3 Nov 2019
2 Nov 2019
Brain fog - NOT amateur radio
This may be old age creeping up, but I think it is another artefact of my 2013 stroke.
I am nearly always tired and my brain feels foggy, as if living in a bit of a daze. Of course, others are unaware, but I find physical or mental tasks much harder. Years ago, with a clear head, I would apply logical thinking to problems. It is much harder now.
I am nearly always tired and my brain feels foggy, as if living in a bit of a daze. Of course, others are unaware, but I find physical or mental tasks much harder. Years ago, with a clear head, I would apply logical thinking to problems. It is much harder now.
Intermittent?
When fiddling with the split mode on my FT817ND I noticed no antenna current on 472kHz from my transverter. When I went back some hours later I checked the 3.2MHz oscillator was running by listening on another rig - it was. To my relief the antenna current was normal. Then it disappeared again. My brain was too foggy to investigate, but it looks like an intermittent in the antenna matching. I shall investigate tomorrow and make a few soldered connections.
Finger trouble with FT817ND?
For reasons I do not understand "split" seems to be working again on the FT817ND. I have not done anything, so perhaps it only works from just one of the VFOs? Anyway, with luck, I can be RX and TX on 472kHz WSPR again tonight. Mystery.
Without "split" my operation on 472kHz was restricted to TX or RX sessions. Now, I should be able to go TX for 25% of the time and RX for 75%.
UPDATE 1758z: Well the "split" ICON is back, but I cannot get it to program! This may be me (finger trouble) or a real hardware fault.
Without "split" my operation on 472kHz was restricted to TX or RX sessions. Now, I should be able to go TX for 25% of the time and RX for 75%.
UPDATE 1758z: Well the "split" ICON is back, but I cannot get it to program! This may be me (finger trouble) or a real hardware fault.
Rain - NOT amateur radio
Today looks like it will be "the pits" of a day. Already it is raining heavily and there is strong wind forecast. A good day to stay home!
MLS "deals"?
As usual, MLS has sent me an email with their deals this weekend. I am not exactly excited.
The FT991A is selling at £1189.95 after a £135 cashback. Seems to me like a price hike has been slipped in and this is not a great deal.
The FT991A is selling at £1189.95 after a £135 cashback. Seems to me like a price hike has been slipped in and this is not a great deal.
ICOM IC-705 transceiver
As many already know, I am a keen QRP man and low power suits me fine. In the past, very few radios have excited me, but the ICOM IC-705 does. When it eventually appears in the UK (late 2020?) I can see myself getting one.
It is 5W from the attached battery and 10W from an external PSU. It covers 160m-70cm including 4m in the European version. This is SDR based like the IC7300 and well suited to my sort of operating. My main bands are 10m, 6m and 2m using FT8.
I can see it appearing in Japan first and then in the USA and Europe. I hope they add an auto ATU in the production units as this seems an omission in a rig that is supposed to be used in the field. Maybe they should make it slightly deeper and include this and a better heatsink?
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/ic705
It is 5W from the attached battery and 10W from an external PSU. It covers 160m-70cm including 4m in the European version. This is SDR based like the IC7300 and well suited to my sort of operating. My main bands are 10m, 6m and 2m using FT8.
I can see it appearing in Japan first and then in the USA and Europe. I hope they add an auto ATU in the production units as this seems an omission in a rig that is supposed to be used in the field. Maybe they should make it slightly deeper and include this and a better heatsink?
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/ic705
472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP) overnight
Last night was good with spots from Norway and Finbar in the north of Eire. Altogether very satisfying. The table is in distance order and shows the stations who spotted me in the last 12 hours on 472kHz WSPR.
Mud - NOT amateur radio
10m FT8
Although a recent FT8 CQ call on 10m was spotted by no-one, I have already spotted 7 stations on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1030z: Now 23 stations in 8 countries spotted here on 10m FT8 RX in the last couple of hours. So far, all are Europeans.
UPDATE 1255z: 52 stations spotted this morning on 10m FT8. A recent 10m FT8 CQ was spotted by no-one, which rather surprised me.
UPDATE 1530z: Still 52 stations spotted, suggesting that whatever sort of opening we had is now over. A recent 10m FT8 CQ again was spotted by no-one.
UPDATE 1030z: Now 23 stations in 8 countries spotted here on 10m FT8 RX in the last couple of hours. So far, all are Europeans.
