Red Legged Partridges - NOT amateur radio

For years we have seen these attractive birds around our Close. Then, a couple of months ago, they disappeared.

Today, a couple were outside our home again, probably after food or a nest site. Anyway, it was good to see them around.

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/red-legged-partridge

Rally

18 MARCH 2018 : HACK GREEN BUNKER RALLY

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, French Lane, Hack Green, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. This will be a sale of electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. Doors open 10AM, there will be refreshments available onsite. Contact 01270 623 353, coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk www.hackgreen.co.uk.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

10m Moxon

With limited space and neighbours who would not approve, I can only dream of HF beams! One good choice where space is limited is the Moxon 2 element beam. These have useful gain, wide bandwidth and are relatively small. This would still look huge in my garden, even on 10m!

Some years ago I made one for 70cm from an old coat hanger. It was easy to make and worked well.

See http://www.innovantennas.com/our-antennas/view/productdetails/virtuemart_product_id/455/virtuemart_category_id/4.html

See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/70cm_moxon

Just leave me alone! - NOT amateur radio

At Anglesey Abbey there is usually a swan's nest close to this spot, although this one was more interested in sleep than nest building!

On another bird matter, I see that wheatears are returning to Devon. Spring is springing, even though we have a brief return to snow this weekend.

6m EME

One of the great things about our hobby is the huge diversity. Some just enjoy chatting, whereas some choose to chase DX, often by the most difficult methods. In the latter category is 6m EME (moonbounce).

On Facebook today, I spotted this photo of a 6m EME antenna. Now, the antennas alone must be £1k plus (I'd guess) and the tower similar. The low-loss coax won't come cheap and neither will the amplifier and rig.  You also need a fair bit of space.

Now, how people choose to spend their disposable income is their affair, but there is no way you'll catch me spending thousands on the hobby. This is an impressive antenna.

See www.innovantennas.com .

Sunspots - Friday March 16th 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number 11. A=15 and K=4.

6m FT8

For a change, I am on 6m FT8. After a few minutes on TX calling CQ (no reports) I am on RX using the V2000 vertical antenna. As yet, nothing spotted.

UPDATE 1134z: Just 2E0VDS (30km) spotted so far.

UPDATE 1307z:  G3PXT (80km) has been spotted.

UPDATE 1547z: G0GGG (211km) is currently the best 6m FT8 DX spotted today.

UPDATE 1705z: Just 4 UK stations spotted today, which is well down on the numbers spotted on 2m FT8. There must be much less activity on 6m FT8.  I'll give it a bit longer, then QSY to MF WSPR RX.

More OFCOM

You will be thrilled at this exciting news from OFCOM. One of the bidders in their upcoming auction of microwave spectrum has dropped out! Such excitement - I must watch my heart. Gosh, this beats enforcement any day! This really is such unbelievable news that I can scarcely stand the thrill of it!

One day they will "get real".

See http://ofcom.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/i/44F8D9458F3B629A2540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C

RSGB discounts

The RSGB is doing discounts for members for World Book Day. In my case this was worth £2.50 off a book. For once, I have bought something! Rather sneakily, they add the shipping costs at the very end. Naughty.

RSGB, I don't like this. Change it!!

Spies - NOT amateur radio

The UK government has accused Russia of trying to poison an ex-spy and his daughter with a nerve agent. Although probably true, I have nagging doubts.

Most world powers have "dirty tricks" departments including the UK and the USA. The secret is not to get caught. Also, there is a lot of propaganda around, on all sides. It is just possible this is not as it seems. We may never know.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-43415271 .

World Happiness Report - NOT amateur radio

Wondered where in the world are the happiest and saddest people? Well the World Happiness Report may have some answers. Incidentally, the UK is ranked 19th out of 156. Burundi is the worst.

See http://worldhappiness.report/ed/2018/

mcHF clones

There has been quite a bit of interest in this HF transceiver project. At one time MLS was going to sell a Chinese clone, but had second thoughts. You can buy this Chinese clone direct from China. It is much less than the FT817/818.

