Japanese amateur allocations

Southgate News has a piece today linking the Japanese amateur allocations in English. I could see no mention of the WRC 60m allocation in Japan, although I may have missed this.

Incidentally Southgate News is taking a 4 day break. I wonder if the complier is off to Dayton? 😊

See www.tele.soumu.go.jp/resource/e/search/share/2013/t1.pdf

6m FT8

Today, I don't have a great deal of time, but I went on 6m FT8 from before breakfast. After a very brief period on TX, with spots from a couple of Gs, I have been RX only with 7 unique stations in 2 countries spotted.

UPDATE 1025z: 8 stations in 2 countries spotted today, so far, on 6m FT8.

Dayton reminder

17-20 MAY 2018 : DAYTON HAMVENTION®

Greene County Fair & Exposition Center, Xenia, Dayton, Ohio, USA. Doors open at 8am. There will be trade stands and a huge flea market as well as special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. A lecture programme will take place each day. There are multiple catering outlets and family attractions on site. US exams are available and there is a raffle. Details by email to international@hamvention.org. www.hamvention.org.

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

Sunspots - Wednesday May 16th 2018

Solar flux is 69 and the sunspot number 0. A=4 and K=0.

Migrant bird numbers down - NOT amateur radio

Although we saw plenty of swallows, house martins and a few swifts in S. Devon last week, I feel numbers are lower. By now, up here in East Anglia, swifts should be everywhere and they are usually one of the most common birds seen in late spring and summer. I have only seen a handful of swallows and not one swift or house martin up here yet! I have heard quite a few chiffchaffs in Devon. I hope numbers of migrants recover.

UPDATE 2154z: As it was warm and pleasant, we enjoyed a cup of tea in the garden. In the time we were there we saw 3 swifts overhead.

6m FT8 RX again

As this is the Es season, I am sticking with 6m FT8 again today. The number of stations on FT8 is staggering.  Very early on I went on TX (2.5W) calling CQ. I was spotted by a couple of Gs. Since before breakfast I have been RX only.

Although Europe and North Africa on 6m Es are "easy", I am keeping a watchful eye for more distant E layer DX on 6m. With FT8 I am sure it is just a matter of time before the USA, Caribbean and South America are spotted on 6m FT8 even with my basic V2000 vertical antenna.

For Es, I find polarisation is unimportant. All my 6m JT65 "real" DX (well outside Europe) last spring/summer was using the V2000 omni antenna. With FT8 this year I expect results at least as good. With 15 second overs, even the briefest of openings should be copied.

So far, just 10 UK stations spotted on 6m FT8 with the best DX GS3PYE/P (576km) on Islay, Scotland.

UPDATE 0925z: More stations being spotted now. Currently 14 uniques in 3 countries with best DX CT1EKD (1644km).

UPDATE 1247z: Now 58 unique stations in 10 countries spotted on 6m FT8 today, so far. Best DX is currently IW8PQU (1940km).

Dayton Ohio Hamvention

This is the biggest amateur radio event on the planet and is often where new products are showcased. I have never been, but it is worth following to hear what new rigs are coming up. Often these are very early models.

Dandelions - NOT amateur radio

These are often considered weeds, but the yellow flowers and dandelion clocks (seeds) are actually quite beautiful.

Yaesu

Several times recently, I have expressed my doubts about Yaesu. Over the years I have owned many different Yaesu transceivers and they have all been good.

In the last few years Yaesu seems to have "dropped the baton" and become a follower rather than a leader. Yaesu also seems to be slow to develop new models and when it does it seriously disappoints like the rushed FT991A and the really disappointing FT818, that probably cost 2 cups of coffee to develop! Even I could have done a better job with my eyes closed! Market research? Rubbish.

Yaesu, do a lot better or fail. I, for one, want you to do well. Please, prove me wrong.

DXCC List

Many years ago I stopped chasing DXCC countries. I will not shout and shout to be heard in a rare place, although I fully understand this is important to some.

When I sort of stopped many years ago I had worked well over 100 countries with QRP SSB. If I work a new country, so well and good, although I refuse to buy expensive rigs, linears, towers and beams to enable this. If it happens, it happens!

Southgate News had a piece on DXCC yesterday.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/may/dxcc-report-1405.htm#.WvmovUxFzIU

Sunspots - Tuesday May 15th 2018

Solar flux is 70 today and the sunspot number 0. A=5 and K=1.

