AMSAT-UK Satellite Colloquium

In all my time I have only had a single QSO through a satellite. That was probably in the 1980s. I have been interested, but not enough to get me active. 

My interest was first sparked by listening to USA stations on 2m SSB during late night passes of Oscar 6 and 7. In those days this was a real novelty. This would have been in the mid-1970s. They would appear, briefly, then they were gone over the horizon.

These days there are lots of amateur satellites including 1 geosynchronous one called Oscar 100.

We may get inspiration from the AMSAT Colloquium online on Sunday, October 24th. You have to register beforehand I think.

See https://amsat-uk.org/colloquium/ .

10m FT8 RX yesterday

With 200 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX yesterday, it was a good day despite me being very late getting on. See the map. I only started mid afternoon. 

First 8m QSO between South Africa and Europe

The first QSO has been recorded on 8m FT8 between South Africa and Slovenia.

See EI7GL's blog. 

UPDATE 0757z: No news of my application to OFCOM (RSGB copied) for an 8m NoV. It will probably take months and then be rejected!  😟

Sunspots - Monday October 18th 2021

Solar flux is 77 and the SSN 0.  A=10 and K=3.

Yaesu FT818

This was introduced some years ago, mainly to address component obsolescence with the FT817.  I have owned 2 FT817s over many years and these were good, solid QRP transceivers. In my case they have been used from 136kHz to 432MHz, in some cases with homebrew transverters. I have never, ever regretted having them.

When the FT818 came out I was extremely disappointed. It seemed that Yaesu had lost its way and ignored the huge worldwide market for a better, modern, product. They could have used the same mechanics and just changed the battery and guts. Instead, they introduced basically the very same product. Such a wasted chance.

In my view, they have one last chance. We are on the way up to the next solar peak and the world is expecting a replacement for a product that is about 20 years old.

Yaesu is well capable of designing a worthy successor to the FT817, so get on with it!

Yaesu  -  wake up!!!

10m FT8 RX (Sunday)

As we had visitors who have only just left, I am only now on 10m FT8 RX at 1452z. So far, 26 stations spotted after just a few minutes.

UPDATE 1516z:  So far today, 33 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1600z:  126 stations spotted so far (see map). 10m is definitely becoming a great DX band again.

UPDATE 1743z: 193 stations spotted.

Archetypal Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

The Cambridge colleges are policed by bowler hatted proctors. This is a typical Cambridge scene with bicycles, colleges and proctors. 

FaceTime chat - NOT amateur radio

One of the things we have all learned recently is to communicate with friends and family remotely. Some use Skype, Zoom or FaceTime. 

This was our grandsons in London via FaceTime. We chat with this grandson most nights. 

Local natter box

Some years I toyed with the idea of making a simple rig for local QSOs. This was to be based on my 2m Fredbox. The ideas was not to work DX, but rather be designed for simple cross-town natters. The aim was to design something low cost that worked. Various parts have been breadboarded. Then my stroke got in the way and the project stopped. Perhaps it will inspire you to make something similar.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/10m-am-tenbox .

Cambridge cottages - NOT amateur radio

These cottages overlook Jesus Green in Cambridge. I walked this way most mornings when I first came to Cambridge. That was a long time ago! I think most of these are owned by the university.

10m FT8 RX yesterday

Yesterday was quite a good day on 10m FT8 RX.  I all, 276 stations spotted with most via F2 propagation. In all, stations in 5 continents spotted with the furthermost LW2EDM (11776km).

Sunspots - Sunday October 17th 2021

Solar flux is 78 and the SSN 11 .  A=6 and K=1.

Simple regen RXs

There is always a challenge getting the most from very little. Great fun can be had from simple regenerative receivers. 

This simple circuit works really well and has been a great surprise. I made an 80m transceiver version and I was surprised by how uncritical it was and by what it copied. 

The video shows the transceiver version and the first link takes you to a very simple RX schematic. The second link takes you to the FETer 80m transceiver.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/80m-or-40m-regen-rx .

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/80m-feter-transceiver .

Eating out in Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

When in Cambridge, one of our favourite places to eat is here. This is a chain, but their fixed price menu is always good. 

Lightning

Some call me paranoid about lightning. 

At this time of year in the UK lightning is far less common than in the summer, but I still disconnect antennas and PSUs at night as a precaution. In the daytime I check and disconnect everything if there is a hint of storms. 

OK, the chances of a direct strike are low, but I want to minimise risks. Power surges can be more common.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/other-amateur-radio/lightning-maps .

10m FT8 RX (Saturday)

 In a few moments I hope to go on 10m FT8 RX. Yesterday there was activity, but fewer stations copied. I am not sure if this was just a poorer day?

UPDATE 0919z:  10m FT8 RX turned on. Plenty of stations coming in by F2.  I see Gs are calling VK on 10m. So far, 12 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX with the furthermost RA4AID (3140km).

