Sunspots and 10m - Sat Jan 30th 2016

Solar flux is 114 today. Sunspot number is 49 (K=1) but 10m propagation is again expected to be "poor". It will be interesting to see how 10m WSPR actually is today. Solar flux is good, sunspot number not bad and conditions not very disturbed. Judging by yesterday, I'd expect 10m to open to the USA this afternoon, although 10m can be fickle!

Back on 10m WSPR

Last night, I was not on any band at all. I had a night off. I returned to 10m WSPR (2W TX 20%, RX 80%) at 1020z, although it could be a while before any spots appear.

This evening I may give 60m RX a go as I have not tried this band for a long time. I do have a 5MHz NoV so I could TX too if the antenna tunes up via the ATU.

Wicken Fen this afternoon - NOT amateur radio

We did a walk along the boardwalk at Wicken Fen this afternoon. As I am still wobbly from my stroke, this was much harder than usual. It took all my energy (in the wind) to stay upright and walking in the right direction, so little time to enjoy the views. Still, the walk did us good and the light was amazing.

10m WSPR good to the USA today

Several different USA stations spotted on 10m WSPR today and a couple of different USA stations spotting me too. Today is quite a good day on 10m. So much for the "poor" 10m forecast!

As I have said many times, I often find I get good results on 10m WSPR when the propagation is expected to be "poor". It sometimes (often?) pays to stick with 10m WSPR. 10m is a band filled with surprises and I am sure it is "open" far more often than people realise.

What band?

With my poor voice and often monitoring WSPR activity elsewhere in the home and not being physically in the shack (it takes only seconds to be in the shack though), I wonder what bands I should concentrate on. Habitually, I go on 10m daytime and either 630m (more recently 40m) WSPR after dark. I used to also go on 6m daytime but in several months I only had a handful of WSPR spots logged. Outside of the main 6m Es season, this band is hard work.

When in the shack, I try 20m JT9-1 and JT65 for 2-way contacts. WSPR suits my current needs well most of the time. I use voice modes infrequently as I find these hard going nowadays. I wish this was not so, but there you go! One has to adapt. I still lack the fine motor skills and energy for field work at present.

At some point I want to resume 481THz and VLF field work again. These gave me a lot of pleasure.  At present I am too lacking in energy. I tried a couple of field excursions last year, but it was too soon: my body was not ready. Instead, for now, I am concentrating on what I can do, at home.

So what would you recommend?

New radio?

For a while I have been considering investing in a new radio, possibly the Yaesu FT991 or the ICOM IC7300. As my voice is still poor, my inclination is to wait. Radios, once bought, are usually kept for many years. I consider them investments rather than "whim" purchases. My preference is another QRP radio as I prefer lower power. The low power (S version) of the IC7300 would be ideal but this is only available in Japan. This is a real shame.

Wicken Fen - NOT amateur radio

So far this month, we have been to 4 different National Trust properties and one of them twice. If the weather is dry, we hope to visit Wicken Fen this afternoon. This is near here. It is a small remnant of original fen. It can be quite bleak, but is very good for birds if one is patient. Years ago I saw a bittern here. The National Trust is hoping to buy land all the way to Cambridge so there is a corridor for wildlife for years to come.

UPDATE 1742z:  See later post.

Sunspots and 10m - Fri Jan 29th 2016

On average, solar conditions are deteriorating but this the average and we still get better days. Today solar flux is 111 (quite decent) and sunspot number is 64 (K=1). 10m propagation is expected to be "poor" again, although it would not surprise me if we see the USA appearing in WSPR spots after lunch.

After a night on 630m (472kHz) WSPR, I returned to 10m WSPR at 0955z. There were no surprises on MF overnight. It will take a while for things to settle on 10m, where I am again using 2W TX for 20% and on RX for 80%. Even at 2W, I seem to spot others more than I get spotted.

With the W5OLF beacon I TX 100% at 500mW but the TX frequency is randomised. Yesterday early evening there was evidence of wintertime Es on 10m WSPR.

UPDATE 1056z:  No 10m WSPR spots as yet.

