A reminder that the CQWW SSB contest is this weekend.
Even without an entry, it is a great chance to work new countries and US states. With HF conditions being excellent, now is a great chance to have fun.
In years past I have worked the USA with an indoor handheld with a base loaded whip on SSB with a few watts! I think this was 10m.
See https://cqww.com/ .
My gear has been on for about 15 minutes. So far, just 5 G stations have spotted me (at 1155z) and I have spotted 2 G stations here.
UPDATE 1814z: 7 G spots of me today on 6m FT8 TX. On RX the furthermost is DK5EE (565km).
We change them in the spring.
The following rallies have been notified to me. Usual caveats about checking details apply.
Yesterday, 94 stations spotted me, which I think is a record. This included many in North and South America.
Someone else locally said he had been doing WSPR tests at 1mW and 2mW. Results were far easier at 2mW than 1mW.
My “old “ PC that was running Windows 10 will no longer allow me to log in. I think Microsoft wants me to upgrade to Windows 11 even though this PC will not support Windows 11.
Later I shall go to the newer Windows PC and upgrade to Windows 11 and reinstall WSJT-X and see what happens.
I have still to make a Linux distro on a flash disk. Having family these last few days has prevented me.
In all 69 stations spotted my 500mW yesterday afternoon including many in the USA 🇺🇸.
Although my beacon has been on since about 0810z, no spots.
My gear was turned on about 0810z. So far, just one G spot.
Later today, my plans are to go on 10m QRP WSPR and 6m QRP FT8. Yesterday 8m was good, so there is a chance 6m may have some F2 openings. If it is going to happen (e.g. openings by F2 across the Atlantic) now is probably the best time. It has happened in the past and I recall Ws coming in on 6m by F2 propagation coming in like locals.
I imagine there are long summer days and very short days in winter. The weather can be windy as well. It is a place I would like to visit, but doubt this will happen.
My QRP 10m WSPR beacon is on and so far 3 stations have copied me. I suspect these were by F2 propagation.
UPDATE 1040z: 14 spots of me with the furthermost a station in Asiatic Russia, RA0SX (5904km).
After trying for a long time without success, I have had an 8m QRP FT8 QSO with G4FKI (60km). I am not sure if he has changed polarisation.
UPDATE 1025z: EI3KF (574km) has spotted my QRP 8m FT8.
UPDATE 1222z: Quite a good day with three 8m QRP FT8 QSOs and Southern Africa and the Middle East spotted on 8m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1243z: Spotted across the Atlantic again on 8m QRP FT8 this time by VO1SIX (3933km).
As we get older, I think the norm is we feel closer to our siblings if we have them. I guess it is the reality that we or them will no longer be around for ever. It is also true for friends and partners.
My brother is nearly 80 and is currently in good health. This photo was taken last month in the ruins of the old abbey at Bury St Edmunds. Perhaps it is a reminder that nothing is forever?
Yesterday we were on the edge of the first named storm this autumn in the UK. Winds were stronger in NW Scotland.
I was surprised not to see far more leaves on the grass rather than on the trees. Presumably the leaves that remain (about half) are the ones that still remain more green. As autumn progresses most of these will change colour and fall as they have done for millions of years.
It is always nice to look forward to new life busting out in spring. Winter first! 😞
As you will be aware, I am not a PC nerd. Compared with many, I am pretty ignorant.
However, I have watched a few YouTube videos about making a Linux distro so might have a go at putting one on a CF to boot my PC into Linux to try it. If I do it, it will be after lunch.
Any recommendations on type? I am told Mint is good for beginners like me.
Many in the UK will recall this iconic testcard from the early days of colour TV.
Conditions to Eastern Europe seem good at the moment.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
On the "old" PC I seem to be getting less out on 8m FT8 from the FT817ND despite a low SWR and the power slider on WSJT-X being at maximum. So the output is probably 2W or less to the dipole.
Despite this, it is being spotted by EA8DJR (2994km) in the Canary Is. I called him, but he failed to hear me. I suspect this is F2 rather than Es propagation. With me he is very strong. I was quite surprised to spot him on 40.680 MHz FT8 this morning.
UPDATE 1002z: He called and we worked. EA8JF (2832km) has also spotted me on 8m FT8.
UPDATE 1013z: Now also spotted strongly by EA8RH (3029km). F2 (I guess) is good on 8m this morning.
UPDATE 1038z: With stations in Italy and Spain being granted amateur radio access to the 8m band activity seems to have increased. I just wish more PTTs would see the value.
UPDATE 1206z: G4KFI (60km) spotted. I think my QRP is too weak for him to spot me. I think we are cross polarised, so on inter-G this is probably very important.
UPDATE 1243z: UW8SM (1751km) spotted. I think this station is genuine.
UPDATE 1255z: 4 stations have spotted me today. See map.
As my 10m antenna is available I am on 10m QRP WSPR with the signal being widely copied
UPDATE 1022z: Spotted by 14 stations.
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| Map from WSPRrocks by Phil VK7JJ |
This was, perhaps, the biggest set of contests in the world. Even without submitting a score, it gave many a chance to work new countries and US states.
With the demise of CQ magazine, it is not clear what the situation is in 2024. Looking at the website, you could be forgiven for thinking it is still on. However, that information may have been put up ages ago, before the magazine closed.
This is one of my pet hates - not knowing the date the webpages were updated, but that is a different story.
If anyone can tell me if it is on or off, please let me know.
We deliver local Christmas cards by hand. We were going to do it yesterday, but the rain was horrendous so we did it today instead in the co...
