x80 antenna

A few days ago I mentioned that my HF antenna (a Par end-fed) had blown down. Sadly these days I need help with antennas as my ladder skills (even on to a flat garage roof) are probably beyond me safely.

In the garage I have an almost mint x80 antenna fed with a 9:1 un-un. Reports of these vary with some saying they can break in winds. For now, when I have got a suitable support, I shall probably erect one as it should give reasonable performance on the higher HF bands. At the old QTH, albeit higher, it worked quite well.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/x80

That solar minimum - or is it?

We have had several weeks now with no sunspots. As I mentioned before the "experts" seem divided about when the solar minimum will be. One forecast thinks we have already passed the minimum whereas another thinks we have several years to go still! Only time will tell. In another year we will be able to discern a trend. Luckily bands like 10m are being livened up with Es propagation.

Frustration - NOT amateur radio

"Mustn't grumble".

Since my 2013 stroke physically most people think I am fully recovered. On the whole this is a good thing and I am grateful: things could have been so much worse. My main disabilities are my poor voice and feeling giddy all the time when on my feet.

The poor voice is a real drawback. Often I have to repeat myself several times and this is exhausting. I get really frustrated when I need to explain myself, but know the energy to be expended is too much. In casual conversations it is easier to remain quiet. I miss just joining in to casual chats.

What few understand is how much energy I use just to appear normal. Walking and driving are exhausting. To most I look just fine, yet I am clumsy and nearly always exhausted. Life is tougher than it once was, but "mustn't grumble".

As I have said before, do not judge a book by its cover. Often people who look or behave "normally" may be suffering in silence.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/stroke

6m FT8

There is Es about already on 6m FT8 RX with 10 stations spotted including 2 from Spain even though it is just 0820z. Yesterday there were loads of stations on 6m FT8, although nothing exotic.

UPDATE 1620z: Now 56 stations in 12 countries on 6m FT8 RX today.  At the moment things don't look as good as yesterday on 6m.

UPDATE 1646z:  Now 81 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX with CU3AK (2585km) in the Azores spotted just now.

UPDATE 1825z: "Real 6m DX!!" with KP4EIT (6834km) in Puerto Rico copied. As he has been

6m FT8 RX spots this here to 1825z

widely reported in North America and Europe I am pretty sure he is genuine. Also spotted was Israel and right across Europe on 6m FT8 RX with 135 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX so far today.

UPDATE 1945z: Now 147 stations in 30 countries on 6m FT8 RX. It seems it has got better later in the day.

UPDATE 2010z: Now FG8OJ (6834km) on Guadaloupe coming through on 6m FT8 RX. This is the second Caribbean station spotted on 6m this evening. 149 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX today so far.

UPDATE 2053z: Now 4 Caribbean stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX this evening. 153 stations now spotted.

Sunspots - Sunday June 9th 2019

Solar flux is 68 and the SSN still zero. A=18 and K=4.

Angry sky

Today is our church fete. Traditionally, it never rained on this June Saturday, so much so that people used to ring up the vicar and ask him the date of the church fete and book that day for a wedding!

In recent years we have had a few wet days and today they had most of the stalls inside the church.

The rain held off, but the sky looked angry. The photos show an angry sky behind my antennas (V2000 vertical omni and 2m big-wheel horizontal omni).

6m FT8

Although it is only 1001z, already good Es on 6m FT8 with  43 stations in 14 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1212z: Now 78 stations in 23 countries so far today on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1438z: Now 174 stations spotted including Egypt and Israel on 6m FT8 RX today.

Stations spotted today on 

6m FT8 RX to 1448z

UPDATE 1453z: Current total is 180 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX today. With loads of Europeans and 3 continents logged on 6m today things are pretty good. Just need some "real DX" to round things off. 😏

UPDATE 1920z: 218 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX. Still no "real DX" spotted here.

Sunspots - Saturday June 8th 2019

Still the pits I am afraid.

