3 Oct 2018
Bad back - NOT amateur radio
This occasionally happens, but things usually get back to normal in a few days. For the last day I have been in agony at times when moving as I must have strained a back muscle. Taking Paracetamol seemed to do nothing, but 1 ibuprofen seems to have done the trick. I shall take more later. I have no idea how this happened.
10m FT8
Yet again, I have returned to 10m FT8. I have only been on for a few minutes, but already I have spotted OK1AVV (1029km).
UPDATE 1537z: 3 stations in 3 countries spotted so far on 10m FT8 RX. All EU.
UPDATE 1648z: First South American spotted. PU5WMA (10042km) spotted at 1543z. For 3 days in a row I have copied South America on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1730z: LU5HA (11096km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX. 10m dead?
UPDATE 1838z: No more South American spots. I shall stay on a bit longer, but think that is it for this evening.
UPDATE 1537z: 3 stations in 3 countries spotted so far on 10m FT8 RX. All EU.
UPDATE 1648z: First South American spotted. PU5WMA (10042km) spotted at 1543z. For 3 days in a row I have copied South America on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1730z: LU5HA (11096km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX. 10m dead?
UPDATE 1838z: No more South American spots. I shall stay on a bit longer, but think that is it for this evening.
Conservative Party Conference - NOT amateur radio
For those readers on Mars or outside the UK, the Conservative Party is the party in government, supported by a Northern Ireland party, to give a slim majority. It is led by Theresa May who is Prime Minister.
At the moment the Conservative Party Conference is drawing to a close and Theresa May is due to speak. By the time you read, or skip, this she may have spoken. Her speech last year was a PR disaster with a bad cough and signs falling off the wall behind her.
She could also face a leadership challenge. It is not an enviable position with many in her own party against her over BREXIT. The trouble is who would replace her? We have plenty of people keen, but no-one that stands out as a great leader. All the people "in the wings" come over as weasels - career politicians with them as their main focus, not the good of the UK.
If there was a General Election it is quite possible Labour, led by Jeremy Corbyn, would be elected on a very left wing ticket. Personally, I am more centralist and wish centralists on all sides would try to form a new party
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-45725615
UPDATE 1320z: It happened and passed off without a hitch. Bet she was pleased!
At the moment the Conservative Party Conference is drawing to a close and Theresa May is due to speak. By the time you read, or skip, this she may have spoken. Her speech last year was a PR disaster with a bad cough and signs falling off the wall behind her.
She could also face a leadership challenge. It is not an enviable position with many in her own party against her over BREXIT. The trouble is who would replace her? We have plenty of people keen, but no-one that stands out as a great leader. All the people "in the wings" come over as weasels - career politicians with them as their main focus, not the good of the UK.
If there was a General Election it is quite possible Labour, led by Jeremy Corbyn, would be elected on a very left wing ticket. Personally, I am more centralist and wish centralists on all sides would try to form a new party
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-45725615
UPDATE 1320z: It happened and passed off without a hitch. Bet she was pleased!
MF WSPR last night
Last night I was on 472kHz WSPR again with 10mW ERP and the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
An average night with a new station (at least for this season) spotting me. GM4OAS (653km) and 3 others spotted me. On RX 7 different stations with the best DX again being LA8AV(1035km).
An average night with a new station (at least for this season) spotting me. GM4OAS (653km) and 3 others spotted me. On RX 7 different stations with the best DX again being LA8AV(1035km).
Autumn coming - NOT amateur radio
2m FT8
When in the home, but out of the shack, I tend to go on 2m FT8 often. This is true at the moment. So far today, 8 stations spotted in 4 countries. Not sure if these are aircraft reflections or tropo. Judging by the strengths, I suspect some were tropo and some were off aircraft.
Later this afternoon I shall probably switch to 10m FT8 to see if South Americans are, yet again, spotted.
A few CQ calls were not spotted at all, which is quite unusual. Perhaps there are less people monitoring 2m FT8?
UPDATE 1126z: A CQ on 2m FT8 (2.5W) was spotted again by no-one. On 2m FT8 RX 18 stations in 5 countries spotted so far.
