23cm beacon hunting

Last night I went beacon hunting on 23cm with my tiny indoor 2 element beam. I monitored GB3DUN on Dunstable Downs for several minutes. This is probably my best chance of copying a 23cm beacon.

Just occasionally there was a very brief signal that may have been this beacon. It was there for (at most) a second, then was gone. The direct path is very obstructed and my only real hope is by aircraft scatter. The impression I got was this was not aircraft. I have no idea if you get MS on 23cm.

Other beacons I also looked out for on my waterfall, but nothing was seen.

Sunspots - Friday January 27th 2023

Solar flux is 151 and the SSN 104.   A=11 and K=1.

Assembled QDX status?

 The status of the queue of assembled transceivers from QRP Labs has not been updated since late last week.

See http://qrp-labs.com/qcxmini/assembled.html .

Rally

 The following rally has been notified to me: -

Sunday January 29th - Lincoln Shortwave Club Winter Rally, Market Rasen, LN8 3HT. Contact m5zzz@outlook.com .

As always, it is worth checking before going a long way.

8m QRP FT8

My 8m FT8 on 40.680 MHz was turned on at 0952z.

UPDATE 1625z:  Just G0HVQ (181km) spotting my QRP and nobody spotted on 8m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1925z:  QRT. No further spots.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Thursday)

My QRP 10m WSPR beacon was turned on at 0952z.

UPDATE 1000z:  Just local G4KPX (14km) spotting me so far.

UPDATE 1610z:   17 stations spotting my QRP (see table).

UPDATE 1922z:   18 stations spotted me today. QRT soon.

10m FT8

 

With sunspots again good, 10m is again coming into its own. It is quite easy to copy stations on every continent in daylight now on 10m. More people are using FT8 now. This is a digital modulation that is even better than CW, handling and decoding very weak signals. It has already shown that the 10m band is "open" when many leave it.

If you are after a simple 10m FT8 RX that is effective and does not tie up "the big rig" how about my 10FT8R receiver? This is very simple and low cost, but works well.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/10ft8r-rx .

Plans (Thursday)

Later, I hope to go on 10m WSPR QRP TX with my 500mW beacon and 8m FT8 QRP. I may also see if I can detect any 23cm beacons with my 2 el beam indoors.

Kingsbridge Estuary - NOT amateur radio

This photo of where I come from in Devon was on social media a little while ago. This not actually an estuary. It is actually a ria, a drowned river valley. One of my favourite walks was between Salcombe (bottom left) and Kingsbridge (top). It took me about 90 minutes then. It would take me hours now, if at all!

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

Sunspots - Thursday January 26th 2023

Solar flux is 172 and the SSN 140. A=7 and K=3. 

Ukraine war - NOT amateur radio

The war in Ukraine is almost 1 year old. What a total waste of everything! 

I hear now that Germany and the USA are sending tanks. I am sure we in the west, as well as people in Russia, are not being told the whole truth. This often happens in wars.

Russia is paranoid about its security, but at the same time invading a neighbouring country is not the answer. More countries (Finland and Sweden) want to join NATO. If these countries were attacked or any NATO country, the reaction would be devastating.

In the end I very much hope some sort of peace can be found. It seems to me that the elements of this must include:

• No nation to be invaded by neighbours.
• Russia gets guarantees that nobody ever intends to invade it.
• Sweden, Finland and Ukraine do not join NATO but have their security guaranteed by NATO.
• Russia has access to Crimean ports for its Navy. 
• Sanctions are lifted with guarantees of good conduct after a fixed period.
• Both Ukraine and Russia do not apply war crimes against each other.
  

All conflicts are resolved in the end, usually with some degree of compromise by warring parties. This is  stupid waste of lives and property. The sooner everyone tells the whole truth the better.

8m - is 10mW ERP legal for beacons without a licence in the ISM band?

Recently, I was asked this question. If it is, many more UK stations could get on 8m. It is my firm view that 10mW ERP is enough to get into southern Europe from the UK in good Es conditions by WSPR. It might even be possible rarely with FT8. Local tests have proved to me that well over 17km is possible locally, even without 8m antennas at the RX end.

Now, I am no legal expert, so you will have to seek your own legal advice. In different countries, different regulations will apply, so it is your duty to ensure legal operation.

My interpretation is WSPR beacons without a licence are legal in the UK in the ISM bands as long as the technical requirements and IR 2030 are met. This means 10mW ERP.  Interference must not be given and must be accepted.

This is NOT the Amateur Radio Service, but is arguably very much amateur radio!

This is what OFCOM said when I asked:

"The use of licence-exempt apparatus is authorised under exemption regulations, with set emission powers and other criteria.  This is in order for it to be available to all users with minimal risk of disruption or interference.