Solar flux is 68 and the sunspot number still 0. A=4 and K=1.

Storms moving our way?

At the moment we are storm free, but it looks like there are storms moving up from the west of the UK. They may miss us by miles, but I have turned things off and unplugged things as a precaution.

See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?bo_page=map&bo_showmap=6

HF antenna

A few weeks ago my HF wire antenna fell down. At some point soon I need to re-erect it or a suitable alternative. There are several possibilities. Unfortunately, since my 2013 stroke I am always giddy on my feet, so even climbing a few feet up a ladder to my flat garage roof is now a real challenge. Darn!

UK pound against the euro - NOT amateur radio

We live in turbulent economic times. In recent weeks the UK pound has lost value against the euro and could lose more the longer the BREXIT uncertainty continues. It is hard to predict the future.

Buying a new radio

For some time now, I have been thinking of investing in a new radio. I was really after a real FT817 replacement (not the FT818) with a built-in auto ATU, speech processor and better batteries amongst other things. Sadly no such rig was announced at Dayton, so it is on to plan B.

Several rigs are being considered:

• FT991A - includes 2m and 70cm, temperature controlled fan, 3:1 internal ATU.
• IC7300 - probably best radio in price range. Has 4m, but not 2m and 70cm. SDR based. Good ATU inside.
• FT891 -  small, inexpensive. No 4m, 2m or 70cm. No ATU.
• FT450D - old radio. Inexpensive. Internal 3:1 ATU. No 4m, 2m, 70cm.
• IC7100 - recommended by friend. Remote head if need be.

In the UK Elecraft radios are expensive once things like the internal ATU are added. These are good.

All new Yaesu transceivers have a 3 year warranty and some models have a cash-back deal. At the moment I am leaning towards the FT991A, although there are some reports of poor TX phase noise. As I shall be operating QRP mainly, I have no idea if this is better at lower power.

Anglesey Abbey - NOT amateur radio

We go to nearby Anglesey Abbey quite often. It is about 4-5 miles away. At the moment the flowers in the herbaceous borders are at their best.

A walk around the grounds is about 1.2 miles. The photo shows some of the pastel coloured flowers.

UK politics - NOT amateur radio

The UK Labour Party managed to win a byelection in Peterborough. It already held the seat.

At the moment UK politics is in a right mess. I cannot foresee the future and have no idea about how the BREXIT "thing" will be resolved. Clearly, a large number of people are fed up with the EU. Equally, quite a large minority see what the EU can do for us. If only the EU had been more flexible.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48532869

6m FT8

So far this morning 7 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX with best DX DM2DXA (892km).

UPDATE 1022z:  Now 25 stations in 7 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX today. Evidence of Es again.

UPDATE 1144z: Now 32 stations in 7 countries spotted this morning on 6m FT8 RX.
.
UPDATE 1347z: Now 44 stations in 10 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1543z: 60 stations in 15 countries so far spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1902z: 70 stations in 15 countries spotted in the last day on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1940z: Now QRT.

Sunspots - Friday June 7th 2019

Solar flux is 68 and the sun is still spotless. By now I was hoping we'd see a few sunspots. A=3 and K=1.

Rallies

Sunday 9 JUNE : JUNCTION 28 RADIO RALLY

Alfreton Leisure Centre, Alfreton, Derbyshire. Doors open 10.15am (traders' setup from 7.30am). Admission £3. Run by South Normanton & Alfreton & District ARC. There will be full disabled facilities and a bar selling alcoholic, hot and cold beverages, and a selection of cobs on the day. Hot food also available in the on-site café. Free parking on the day. Over 100 tables all indoors with dealers & private traders, RSGB, local & national clubs. New rigs and accessories to vintage, spares and components. For further details contact Alan Jones, snadarcsec@gmail.com or 01332 679 913.