UPDATE 1316z: Mystery solved!! After several CQ calls on 2m FT8, I was wondering why no-one was spotting me. I went into the shack, called CQ and monitored the power - nothing! In the end I discovered the FT817ND was set to USB and not DIG so it was looking for audio via the mic rather than data lead. After changing the setting both modulation and power appeared and 3 spots immediately followed. Doh! Best DX on 2m FT8 TX (2.5W to the omni antenna) is G4RRA (334km) in Devon.
UPDATE 1330z: Best DX on 2m FT8 RX is DJ6AG (689km) in Lower Saxony, Germany. So far today, 22 stations in 6 countries on 2m FT8 RX.
Later this afternoon I shall probably switch to 10m FT8 to see if South Americans are, yet again, spotted.
A few CQ calls were not spotted at all, which is quite unusual. Perhaps there are less people monitoring 2m FT8?
UPDATE 1126z: A CQ on 2m FT8 (2.5W) was spotted again by no-one. On 2m FT8 RX 18 stations in 5 countries spotted so far.
UPDATE 1316z: Mystery solved!! After several CQ calls on 2m FT8, I was wondering why no-one was spotting me. I went into the shack, called CQ and monitored the power - nothing! In the end I discovered the FT817ND was set to USB and not DIG so it was looking for audio via the mic rather than data lead. After changing the setting both modulation and power appeared and 3 spots immediately followed. Doh! Best DX on 2m FT8 TX (2.5W to the omni antenna) is G4RRA (334km) in Devon.
UPDATE 1330z: Best DX on 2m FT8 RX is DJ6AG (689km) in Lower Saxony, Germany. So far today, 22 stations in 6 countries on 2m FT8 RX.
2m UKAC RSGB activity contest
In the October leg of the 2m UKAC RSGB activity contest, I made 6 QSOs in the short time I was on. Best DX was G6DOD/P (216km) on the Isle of Wight. As usual I was using 5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.
2 Oct 2018
MF WSPR
After the 2m contest I QSYed to 472kHz (630m) WSPR. So far, the usual suspects copying my 10mW ERP and the same stations being copied.
2m activity contest this evening
The October leg of the 2m activity contest (UKAC) organised by the RSGB starts at 1900z this evening. I usually enter and send a log in, although I rarely stay on long because of my poor voice. 30-60 minutes and I am done in!
I run 5W to my big-wheel omni antenna. These days, I seem to work (or get spotted) far further with 2m FT8, which does not strain my voice. Most contests I work out to about 200km on SSB. My best is much further.
As I have said many times before, this is a very friendly contest with lots of activity. If you don't want to, there is no compulsion to send in a log. It is a great chance to work a few new stations and squares. As I usually work fewer than 10 stations it is quick to transcribe my logs.
UPDATE 2040z: I was late on tonight and could not stop on long. 6 stations worked in 5 squares with 5W and the omni antenna. I have yet to work out the best DX.
I run 5W to my big-wheel omni antenna. These days, I seem to work (or get spotted) far further with 2m FT8, which does not strain my voice. Most contests I work out to about 200km on SSB. My best is much further.
As I have said many times before, this is a very friendly contest with lots of activity. If you don't want to, there is no compulsion to send in a log. It is a great chance to work a few new stations and squares. As I usually work fewer than 10 stations it is quick to transcribe my logs.
UPDATE 2040z: I was late on tonight and could not stop on long. 6 stations worked in 5 squares with 5W and the omni antenna. I have yet to work out the best DX.
Return to 10m FT8
After a few hours on 2m, I have returned to 10m FT8 and already spotted loads of EU stations and had a few 2-way QSOs. Will 10m open to South America later?
A CQ (2.5W) was spotted by CS7AOL (1457km) and a QSO resulted.
UPDATE 1650z: So far today, 36 stations in 10 EU countries spotted on 10m FT8. 10m dead?
UPDATE 1752z: Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is currently ZD7GWM (7605km) on St Helena.
UPDATE 1818z: So far today 46 stations spotted in 12 countries and 3 continents today on 10m FT8. Hardly dead!
UPDATE 1856z: Already a couple of South American stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX this evening. So far, 51 stations spotted in 14 countries.
A CQ (2.5W) was spotted by CS7AOL (1457km) and a QSO resulted.
UPDATE 1650z: So far today, 36 stations in 10 EU countries spotted on 10m FT8. 10m dead?
UPDATE 1752z: Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is currently ZD7GWM (7605km) on St Helena.