UPDATE 1255z: 52 stations spotted this morning on 10m FT8. A recent 10m FT8 CQ was spotted by no-one, which rather surprised me.
UPDATE 1530z: Still 52 stations spotted, suggesting that whatever sort of opening we had is now over. A recent 10m FT8 CQ again was spotted by no-one.
Sunspots - Saturday November 2nd 2019
Sunspots return!
Solar flux is 71 and the sunspot number 11. It looks as if the more active side of the sun is now visible again. A=4 and K=0.
Solar flux is 71 and the sunspot number 11. It looks as if the more active side of the sun is now visible again. A=4 and K=0.
1 Nov 2019
Revised solar data
My favourite site for solar data was updated today. The candidate for sunspot minimum was June 2019. If correct, we can expect conditions to improve, on average, for several years. Of course, it is still too early to be sure.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
5MHz newsletter
Southgate News reports that the 5MHz newsletter is now available for free download. I have tried 5MHz WSPR in the past.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/november/latest-edition-of-5-mhz-newsletter.htm
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/november/latest-edition-of-5-mhz-newsletter.htm
472kHz WSPR TX
Yet again I am on 472kHz WSPR TX for the evening and overnight running 10mW ERP. So far 10 stations have spotted me with best DX being PA3FNY (330km)
472kHz (630m) WSPR TX overnight
Not a bad night with my 10mW ERP being copied by 15 stations (see table). Norway was not reached again last night, but a fair smattering of reports.
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13 of the 15 stations spotting my
10mW ERP on 472kHz WSPR overnight
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10m FT8
Today, I am on 10m FT8 with a bit more power (around 15W). A recent 10m FT8 CQ at about 0900z was spotted by no-one, but on RX a couple of stations already spotted with best DX spotted being IV3FGT (1143km) near Venice.
UPDATE 1040z: Now 8 stations in 6 countries spotted today on 10m FT8 RX with best DX spotted so far being EA8ACW (2988km). Results this morning confirm once again that many people have moved from WSPR to FT8. It also confirms that 10m is far from dead!
UPDATE 2024z: For some time now I QSYed to 630m WSPR, but today was a revelation on 10m FT8. I had 1 QSO and copied 37 stations including ZB6WN (8932km). This outside the Es season and at sunspot minimum!
UPDATE 1040z: Now 8 stations in 6 countries spotted today on 10m FT8 RX with best DX spotted so far being EA8ACW (2988km). Results this morning confirm once again that many people have moved from WSPR to FT8. It also confirms that 10m is far from dead!
Sunspots - Friday November 1st 2019
Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 0. A=8 and K=3. Are we seeing the start of a slight improvement?
31 Oct 2019
472kHz WSPR TX for the evening and overnight
Having turned on WSJT-X again and resynced the PC to internet time, I am back on 472kHz WSPR TX.
So far, 4 stations have spotted me so far with my 10mW ERP from my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground with best DX being a spot by 2E0ILY (209km).
So far, 4 stations have spotted me so far with my 10mW ERP from my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground with best DX being a spot by 2E0ILY (209km).
Electric cars - NOT amateur radio
This has been discussed here before, but I was reminded yesterday by an old friend who is hanging on to his petrol car until he expects to buy an electric car in about 3 years' time. His comment was "electric cars are not there yet". I agree with this. Both the range needs to increase and the price has to fall.
Most days I see maybe 2 electric cars on the roads. I suspect these are early adopters or maybe eco warriors. In 10 years' time I expect we will all be driving these, but as my friend said, "they are not there yet".
I want to buy and use an electric car. Maybe in a few years? In the meantime let us stop subsidising fossil fuels and subsidise renewables instead so we are encouraged to switch.
Most days I see maybe 2 electric cars on the roads. I suspect these are early adopters or maybe eco warriors. In 10 years' time I expect we will all be driving these, but as my friend said, "they are not there yet".
I want to buy and use an electric car. Maybe in a few years? In the meantime let us stop subsidising fossil fuels and subsidise renewables instead so we are encouraged to switch.
OFCOM updates
OFCOM is consulting on spectrum trading and sharing. See their website for more details.
Northern Ireland Rally
Sunday 3 NOVEMBER : BUSHVALLEY ARC RALLY
Limavady Football Club, Rathmore Road, Limavady BT49 0DF. Doors open 11am and admission is £3.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Limavady Football Club, Rathmore Road, Limavady BT49 0DF. Doors open 11am and admission is £3.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Online shopping - NOT amateur radio
Is it any wonder that many of us shop online?