Alibris book hunt - NOT amateur radio

After a week in South Devon, I wanted to buy a book on the village where we were staying. I read the book at our holiday place. It was printed in 1993 and is now out of print. I tried Alibris, but they could not point me to a second hand copy. I'll keep checking back.  Alibris keep telling me about special deals and can usually locate most books. I was surprised not to be able to find it.

Many years ago my uncle walked to school, rain or shine, a round-trip of about 14 miles every day. What looks like his father or grandfather is in the book cutting hair with sheep shears! There is also a photo (very old) of where we stayed when it was still a farm barn.

New QRPclub member

This just came from Oleg:

"Dear Club 72 members and friends,

new Club member SV7CUD op. Panagiotis (Panos)
certificate # 108

72! Oleg RX3G / KH6OB "Mr. 72"

This is a periodic Newsletter of the Club 72. Don't reply to Newsletter address! Send any requests or news to mr72@club72.su please."

Unknown flower - NOT amateur radio

This flower self-seeded in our front garden. We did not plant it. The flowers are about 3cms across. It is probably quite a common sort, but this is the first year we have seen it. We have been here almost 5 years now. It is May flowering. Some have died and just this one is in flower.

UPDATE 1340z: Someone told me it is "Star of Bethlehem".

Small world - NOT amateur radio

This old photo shows the Crowder Café in Salcombe, Devon many years ago. It replaced a cottage in which lived a chimney sweep who apparently could not tell the time. I was told he would sometimes arrive at an ungodly hour in the early morning!

Back in WW2 Montgomery and Eisenhower came to Salcombe to inspect D-day troops. My aunt served Eisenhower (later US president) at this café. Small world.

Thurlestone,Devon - NOT amateur radio

At the weekend, we returned from a period in South Devon, where I come from. We met my brother and some of his family, but stayed in Thurlestone, not far from the cliffs. This is a very unspoilt part with stunning views (see photo and video).

6m FT8

After a brief period 3 hours ago calling others with 2.5W FT8 (2 reports with best DX 181km), I am now RX only. So far (0916z), 23 unique stations spotted in 6 countries, mostly by Es on 6m FT8.

UPDATE 1335z: So far today, 13 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1756z: Currently 22 countries spotted on 6m FT8 today. As for unique stations, I have lost count! Best DX SV9CVY (2675km) on Crete.

Stations spotted on
6m FT8 to 1915z

UPDATE 1918z: Lots of Es on 6m FT8 today. I briefly called CQ on 6m FT8 and my 2.5W was spotted all over including southern Spain.

UPDATE 2104: QRT at 2045z.

Blown finals?

Here I have two FT817s. The first was bought (I think) in 2001. I was wondering why I was getting no reports of my 2.5W FT8 CQs on 6m, so I checked the power out - nothing. On the other FT817 (an ND) bought about 3 years ago - plenty. So, after about 17 years, my first failure! I guess the finals have gone. This old FT817 is mainly used on RX, so the PAs probably won't be mended in a hurry. After all this time I can hardly complain. The FT817 is a great radio.

Sunspots - Monday May 14th 2018

Solar flux is 70 and the sunspot number 12. A=8 and K=2.

6m REAL DX

Today has been brilliant on 6m FT8. Stations from all over western Europe, North Africa and the Canaries have been spotted, some very strongly. This looks like Es. What I am now looking for is some real DX.

Last year, in June, Japan was spotted on 6m JT65 as well as the USA, South America, Africa and the Carribean. With so many stations active on 6m FT8 this season, this is clearly the mode to try.

My 6m system is pretty basic! Just a V2000 vertical omni and the FT817.

I see that EA8YV has been copied today in Michigan, USA on 6m FT8.

Success on VLF

Riccardo IW4DXW's EbNaut transmissions from Italy on VLF (8270.003Hz) have been decoded in Germany.

Heathkit today

When I was young (a long time ago!) Heathkits were the things to aspire to. I started out in radio with an electronics workshop from Heathkit one Christmas.

Heathkit is trying to make a comeback, but the kits so far have not exactly impressed me. This is a tough market to crack especially with cheap kits and assembled products available from China. A few years ago I bought a 40m CW transceiver kit from China (the Pixie) that was less, with free postage too,  than just one of the parts if bought in the UK. I liked Heathkits and hope the company succeeds.  I have my doubts though.

See https://shop.heathkit.com/shop

See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/elwk

Beacons on FT8?

With FT8 becoming so popular, I am surprised beacons on HF and VHF don't include this weak signal mode. Perhaps some already do and I have not heard of them! If you are aware of any, please let me know.

