.
6m FT8 and PSKreporter maps issues?
Since before breakfast I have been on 6m FT8 (RX and briefly TX) but nothing appears on PSKreporter. At first I suspected my internet connection but everything else seems fine. I even disconnected and reconnected yet still nothing. I stopped and restarted WSJT-X. I have spotted EA7 and I so I know 6m FT8 is good. Anyone else having issues?
UPDATE 1203z: Up to now I was using WSJT-X V1.9 rc3. I have upgraded to the latest fully released version (v1.9.1) and all seems to be well. See comment from John below that my spots were appearing as 2m spots when I had selected 6m (50.313MHz FT8). Moral seems to be close the software and re-open if you change bands! Now getting Es spots from all over.
UPDATE 1424z: Everything is working now. My brief CQ calls (2.5W to the V2000 vertical omni) were copied widely in southern Europe and I worked several Balkan stations. A call to S01WS was not received, sadly.
UPDATE 1203z: Up to now I was using WSJT-X V1.9 rc3. I have upgraded to the latest fully released version (v1.9.1) and all seems to be well. See comment from John below that my spots were appearing as 2m spots when I had selected 6m (50.313MHz FT8). Moral seems to be close the software and re-open if you change bands! Now getting Es spots from all over.
UPDATE 1424z: Everything is working now. My brief CQ calls (2.5W to the V2000 vertical omni) were copied widely in southern Europe and I worked several Balkan stations. A call to S01WS was not received, sadly.
Sunspots - Saturday August 18th 2018
Solar flux is 67 today and the sunspot number 11. A=13 and K=3.
17 Aug 2018
Rally
19 AUGUST 2018 : THE RATS (RUGBY AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY) RALLY
Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby CV23 9PY. Doors open from 10am to 4pm (8.30am for sellers). Admission is £3. There is a car boot sale and catering is available on site. Steve, G8LYB, 0795 685 5816, rally@rugbyats.co.uk www.rugbyats.co.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby CV23 9PY. Doors open from 10am to 4pm (8.30am for sellers). Admission is £3. There is a car boot sale and catering is available on site. Steve, G8LYB, 0795 685 5816, rally@rugbyats.co.uk www.rugbyats.co.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Old friends - NOT amateur radio
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosetta_(spacecraft)
Visitor Map - NOT amateur radio
Usually I can see where visitors to my blog are from. This was very useful to see where hackers were located. This is a map visible only to me. For several days now, this has not been working. It looks like a Google issue, which I hope is soon resolved.
Lately, several things seem to be getting worse. Several of our famous high street shops have closed as we buy more and more online. Our only bank in the village has closed (similar reason). Picasa no longer allows me to send photos, etc. It almost seems we are going backwards!
Lately, several things seem to be getting worse. Several of our famous high street shops have closed as we buy more and more online. Our only bank in the village has closed (similar reason). Picasa no longer allows me to send photos, etc. It almost seems we are going backwards!
No storms?
Looking at the lightning maps, it looks like we are in for a quiet day. The nearest storms are miles away. It is not too hot, but likely to remain dry.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?bo_page=map&bo_showmap=6
See https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/u121rkr90#?date=2018-08-17
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?bo_page=map&bo_showmap=6
See https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/u121rkr90#?date=2018-08-17
10m WSPR TX (500mW)
Although active since breakfast, no spots as yet. It is still early.
UPDATE 0905z: Still no spots.
UPDATE 1944z: EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Islands spotted me 4 times this afternoon. Otherwise no spots at all. Soon be QRT time.
UPDATE 0905z: Still no spots.
UPDATE 1944z: EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Islands spotted me 4 times this afternoon. Otherwise no spots at all. Soon be QRT time.
Sunspots - Friday August 17th 2018
Solar flux is 68 today and the SSN remains 12 (low but not zero!). A=11 and K=2.
6m FT8 RX
Although on since breakfast, not much doing. Just EA1SI (1071km) in northern Spain spotted so far on 6m FT8. This could be Es or could be aircraft reflection.
UPDATE 0912z: Es I think. Now 5 stations spotted in 4 countries with best DX EA7HG (1644km) in southern Spain.
UPDATE 1935z: It definitely feels like the end of the Es season. 8 different in 5 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX today with best DX S01WS (3043km). Soon be QRT time.
UPDATE 0912z: Es I think. Now 5 stations spotted in 4 countries with best DX EA7HG (1644km) in southern Spain.
UPDATE 1935z: It definitely feels like the end of the Es season. 8 different in 5 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX today with best DX S01WS (3043km). Soon be QRT time.
16 Aug 2018
QRT on all bands
The big switch has been pulled and I am now QRT on all bands until tomorrow.
Not sure what bands to try tomorrow. Maybe 6m FT8 RX and 10m WSPR TX.
There is still Es about, but not as much as a few months ago. The main problem now will be fewer stations on as they think the Es season has ended. With FT8, even short openings will be uncovered. Es might still be productive outside of the traditional Es season.