There is a German derivative coming called the OV140. At the time of writing, kits are not yet available. This is open source hardware and software. It looks like this will be good when it comes.

See https://www.amateurfunk-sulingen.de/projects/ovi40-sdr#start

See also http://www.m0nka.co.uk/

Cambridge Concert - NOT amateur radio

A reminder that my wife's concert is in early April (see photo). You can get tickets on the door.

LimeSDR review

Southgate News has links to a review of the LimeSDR transceiver.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/limesdr-mini-software-defined-radio-transceiver.htm#.WqpM30x2vIU .

Sunspots - Thursday March 15th 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number zero. A=9 and K=4.

2m FT8

A QSO with M0MWS (195km) was not a bad start on 2m FT8 today with 2.5W and a big-wheel! So far, 16 uniques spotted in 4 countries. Best DX on RX is DK1VC (503km).

UPDATE 1046z: Now 18 uniques in 4 countries in last 6 hours on 2n FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1300z: 35 uniques in 7 countries so far today on 2m FT8 RX.

2m FT8 RX today up to 1600z - amazing!

UPDATE 1429z: Now 47 uniques in 7 countries today so far on 2m FT8 RX. Quite amazing.

UPDATE 1612z: Now 57 uniques spotted in 8 countries, just using the standard FT817 (no preamps) with a big-wheel omni antenna. Scarcely credible!

Aurora webcams

Apparently you can watch auroras live via a couple of webcams.

See https://lightsoverlapland.com/webcams/ .

G1 Solar storm?

According to the Spaceweather site, we have a 55% chance of being hit by a solar storm.  Although it might result in some strong auroras, I'm not quite sure what else will be affected.

See http://spaceweather.com/ .

Cambridge Punts - NOT amateur radio

My wife took this picture earlier today. It shows punts on the River Cam outside King's. For once we had sunshine!

Es'hail2 satellite

Although I am unsure when this geosynchronous amateur satellite is due to be launched, it could revolutionise amateur radio, if successful. It should allow communications from as far apart as Brazil and Thailand. It will use a 10GHz downlink and 2.3GHz uplink, I think. Being geosynchronous, antennas can be fixed in one direction, with no need for tracking. There are 2 linear transponders I think. The 250kHz wide one for SSB etc will be like a new DX band.

I know of one local who is building gear in readiness.

See https://amsat-uk.org/satellites/geosynchronous/eshail-2/  .

RIP Stephen Hawking - NOT amateur radio

So the legendary physicist Stephen Hawking has died. Although severely disabled, he beat the odds and lived many, many, years more than people expected and did some great work.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43396008  .

2m FT8 RX

This morning, I decided to, once again, monitor 2m FT8. I have been on since just before breakfast. Already 8 unique stations spotted in 5 countries with best DX DK1VC (503km). My own brief call on TX was copied locally over an hour ago. Remember this is with just the big-wheel antenna - no beam!

2m FT8 spots today to 1500z

UPDATE 1430z: 46 uniques in 7 countries so far on 2m FT8 today. Remember this is FLAT conditions and just a big-wheel omni antenna.

UPDATE 1500z: 52 uniques in 8 countries spotted so far today on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1712z: Now 56 uniques in 8 countries today!

UPDATE 2052z: Countless stations (so many I have lost count!) in 9 countries today. Quite incredible. 2m behaves like a different band with FT8.

Sunspots - Wednesday March 14th 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and again the sunspot number is zero. A=4 and K=0.

Remember, yesterday with similar "poor" solar numbers, 10m FT8 opened to the Falkland Islands.

472kHz WSPR RX

For about an hour, I have been on 472kHz WSPR RX. Best DX is EA5DOM (1525km).

UPDATE 2255z: About to go QRT. 10 uniques spotted this evening on 472kHz WSPR.

The end of 1p and 2p coins in the UK? - NOT amateur radio

It surprises me these UK "copper" coins have lasted this long. Basically, they are a nuisance these days. Apparently the government is reviewing whether or not these should continue. Personally, I'd be happy to see these go.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43388662 .

