30 Nov 2018
160m FT8 overnight
Although lots of Europeans spotted once again, far fewer North Americans spotted here. In fact only 3 USA stations overnight.
29 Nov 2018
MLS Hog Roast
Saturday 1 DECEMBER : ML&S ANNUAL HOG ROAST & OPEN DAY
ML&S Ltd, Wessex House, Drake Ave, Staines TW18 2AP. Sponsored by Yaesu, Icom & Kenwood the store will have its usual extra-low prices, lecture streams and manufacturers on site. Bacon butties for the early birds and a succulent pig in a bun for lunch! Doors open 8am and close at 4pm. For more details, see hamradio.co.uk/hogroast.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
ML&S Ltd, Wessex House, Drake Ave, Staines TW18 2AP. Sponsored by Yaesu, Icom & Kenwood the store will have its usual extra-low prices, lecture streams and manufacturers on site. Bacon butties for the early birds and a succulent pig in a bun for lunch! Doors open 8am and close at 4pm. For more details, see hamradio.co.uk/hogroast.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Special birthday - NOT amateur radio
To Norway yet again on 472kHz WSPR
If I am not mistaken, last night was the 5th time I've been spotted in Norway this autumn with my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Yet again LA3EQ (769km) got me. Jan was using the suffix /MW, so I assume he was using a miniwhip. I guess he must have a decent low noise floor.
160m FT8
Having not long got back from Cambridge, I decided to go straight on 160m FT8. 6 stations in 5 countries spotted so far with best DX on 160m FT8 RX being RY9C (3706km) in Asiatic Russia. My brief CQ (2.5W) was spotted by no-one.
UPDATE 1540z: Now 21 stations in 8 countries spotted on 160m FT8 RX this afternoon.
UPDATE 1540z: Now 21 stations in 8 countries spotted on 160m FT8 RX this afternoon.
Sunspots - Thursday November 29th 2018
Still the pits!
Solar flux is 67 and the sunspot number is zero. A=3 and K=0.
Solar flux is 67 and the sunspot number is zero. A=3 and K=0.
28 Nov 2018
BREXIT - NOT amateur radio
Many in the UK have become bored with BREXIT, whether they voted to leave the EU or remain.
Unless things change dramatically, the Theresa May (UK Prime Minister) deal to leave the EU is likely to fail to gain MPs approval in Parliament in a few week's time. If this is the case (quite probable) we are in uncharted waters. The UK and the EU do not want a "no deal". At the same time, many MPs don't like the deal as it is now.
One thing is certain - we are going to be in a fine mess.
If the deal is rejected expect the value of the UK pound to tumble against the euro and US dollar. Import costs (including fuel) will dramatically rise although UK exporters will be better off. Somehow, I think a other referendum and a General Election are unlikely.
I suspect either some last minute changes in the deal (basically a fudge), we don't (yet) leave the EU, or more time is given to strike a deal.
Why doesn't the UK PM listen?
Unless things change dramatically, the Theresa May (UK Prime Minister) deal to leave the EU is likely to fail to gain MPs approval in Parliament in a few week's time. If this is the case (quite probable) we are in uncharted waters. The UK and the EU do not want a "no deal". At the same time, many MPs don't like the deal as it is now.
One thing is certain - we are going to be in a fine mess.
If the deal is rejected expect the value of the UK pound to tumble against the euro and US dollar. Import costs (including fuel) will dramatically rise although UK exporters will be better off. Somehow, I think a other referendum and a General Election are unlikely.
I suspect either some last minute changes in the deal (basically a fudge), we don't (yet) leave the EU, or more time is given to strike a deal.
Why doesn't the UK PM listen?
Straight to 472kHz WSPR
As HF conditions don't look promising, I decided to head to 472kHz WSPR early today. I have been on the band for just over 30 minutes. Time is 1111z.
So far a couple of stations spotting me : G8LCO (58km) and G0VQH (15km). No stations spotted on RX here - they must all be working!
UPDATE 1540z: Just these 2 stations spotting me all day. I suspect these are unattended RX which are checked when the owners get home from work. No spots of others to this point. It rather suggests that trying 472kHz WSPR in the daytime is not worth bothering with. It will be interesting to see when the first station is spotted here. PA3ABK is usually a good bet. It is already starting to get darker here and it will already be dark in The Netherlands.
So far a couple of stations spotting me : G8LCO (58km) and G0VQH (15km). No stations spotted on RX here - they must all be working!
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| Stations spotting me so far on 472kHz WSPR (at 1122z) |
Our home - NOT amateur radio
160m FT8 overnight
Yet again, 9 North Americans spotted on 160m FT8 overnight as well as Greenland and Asiatic Russia. I cannot believe just how many stations are now using this mode.