UPDATE 1242z:  SP5TWA (1302km) was spotted at 1230z. Is this another case of wintertime Es?

Stroke - NOT amateur radio

Although I have been allowed to drive again for well over a year and I drive quite a long way if need be, I reckon driving now requires about 3-4 times the energy and concentration it did in pre-stroke days. I drive more slowly than I did and after a period of driving I feel very exhausted. My furthermost drive at a stretch is about 135 miles, with one short break on the way.

Return to 472kHz WSPR

After being on 10m WSPR during the day, I have returned to MF for the evening and overnight. Certainly it is a case of "more of the same"with best DX on RX being EA5DOM and the same people spotting me.  I shall stay on overnight in the hope that some new people are spotted or spot me.

Churches blog updated - NOT amateur radio

See http://eachurches.blogspot.co.uk/ .

Bell Cage at East Bergholt Church

Today we visited Flatford Mill (made famous by John Constable's paintings) and called in at East Bergholt on our way back. We visited the church and I have updated the blog accordingly.

Will Lott's cottage at Flatford Mill

USA again on 10m WSPR

W1VR (6965km) was spotted several times on 10m WSPR earlier this afternoon. This time last year there would have been several spots. I guess it is the decline in solar activity and people going lower in frequency now.

Now on 10m WSPR

I have just QSYed to 10m WSPR from 20m and re-synced the clock to internet time. It will take a little while for things to stabilise.  Running 2W TX 20%, 80% RX. With a reasonably high sunspot number, good solar flux and relatively undisturbed conditions, today might not be a bad day on 10m WSPR. We'll see.

Sunspots and 10m - Thurs Jan 28th 2016

Solar flux is 113 today. Sunspot number is 75 (K=3). 10m propagation is again expected to be "poor" today.

QSYed to 20m WSPR

As I am in the home, but not in the shack, I have QSYed to 20m WSPR and monitoring results on WSPRnet on a different PC in the lounge. If need be, I can be in the shack within 10 seconds to make any adjustments.

UPDATE 28.1.16 1000z:  Just European spots this morning on 20m WSPR.  No spots overnight.

QSYed to 20m JT9-1

In the end I QSYed from 10m WSPR to 20m JT9-1 looking for some 2-way QSOs. Although I called a K8 (5000km) he did not copy me. Looking at PSKreporter I see than I was copied in Italy and Portugal. I have now gone QRT for a cup of tea.

10m quiet (..and late activity)

Although I was expecting half-decent results on 10m today, it looks like others have had a bad time too, judging by the lack of 10m DX spots on WSPRnet today. This could still change, but I think we are now seeing people deserting the 10m band. It is certainly much easier to get spots on lower bands. Apart from G8VDQ (93km) I have given and received no other 10m spots all day.

UPDATE 1420z: 10m is a band of surprises! Just as I write the above K9AN (6505km) spots me on 10m WSPR. I was just about to QSY to JT9-1 on 20m, but will now remain on 10m WSPR for the afternoon.

UPDATE 1528z:  It is now nearly 1.5 hours since the last 10m WSPR spot. I'll give it a few more minutes, but I may QSY to 20m JT9-1 after all.

Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

Bikes in Cambridge outside Sydney-Sussex College

Most Mondays this term,  I go into Cambridge for my U3AC course, "Living with less". The course is very good.  I travel into Cambridge and home on the bus and enjoy the bus ride. It involves a walk through the centre of Cambridge, which is quiet at this time of year.  In the summer it can get busy with language students and visitors. I am fortunate to have a wide choice of U3AC courses and Cambridge on my doorstep. Many people travel the world to see sights I just take for granted.

Sunspots and 10m - Wed Jan 27th 2016

Solar flux is 112 today. Sunspot number is 61 (K=1) and the 10m propagation forecast remains "poor" today.  With decent solar flux and quite respectable sunspot and K numbers, I would expect 10m WSPR to be quite decent today.  OK, on average, solar activity is declining, but this is on average. Today the numbers are quite good.

UPDATE 1038z:  So far, just G8VDQ (93km) spotted on 10m WSPR today. It is still quite early though.

