Transmitting 8m FT8

Since just after breakfast, I have been transmitting FT8 at QRP on 40.680 MHz USB dial. So far, 2 local spots have been received for which I am very grateful. I shall remain on TX. The dipole is quite low still.

As far as I know these are the first reports of a UK, non beacon, station on 8m.  As part of my research I welcome reports by PSKreporter or email. My T&I licence does not allow conventional QSOs, but I would like to know who you are and where you are . In my view, 2-way 8m FT8 exchanges are legal if you have a permit for 8m TX. 

UPDATE 1338z: 3 local spots so far. Thank you.

UPDATE 1644z:  Now QRT on 8m.

Any amateur radio or SWL station, anywhere on the planet, has my express permission to receive my test signals on 8m and give me reports.

Railway - NOT amateur radio

 Until the 1960s we had a railway in Burwell. Then the line was axed. Today the station is houses. If the line was still there, a lot of people might commute on it to Cambridge. 

Sunspots - Saturday April 2nd 2022

 Solar flux is 147 and the SSN 109.  A=17 and K=4.

8m dipole erected

The 8m dipole is erected, so tests can start tomorrow. In the past this would have been trivial work for me. Now it is major work. 

The SWR is good, but the dipole is not at full height as I am wobbly on ladders these days. Hopefully, my son can help over the weekend.

I am told all FT8 activity is on 40.680 MHz USB dial, so I shall QSY there over the weekend.

10m FT8 RX

 Since mid-afternoon I have been on 10m FT8 RX. It is again at full height since attaching my 8m dipole.

UPDATE 1955z:  73 stations spotted today. I suspect that is it.

OFCOM updates

Early each month OFCOM updates the data it holds. See the OFCOM website for details. It is even available in Welsh if you are desperate.

Operating Pedestrian Portable

Even though it has been snowing here today, better weather is coming after what has seemed a very long and dark winter. One of the fun ways to enjoy our hobby is pedestrian portable from  some nice location. Quite a few people enjoy Summits on the Air (SOTA) or Parks on the Air (POTA).

There is a good choice of rigs these days. I would definitely recommend using a counterpoise as this can make a lot of difference. If there is a chance of people walking nearby, watch the trip hazard! Often the rig and antenna can be oriented to get the best signal.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/other-amateur-radio/pedestrian-portable .

Ely Cathedral - NOT amateur radio

Ely cathedral is very very old. There has been a religious building here for well over 1000 years. Ely cathedral can be seen from miles away, much like the cathedral at Chartres in France.

Ely - NOT amateur radio

The BBC weather app was forecasting full sun yesterday for today, so we decided to go to Ely this morning. It snowed!! ☹️ The photo shows the view of the River Ouse. 

Lundy - NOT amateur radio

As a child I was fascinated by this isolated island out in the Bristol Channel. It is about 4km long and quite narrow. This is the view from near Hartland in Devon. It is owned by the National Trust and managed by the Landmark Trust. There are cottages to hire if you want to stay. As far as I know there are no cars allowed.

See https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/ .

10m FT8 RX (Friday)

This afternoon, I hope to re-erect the 10m antenna, when the 8m dipole is erected. At the moment, it remains mostly on the ground! I hope to be on 10m FT8 RX shortly. 

Sunspots - Friday April 1st 2022

 Solar flux is 149 and the SSN 84.  A=27 and K=3.

10m FT8 RX

So far today, I have received loads of stations on 10m FT8 RX despite most of the antenna being on the ground awaiting the erection of the 8m dipole. 

I notice these were not being uploaded to PSKreporter for some reason, so I shall restart WSJT-X in case this is at fault.

UPDATE 1521z:  I did a resync to internet time and restarted WSJT-X: still no spots on PSKreporter.

UPDATE 1530z:  All now seems well, with 10 stations recently uploaded. This will remain a puzzle. All uploads relate to stations spotted in the last 20 minutes.

UPDATE 2022z:  208 stations spotted with much of the 10m antenna on the ground!! No spots reported for some reason until mid-afternoon. QRT soon.

UPDATE 2105z:  QRT. 

Queen platinum jubilee - NOT amateur radio

The UK queen has been on the throne since 1952. We hope to hold a small party to celebrate this in June. We held a first meeting about this earlier today. 

OFCOM statement about UK 8m permits

This statement by OFCOM about UK 8m operation has appeared in many places and the RSGB has made a statement. I have re-read the OFCOM statement many times as I have my licence.

Now, I am no legal expert and what follows is my interpretation, but....

I think the RSGB is wrong.

My reading and re-reading of the OFCOM statement and my amateur radio licence leads me to these conclusions:

1. OFCOM does not want to release any 8m spectrum for radio amateurs. Personally I think this is stupid when they could have released just 5 kHz, digital modes only, at 5W, no contests, by NoV, on a strictly non interference basis. Surely self training is what our hobby is all about?