UPDATE 1818z: So far today 46 stations spotted in 12 countries and 3 continents today on 10m FT8. Hardly dead!
UPDATE 1856z: Already a couple of South American stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX this evening. So far, 51 stations spotted in 14 countries.
2m FT8
Just before lunch I switched to 2m FT8 (2.5W to the omni antenna). No QSOs but yet again I was spotted by G7RAU (461km) on The Lizard in Cornwall and by GW3ATZ (248km) in north Wales. I shall probably stick with 2m FT8 until late this afternoon when I'll probably return to 10m FT8.
OFCOM Communications Monthly
Apparently OFCOM has issued its latest monthly update. In my email the header says September. In the email body it says August. Well, I guess this is not bad for primary school children.
I cannot give you the link as I could not see it in the email.
I cannot give you the link as I could not see it in the email.
Trump and drink - NOT amateur radio
At least he is sober with that nuclear trigger. Otherwise, do we care?
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-45713170/trump-i-d-be-the-world-s-worst-drinker
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-45713170/trump-i-d-be-the-world-s-worst-drinker
That IC7300 fan...
Well, it seems the IC7300 fan questions remains unanswered. Unless I am told the fan is a non-issue, I shall delay buying one.
As I said in my comment, as soon as I buy a 100W version, they will CE approve and sell the QRP version in the UK for £799 and the IC7300 price will drop to £999!
As I said in my comment, as soon as I buy a 100W version, they will CE approve and sell the QRP version in the UK for £799 and the IC7300 price will drop to £999!
Back on 10m FT8 again
Yesterday was good on 10m FT8 with some 2-way QSOs, quite a few UK and Europeans spotted and then 8 South Americans spotted in the evening.
Today I am back on 10m FT8, mainly RX but with the odd CQ (2.5W). So far one 9A spotted and my own signal spotted by M0ZWW (127km) in Coventry.
UPDATE 1036z: Well, my 10m FT8 CQ a few minutes ago was spotted by 9A6W (1541km). Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is EA5RR (1584km). 10m still has propagation, although few realise!
UPDATE 1058z: Plenty of spots of my 10m FT8 2.5W CQs. See photo.
Today I am back on 10m FT8, mainly RX but with the odd CQ (2.5W). So far one 9A spotted and my own signal spotted by M0ZWW (127km) in Coventry.
UPDATE 1036z: Well, my 10m FT8 CQ a few minutes ago was spotted by 9A6W (1541km). Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is EA5RR (1584km). 10m still has propagation, although few realise!
UPDATE 1058z: Plenty of spots of my 10m FT8 2.5W CQs. See photo.
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| Spots of my 10m FT8 CQs (2.5W) this morning |
1 Oct 2018
IC7300 fan questions (again)
Basically, these questions were asked a few weeks ago, but I did not get a decent reply. If you know the answer(s) please post them here or send me an email.
My basic questions are about the IC7300 fan noise. As a confirmed QRPer it is very unlikely high power would be used. Mostly 10W or less would be used if I bought one. It is by no means certain I shall buy one.
My questions are these:
My basic questions are about the IC7300 fan noise. As a confirmed QRPer it is very unlikely high power would be used. Mostly 10W or less would be used if I bought one. It is by no means certain I shall buy one.
My questions are these:
- Is the IC7300 fan noisy?
- If operating at well below maximum power does the fan run quieter?
- Does the fan only operate when the rig gets hot?
- Does the fan only operate on TX?
On the IC706, which I briefly owned, the fan was very annoying. I have seen mods to change the IC7300 fan to a quieter one, but I would be reluctant to do this on a radio still under guarantee. Running at way below maximum power, I may be unnecessarily worried.
If you can help, please let me know.
Big skies - NOT amateur radio
The photo was taken from a moving car about 1 mile from our home in Cambridgeshire.
Autumn apples - NOT amateur radio
Solar data
Early every month I take a look at the latest solar data. As yet, my source has not been updated with the summary for September.