Cambridge yesterday - NOT amateur radio

This was Trinity College in Cambridge yesterday.  The college is currently closed to visitors. I am not sure if this is related to Covid.

Sunspots - Saturday October 16th 2021

 Solar flux is 84 and the SSN 11.  A=6 and K=2.  We are obviously with the active side facing away from the Earth.

Cambridge punts - NOT amateur radio

For the first time since 2019, I returned to my University of the 3rd Age (U3AC) lectures in Cambridge. I am studying Medieval History, about which I know little! That's what's so nice: learning just for fun. As you can imagine, there is a huge range of courses in Cambridge. It was great to be back.

I had a little time to kill, so I took some photos around Cambridge including this one of the punts being prepared.

10m FT8 RX (Friday)

My system was turned on at 0755z. Just G5LP (137km) spotted so far.

Ely 1845 - NOT amateur radio

This picture was done in 1845. Much has changed, but much is still the same. 

VLF Earth-mode

This was 2012.  6km was spanned below 10kHz through the ground. My stroke got in the way! 

Sunspots - Friday October 15th 2021

 Solar flux is 83 and the SSN 24.  A=7 and K=2.

472kHz ATU

There is a common misconception that 472kHz ATUs have to be big. With low power this is not the case. With my 5W I have had no problems at all with a tapped ferrite rod as the photo shows.  With the outer of a coax this makes a very simple 472kHz station. The 50 ohm connection is very low down and the wire will be much further up the rod.

Typical Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

When thinking of Cambridge people often think of bikes. 

This collage was taken by my wife earlier whilst coming back from her U3AC course.

SPAM - NOT amateur radio

Gmail does a pretty good job fighting SPAM. 

About 1 in 1000 is classed as SPAM but isn't, so I usually check. Every day I must get 10-20 SPAM emails, usually telling me I have a vast sum in my bank account (or about to if I just share my details), Bitcoin credits or offers of great sex with no strings. 

Several times a day these all get deleted. You can usually tell which are SPAM.

Overall, I can recommend Gmail. It is free and you can log in from anywhere with 15GB storage free. 

See https://mail.google.com/ .

Rally News

As always at this time, please check beforehand with the organisers to make sure the events are on and not changed, postponed or cancelled. 

• BATC online convention - part 2.
• Essex CW Boot Camp Registration from 8.30am Saturday October 16th.
• Hornsea Amateur Radio Rally 10am Sunday October 17th
• Hack Green Radio Suplus Hangar Sale, 10am Sunday October 17th.

Quiet on the River Cam - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows the River Cam in Cambridge UK last Friday. There are fewer foreign visitors this year, although Cambridge was about twice as busy as the last time we went in the summer. A hopeful sign.

10m FT8 RX (Thursday)

My 10m FT8 RX was turned on at 0750z.  So far, 2 stations spotted at 0850z. The furthermost is 4X1QQ (3550km).

UPDATE 0927z:  6 stations spotted so far on 10m FT8 RX today.

UPDATE 1316z: 80 stations spotted today on 10m FT8 RX with the furthermost PY5JO (9890km) in Brazil.

UPDATE 1428z: 106 stations in 5 continents spotted today so far.

UPDATE 1910z:  141 stations spotted.

UPDATE 2211z:  QRT. 

Sunspots - Thursday October 14th 2021

Solar flux is 84 and the SSN 27.  A=6 and K=2. 

Coffee break - NOT amateur radio

We have been getting the garden ready for winter planting winter flowering plants and bulbs. 

We enjoyed coffee outside, but for not much longer! 

King's College Chapel - NOT amateur radio

This is a collage my wife made of King's College Chapel in Cambridge last week. 

10m FT8 RX (Wednesday)

My RX was turned on at 0835z. So far, no spots. 

UPDATE 1021z:  So far today, 23 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX with the furthermost HS2KYA (9693km) in Thailand.

UPDATE 1337z:  57 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX, mostly in Europe.

UPDATE 1540z:  92 spots on 10m FT8 RX so far today.

In Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

Last week we went to Cambridge to take some photos and shop. In the photo we are having a light lunch opposite St John's College.

Note this outdoors in a UK October!

Shield bug - NOT amateur radio

This photo was taken in 2017. It shows a shield bug in our garden on my arm. As you can see it's very iridescent. 

481THz test

OK, these are tiny steps. Yesterday I did a test reflecting my optical beacon from the kitchen, off the museum roof, to the RX in the lounge. I would guess the total path was only about 0.2km. The reflected signal was extremely strong, so I might try receiving the reflected signal at my son's house further away.

Unlike many years ago I am extremely giddy now. At one point the TX crashed to the floor. Luckily, nothing was broken.

I am just too wobbly for field work, but I want to do what I can. Receiving 10wpm CW at my son's house would be a great achievement for me nowadays.