40m WSPR overnight

Only in the last few minutes have I QSYed to 10m WSPR. 

I was on 40m WSPR overnight. It was worthwhile even with 2W to the very low antenna on 40m (a 10/20/40m end-fed Par) at about 4m (at most) above ground. Several 40m WSPR spots received from the USA overnight, although none from South America.

Since daybreak, just Europeans and G stations spotted and spotting me on 40m WSPR, although W4MO (7272km) spotted me as late as 0748z.

UPDATE 1005z:  No spots given or received yet on 10m WSPR.

QSYed to 40m WSPR

Rather than 630m, I have QSYed to 40m WSPR from 10m for the evening and (probably) overnight. On 40m (as on 10m) I am using 2W TX 20%, looking for others 80%.

UPDATE 1725z:  Plenty of spots already with best DX on TX, so far,  a spot by UA1ASB (2042km).

UPDATE 2306z:  No 40m WSPR DX outside Europe so far tonight.

10m disappointment

Apart from G3JKV this morning, no other spots given or received on 10m WSPR today. I was honestly expecting a half decent day on 10m WSPR today. I even went to double-check all the settings and that the PC is synced to internet time. All seems to be in order, so maybe this is just a bad day.

UPDATE 1604z:   W1VR (6965km) was spotted at 1558z.  10m WSPR DX at last!

More from G1KQH

Steve G1KQH has just sent me this:

Here is one for you 817 Fans.  Just flagged up on me when I was on Facebook, so you know as much as me at the moment but it looks good.

http://817companion.com/

73 Steve
http://g1kqh.blogspot.co.uk/

CCS concert - NOT amateur radio

A reminder that my XYL is taking part in a Cambridge concert in April. Tickets are available by post or on the door.

Sunspots and 10m - Tues Jan 26th 2016

Solar flux is 108 today.  Sunspot number is 58 (K=1) and the forecast for 10m propagation remains "poor". So far this morning just a spot of G3JKV (123km) off aircraft I think on 10m WSPR. There was a lot of Doppler on his signal so pure tropo is unlikely. As yet, no international 10m WSPR spots.

New spotter on 472kHz WSPR

G0HNW (200km) has spotted my 5mW ERP WSPR this evening several times. I am pretty sure he is a new reporter.

More QRP

From Oleg:

Dear Club 72 members and friends,
The "Snowman" QRP Winter field game will be in January 30 and 31, two
periods  in  9.00 to 13.00 UTC both days. This is not contest but QRP
activity only. See details at Club 72 web page, please - www.club72.su
Welcome  all QRP operators to play the game and enjoy QRP in Field or
Home  position  (or both). No any points, no logs but declaration and
photos only. Just for FUN!
72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"

10m and no internet connection on the shack PC

10m has not been bad today, but none of my spots are not appearing on WSPRnet as my shack PC refuses to connect to the internet. W1VR and G4CUI have been spotted and appear in the local log. I think the signal in the shack is too weak and I need a stronger signal. I think I need a range extender but I wonder about SMPSU noise.

How I dislike "like" - NOT amateur radio

If you see a group of young people, it seems every other word is "like".  Is this the new "um" or "ah"?  I am definitely becoming a grumpy old man as I find this very annoying. It grates on me so much.  I want to go up and say,"do you realise you said "like" 12 times in the last 2 minutes?". Then I think, what is the point? No some things are best not said.

More from G1KQH

This came from Steve last night:

Just caught this little write up:

TYT TH-9800

http://www.examiner.com/article/tyt-quad-bander-offers-a-lot-of-radio-at-a-modest-price

73 Steve
http://www.g1kqh.talktalk.net/

Back on 10m WSPR

For about 10 minutes so far, I have been back on 10m WSPR, having gone QRT on MF after a night. I expect to remain on 10m WSPR all day (20% TX 2W, 80% RX).  It will be interesting to see how things compare with Sunday on 10m.

Sunspots and 10m - Mon Jan 25th 2016

Solar flux is 103 today.  Sunspot number is 47 (K=1) yet 10m propagation is again forecast to remain "poor".