We are approaching the next solar minimum so we can expect long periods when the sun will be spotless. This could well go on into 2021. The next minimum will probably be 2020. I also keep a watchful eye on predictions for cycle 25. The last forecast was expecting cycle 25 to be similar to cycle 24.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
UPDATE 1552z: The data for September is now there. At the moment, the forecast is that we are already very close to the solar minimum. The next few months will give us a better idea. One of the graphs shows us already at solar minimum. Let's hope this is right.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png
We are approaching the next solar minimum so we can expect long periods when the sun will be spotless. This could well go on into 2021. The next minimum will probably be 2020. I also keep a watchful eye on predictions for cycle 25. The last forecast was expecting cycle 25 to be similar to cycle 24.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
UPDATE 1552z: The data for September is now there. At the moment, the forecast is that we are already very close to the solar minimum. The next few months will give us a better idea. One of the graphs shows us already at solar minimum. Let's hope this is right.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png
More problems for the Chinese?
In a report today on Southgate News I see that New Zealand is trying to put a stop to the illegal import of unlicenced radios that can go outside amateur bands. This could impact people like Baofeng who sell cheap wideband radios. There is also a clamp-down in the USA.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/october/update-on-the-prohibition-of-unrestricted-two-way-radios-in-new-zealand.htm#.W7HlHvZFzIU
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/october/update-on-the-prohibition-of-unrestricted-two-way-radios-in-new-zealand.htm#.W7HlHvZFzIU
10m FT8
For a change, I am on 10m FT8 (2.5W), mostly RX with the occasional CQ. So far, no spots of others and 1 spot of me from GM4WJA (624km). Not sure of the propagation mode.
UPDATE 1025z: No further 10m FT8 spots on RX or TX.
UPDATE 1107z: A surprise FT8 QSO (in answer to my CQ call) with CS7AOL (1457km). No other spots.
UPDATE 1505z: 5 stations in 4 countries spotted on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1542z: I am again calling CQ (2.5W). The impression I am getting is that transient E layer openings are still occurring, albeit less frequently than in the peak Es months, but there are fewer people on now: I guess they think 10m is "dead" and look elsewhere sadly. At least with FT8 it concentrates activity and works with weak signals. As long as the station is there for 15 seconds, it gets spotted.
UPDATE 1907z: Several more Europeans spotted plus several South Americans (8). Sadly, no-one has spotted my CQs from outside Europe except EA8CYL (2990km) in the Canary Is off Africa.
UPDATE 1025z: No further 10m FT8 spots on RX or TX.
UPDATE 1107z: A surprise FT8 QSO (in answer to my CQ call) with CS7AOL (1457km). No other spots.
UPDATE 1505z: 5 stations in 4 countries spotted on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1542z: I am again calling CQ (2.5W). The impression I am getting is that transient E layer openings are still occurring, albeit less frequently than in the peak Es months, but there are fewer people on now: I guess they think 10m is "dead" and look elsewhere sadly. At least with FT8 it concentrates activity and works with weak signals. As long as the station is there for 15 seconds, it gets spotted.
UPDATE 1907z: Several more Europeans spotted plus several South Americans (8). Sadly, no-one has spotted my CQs from outside Europe except EA8CYL (2990km) in the Canary Is off Africa.
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| Where my 2.5W 10m FT8 was spotted today |
 |
| Stations spotted on 10m FT8 today |
Overnight on MF WSPR
8 unique spots of my 10mW ERP 472kHz WSPR over night, with best DX a spot from PA3ABK (306km).
30 Sept 2018
472kHz WSPR
I have now QSYed to 472kHz (630m) WSPR transceive with 10mW from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
My 10m WSPR beacon is (for now) still TXing.
My 10m WSPR beacon is (for now) still TXing.
PSK Reporter
Personally I find PSK reporter maps very useful. Calling CQ on 2m FT8 QRP I often get no QSOs, but a look at the map shows that actually I was reaching many stations in several countries.
See https://www.pskreporter.info/pskmap.html
See https://www.pskreporter.info/pskmap.html
5G spectrum
Our high microwave allocations are under threat as possible spectrum is allocated for 5G. According to Southgate News the FCC is to auction 24GHz and 47GHz spectrum. The RSGB has made complaints already about UK 5G allocations.
If 5G is to use 47GHz, they will need masts on every street!! At least microwave parts should be cheap.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/september/fcc-24-and-47-ghz-5g-spectrum-auction.htm#.W7CJdfZFzIU
If 5G is to use 47GHz, they will need masts on every street!! At least microwave parts should be cheap.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/september/fcc-24-and-47-ghz-5g-spectrum-auction.htm#.W7CJdfZFzIU
10m WSPR
As the antenna is free I am on 10m WSPR TX (500mW) again, but no spots so far.