10m WISPY

Although both the TX and RX were built, I never got around to boxing and testing the full transceiver version. It should work, but I have not tried it. You may want to use it for your own ideas.

I have been surprised by the WSPR activity still on 10m. Back in the Es season my beacon was widely spotted most days. The same basic idea would also work on FT8. It depends on finding suitable, low cost, crystals.

Please note there was an error on the schematic: the main winding on the inductor in the oscillator collector should have 22 turns and not 9 turns.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/10m-wispy .

Sunspots - Wednesday October 13th 2021

Solar flux is 84 and the SSN 26. A=45 and K=3.

70cm (432MHz)

This is a band that seems to have sadly gone out of favour. This evening is the October leg of the 70cm activity contest organised by the RSGB (UKAC). Activity on SSB can be quite good and people are friendly. It starts at 1900z and lasts for 2.5 hours. Even if you just come on for the fun, I can recommend it. I only managed 3 QSOs with 5W and the 2m big-wheel omni antenna (see map).

Unlike lower VHF bands, brief tropo lifts in certain specific directions can be quite common. I suspect aircraft scatter is also more effective than on 2m. It is a pity more stations are not active as it is an interesting band. Antennas look like TV antennas and interference (QRN) is usually much less of an issue.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/70cm-operation .

Winter flowering primroses - NOT amateur radio

After the summer the garden can look a bit dull, so we plant winter flowering primroses to bring a bit of colour. These are the primroses in the front garden. We have some pansies in the back garden and some bulbs to plant.

Spiders web - NOT amateur radio

 

This is a season of dew. This spiders web is highlighted by the dew.

You may have to click the image to see the web more clearly.

481THz

Since my stroke in 2013, I have been too wobbly for field work, which is a pity. Some months ago I promised myself that I'd try some experiments at home. The first thing I could try is "windmill bounce" using the nearby windmill as a reflector with the TX in the kitchen and the RX in the lounge or even down the street.

For the uninitiated, 481THz is red light. I have homemade gear.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/optical-nanowaves/over-the-horizon .

10m FT8 RX (Tuesday)

It is now 0755z and I shall shortly go on 10m FT8 RX. If it is like recent days, l can expect mostly Europeans and African stations before lunch with the Americas later in the day.  UPDATE 0840z: The RX was turned on at 0804z. So far, no spots.

UPDATE 1002z: 4 European stations spotted so far on RX with the furthermost IZ7NLJ (1770km).

UPDATE 1232z:  64 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX.  All stations were is Europe apart from 1 in the Canary Is..

UPDATE 1353z:   83 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX.  Nothing from the Americas yet today.

UPDATE 1543z:  104 stations spotted. Just a few South Americans spotted.

My new QRP radio

A photo of my next QRP radio? 

Cosy - NOT amateur radio

One of our grandchildren loves staying here. He is with us quite often. I think he likes it as we are pretty even tempered and the house is cosy. We know he will change, but I hope he has good memories which he can enjoy all of his life.

Sunspots - Tuesday October 12th 2021

Solar flux is 89 and the SSN 35. A=13 and K=5.

University of the Third Age - NOT amateur radio

One of the joys of being retired is learning purely for the sake of learning. No exams! 

We are lucky in Cambridge having a huge range of courses on all sorts of subjects. Some are in Cambridge and some are on Zoom. Often they are given by ex-university people and are excellent.

Today, I had my first lecture. It was on Zoom and called "The Pale Blue Dot" about all aspects of the Earth. It was good to have this from an ex-university lecturer whilst drinking coffee at home.

On Friday I go on the bus into Cambridge for my course on Medieval History. As an engineer, this is a subject I know little about! Learning can be fun.

See https://www.u3ac.org.uk/ .

10m FT8 RX

Since about 0910z, I have been on 10m FT8 RX. So far, 39 stations spotted on RX with the furthermost ZS1J (9744km) in the Western Cape, South Africa.

UPDATE 1809z: 124 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX. Interestingly, nothing from North America. Furthermost was VP8LP (12773km) in the Falkland Is.

More King's College - NOT amateur radio

About 200m from the world famous King's College Chapel in Cambridge are some of the rooms. 

Years ago I went to a weekly meeting in room X6. 

The river is the Cam. 

Antennas for 10m

10m is waking from its slumber: after several years when it has been more like a VHF band, it is again a great F2 DX band. In recent days it has opened well to North and South America.

One of the great things about this band is antennas are small and even a short distance above ground is significant in terms of wavelengths. CB half wave verticals can work well on 10m and a dipole is very small.

In the past I used a small wire halo which I called the Homebase-10 as most parts could be got from the local hardware shop. It has been on the blog before but with 10m "waking up" now might be a great time to have a go.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/antennas/homebase10-10m-halo .