As an example, I recently ordered 10 CR2032 cell batteries online from the comfort of my arm chair. They will be here tomorrow. I got 10, whereas on the High Street I might have got 2 for the same price.
Over time, this will become more and more the norm. In my mind the High Streets are changing: if they adapt they may survive. If they do not adapt many will fail.
A few months ago my wife wanted some new nail scissors. She walked to our local chemists who had none and thought they would be getting no more. She went online, had plenty of choice, and bought them cheaper, within a few seconds!
No, High Street shops are in for a very hard time. Adapt or go under.
As an example, I recently ordered 10 CR2032 cell batteries online from the comfort of my arm chair. They will be here tomorrow. I got 10, whereas on the High Street I might have got 2 for the same price.
Over time, this will become more and more the norm. In my mind the High Streets are changing: if they adapt they may survive. If they do not adapt many will fail.
A few months ago my wife wanted some new nail scissors. She walked to our local chemists who had none and thought they would be getting no more. She went online, had plenty of choice, and bought them cheaper, within a few seconds!
No, High Street shops are in for a very hard time. Adapt or go under.
Halloween - NOT amateur radio
When younger we hardly celebrated Halloween. Sadly, in recent years, the shops have seen another opportunity to take our money and Halloween has become commercialised. The new god is profit.
I have little problem with youngsters having fun (my grandchildren love it), but I do object to the commercialisation. I know some object on religious grounds, but to me it is just an excuse for youngsters to dress up and have fun.
I have little problem with youngsters having fun (my grandchildren love it), but I do object to the commercialisation. I know some object on religious grounds, but to me it is just an excuse for youngsters to dress up and have fun.
10m FT8
On John EI7GL's advice I am giving 10m FT8 a go. An initial 2.5W FT8 CQ at about 0900z was spotted by no-one and now I am RX only on 10m FT8.
UPDATE 1216z: EA4IL (1370km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX. There is life on 10m!
UPDATE 1413z: 3 stations spotted today on 10m FT8. 2 were Spanish and 1 was a local. A recent 10m FT8 CQ (2.5W) was spotted by no-one. I can run more power. Perhaps I should? I can increase the power about 8dB.
UPDATE 1640z: A recent 10m FT8 CQ was again spotted by no-one and no further stations have been spotted here today on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1840z: Sometime in the last 2 hours my Windows 10 PC decided to turn off WSJT-X. I really am heartily fed up with Microsoft.
UPDATE 1216z: EA4IL (1370km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX. There is life on 10m!
UPDATE 1413z: 3 stations spotted today on 10m FT8. 2 were Spanish and 1 was a local. A recent 10m FT8 CQ (2.5W) was spotted by no-one. I can run more power. Perhaps I should? I can increase the power about 8dB.
UPDATE 1640z: A recent 10m FT8 CQ was again spotted by no-one and no further stations have been spotted here today on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1840z: Sometime in the last 2 hours my Windows 10 PC decided to turn off WSJT-X. I really am heartily fed up with Microsoft.
472kHz WSPR overnight
Overnight, my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 472kHz WSPR was spotted by 14 stations. This time I did not reach Norway, but was spotted by several stations in the Netherlands.
Sunspots - Thursday October 31st 2019
Solar flux is 70 (highest for some time) and the SSN 0. A=9 and K=1.
30 Oct 2019
BREXIT - not amateur radio
With a probable election in the UK on December 12th, it is anyone's guess what will happen regarding BREXIT.
If the Conservatives manage to get a big majority they will probably try to get their current withdrawal agreement passed into law.
If the Labour party gets to form the next government they will probably go for a new, softer, withdrawal agreement and probably push for a people's vote (referendum) to either approve this or remain in the EU.
If the Lib Dems win then BREXIT will be cancelled and we will remain in the EU.
Somehow I cannot see the BREXIT party doing well. They may have some followers, but if they stand against Conservatives they could lose the seat to Lib Dems or Labour.
Like many, I personally favour remaining in the EU or a much softer form of BREXIT. After 3.5 years, like many, I am tired of BREXIT! Years ago we joined a common market. That is what we have always wanted, plain and simple: nothing more and nothing less.
Personally, I doubt if this UK election will make matters clearer.
If the Conservatives manage to get a big majority they will probably try to get their current withdrawal agreement passed into law.
If the Labour party gets to form the next government they will probably go for a new, softer, withdrawal agreement and probably push for a people's vote (referendum) to either approve this or remain in the EU.