 

The limits, including maximum power levels and whether airborne use is permitted, are set out in the UK Interface requirement IR2030.  If apparatus being used for testing meets the relevant technical criteria and complies with IR 2030, then a licence will not be necessary.   Please note that some frequency bands which may be licence-exempt in other countries, such as the USA, may not be so in the UK and only the frequency bands listed are eligible for the exemption of qualifying apparatus.

 

In some circumstances we may be able to authorise the test or development of non-compliant radio apparatus under an Innovation and Trial (I&T) licence.  However, this generally will be under conditions that are sufficiently remote, shielded or otherwise unlikely to affect other users.  I&T is not intended for the operational use of radio apparatus, such as for the monitoring / control / telemetry of other apparatus, where a licensed or exempt authorisation is already generally available.  Even if it were the radio apparatus itself that is under test or development (in excess of normally permitted limits) we should emphasise that, as described above, it will not be possible to grant an operational permission for its future deployment and use."

8m QRP FT8

 My 8m FT8 QRP on 40.680 MHz was turned on at 1406z. So far, no spots.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Wednesday)

 My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon was turned on at 1406z. So far, no spots.

UPDATE 1833z: 12 unique stations have spotted me today.

U3A course - late on radio

As I am in Cambridge for my University of the 3rd Age lecture on the Bank of England history, I will be late on the radio today. 

2200m in 2013

One of my Facebook memories today was this photo of my 2200m tests. Apart from a very brief TX last year I have not been on that band on TX for many years.

Sunspots - Wednesday January 25th 2023

 Solar flux is 180 and the SSN 127. A=4 and K=0.

Cold winter? - NOT amateur radio

This winter we have seen far more cold and frosty days than for many years. We had snow on the ground before Christmas and we have just had another cold spell. 

It is odd to think that not many months ago we were too hot in bed! Come May we can expect blossom, summer migrant birds and warm days again.

23cm webpage added

As I have started my adventure on 23cm, it seemed the right time to add a webpage about 23cm on my website. Many are dead serious about the band with big antennas and high power. I am only playing!

As you know, I am using the transverter from SG Labs which looks well made. Several people have these and are pleased.

Yesterday was my first ever 23cm QSO.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/23cm .

UPDATE 1406z:  I tried to see if there was any sign of the 23cm beacon on Dunstable Downs GB3DUN on 1296.890 MHz. Nothing at all was spotted despite moving the antenna around to try to detect it, perhaps by a reflection off something. From here, this path is well obstructed. I assume it is on the air. The Martlesham beacon GB3MHZ on 1296.830 MHz is on the wrong side of the house, so I think I have no chance. I shall have a go though later.

Sunspots - higher than expected?

Some years ago, some were predicting a Maunder minimum with years without sunspots. 

On present showing, the current solar cycle is looking to exceed the last one. My favourite site for solar data is still expecting the peak late this year, which is early. With many months still to go to the peak, things are promising.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Tuesday)

Yet again, I am on 10m WSPR TX with my beacon. It is now 0940z and I have been on for about 10 minutes. So far today, spotted by no stations.

UPDATE 1007z:  So far, 2 unique stations are spotting my QRP. The distances look like single hop F2. (Canaries and Finland).

UPDATE 1125z:  4 unique stations spotting me.

UPDATE 1446z:  12 unique stations have spotted me today.

8m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)

 At the moment I am on 8m FT8 QRP. It is now 0934z. No spots yet, although I have only just turned on.

UPDATE 1610z:  4 stations in EI and G have suddenly spotted my 8m QRP FT8 TX. I am wondering if this is aircraft reflection? Apart from this, just 1 EI spotted on FT8 RX this morning.

UPDATE 1616z:  Since then, spots by 2 more at this time. This makes aircraft reflection even more likely. It looks like the position and Doppler made reception possible. I am not aware of aircraft reflection before now on 8m FT8.

UPDATE 2205z:  I have been advised to look at Airscout which is an app that can help predict when planes are in the correct place for airplane scatter. See  http://airscout.eh/index.php. 

Sunspots - Tuesday January 24th 2023

Solar flux is 189 and the SSN 144. A=7 and K=1.

8m T&I permit renewal application with OFCOM

The application to get a new 8m permit to replace my current one (at great expense, which I think is utterly STUPID!!) is with OFCOM. There is no certainty of a new 8m permit, but I have essentially asked for the same as the last one. 

If they reject it, I intend to WSPR with 10mW ERP in the ISM 8m band. Perhaps I should use the callsign OF3COM just to register my disapproval, HI.

My 8m FT8 was turned on late at 1645z.

UPDATE 1800z: Just S57A (1194km) has been spotted. Nobody has spotted my QRP today.

British politics - NOT amateur radio

It turns out that our one time chancellor (in charge of money) made an error with his taxes and has paid a very large sum to settle his mistakes. Our Prime Minister is married to a very rich woman who is worth millions (at least).  There are many we just do not know about.