You will recall that yesterday, despite the poor forecast, 10m was actually quite good. Never quite believe all you read!

10m is a band of surprises - often you find CB activity just below 10m when 10m seems dead. Get on 10m and use it!

UPDATE 0956z:  No spots yet on 10m WSPR.

QSYed to 472kHz WSPR

At 1905z I moved down to MF for the evening and night.  My best DX with 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" this season is 995km. Last year, with the same kit, I managed 1047km. As yet, no spots given or received, but the night is young.

UPDATE 1940z:  Just had a spot from M0LMH (223km)  but I received PA3ABK/2 earlier which did not make it to WSPRnet.  I wonder if WSPRnet was not accessible at the time?

UPDATE 1955z:  These are the spots so far:

10m WSPR so far today

It has been a mixed bag with what is probably wintertime Es with a spot by DK6UG (633km) earlier as well as several spots inter-G both given and received.

UPDATE 1525z:  Both North and South America spotted on 10m WSPR, so plenty of  F2 propagation.  W1VR  (6965km) was spotted at 1428z and  CX5BBF (11123km) was spotted at 1324z. Both stations were using 5W. So far, this looks quite a good day on 10m WSPR. Earlier there was also an ON by tropo too.

UPDATE 1818z:  Several further spots of W1VR this afternoon, with the latest at 1612z. I shall shortly be going QRT on 10m WSPR as I think we've had all the real excitement today. In the end, 10m was pretty good today.

QRP

A further note from Oleg:

Dear Club 72 members and friends,
see the weekly "QRP Rendez-Vous" report here -
http://qrp-club72.blogspot.ru/
It's included some comments and pictures.

This week "rendezvous" visitors: ON4MB, OM6TC, RN4NAA, SM5MEK, RV3GM, UR5EFD, OH6NPV, UR7VT, RN4NAA,  OE1ARS,  OK1DNZ, UA1CEG, UA1ADF, R1OA, UN7EG, YO3BOQ, UA4NU, RV9WMZ, UA1CEX, DL6UNF, UA1ASB, IK1ZNS, OK2BJR, IT9IFI, LZ1HM, UR5IFM, DF2IC,  PA3DEU,  PA5XM,  RW3AA,  DL6LD,  DH0DK, RU3NJC, UR0ET, OH5LP, RA1AEI, UN8PT, UA0SBQ
Congrats! PA3DEU became Honor Frequenters of QRP Rendez-Vous!
See full Visitors and Frequenters lists on the Club 72 web-page.
Welcome  all  QRP  operators  on  the next week "QRP Rendez-Vous, see
schedule here - www.club72.su

Note: usually I add all new visitors e-mails into the "72 Newsletter"
mail list.

72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"

What happens after death? - NOT amateur radio

As one gets older - I am now 67 - I suppose thoughts naturally turn to the end of life. It comes to us all, but we prefer not to think about it.

I honestly have no idea and the most likely is we'll not be aware, as we were before we were born, so it may not matter.  MAN has a real problem with finality, and nearly every religion has talk of life after death. It bothers me that some are so certain about this. At the moment I have an open mind. Like so much in this universe, or even multiverses, we really have no idea.

Sunspots and 10m - Sun Jan 24th 2016

Solar flux today is 99 and the sunspot number 54 (K=2).  The forecast for 10m propagation remains "poor".  I have been on 10m WSPR (2W TX 20%, RX 80%) for nearly 1 hour.

More wintertime Es on 10m WSPR?

Late this morning my 500mW 10m WSPR was spotted by DK6UG (633km). This was probably wintertime Es. Only the one spot, and this just popped up and then was gone. The only other 10m spot was by G4KPX, who is local.

Wisbech - NOT amateur radio

As the weather was good today (I never believe the weather forecasts these days) we drove up to Wisbech and visited the gardens at Peckover House (NT). We also ate there.

Afterwards we went to the market and bought some sprouts. At one time this must have been a fine town with merchant's houses lining the river.  These days it looks a bit drab and run-down. It is a hub for immigrants from Eastern Europe who work in the agricultural  business. Good luck to them.