Sunday 9 JUNE : EAST SUFFOLK WIRELESS REVIVAL (Ipswich Radio Rally)

Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW (just off the A14). Doors open at 9.30am and the entry fee for visitors is £2. The venue has free car parking. Trade tables are from £10. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, a Bring & 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.

Amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

Some time ago our French daughter-in-law gave us a bulb. We planted it in the garden and forgot about it.

Today it is in full flower and looking splendid. It was recently moved onto our patio by a friend (Richard) who looked after some plants when we were on holiday. According to the RHS website we have been using the wrong name! These are magical plants with huge flowers. You can almost see them growing.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaryllis

OFCOM chief executive to stand down

No, I did not know who she was either.

Apparently the current chief executive of OFCOM is to leave for a job with John Lewis and Partners. I am sure she will be greatly missed.

See https://ofcom.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/i/E4E859444D2787B12540EF23F30FEDED/952AB8F022CBFC94BA4AF9908B8D85ED

6m FT8

At the moment there is good Es on 6m, even though it is only 0832z. In all, 22 stations have been spotted already and even my 2.5W CQ call was spotted by a couple of stations with M0CGL (107km) being the best so far. On RX, the best DX is Portugal.

UPDATE 0930z: Already 47 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX with best DX EA8DBM (3016km).

UPDATE 1458z: Now 133 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX with best DX being 9K2HS (4634km) in Kuwait.

UPDATE 1905z: Now 167 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.

Kite (bird) - NOT amateur radio

Over breakfast I spotted an unusual bird overhead, so I grabbed my glasses. It was a kite, the second seen from our home. Years ago, this would have been exceedingly rare, but not so any longer. If I had been quicker I could have got a great picture with the blue sky and windmill. I was too slow!

472kHz overnight

We are definitely seeing summertime activity and conditions. Only 2 stations spotted here on 472kHz WSPR overnight, and these were actually spotted first in the early evening yesterday. Until the autumn, I suspect I am rather wasting my time.

472kHz WSPR here overnight - disappointing

Sunspots - Thursday June 6th 2019

Solar flux is 70 and the SSN still 0. As the more active side swings into view I hope we see some spots. A=4 and K=1

472kHz WSPR

The last time I was on 472kHz WSPR, not a single station spotted me, despite being on overnight. At about 1810z, I went back on 472kHz WSPR (20% TX, 10mW ERP, remainder on RX) hoping for better luck!

I guess the summer QRN is higher now and there are far fewer active stations on the band. Both factors make copying a weak QRPP signal much harder. Using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground, I still have a low noise floor.

Amazingly, I have already been spotted today on 472kHz WSPR by G4GIR (53km) who was also spotted here.

My new radio

Still thinking....

At the moment these are under consideration:

• FT991A - probably not the best, but with a thermally controlled fan, 2m and 70cm and ATU.
• IC7300 - SDR based. Probably the best radio and with 4m, but no 2m and 70cm and (possibly) noisy fan. Good ATU with wide range.
• FT891 - much cheaper but with no 2m or 70cm. Gets good reviews.
• FT450D - older and without 2m and 70cm. Inexpensive.

Or nothing!

At the moment the FT991A is probably the best for me. If I am buying, it will be this month.

Cooking - NOT amateur radio

Our elder granddaughter loves cooking and completely makes herself at home in the kitchen. This is how we like it.

We hope, in years to come, all our grandchildren look back on these days with fondness.

D-Day anniversary - NOT amateur radio

My father was a Pathfinder. He flew night raids over Germany in WW2 in Lancaster bombers. He rarely spoke of these days. I am sure my dad , and many others, was badly affected by the horrors of war.

With the anniversary this week of the D-Day landings I think the fear these brave people had must have been truly, almost unimaginably, horrific. As they landed on those beaches they must have known there was a high chance of being killed or wounded. No, these were very brave people and it is little surprise these horrors were too much for many to talk about.