In my view ALL in high office must be above reproach. It is also important that they understand the common man.

You could be forgiven for thinking many in high office are not there really for the common good and are out of touch with many.

At one time, those in high office had very high standards and went into politics with high levels of integrity. These days many enter politics for totally the wrong reasons.

Being wealthy is not a crime. Being out of touch with the common man is sad.

QDX - creeping up

At Christmas, I ordered a QDX digital transceiver, ready built, covering 20m-10m from QRP labs. As it will be ready built and cased, there is a waiting list.

My place in the queue is getting better. I shall wait patiently!! 

Hans makes some great kits.

23cm SSB sked (Monday) - success!

At 1430z today, I have a sked with G6UW/G3ZAY on 1296.3 MHz SSB. Martin is in Cambridge (far side).  At the moment, I am still using the 2 element test antenna indoors pointing out of the shack window.

UPDATE 1535z:  We made it!  This was my first ever QSO on 23cms. No great DX, but so important to me. This proves the 2W 23cm transverter works on TX and RX, but I must get a better antenna for /P work later in the year.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)

In a few moments, I am about to switch on my 500mW W5OLF 10m WSPR beacon. 

UPDATE 1100z: 5 unique stations have already spotted my QRP (see chart).

UPDATE 1547z: 16 unique stations have spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR today.

Sunspots - Monday January 23rd 2023

 Solar flux is 199 and the SSN 166. A=9 and K=1.

23cm - partial success

Although I got no FT8 decodes, my 23cm QRP signal did make it to the QTH of G4HJW, despite double glazed windows, bushes, a shed and 2 hills! I am sure on a less obstructed path I would succeed. Tomorrow I have a USB sked with G6UW in Cambridge.

The second photo shows the 2 element antenna firing through the shack window.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Sunday)

It is now 1220z. About 30 minutes ago, I turned on my W5OLF 10m WSPR beacon. So far, 3 unique stations spotting me today.

UPDATE 1438z:  17 stations have spotted me so far today.

UPDATE 1635z: 18 unique stations have spotted my QRP with the furthermost FY5KE (7110km).

UPDATE 2045z: 19 stations spotted me today on QRP 10m WSPR. Now QRT.

Sunspots - Sunday January 22nd 2023

 Solar flux is 209 and the SSN 194.  A=17 and K=2.

Plans for today

 At the moment these are my plans:-

• 8m FT8 QRP on 40.680 MHz.
• 10m 500mW WSPR TX.
• 23cm QRP FT8 local tests at 1630z.

Norwich UK (Saturday)

This photo was taken on Saturday. It shows the market, with St Peter Mancroft church in the background. 

Norwich was largely overlooked by the industrial revolution. It is a lovely city with a fine cathedral.

Monism - NOT amateur radio

For a long time people have been searching for a "theory of everything" bringing together the macro and the micro worlds. On the one hand people are searching for ever smaller particles. On the other hand people are talking about multiverses. Our own universe looks to be at least 40 billion light years across.

As far as I know there has not been a proper bringing together of the quantum world and our "everyday" world.  According to quantum entanglement particles on opposite sides of the universe instantly know about each other.   Clearly, there is so little we know.

Monism may be on the right track, if not the whole way.  It views that reality is one organic whole with no independent parts.

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

8m QRP FT8 (Saturday)

 As I was out until late afternoon, my 40.680 MHz FT8 QRP was not turned on until late. I was quite surprised to be spotted by 3 stations including Phil EI9KP (649km) and S50B (1220km).

Local 23cm FT8 test Sunday

 Subject to the main person in the test Bernie Wright G4HJW agreeing, these are my plans:

• 23cm FT8 TX (2W), Sunday afternoon Jan 22nd, 1630-1700z.
• Horizontal polarisation.
• 1296.065 MHz USB dial (audio offeset about 1950 Hz).

10m QRP TX WSPR (Saturday)

 

My beacon has been on from about 1600z. So far 10 unique stations have spotted me.

Sunspots - Saturday January 21st 2023

 Solar flux is 218 and the SSN 197. A=6 and K=4.

UK inflation - NOT amateur radio

In many countries inflation is a problem. This is especially true in the UK that has depended on cheap foreign workers for many years at the cost of not increasing efficiency as fast as some countries.

If inflation stays high, people demand higher wages to keep up with rising prices. This itself is inflationary and high inflation and rising prices continue for years. 

This is the curse of many governments. There are no easy answers as this is an understandable position for workers who feel their buying power diminishing. They feel, indeed are, poorer.

The only solution is for governments to come up with a fair deal for workers, whilst not stoking inflation. At the same time workers have to accept they will be poorer.

In all this fairness is important. If some (bosses) get excessive pay rises and dividends, working people will feel aggrieved.