If the Lib Dems win then BREXIT will be cancelled and we will remain in the EU.
Somehow I cannot see the BREXIT party doing well. They may have some followers, but if they stand against Conservatives they could lose the seat to Lib Dems or Labour.
Like many, I personally favour remaining in the EU or a much softer form of BREXIT. After 3.5 years, like many, I am tired of BREXIT! Years ago we joined a common market. That is what we have always wanted, plain and simple: nothing more and nothing less.
Personally, I doubt if this UK election will make matters clearer.
28MHz (10m) WSPR TX - 500mW
As I have my outdoor 10m antenna erected again, I thought I would connect my W5OLF WSPR beacon. This puts out 500mW and transmits 100% of the time, but changes frequency every 2 minutes.
If anyone copies me I shall be amazed. The Es season is over and we are at sunspot minimum. Still, it is easy to connect and you never know!
UPDATE 2048z: After a whole day, not a single 10m WSPR spot. Maybe tomorrow I should try FT8 instead on 10m?
If anyone copies me I shall be amazed. The Es season is over and we are at sunspot minimum. Still, it is easy to connect and you never know!
UPDATE 2048z: After a whole day, not a single 10m WSPR spot. Maybe tomorrow I should try FT8 instead on 10m?
Museum Party - NOT amateur radio
It is one of the best local museums in the UK. It heavily depends on volunteers. Many people think it is just the windmill, but it goes on and on!
See http://burwellmuseum.org.uk/
Overnight on 472kHz WSPR TX : 20 stations spotted my 10mW ERP!
Overnight I was on 472kHz WSPR transmit using 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. In all, 20 stations spotted me with the best DX spot being by LA8AV (1035km)in Norway overnight. In the last 2 weeks, I have been spotted by 40 stations on 472kHz WSPR TX when running 10mW ERP from my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
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| Overnight on 472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP) |
UK General Election on Dec 12th - NOT amateur radio
So here in the UK we are set for a general election before Christmas.
Although this is largely about BREXIT, I fear the outcome could result in even more of a muddle!
The people in the country, and most parties in government, are largely divided over BREXIT. What my gut tells me is no single party will win an overall majority and the party forming a government will have to consider coalitions, or at very least consider working with the smaller parties. This is not a recipe for strong, decisive government. What might happen is a softer BREXIT.
One thing is certain: nobody knows what will happen.
Although this is largely about BREXIT, I fear the outcome could result in even more of a muddle!
The people in the country, and most parties in government, are largely divided over BREXIT. What my gut tells me is no single party will win an overall majority and the party forming a government will have to consider coalitions, or at very least consider working with the smaller parties. This is not a recipe for strong, decisive government. What might happen is a softer BREXIT.
One thing is certain: nobody knows what will happen.
SAQ (17.2kHz) VLF - no transmission Oct 24th
If you were listening for the special UN Day CW transmission from the historic alternator VLF 17.2kHz TX SAQ you would have been disappointed as it did not happen. They hit a problem, so the transmission had to be abandoned. I think they are trying to find out what the problem is.
Somewhere I have a QSL card for a transmission about 10 years ago.
Somewhere I have a QSL card for a transmission about 10 years ago.
Sunspots - Wednesday October 30th 2019
Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number still 0. A=8 and K=2.
29 Oct 2019
Oh to be young again! - NOT amateur radio
This was the photo on my Liverpool University Student's Union card. Gosh, I do look a fresh faced country bumpkin!
End fed 10/20/40m antenna re-erected
After being down for all the summer, I have re-erected my 10/20/40m end fed antenna. It broke earlier in the year and I thought some ladder work was needed. I am wobbly on ladders these days. Luckily I could reach the parts that mattered without a ladder and it is now strung to a different tree in the back garden. Getting the wire over the tree was surprisingly hard for me. Years ago this would have been trivial, but not any more.
Although I get a good match on 10m there is a high VSWR on 20m and 40m even with the tuner. At least I am able to WSPR and FT8 again on 10m. Most of the far end (after the 10m choke) is in the tree. To get a decent match on 20m and 40m , I need to choose another end point. It is probably fine on RX on 20m and 40m.
Although I get a good match on 10m there is a high VSWR on 20m and 40m even with the tuner. At least I am able to WSPR and FT8 again on 10m. Most of the far end (after the 10m choke) is in the tree. To get a decent match on 20m and 40m , I need to choose another end point. It is probably fine on RX on 20m and 40m.