Every night that my dad flew over Germany, my mother and grandmother must have been terrified. No wonder he loved his golf on the Devon clifftops.

OFCOM to share some spectrum at 8GHz and 26GHz

I am so thrilled. Said with a good dose of sarcasm. OFCOM is to make available some microwave frequencies.

The mystery of life - NOT amateur radio

Once in a while I post a philosophical question on this blog. I am no philosopher!

When we die those of a religious persuasion believe in some kind of life after death.  Those without a religious belief tend to believe life ceases and we just cease to exist.

Now, all we know is how little we know. We can experience only through our senses. In the last 150 years we realise how easily we cannot rely on our senses. As an example think of quantum mechanics which can be very counter-intuitive. All we can be sure about is how little we know.

There are so many things that we simply do not understand and probably can never know or understand. Human consciousness is perhaps the ultimate mystery.

Something tells me there is so much we cannot know.

6m FT8 RX

Even though it is just 0830z, 10 stations in 4 countries spotted already on 6m FT8 RX. There is some early Es about with best DX spotted so far being HA7TM (1429km).

UPDATE 0937z: So far this morning 15 stations in 5 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1322z: Now 39 stations in 11 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1756z: Now 60 stations in 14 countries (all EU) spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.

160m FT8 RX

Although I remained on 160m FT8 RX overnight, there were fewer EUs active than previously and no "real DX" on the band.

Electric Cars - NOT amateur radio

As mentioned a few days ago, my view is this is still not quite a mature technology. Once ranges are improved, I am still convinced there will be a "tipping point", although we are not there yet. Batteries based on lithium may not be the answer. Maybe we need a new technology that is truly green?

Sunspots - Wednesday June 5th 2019

Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number. A=4and K=1.

160m FT8 RX

Overnight, I shall be on 160m FT8 RX again. Now darkness has fallen Europeans are starting to come through, although it is unlikely stations "across the pond" will appear. Currently my best DX on 160m FT8 this evening is OM7DX (1325km). Still using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

UPDATE 2137z: Now 21 stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX this evening with best DX R7PL (3468km) in Chechnya.

2m activity contest

This evening was the monthly 2m leg of the RSGB's activity contest(UKAC), that I missed last month as I was on holiday.

Again, my poor voice did not help and I could only stay on for about 50 minutes only. My 5W to the big-wheel omni netted me some decent QSOs as the map shows.

New radio

As the photo shows, I decided to pass on the IC7300 and FT991A and buy some modern gear instead. The picture shows me demonstrating it to a few old friends. 😉

Anglo-Saxons - NOT amateur radio

At the weekend we took 2 of our young grandchildren to West Stow where there is a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village. The theme was Anglo-Saxon food.  Despite the looks on our grandson's face, he actually enjoyed it! We also ate in the café there and were served by very friendly staff. My wife said the fruit scone was one of the best she had ever had.

One of their drinks was dandelion coffee. We made some years ago and it was actually very good.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion_coffee

OFCOM monthly update

Every month OFCOM issues an update to its Communications Monthly. This summarises the main numbers that matter.

BREXIT - NOT amateur radio

We have the US president on a state visit to the UK giving his usual "helpful" advice. Without his help we are already in a mess with the ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour parties both deeply divided over the EU. Also the Conservatives are to elect a new leader and Prime Minister when Theresa May leaves soon.

Honestly, we are deeply divided over the EU and I see no easy answers. If I could hibernate I should do so for 10 years to see how this works out. If only the EU had been a little more flexible. With the rise of right wing parties maybe they will soon face a stark choice: modify how the EU works or face its break-up.

4m (70MHz)

It is many years since I went, briefly, on 70MHz with a homebrew QRP transverter and a wire dipole. Even with this some impressive inter-G DX was worked. The transverter featured in GQRP SPRAT. It is also on my website.  If I buy a new radio it is unlikely to include 70MHz.

See www.70mhz.org .