Sunspots - Wednesday November 28th 2018
We must be at sunspot minimum as conditions are so poor. Solar flux is 67 and the SSN zero. A=5 and K=2.
27 Nov 2018
QSY to 160m FT8
After another miserable day on 10m, I QSYed to 160m FT8.
A CQ (2.5W to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground) got a reply and QSO from G3TXF (379km) in North Devon. In all, my CQ was copied by 9 stations in 4 countries. On RX, stations from all over Europe are coming through again with best DX RA9AJ (3901km) in Asiatic Russia.
UPDATE 1950z: OX3LX (2571km) coming through for the second evening.
UPDATE 2045z: WU1ITU (4831km) was first spotted here at 2039z, earlier than last night. This station is as regular as clockwork, coming through at about this time.
A CQ (2.5W to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground) got a reply and QSO from G3TXF (379km) in North Devon. In all, my CQ was copied by 9 stations in 4 countries. On RX, stations from all over Europe are coming through again with best DX RA9AJ (3901km) in Asiatic Russia.
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| 160m FT8 RX this evening to 1930z |
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| 160m FT8 looking more like 20m! |
UPDATE 2045z: WU1ITU (4831km) was first spotted here at 2039z, earlier than last night. This station is as regular as clockwork, coming through at about this time.
UK and Israel - NOT amateur radio
"International Trade Secretary Liam Fox is visiting Israel to boost economic ties ahead of Brexit" ... from the BBC News website earlier.
In my mind Israel is a puzzle. The Jewish people suffered immensely in WW2 yet their attitude to the Palestinian people seems so out of character. I do hope the UK will insist Israel treats the Palestinians better before we trade more with them.
I know the Israelis will say they need to be recognised first, but compromise is needed on all sides. Israel was fighting in 1967 when I was about to go to university. I have been retired for 10.5 years and still there is no peace.
Grow up and act like adults!!
In my mind Israel is a puzzle. The Jewish people suffered immensely in WW2 yet their attitude to the Palestinian people seems so out of character. I do hope the UK will insist Israel treats the Palestinians better before we trade more with them.
I know the Israelis will say they need to be recognised first, but compromise is needed on all sides. Israel was fighting in 1967 when I was about to go to university. I have been retired for 10.5 years and still there is no peace.
Grow up and act like adults!!
Trump - NOT amateur radio
Lesson: Engage brain, then speak.
His recent pronouncement on a possible UK-USA trade deal speaks volumes.
His recent pronouncement on a possible UK-USA trade deal speaks volumes.
10m FT8
After a night on 160m FT8, I have QSYed to 10m FT8. Yesterday 10m was truly dreadful - perhaps the worse day here in many years, so today can hardly be worse! As of 1040z there were no spots.
UPDATE 1045z: OH6NEQ (1860km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1222z: Now 4 stations in 3 countries spotted so far on 10m FT8 RX today. Not exactly brilliant.
UPDATE 1314z: Now 5 stations in 4 countries spotted on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1045z: OH6NEQ (1860km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1222z: Now 4 stations in 3 countries spotted so far on 10m FT8 RX today. Not exactly brilliant.
UPDATE 1314z: Now 5 stations in 4 countries spotted on 10m FT8 RX.
IC7300 sometime?
My XYL said, "why don't you buy a new radio?"
My favourite is the IC7300, although I am in no great hurry. I was hoping the price would drop, but at the moment there are no signs of this happening.
Quite a few dealers are offering "deals" with cashback, free covers or low cost PSUs. It feels like they want to compete on price, but they fear for their profits. Maybe ICOM is stopping the price dropping? Maybe the dealers have had a quiet word and have agreed to keep the price high? I have no evidence for this, just a gut feeling. Perhaps ICOM wished they had priced the IC7300 higher? Even with guarantees and VAT it is far less expensive in France.
The next stage is to get a cash price and guarantee details from the suppliers. At this rate, my target is to buy in the new year sometime, before the Es season. I am not really interested in dust covers: I would like a lower price for cash - no trade ins, with free delivery.
26 Nov 2018
Warming UK (and USA) - NOT amateur radio
The latest range of expected temperatures in the UK have just been published. In the USA, there were warnings on Saturday about the impact on the economy of climate change. President Trump seems wrong.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46343103 .
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46343103 .
Early QSY to 160m FT8
As 10m was so dire today, I have QSYed to topband using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. This happened at around 1330z. I am currently on TX every 15 seconds with 2.5W. So far, no spots given or received.