2. As long as those operating on 8m hold an amateur radio licence and callsign and are receiving crossband reports from other radio amateurs using the frequencies only allowed in their licence schedule, I cannot see this is illegal. Yes, those working crossband to 8m non radio amateurs licenced under T and I conditions would be illegal.

3. Inter-working other stations duly authorised to operate on 8m is legal in the UK. Working those in other administrations is a matter for those administrations.

These are my personal views, not legally binding views. You need to seek your own legal position.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2022/march/rsgb-statement-concerning-40mhz-in-the-uk.htm#.YkV-BIrMLrc

UPDATE 1512z:   I think OFCOM really wanted a "light touch" on this. As the RSGB sought clarification, they had to answer. The RSGB interprets this differently to me.

Sunspots - Thursday March 31st 2022

 Solar flux is 151 and the SSN 73. A=8 and K=5.

Hairdresser - NOT amateur radio

I cannot remember when I last went to the barbers. My son usually does a trim when he calls, which is about every 6 weeks. 

My wife has her hair cut about every 5-6 weeks. The person she goes to is very kind and seems to know all the gossip - isn't that one of the reasons women get their hair done?

BTW, both people had given their permission for the photo to be taken.

The English pub - NOT amateur radio

The English pub is often the heart of the community. This photo appeared on 365project.org recently. Apparently, the men were more than happy to be photographed. 

It looks like they are having a good chat (along with the dog!) over their pints.

8m antenna erection

In the next 48 hours, I hope to erect a wire dipole for 8m. Years ago this would have been trivial, but I am not good on ladders since my stroke in 2013. 

Putting this up requires a minimum of 2 ladder climbs. Luckily, both are not very high, so I hope to manage these.

I am really looking forward to experimenting on 8m TX.

My floored loft has not been visited by me in 8 years!! There is quite a bit of amateur gear in one of the boxes.

UPDATE 1352z:  Small steps! As I get very tired these days I am doing this is small steps with rest in between. So far I have (1) cut the 8m dipole to length, (2) drilled the hole from the outside into the shack for the coax, (3) lowered the 10m antenna so I can attach the 8m dipole to it and (4) shortened the length of the nylon insulator that holds the 10m antenna in place. Now I need a rest!

10m FT8 QRP (Wednesday)

All being well, I hope to be on 10m FT8 RX after breakfast. Yesterday was a good day on 10m. 

UPDATE 0825z:  My 10m FT8 was turned on 0811z.  Initially I was on QRP TX with 2.5W for a few minutes (just one spot from Israel, but no QSOs). So far, 20 stations spotted at 0829z. AH7C in Hawaii was spotted. I guess this is via the long path. This is the first time I have seen Hawaii on 10m for many years.

UPDATE 1000z:  81 stations spotted so far today.

UPDATE 1218z:   223 stations spotted today on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1315z:  309 stations spotted today on 10m FT8 RX. 6 stations have spotted my very brief QRP TX periods.

UPDATE 1425z:  As part of my 8m dipole erection, most of my 10m antenna is on the ground. Despite this, I am still getting plenty of DX spots - 37 in the last 15 minutes!

Yaesu FT7

One of the best rigs I have ever owned was the Yaesu FT7.  I owned this from 1979 and it was a 10W rig really aimed at mobile use. 

The receiver was exceptionally quiet. It had no memories, no synthesiser and did not cover the WARC bands and 6m as none of these existed back then. 

It was not small. In fact, it was considerably larger than the FT817/8 that covers more modes and bands.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/commercial-rigs/yaesu-ft7

Sunspots - Wednesday March 30th 2022

Solar flux is 149 and the SSN 124.  A=8 and K=1.

8m UK permits

It looks like at least 4 UK stations will be on 8m TX this summer. OFCOM has issued permits (or is about to) to the first bunch of applicants. Others may follow. 

In the coming Es season, it is highly likely that some, or all, will be spotted in Europe. Especially with FT8, there is a good chance of stations being copied by other modes too.

I hope others across Europe apply for special access as well. 8m, being between 10m and 6m, is at a very interesting part of the radio spectrum for experiments. It is mid-way between HF and VHF.

The ZS6WAB 8m beacon has been copied in Europe (including in the UK) on several occasions.

All being well, my first 8m transmission will be April 2nd.

Miss Piggy? - NOT amateur radio

 

This painting was in a Cambridge shop window this morning. I think it is of Miss Piggy from the Muppets.

Alexa - NOT amateur radio

We have 2 Amazon Dot devices. We love these and are very impressed that they seem to be good at voice recognition, even managing to understand my poor voice. 

Some get very worried about it spying and harvesting all sorts of private data. The answer is simple: turn it off when not in use!

We like the idea of news, weather and any kind of music on tap and the timers, which are really useful when cooking.