UPDATE 1050z: Just a spot by DK6UG (633km) so far today on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1357z: Two spots received today. In addition to DK6UG, IZ3LCH (1149km) has spotted me.
UPDATE 1050z: Just a spot by DK6UG (633km) so far today on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1357z: Two spots received today. In addition to DK6UG, IZ3LCH (1149km) has spotted me.
Early morning mist - NOT amateur radio
One of our grandaughters - NOT amateur radio
Our granddaughter likes dancing and has a fine voice when she sings. The photo shows her in her front garden.
2m FT8
As I was away most of yesterday l stayed on 2m FT8 overnight. Currently 37 different stations spotted in the last 12 hours with a couple of stations in northernmost Spain.
UPDATE 1044z: Well, I was copied with my 2.5W to an omni in NW Spain on 2m! So far today, 44 stations in 6 countries spotted on 2m FT8 RX. EA1UR (1192km) is my best DX on RX and TX. After replying to my CQ he was lost in QSB.
UPDATE 1425z: Now 57 stations in 7 countries spotted on 2m FT8 RX today so far.
UPDATE 1452z: A recent 2m FT8 CQ (2.5W to the omni) resulted in no QSOs, but I was spotted (again) by G7RAU (461km) and GI6ATZ (479km), as well as others. On FT8 it seems the impossible is possible.
UPDATE 1044z: Well, I was copied with my 2.5W to an omni in NW Spain on 2m! So far today, 44 stations in 6 countries spotted on 2m FT8 RX. EA1UR (1192km) is my best DX on RX and TX. After replying to my CQ he was lost in QSB.
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| Note the station in NW Spain who copied my QRP 2m signal |
UPDATE 1452z: A recent 2m FT8 CQ (2.5W to the omni) resulted in no QSOs, but I was spotted (again) by G7RAU (461km) and GI6ATZ (479km), as well as others. On FT8 it seems the impossible is possible.
29 Sept 2018
2m FT8
We have just got back from seeing our son's family in Kent and I decided to try 2m FT8.
Best DX spot for my 2.5W CQ to my big-wheel was M0MST (162km). On 2m FT8 RX the best DX so far is DJ6AG (689km). So far, 6 stations in 3 countries spotted.
UPDATE 2016z: Now 28 stations in 8 countries with best DX on 2m FT8 RX EA1UR (1195km) in north west Spain.
Best DX spot for my 2.5W CQ to my big-wheel was M0MST (162km). On 2m FT8 RX the best DX so far is DJ6AG (689km). So far, 6 stations in 3 countries spotted.
UPDATE 2016z: Now 28 stations in 8 countries with best DX on 2m FT8 RX EA1UR (1195km) in north west Spain.
Sunspots - Saturday September 29th 2018
Solar flux is 66 (very low) and the sunspot number zero. A=8 and K=2.
28 Sept 2018
QRT on all bands
At about 2015z I pulled the big switch and went QRT on all bands. I should be back on later tomorrow. 2m FT8 was great and there was even some activity on 10m FT8.
National Hamfest (Newark)
Friday and Saturday is the National Hamfest in Newark. This is the biggest rally in the UK. The main dealers will be there with some bargains. Among them is MLS. If you are after a deal, now is probably a good time.
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/
10m WSPR TX (500mW)
Although active for several hours, no spots as yet.
UPDATE 1624z: Six spots this morning by EA8BFK (2880km). I guess this is F2.
UPDATE 1624z: Six spots this morning by EA8BFK (2880km). I guess this is F2.
2m FT8
A CQ call (2.5W to the omni) just before breakfast was spotted by 5 stations in 2 countries. Yet again G7RAU (461km) in IN79 square copied me. This never seems to fail. Currently I am RX only.
UPDATE 1158z: At present 16 stations in 4 countries spotted so far on 2m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1600z: 22 stations in 5 countries now on 2m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1830z: 29 stations in 7 countries today on 2m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1915z: 32 stations in 7 countries today with best DX DJ6AG (689km).
UPDATE 1158z: At present 16 stations in 4 countries spotted so far on 2m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1600z: 22 stations in 5 countries now on 2m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1830z: 29 stations in 7 countries today on 2m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1915z: 32 stations in 7 countries today with best DX DJ6AG (689km).
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