UPDATE 1357z: Just a couple of spots of my 2.5W FT8 signal from M0RTP (116km) and G8VR (76km). Just SM0MDG (1348km) on 160m FT8 RX so far.
UPDATE 1622z: 25 stations in 11 countries spotted on 160m FT8 RX today.
UPDATE 1630z: Just calling CQ again. 11 stations spotted me with best DX SM0MDG (1348km).
UPDATE 1755z: Best 160m FT8 RX DX today is R9YC (5247km) in Asiatic Russia.
UPDATE 2117z: Right on time WU1ITU (4831km) was the first USA station spotted on 160m FT8 this evening. This station is always the first I spot from the USA on 160m. Earlier, a station in Greenland was spotted.
UPDATE 1357z: Just a couple of spots of my 2.5W FT8 signal from M0RTP (116km) and G8VR (76km). Just SM0MDG (1348km) on 160m FT8 RX so far.
UPDATE 1622z: 25 stations in 11 countries spotted on 160m FT8 RX today.
UPDATE 1630z: Just calling CQ again. 11 stations spotted me with best DX SM0MDG (1348km).
UPDATE 2117z: Right on time WU1ITU (4831km) was the first USA station spotted on 160m FT8 this evening. This station is always the first I spot from the USA on 160m. Earlier, a station in Greenland was spotted.
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| Stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX so far tonight using earth-electrode "antenna" in ground |
5MHz in the UK
OK, I do not use 5MHz much presently. We have some quite generous 5MHz slots in the UK with power limits greater than in the 15kHz wide international allocation released in some countries.
Personally, I'd prefer us to have the international, narrow, allocation with lower power. Many will strongly disagree!
As long as noise levels are low, the 60m band is quite important when solar conditions are not good.
Personally, I'd prefer us to have the international, narrow, allocation with lower power. Many will strongly disagree!
As long as noise levels are low, the 60m band is quite important when solar conditions are not good.
One year on - NOT amateur radio
UAE pardon - NOT amateur radio
OK, I am not clear of the facts, but the UAE has pardoned Matthew Hedges, the UK academic accused of spying and facing life in a UAE prison.
This reminds me of the Greeks who thought some UK plane spotters were spies some years ago. Some governments just don't get some odd UK behaviours.
Anyway, I am very glad the UAE saw sense. I suspect the UAE was bothered about the harm this would have done them.
This reminds me of the Greeks who thought some UK plane spotters were spies some years ago. Some governments just don't get some odd UK behaviours.
Anyway, I am very glad the UAE saw sense. I suspect the UAE was bothered about the harm this would have done them.
Mars landing - NOT amateur radio
Landing probes on Mars seems to be fraught with problems, so I just hope this latest mission goes as planned. It must be those pesky green men!
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46333459 .
UPDATE 2133z: It looks like it successfully landed.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-46333459 .
UPDATE 2133z: It looks like it successfully landed.
Windmill painting - NOT amateur radio
His cousin asked where we bought it!
10m FT8
In a few minutes I shall switch to 10m FT8 for the day. This evening and overnight, I shall probably switch to 160m FT8.
UPDATE 1330z: The switch to 10m FT8 was done at 1030z. No spots yet. The pits! As 10m seems so poor, I may QSY to 160m FT8 sooner than planned.
UPDATE 1330z: The switch to 10m FT8 was done at 1030z. No spots yet. The pits! As 10m seems so poor, I may QSY to 160m FT8 sooner than planned.
630m (472kHz) WSPR
Yesterday evening and overnight I was on 472kHz (630m) WSPR with 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. In all, 12 stations spotted me with best DX LA3EQ/MW (769km) in Norway. I am often spotted in Norway on 472kHz WSPR.
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| 472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP) Last Night |
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| 472kHz WSPR RX Last Night |
Sunspots - Monday November 26th 2018
Solar flux is 68 and the SSN 15. A=3 and K=1.
Are we seeing the early signs of cycle 25? It would be good if the polarity of these sunspots indicated they were cycle 25 spots. I need to check. Looking at http://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png
it suggests the minimum about now, although other images suggest the minimum could last far longer. Time will tell.
Are we seeing the early signs of cycle 25? It would be good if the polarity of these sunspots indicated they were cycle 25 spots. I need to check. Looking at http://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png
it suggests the minimum about now, although other images suggest the minimum could last far longer. Time will tell.
25 Nov 2018
Mobile phone insurance - NOT amateur radio
Actually, I need a bit of help.