70cm UKAC activity contest

This evening is the March leg of the 70cm RSGB activity contest. It starts at 2000z and lasts for 2.5 hours, although I usually manage about 30 minutes with my poor voice. My gear is totally unsuitable! I run 5W to a 2m halo. In many 70cm contests I manage to get over 100km surprisingly, even with this setup.

See http://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?contest=70cmsukac .

In the end I only stopped on for about 20 minutes, but worked 4 stations, one at good range.

10m FT8 RX

A few moments ago I went on 10m FT8 RX. This is a late start for me. Should there be any "real" DX around, I expect this will be later. I am not too hopeful!

UPDATE 1850z: Nothing!  I need to check everything is working.

UPDATE 2040z: Out of a dead band pops VP8LP (12773km).

Summer migrant birds - NOT amateur radio

The first sand martins have been reported as arriving in Devon. Usually swallows follow in early April. Spring is springing!

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/sand-martin .

"Our" windmill next door - NOT amateur radio

This picture was taken earlier today. It shows the windmill next to our home in early spring.

The hedge in front is not yet in leaf. Another 4-8 weeks and things will be different.

Sunspots - Tuesday March 13th 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number is zero. A=3 and K=2.

Importing direct from China

For obvious reasons I won't name him, but a friend has just imported an SDR rig (the same one MLS wanted to charge £550 for) for just over £300 delivered in a matter of days. At this price, you can even afford to buy a second unit at less cost than the new FT818, and the spec is much better. The only thing that worries me is the guarantee.

In the coming years the Japanese will struggle.

Cambridge University Botanic Garden - NOT amateur radio

A few posts back I mentioned our visit to the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. At the moment it is a good place to see spring flowers. They have a nice café there too. Tips: there is free water just beyond the serving hatch and the Trumpington Park and Ride bus stops right outside.

See http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Home.aspx  .

Birthday cake - NOT amateur radio

My younger grandson was 9 years old a few weeks ago. Yesterday he had his party.

He is mad on owls, so why not an owl cake?

OFCOM spectrum auction

As I have said many times, bleating about auctions beats real work any time. Well done OFCOM. Money talks and nothing else, it would allegedly seem, matters.

Perhaps I should have offered £5 for the spectrum. Oh, silly me, they are after a few billions!

It is high time they brought back the GPO and did away with this toothless quango. Personal view - in a democracy others are free to hold different views.

See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/69E34BCB22A8F2B02540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C

2m FT8 RX

Since just before breakfast (after a very brief TX session during which I was copied by a couple of distant Gs) I have been monitoring 2m FT8 RX on 144.174MHz. So far today, 23 unique stations in 4 countries, mostly via aircraft scatter I assume. Best DX currently is F6APE (552km).

UPDATE 1246z: Now 29 uniques in 4 countries spotted today on 2m FT8.

UPDATE 1411z: Now 34 uniques in 5 countries.

UPDATE 1412z: I have created a new webpage on my main site at https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/2m-ft8

UPDATE 1750z: 55 uniques in 9 countries today on 2m FT8 RX. Quite remarkable!

Sunspots - Monday March 12th 2018

Solar flux is 68. Sunspot number is zero. A=6 and K=0.

472kHz WSPR RX

For a while now, I have been on 472kHz WSPR RX.  Best DX is LA2XPA (1310km) with 10 unique stations spotted so far.

UPDATE 2220z:   Now 11 uniques.

Botanic Garden - NOT amateur radio

Late last week, we visited the Orchid Festival at the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. There were lots of daffodils out. These are everywhere now, although just a few weeks ago most were still in bud.

See http://www.botanic.cam.ac.uk/Botanic/Home.aspx  .

10m FT8 RX

Since breakfast, I have been on 10m FT8 RX. Although I was not really expecting much, I have spotted a couple of stations already. Best DX so far is DG5HR (719km) near Lubeck.

UPDATE  1050z: PD1FER (322km) spotted. I suspect all spots so far have been by aircraft reflection. A few moments ago, I tried a brief CQ call, but my 2.5W was not spotted.