Not sure what bands to try tomorrow. Maybe 6m FT8 RX and 10m WSPR TX.
There is still Es about, but not as much as a few months ago. The main problem now will be fewer stations on as they think the Es season has ended. With FT8, even short openings will be uncovered. Es might still be productive outside of the traditional Es season.
Surprises - NOT amateur radio
In many ways this has been a hard year with several people no longer with us or now living with terrible conditions.
At the same time, we have had the joy of some total surprises! There is little doubt that receiving a total surprise is a great joy. In past years, I have received things through the post. To this day, I have absolutely no idea who sent them. Grateful? You bet. It brings joy to the heart that there are some really kind people around. These are the unsung heroes who take pleasure in seeing other people happy. Thank you. Really, thank you.
If you want to bring joy into someone's life, send them a surprise!
At the same time, we have had the joy of some total surprises! There is little doubt that receiving a total surprise is a great joy. In past years, I have received things through the post. To this day, I have absolutely no idea who sent them. Grateful? You bet. It brings joy to the heart that there are some really kind people around. These are the unsung heroes who take pleasure in seeing other people happy. Thank you. Really, thank you.
If you want to bring joy into someone's life, send them a surprise!
New projects
Someone recently asked me if I had any plans for new projects. Well, at the moment, I have not given this too much thought.
I fancy trying 136 and 472kHz RX with a decent antenna in the form of an E-field probe in the garden in a quiet spot. Up to now I have only tried these bands with compromise antennas and it would be good to find out what I can copy with an EFP in a quiet spot in the garden. Maybe I shall not transmit on MF/LF this autumn and winter?
I also fancy a better try on 4m. This means erecting an antenna for the band as presently I have none. At this QTH I have never been on 4m. 4m FT8 and WSPR could be good.
It is years since I tried 23cm reception.
In the end it will probably be none of these!
I fancy trying 136 and 472kHz RX with a decent antenna in the form of an E-field probe in the garden in a quiet spot. Up to now I have only tried these bands with compromise antennas and it would be good to find out what I can copy with an EFP in a quiet spot in the garden. Maybe I shall not transmit on MF/LF this autumn and winter?
I also fancy a better try on 4m. This means erecting an antenna for the band as presently I have none. At this QTH I have never been on 4m. 4m FT8 and WSPR could be good.
It is years since I tried 23cm reception.
In the end it will probably be none of these!
Disappearing swifts (birds) - NOT amateur radio
Then you realise they are not here. I am sure we'll see more still, but they are moving south. By early September most will have gone. They winter south of the Sahara in Africa.
Funny how I treasure the day when the first swift of the year is seen. To me, it is a sign that life goes on. This year we seem to have had fewer swallows and house martins. Luckily here swift numbers have held up. Several people have erected swift nest boxes.
See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/swift/
10m WSPR TX
Since just before breakfast, I have been on 10m WSPR TX (500mW) with my stand alone WSPR beacon. Just one spot all morning in the form of IU1DZZ (973km). There is still Es, but it is now less common.
In the last hour OY1OF (1164km) in the Faroe Is last been spotting me.
UPDATE 1640z: No spots received since 1228z. What Es there was seems short-lived? In the past I had a theory that later in the season more northerly stations become more commonplace by Es. Not sure if this is true.
UPDATE 1947z: Soon be time to go QRT. In all, 4 different stations spotted my 10m WSPR today.
In the last hour OY1OF (1164km) in the Faroe Is last been spotting me.
UPDATE 1640z: No spots received since 1228z. What Es there was seems short-lived? In the past I had a theory that later in the season more northerly stations become more commonplace by Es. Not sure if this is true.
UPDATE 1947z: Soon be time to go QRT. In all, 4 different stations spotted my 10m WSPR today.
Dahlias - NOT amateur radio
Big VHF beams?
Well, I can just imagine the reaction of my neighbours if I erected this monster in my garden! Southgate News reports on a new dual band 10el beam for 50/70MHz. If towers and big beams are your "thing", then I guess you may be interested.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/august/worlds-longest-50mhz-70mhz-dual-bander.htm#.W3U92fZFzIU
Of course, these monster stations are frequently at the far end of some QRP QSOs, so I have to watch what I say! All I can say is these are not of interest to me. Personally I prefer smaller antennas as do my neighbours.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/august/worlds-longest-50mhz-70mhz-dual-bander.htm#.W3U92fZFzIU
Of course, these monster stations are frequently at the far end of some QRP QSOs, so I have to watch what I say! All I can say is these are not of interest to me. Personally I prefer smaller antennas as do my neighbours.
My other websites - NOT amateur radio
On my main website are links to some of the other websites I maintain. One of these is the Cambridgeshire Choral Group in which my wife sings. They are always on the lookout for new singers, especially male. No auditions are needed and they sing in some great venues in the Cambridge, UK area with a professional orchestra and soloists.
See www.g3xbm.co.uk .
See www.g3xbm.co.uk .
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