At the moment I use a very simple mobile phone from Tesco. It is used mainly for texts with the occasional phone call. At a one off cost of £19.99 this phone is brilliant. A simple "pay as you go" top up lasts me months and months.
As a Virgin Media customer I was tempted by a fancy "pay monthly" phone which has 4GB data allowance each month (with roll over), unlimited texts and more phone call minutes than I could use. However, they seem very coy about insurance!! Having looked for ages, I cannot find what this is a month, so I assume it must be a lot. This may stop me going for a contract.
So, my question is, "what should I expect to pay in the UK for mobile phone insurance?".
At the moment I use a very simple mobile phone from Tesco. It is used mainly for texts with the occasional phone call. At a one off cost of £19.99 this phone is brilliant. A simple "pay as you go" top up lasts me months and months.
As a Virgin Media customer I was tempted by a fancy "pay monthly" phone which has 4GB data allowance each month (with roll over), unlimited texts and more phone call minutes than I could use. However, they seem very coy about insurance!! Having looked for ages, I cannot find what this is a month, so I assume it must be a lot. This may stop me going for a contract.
So, my question is, "what should I expect to pay in the UK for mobile phone insurance?".
Space junk
Southgate News reports that the FCC has rejected a plea for AMSAT to be made exempt from legislation designed to rid space of junk from old or redundant satellites. This is becoming a big issue with lots of junk up there. I can see this being an issue if the owners of small satellites have to plan for the satellite when its useful life is over.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/november/fcc-rejects-amsat-orbital-debris-petition.htm#.W_ruNPZ2u00 .
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/november/fcc-rejects-amsat-orbital-debris-petition.htm#.W_ruNPZ2u00 .
QSYed to MF
After a very poor day on 10m FT8 (sunspot minimum!) I have again QSYed to 472kHz (630m) WSPR with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground and 10mW ERP. On the first transmission 3 stations spotted me with the best being G8TTI (186km). At the moment, the crystal in the transverter is still settling. It normally takes about 20 minutes before the drift reported is zero.
UPDATE 1845z: So far this evening 3 unique stations have spotted my 10mW QRPP signal. Not a bad start. Earlier, I thought it was 6 before I realised some were at breakfast time!
UPDATE 1940z: GM0UDL (659km) is now the most distant spot of my 10mW ERP this evening.
UPDATE 1940z: GM0UDL (659km) is now the most distant spot of my 10mW ERP this evening.
Family weekend - NOT amateur radio
Last night on 630m (472kHz) WSPR
Overnight was average here on MF. In all, I spotted 15 different stations and my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground was spotted by 10 stations with best DX a spot by PA0O (440km).
Sunspots - Sunday November 25th 2018
Sunspots again! This may be just a blip, but there are sunspots again.
Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 14 today. A=4 and K=0.
Is this the start of cycle 25? Only time will tell.
Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 14 today. A=4 and K=0.
Is this the start of cycle 25? Only time will tell.
QSY to 10m FT8
After a busy, family weekend, at about 1200z I returned to 10m FT8. At present I am RX only. No spots yet!
UPDATE 1258z: Just one spot so far on 10m FT8 RX MM0ZBH (482km).
UPDATE 1401z: Just 3 UK stations spotted so far today in 2 countries.
UPDATE 1707z: In all 4 stations only spotted today on 10m FT8 RX today, with best DX DL6RDM (944km).
UPDATE 1258z: Just one spot so far on 10m FT8 RX MM0ZBH (482km).
UPDATE 1401z: Just 3 UK stations spotted so far today in 2 countries.
UPDATE 1707z: In all 4 stations only spotted today on 10m FT8 RX today, with best DX DL6RDM (944km).
24 Nov 2018
Birthdays - NOT amateur radio
My wife is 70 today and I am 70 just before Christmas. It is hard to understand where the years have gone! Enjoy every precious moment. Inside, we both still feel young.
Sunspots - Saturday November 24th 2018
Solar flux is 68 and the sunspot number 0. A=3 and K=0. Sunspot minimum.
Best DX yet on 630m WSPR
Overnight, my 10mW ERP MF signal from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground was spotted by 16 unique stations with the best being a spot by SM4GOJ (1246km) in Sweden. Although I am not sure, I think this is the most distant spot I have ever received on 630m at this QTH.
On 630m WSPR RX I was able to spot 19 stations here.
23 Nov 2018
Back on MF WSPR
This evening, I decided to try 630m (472kHz) WSPR again (10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground). Best DX, so far, on TX is PA3ABK (306km).
UPDATE 2218z: So far 14 unique stations spotted on 472kHz WSPR RX and 11 spots of my 10mW ERP on TX.