I bought mine really cheaply when they were on offer.  My wife thought I was mad, but she uses Alexa far more than me!

10m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)

It is now 0823z and I have been on 10m FT8 RX for about 10 minutes. So far, 21 stations have been spotted.

UPDATE 0834z:  25 stations spotted with the furthermost YC3ERZ (12282km).

UPDATE 1148z:  148 stations spotted with the furthermost VK6BAS (14442km).

UPDATE 1444z: 255 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX today.  My QRP (2.5W) TX about 30 minutes ago resulted in spots around Europe, but no QSOs.

Stations spotted at 1637z

UPDATE 1637z: 365 stations spotted today on 10m FT8 RX.

 

UPDATE 2002z:  625 stations spotted. The band is still open.

Near Salcombe - NOT amateur radio

As I have said before, I spent my childhood years near here. This is South Pool Creek. I am not sure what year this was. 

Sunspots - Tuesday March 29th 2022

Solar flux is 156 and the SSN 125.  A=10 and K=2.  These are good numbers. 

South Hams in Devon - NOT amateur radio

My brother lives in the South Hams in Devon and plays golf at Thurlestone. This was the view from the 1st tee earlier today. I used to play here a long time ago!!  A very long time ago I remember having a birdie on the 1st hole. That must have been in the 1960s.

South Americans?

Recently I have been on 17m and 15m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop antenna. Whilst plenty of stations have been spotted across the world, it is noticeable that I'm seeing very few from South America.

Now, I am no expert on propagation and this may just be when I am on. I am pretty sure it is not antenna directivity as I get plenty on 10m FT8. 

RadCom articles - lost?

Last October, I submitted 3 articles to RadCom. One was published, but the other 2 seem to have disappeared down a black hole. Today, I chased them. 

It is fine to not publish them, but it is also good to know why. As I recall, they were short fill-in articles, but it was so long ago I cannot recall what was in them!

With Giles Read dying suddenly they must be in a pickle in the short-term.

UPDATE 1500z:  The articles have been found. 

Wisdom and old age? - NOT amateur radio

It seems 5 minutes since I was a young teenager! 

Old age has descended on me suddenly. These days I feel older and frailer, as much as I do not seek this.  Some say you get wiser as you get older, but I seem as stupid as ever! 

My advice to those far younger is "you will be old yourself one day".  Milk life whilst you can.

I think one of the things I have to do is accept the "me" I am now and not the "me" I used to be. As we age, it is natural that some of the things we could do we can do no longer. There is still so much I can do. As long as I am able, I intend to enjoy doing the things I can do. 😄

Enjoying the sun - NOT amateur radio

Last Friday, we had a day out in Norwich by train. The sun was shining and it was a glorious spring day. It was good to see people out enjoying it. 

This week promises to be colder and duller. 😞

15m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop (Monday)

At  0855z, I turned on my 15m FT8 RX. No spots yet. I think conditions are disturbed.

UPDATE 1000z:   No spots on 15m FT8 RX on PSKreporter. As I lost the internet connection for a while I may have not uploaded some of the recent spots (there are a few).

UPDATE 1224z:   I have restarted WSJT-X as I am seeing plenty of spots locally, but none were appearing on PSKreporter. Since restarting, plenty of spots appearing!

UPDATE 1402z:   81 stations spotted so far on 15m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1710z:   169 stations spotted.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)

At 0752z, I turned on my W5OLF 10m WSPR beacon which runs 500mW as the 10m antenna was not being used. No spots yet today.

UPDATE 0957z: Just G spots from locals G2XV (18km) and G4KPX (14km).

UPDATE 1540z:  Still no DX today on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2100z:  In the end EA8BFK (2880km) copied me. QRT soon.

Norwich last week - NOT amateur radio

This collage shows Norwich last week. This week is far duller. 

17m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop

In the last day 321 stations have been spotted on 17m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop antenna. I am amazed. 

Sunspots - Monday March 28th 2022

Solar flux is 130 and the SSN 97. A=18 and K=4.

17m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop

It is now 1520z. I have just QSYed to 17m FT8 RX from 2m. The antenna is the tiny loop on the shack windowsill. So far (after a few minutes) 22 stations spotted. This antenna really is remarkable. I guess it must be a few dBs down on a "big" antenna.

UPDATE 1628z:  93 stations spotted on 17m FT8 RX this afternoon. Furthermost is YB1HR (11790km).

UPDATE 1735z:   154 stations spotted on 17m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1810z:  179 stations spotted on 17m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1920z:  225 stations spotted.

Getting ready for 8m TX

As I now have the coax for my 40MHz dipole, things are on target.   Assuming I build and erect the antenna this week, I should start on April 2nd as per my permit.  

My aim is to run mostly FT8 near 40.675MHz (audio will be perhaps 1kHz higher) with some CW for some local crossband reports. I intend to use my amateur callsign.