By the way, these sprouts cost us £1.  Pheasants were £2.99.

Sunspots and 10m - Sat Jan 23rd 2016

Solar flux is 100 and sunspot number 50 (K=4). 10m propagation is expected to be "poor" again today.

472kHz WSPR - a new DX record for this season

Last night I was spotted by DH5RAE (995km). This beats by 2km (!!) my previous best on 472kHz TX record this season.  Not bad for 5mW ERP and an earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. So who says you must have lots of power and big antennas on 472kHz?  I am sure with a larger antenna and ERP I'd get much further, but it shows you don't need this to get useful results. My grounds are about 12m (if that) apart. I need to work out how many stations have spotted my 472kHz WSPR this season. There have been 17 unique station spots of my 5mW ERP in the last 2 weeks.

472kHz WSPR - a new reporter (I think)

At 2034z I returned to 472kHz WSPR and had 3 spots on my first transmission at 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" including a spot by G0NNF (93km) who I am pretty sure is a new reporter.  M0LMH (223km) has spotted me a couple of times so far tonight. On RX DK7FC (669km) is a good signal as always without the preamp.

FT817 - a great radio

Because of my poor voice still, I tend to severely restrict the time I spend on speech modes. I can manage about 1 hour or less on SSB or FM as long as don't say too much.  Modes like WSPR , JT65 and JT9-1 suit me better currently. As you know, I much prefer QRP (2-2.5W) and for this the FT817 is ideal. So much so that my Lincoln President Mk II (mint) has virtually been unused. It has not been used for a QSO for almost a year! I may pack the Lincoln away.

FTSE recovery? - NOT amateur radio

At the moment the FTSE 100 share index has recovered about 2%, although some think a fall to 5200-5300 could happen. It certainly feels "wobbly".  If I was a betting man, I would expect heavy falls, but I am not a betting man. The markets don't like the slowdown in China, the general gloom around prospects in the world economy, and the rapidly falling oil price.

At some point, not too far away, the whole economy of the world has to change with a realisation that fairness is important and that resources are limited. Growth as a mantra for years will no longer be the watchword. Unabated growth and consumerism cannot be the way. We have finite resources and a finite world. Numerous surveys have shown that more money does not make us happier, in fact the opposite.

QSYed to 10m WSPR

As of a few minutes ago, I have now moved to 10m WSPR (TX 2W 20%, RX 80%) probably for the rest of the day. We have visitors due for lunch, so it is unlikely I can be in the shack for JT65 and JT9-1 2-way QSOs. I can monitor WSPR elsewhere in the house and pop into the shack if anything is amiss.

UPDATE 1156z:   So far this morning only G8VDQ (93km) has been spotted on 10m WSPR.

Sunspots and 10m - Fri Jan 22nd 2016

Solar flux is 103 and the sunspot number is 56 (K=3). The forecast for 10m propagation remains "poor" today.

40m WSPR overnight

Although I spotted and was spotted in South America overnight, there were no USA stations logged on 40m WSPR overnight. Plenty of Europeans though. At the moment, I am still on 40m WSPR, but will soon QSY to 10m WSPR.

QSYed to 40m WSPR

I have gone QRT on 10m WSPR and am now on 40m WSPR 2W TX 20%, RX 80%. It may take a few minutes for things to settle.

UPDATE 2010z:   I see I am being spotted on 40m in middle Europe.

10m open to the USA again

W1VR (6965km) was spotted this afternoon on 10m WSPR. This is the third time this month I have found 10m open to the USA. This time next year will be much harder as the sunspots fall.

UPDATE 1948z:  The intercontinental DX seems to have ended, but G4CUI (172km) is coming through again on 10m WSPR. I think it will soon be time to QSY probably to 40m WSPR.

Brazil (again) on 10m WSPR

Despite the forecast of "poor" 10m conditions, I see that I was spotted in Brazil again on 10m. KD0VWO (7412km) who is monitoring in N.E.Brazil spotted me at 1334z. He is located in GI95rg square.