Bowcombe Creek - NOT amateur radio

We did a short walk here last week. It is a delightful spot, not far from Kingsbridge. Even when the tide is out it is beautiful. The tide turned as we were there and started to come in.

6m FT8 RX Es

6m FT8 RX at 0902z today

Since breakfast, I have been monitoring 6m FT8. There is clear evidence of Es, especially from Spain, but all over.

Best RX DX is EA8YV (2983km). in the Canary Is.

UPDATE 0902z: Already 60 unique stations spotted in 14 countries spotted today on 6m FT8!

UPDATE 1424z: 112 uniques in 15 countries so far today on 6m FT8. Quite amazing.

UPDATE 1915z: Best DX today on 6m FT8 is EA8JK (3022km).

Little Egrets - NOT amateur radio

Until the late 1980s little egrets (a sort of heron) were rare in England. With climate change (please tell Mr Chump) their range has extended further north and they are now quite common here.

My guess is cattle egrets will be next.

This little egret was spotted in Devon, although I have seen one fly over my house here in East Anglia. 30 years ago, such a sight would have seemed impossible.

Sunspots - Sunday May 13th 2018

Solar flux is 69 and the sunspot number 11. A=12 and K=4.

At least Es is now good!

MLS weekend deals

Most weekends MLS has special offers and this weekend is no exception. They have, I see, a dual band 6m/4m Moxon beam.

See https://www.hamradio.co.uk

6m FT8

After a brief period on 10m FT8 (lots of Es from Europe), I have switched to 6m FT8 RX. Best DX spotted is SV1DH (2430km) near Athens, Greece. He was calling CQ NA. At first I was on the 10m antenna! Now I am using the V2000 vertical.

UPDATE 1605z: 7 unique stations in 4 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8.

UPDATE 1804z: Now 60 unique stations in 12 countries with best DX 4Z5ML (3566km) in Israel.

UPDATE 1958z: although not the greatest distance S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara must be the most interesting. At -4dB S/N this station was strong. 3 continents on 6m (VHF) FT8 today with just my V2000 vertical. Magic band!

QRPclub newsletter

This just came in from Oleg:

"Dear Club 72 members and friends,
keep  your attention and have enjoy reading new issue of the Reporter
"QRP Vestnik" # 6 (May 2018) - FREE of course :-)
To download file visit Club 72 page or direct link -
http://club72.su/vestnik/qv6.pdf
Size 500 kB, 2 pages
Use Google or other translator to read Russian text, please.
Thanks Igor R2AJA for assistance!
My mailbox open for any feedback, also for articles, news, pics etc...

72! Oleg "Mr. 72" RX3G

This is a periodic Newsletter of the Club 72. Don't reply to Newsletter address! Send any requests or news to mr72@club72.su please."

Where we stayed in S.Devon - NOT amateur radio

As mentioned earlier, we have now got back from our break in Devon. This is a video reminder.

Rally in N.Ireland

13 MAY 2018 : LOUGH ERNE AMATEUR RADIO RALLY

Share Centre, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh BT92 0EQ,. Access M1, A5 & A4 (NI), M/N3 (RoI ). Doors open at 11.30am. David, GI4VHO, 078-4291-0076, calderwood110@btinternet.com www.learc.eu.

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

Sunspots - Saturday May 12th 2018

Solar flux is 70 today and the sunspot number is 11. A=12 and K=4.

Back from holiday - NOT amateur radio

You may have guessed that we have been away for about 9 days. We are now safely home again.

Sunspots - Friday May 11th 2018

Solar flux is 74 and the sunspot number 11. A=12 and K=4.

Swifts - NOT amateur radio

Usually I see my first swifts at the end of April. This year, it was May 10th before I saw them and even that was in South Devon.  These are migrant birds and I suspect numbers are down. They have been seen for some weeks, but I had not seen any before yesterday.

Once I see them, they appear ubiquitous, screaming on the wing. Usually they are the most common bird seen in the spring/summer sky. They are here all May and June and then you just notice they have gone until next year. The skies are quiet.

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

EbNaut tests from IW4DXW on VLF

Riccardo is busy again with VLF transmissions.

"Hi Stefan, Lubos, Paul, VLF

Ok Stefan :-), here we go!

I'm starting a series of EbNaut transmissions, from 0800 UTC (9 May) every 8 hours. Then 3 messages per day (0000, 0800, 1600 UTC). 

QRG: 8270.003

2 ch.