UPDATE 2218z: So far 14 unique stations spotted on 472kHz WSPR RX and 11 spots of my 10mW ERP on TX.
Up the pole - NOT amateur radio
10m FT8
7 stations in 4 countries spotted so far on 10 FT8 RX today.
UPDATE 1533z: So far on 10m FT8 RX, 18 stations in 6 countries, all in Europe.
UPDATE 1533z: So far on 10m FT8 RX, 18 stations in 6 countries, all in Europe.
160m FT8 RX
In all, 5 USA plus Canadians and 2 Caribbean stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX last night. Shortly, I'll QSY to 10m FT8.
How DID we manage? - NOT amateur radio
Yesterday, I was asked to add a safeguarding policy to one of the websites I do. Today, I received a newsletter from the Cambridge University of the Third Age and this now includes an updated safeguarding page.
Have we all gone stark raving mad??
In the past, society functioned at least as well, if not better, without all this box ticking. Now, I am sure the intentions are honourable, but do we really need it? Like anti-discrimination laws, I am sure those who wrote the legislation had the best of intent. I agree, we need to safeguard people and their data and discrimination against LGBT people is wrong. However, the balance seems to have swung too far.
Perhaps we need a few judges to say this is all getting stupid and refuse to award any damages or dismiss a few cases for those who didn't tick the boxes.
Perhaps we need a 125 page policy on how to exit houses next? Mind the step, as this is a trip hazard. If I fall exiting your house I may sue you for £1M damages! Oh silly me, I forgot to read the 125 page document spelling out how to walk safely.
Have we all gone stark raving mad??
In the past, society functioned at least as well, if not better, without all this box ticking. Now, I am sure the intentions are honourable, but do we really need it? Like anti-discrimination laws, I am sure those who wrote the legislation had the best of intent. I agree, we need to safeguard people and their data and discrimination against LGBT people is wrong. However, the balance seems to have swung too far.
Perhaps we need a few judges to say this is all getting stupid and refuse to award any damages or dismiss a few cases for those who didn't tick the boxes.
Perhaps we need a 125 page policy on how to exit houses next? Mind the step, as this is a trip hazard. If I fall exiting your house I may sue you for £1M damages! Oh silly me, I forgot to read the 125 page document spelling out how to walk safely.
22 Nov 2018
Dull, cold day - NOT amateur radio
Suddenly, the weather has turned and those long, hot summer days seem long ago. It is hard to think that in just a few weeks the evenings start to get lighter!
Return to topband
About 10 minutes ago I QSYed from 10m to 160m FT8. Already lots of Europeans including European Russia, with some calling CQ JA, although no JAs spotted here! Yet again, I am using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. It is still quite mind-blowing to spot so many stations each 15 second period on 160m FT8. Best DX, so far, on 160m FT8 RX is R9GM (3499km).
A brief 2.5W FT8 160m CQ was spotted by just a single G: G8DX (197km). At the moment I am RX only.
UPDATE 1945z: Most stations seem to be E-W. I am not sure if this is the antenna directionality or just that there are fewer stations in the N-S direction.
UPDATE 2045z: As on previous evenings, WU1ITU (4831km) was the first North American spotted on 160m FT8 RX.
A brief 2.5W FT8 160m CQ was spotted by just a single G: G8DX (197km). At the moment I am RX only.
UPDATE 1945z: Most stations seem to be E-W. I am not sure if this is the antenna directionality or just that there are fewer stations in the N-S direction.
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| Stations received so far this evening on 160m FT8 RX |
Rally on Sunday
Sunday 25 NOVEMBER : BISHOP AUCKLAND RADIO AMATEURS CLUB RALLY
Spennymoor Leisure Centre, 32 High Street, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6DB. This venue is ideally suited for both trader and disabled as it boasts good parking and access to a large ground floor hall. Doors open at 10.30am, 10.15am for disabled visitors. Admission is £2, accompanied under-14s free. There will be the usual radio, computer, electronics and bring and buy stalls as well as catering and bar facilities. Talk-in on S22. Contact John, G4LRG, 01388 606 396 or check website at www.barac.org.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Spennymoor Leisure Centre, 32 High Street, Spennymoor, Co Durham, DL16 6DB. This venue is ideally suited for both trader and disabled as it boasts good parking and access to a large ground floor hall. Doors open at 10.30am, 10.15am for disabled visitors. Admission is £2, accompanied under-14s free. There will be the usual radio, computer, electronics and bring and buy stalls as well as catering and bar facilities. Talk-in on S22. Contact John, G4LRG, 01388 606 396 or check website at www.barac.org.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
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