472kHz WSPR TX
Just now I tested the 472kHz WSPR TX. It works, so I should be on TX (10mW ERP) this evening and overnight. It is a pity that I cannot listen between the TX transmissions currently, but at least I can TX and RX WSPR on 472kHz.
Amazingly, a couple of locals received my transmissions just now.
UPDATE 1421z: Now 2E0ILY (209km) copying me too.
UPDATE 2019z: Darn Windows 10 updates! As usual, I am on 472kHz WSPR TX and monitoring on a different PC in the lounge. I was wondering why no-one had spotted me in 3 hours. Closer inspection showed the shack PC had turned off all programs waiting to install a Windows 10 update it cannot do without an external hard drive attached (internal hard drive is too small). Darn Microsoft!! Once I close this message, resynced time and restarted WSJT-X, all is well and reports are flooding in again. I am seriously fed-up with Microsoft. If I try to open a spreadsheet it tries to get me to use Excel, which of course you pay for. Instead I prefer to use free Open Office. How do you close the Excel message? With great difficulty as there is no "X" to close it! Darn Microsoft again. As I said before, I am seriously considering a Chromebook for the next PC for the lounge. These now run Linux, if you want to, as well as giving access to the Google Play Store and loads of Android apps.
UPDATE 2037z: Already spotted by 9 stations this evening on 472kHz WSPR running 10mW ERP with best spot being by LA8AV (1035km) up in Norway. MX0NCA (100km) is a new spotter.
UPDATE 2130z: I shall stay on 472kHz WSPR TX overnight, assuming Microsoft allows me!
Amazingly, a couple of locals received my transmissions just now.
UPDATE 1421z: Now 2E0ILY (209km) copying me too.
UPDATE 2019z: Darn Windows 10 updates! As usual, I am on 472kHz WSPR TX and monitoring on a different PC in the lounge. I was wondering why no-one had spotted me in 3 hours. Closer inspection showed the shack PC had turned off all programs waiting to install a Windows 10 update it cannot do without an external hard drive attached (internal hard drive is too small). Darn Microsoft!! Once I close this message, resynced time and restarted WSJT-X, all is well and reports are flooding in again. I am seriously fed-up with Microsoft. If I try to open a spreadsheet it tries to get me to use Excel, which of course you pay for. Instead I prefer to use free Open Office. How do you close the Excel message? With great difficulty as there is no "X" to close it! Darn Microsoft again. As I said before, I am seriously considering a Chromebook for the next PC for the lounge. These now run Linux, if you want to, as well as giving access to the Google Play Store and loads of Android apps.
UPDATE 2037z: Already spotted by 9 stations this evening on 472kHz WSPR running 10mW ERP with best spot being by LA8AV (1035km) up in Norway. MX0NCA (100km) is a new spotter.
UPDATE 2130z: I shall stay on 472kHz WSPR TX overnight, assuming Microsoft allows me!
2m FT8
At the moment I am on 2m FT8 RX with the big-wheel omni antenna.
So far today, 21 stations in 6 countries spotted (to 1108z).
So far today, 21 stations in 6 countries spotted (to 1108z).
Anglesey Abbey tree - NOT amateur radio
Autumn is coming, although many trees are still green. This one looks autumnal (see photo).
CQWW SSB contest - doh!
Last weekend was the CQWW SSB contest. I forgot! Although I do not enter a log, the bands are usually busy, so this is usually a good chance to work a few stations. Of course it helps to remember the contest is on! It is surprising how bands like 10m spring into life proving it is often low activity rather than conditions that is the problem.
In past CQWW SSB contests it is often possible to fill pages in the log with 10m QRP SSB QSOs.
In past CQWW SSB contests it is often possible to fill pages in the log with 10m QRP SSB QSOs.
472kHz WSPR
At the moment "split" is not working on my FT817ND. I suspect this is software and will be a fixable issue.
What I had forgotten is I can still TX on 472kHz WSPR and still RX on 472kHz WSPR, but not at the same time. So, tonight, all being well, I shall be on 472kHz WSPR TX for about 25% of the time with the usual 10mW ERP. On another occasion I shall concentrate on 472kHz WSPR RX.
What I had forgotten is I can still TX on 472kHz WSPR and still RX on 472kHz WSPR, but not at the same time. So, tonight, all being well, I shall be on 472kHz WSPR TX for about 25% of the time with the usual 10mW ERP. On another occasion I shall concentrate on 472kHz WSPR RX.
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