30 sec./sym.

coding 16K21A

CRC 28

duration: 8h 00'

antenna current: 600 mA

many thanks for reports"

Sunspots - Thursday May 10th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today. Sunspot number is 22. A=16 and K=3.

Window shopping? - NOT amateur radio

Perhaps they should lower the windows so gulls can get a better view?

My dad's house - NOT amateur radio

Salcombe Devon Home

100 years ago, my dad lived here. At that time these houses were small, dirty and with an outside shared toilet. Nowadays they are posh holiday lets.

In 1959 my mum and dad sold our house in Salcombe for £1.9k. It now is for sale for £625k!! No doubt the buyer will be a yuppy banker who will use it for a few weeks a year. Salcombe these days is a very up-market town.

Back then - in fact when I was young - it was a thriving all year around community.  These days the wintertime population is a fraction of that in the summer. The main street is almost exclusively posh clothes shops catering for the rich yachters. Already the only bank has closed. To me, it is a society that cannot survive unless it evolves again into a 365/7 community again.

Realtime HF predictions

Southgate News reports on a website that gives near realtime HF predictions.

See http://www.bandconditions.com/

Radioworld will NOT be stocking the r828plus SDR transceiver

I contacted Radioworld about this HF SDR 10W radio to ask about their guarantee and was told:

"We will not be stocking the 928plus. as we feel that it is bad move for the original inventor."

Another supplier respecting the original inventor M0MKA.

Kits for the mcHF original are available from http://www.m0nka.co.uk/

 .

Sunset - NOT amateur radio

The sunset in the west last night in Devon.

The island is Burgh Island, made famous by Agatha Christie. King Edward VIII and Wallace Simpson stayed here too. There is a famous art deco hotel there and a sandbar which gets covered when the tide is in.

Rare square activation

This is probably more of interest to USA readers? According to Southgate News there is a DXpedition to a small island off New Orleans in square EL58hx. This is a very small uninhabited island that can only be accessed via a boat. No doubt the IOTA hunters will be pleased (NA-168).

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/may/el58hx-grid-expedition.htm#.WvHi2ExFzIU

2m WSPR

Although I have tried 2m WSPR it is not recommended. FT8 is much better.

On WSPR you are monitoring just a 200Hz window and most signals drift more than this.

On FT8 you are looking in a much wider window and the TX periods are just 15 seconds as opposed to nearly 2 minutes with WSPR. WSPR is theoretically able to work with weaker signals, but I find far more DX on FT8 than on 2m WSPR.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/2mwspr

Trump and the Iran nuclear deal - NOT amateur radio

OK, I am an outsider looking in, but I find President Trump hard to follow on the international stage.

Exactly what does he expect to achieve? Most in the world think the Iran nuclear deal should carry on.  President Trump does not.

So what will Iran do? Further destabilise the Middle East? No, my personal view is this man is dangerous and is a loose cannon on the world stage. Does he ever listen to advisors?

Why did so many in the USA voted him into office? "America first"? Recreating the America of 1950 is a dream, not a reality. The world is an interconnected place in the 21st century.  King Canute tried to stop the tides and failed. Trump will fail and sooner or later and the good people of the USA will realise this.  Building a wall with Mexico? Stopping steel from China? At the moment the US government and president are the butt of jokes around the planet.

Where are the values that really make America great?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-44049532

Wool - NOT amateur radio

A few days ago we did a walk at Snapes Point near Salcombe.

We had to cross a field with several sheep and lambs. There was a lot of wool on the grass. Of course, this is raw wool. There was lots of wool on the fencing too.

HF Conditions

As mentioned yesterday, the next solar peak is likely to be similar to the last one, although these are just educated guesses at this stage. In a few years time, we may have a better idea.

Es is often a good second best and some really long paths are worked on 6m every year by Es. 6m JT65 was very good last year and this year 6m FT8 should be worth a try.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/hfcondx

Beetle - NOT amateur radio

This was another insect seen on our recent Devon walks.  Although probably a very common sort, I have no idea what this beetle is.

Despite the recent hot weather in the UK there were lots of muddy paths. These were mostly in shaded spots. This one was on a dry path.

A built 10W SDR HF transceiver for less than £400?

A friend, Steve G1KQH, has passed this link on to me. This was the transceiver (imported from China) that MLS decided not to sell as it was a rip-off of a UK design that the inventor failed to register. At this price, it is hard to ignore. It is called the r928-plus.

See https://www.radioworld.co.uk/hf_transceiver/radioworld-hf-transceiver/r928-plus-full-hf-with-sdr-portable-qrp-transceiver