UPDATE 1134z: G0JSV (54km) spotted. G4GJR (73km) spotted. DK4RL (886km) spotted.

UPDATE 1415z: So far, 12 unique stations in 6 EU countries on 10m FT8 today.

UPDATE 1630z: Now 13 unique EUs in 7 countries.

SPAM

Earlier today, I noticed a spam posting in a post comment that "got through". It bore no relevance to the post, so was deleted as soon as it was spotted.

This is my policy. I welcome relevant comments, but spam will be deleted as soon as spotted. If you spot anything you believe is spam, just let me know, so I can take the steps necessary.

As a general policy never click a link you are not sure about. This is basic internet security. Although I do all in my power to prevent harm, I am not infallible. Caveat emptor.

Sunspots - Sunday March 11th 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number zero still. A=12 and K=2.

QRP HF

At one time the Yaesu FT817 led the way.

These days there are lots of good QRP rigs available such as the KX2 and KX3 and the uBITX kits, as well as many others. The FT818 really looks pathetic by comparison.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/ft817 . This page is mainly about the FT817, but it also looks at the FT818.

See also http://www.hfsignals.com/ .

Cambridge Posters - NOT amateur radio

All around the city you can see posters. These were in Bene't St. The yellow one is advertising my wife's concert on April 7th. In the background is Old School Lane, the site of the original Cavendish Laboratories, where many a Nobel Prize was won. The world famous Kings College Chapel is about 300m away.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bene%27t_Street .

2m FT8 RX (this is getting too easy!)

Yet again, I am monitoring 2m FT8 RX on 144.174MHz. 31 unique stations in 7 countries spotted so far today.  Best DX spotted is DK2DTF (644km).

UPDATE 1242z: 35 uniques in 7 countries so far today.

UPDATE 1526z: 42 uniques in 8 countries on 2m FT8 RX so far today. When I was briefly on TX (2.5W) this morning, 3 stations spotted me including GW6TEO (371km).

UPDATE 1604z: In the last 15 minutes I briefly transmitted with 2.5W to my big-wheel antenna. I got reports from as far away as Devon. In just the last 2 hours 22 uniques in 5 countries spotted.

Sunspots - Saturday March 10th 2018

Solar flux is 67 today and the sunspot number zero. A=12 and K=4.

MLS "something for the weekend" deals

Every weekend, MLS offers discounts. If you are intent on buying one of the items listed, it is worth checking these deals.

See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/ .

Useful Website

Steve, G1KQH has sent me a link, which has a lot of useful links.

See http://www.solorb.com/elect/

Pacific FT8 drone

Southgate News has a piece on a drone slowly floating from Hawaii to California. There is a KX3 on board with FT8 capabilities.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/pacific-ham-radio-drone-kh6jf-mm-using-ft8.htm#.WqKwz0x2tMs .

2m FT8 RX

This never fails to amaze me. Today again lots of stations spotted with best DX DF5VAE (902km) not far from the Polish border.

The map shows the stations spotted on 2m FT8 in just the last 12 hours. Quite amazing seeing I am just using an FT817 with a big-wheel horizontal omni antenna. The big-wheel is about 4m above ground at the rear of the bungalow. It is just visible above the front door in the picture. It just clears the roof. The V2000 is above the garage. This is fed with cheap CB RG58 coax. The big-wheel had decent coax.

UPDATE 1715z: Now 41 uniques in 8 countries spotted on 2m FT8 today since breakfast. I suspect most of the DX is by aircraft reflection. As experiments earlier in the week showed, using the V2000 vertical gave much the same results, so this is definitely not tropo.

UPDATE 2152z: I am still monitoring 2m FT8 this evening. Even in the last hour, I have spotted 12 unique stations with best DX DL1DBR (546km).

More OFCOM

Apparently they are taking steps to improve mobile coverage and steps towards 5G. I guess writing this crap beats real work, especially if you have a domestic science qualification and know nothing about RF allegedly.

See http://ofcom.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/i/634274CBE08C0A5B2540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C