10m QRP WSPR TX

Since this morning I have been on 10m WSPR TX using 500mW. It is now 1625z and, so far, 4 unique stations have spotted me. 

Cambridge college - NOT amateur radio

This was the entrance to one of the Cambridge colleges. I think it was Christ's. 

Sunspots - Thursday December 16th 2021

Solar flux is 103 and the SSN 79.  A=9 and K=3.

15m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor Wellgood active loop

I have been on 15m FT8 RX most of the day and 136 stations spotted. It seems to have closed now. 

10m WSPR TX beacon (Wednesday)

From about 1340z I have been on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW. So far only spots of me by local G4KPX (14km).

Oscar 100 activity

Every few weeks I look at the narrowband transponder of this geosynchronous satellite using the webSDR at Goonhilly.  Activity level remained very very low when I looked, which was 0925z on a weekday morning. Most activity seems to be from Europe, so this was not a great time.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ .

160m FT8 RX overnight

Using the active Wellgood loop indoors, I was on 160m FT8 RX overnight. In all, 147 stations spotted, but none "across the pond".

Sunspots - Wednesday December 15th 2021

 Solar flux is 89 and the SSN 40. A=5 and K=2.

My Shack

Since moving to the present QTH in summer 2013, I have had a dedicated amateur radio room. Mostly I use digital modes that don't require me to use my poor voice that I have had since my stroke. 

The shack is only about 8m walk from the lounge, so I often monitor on a different PC in the lounge. If I need to go into the shack, it only takes a few seconds. For SSB and FM, I clearly use the shack.

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

Covid passports - NOT amateur radio

Several countries have, or are about to, demand Covid-19 passports to gain entry into large venues. Sadly it would appear that previous vaccines do not stop the Omicron variant from being spread. So, after a large event Omicron could still be passed on.

It would appear the real motivation is to get more jabs in arms, especially boosters that appear to work.

So far, evidence from South Africa suggests this is easily transmitted between people, but far less severe. If this proves to be the case, Covid could spread widely, but herd immunity might kick in sooner, which would be good.

10m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)

This morning, I am on 10m FT8. I was briefly on TX and am now on RX only. So far, 4 stations have spotted me (at 0943z) and I have spotted 3 stations. This looks like mid-winter Es.

UPDATE 1120z:  17 stations spotted this morning on 10m FT8 RX with the furthermost TA6B (2963km).

UPDATE 1152z:  About 10 minutes ago I tried a brief TX period with 2.5W FT8. Sadly, nobody copied me.

UPDATE 1317z:  So far today 22 stations spotted.

UPDATE 1433z:  Just 24 stations spotted and no "real" DX.  It has been quite disappointing.

Trinity Street, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows Trinity Street in Cambridge which has seen fewer Far East visitors this year. 

EI7GL Blog

John's blog is always a mine of useful data. This week he reports on an apparent pause in FCC approvals of USA 40MHz (8m) permits. It looks like the FCC is worried about a new amateur band via the back door. My feeling is that people after permits are real experimenters.

See https://ei7gl.blogspot.com .

OFCOM and paired 2100MHz spectrum

OFCOM has issued the prices for paired spectrum at 2100MHz. See the OFCOM website for details.

Sunspots - Tuesday December 14th 2021

 Solar flux is 81 and the SSN 40.  A=6 and K=1.

Solid state batteries - NOT amateur radio

These are the "holy grail" of batteries promising higher capacity than LiIon batteries and faster charging times. However getting them into mass production has proved hard. 

It is rumoured that 2 Japanese manufacturers are close to mass production. If it happens, it could be transformational. Imagine an electric car with a huge range that could be charged whilst you drink a cup of coffee! If this really happens, it could signal the end to fossil fuelled cars. I certainly hope this happens.

Also, Lithium is not an endless resource.

15m FT8 RX with the active RX loop

For about an hour, I have been on 15m FT8 RX. So far (at 1010z) 54 stations spotted with the furthermost A41ZZ (5854km) in Oman. The antenna is again the indoor Wellgood active loop fixed to the shack window.

UPDATE 1145z:   123 stations spotted with the furthermost E25ETT (9673km) in the Far East.

UPDATE 1231z:   149 stations spotted with the furthermost CE2SV (11716km).

UPDATE 1545z:   259 stations spotted.

UPDATE 2150z:   QRT. 265 stations spotted today on 15m FT8 RX.

10m WSPR QRP TX

At the moment I am on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW. So far just local spots from G4KPX (14km).

UPDATE 1143z:  Still just spots from G4KPX.

UPDATE 2145z:   QRT now. Just 2 Gs spotted me all day.

Dwarfed - NOT amateur radio

The Shard in London is over 300m tall. In the foreground is what I think is Southwark Cathedral which is totally dwarfed. 

80m FT8 RX overnight

In all, 640 stations spotted on 80m FT8 RX overnight including several from the USA and Canada. 

Geminids meteor shower

Often meteor showers like the Geminids that peak this week result in some long pings with enhanced VHF conditions. FT4 could be worth a try. Pings can short, but signals strong. 

Old and new Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

Cambridge is a city of contrasts. 

The university has some buildings and traditions that stretch back centuries.  At the same time Cambridge has some of the most forward companies in the whole world. The photo shows some of the contrasts with electric scooters outside St John's College on Friday.

Sunspots - Monday December 13th 2021

Solar flux is 80 and the SSN 12. A=3 and K=3. 

80m FT8 RX (Sunday)

As 6m is quiet here today, I have QSYed to 80m FT8 RX with the indoor Wellgood active loop. So far,  80 stations spotted. The furthermost is UV3IK (2699km).

UPDATE 1937z:  267 stations spotted.

UPDATE 2130z:  474 stations spotted on 80m FT8 RX (see map).

6m FT8 (Sunday)

Although I briefly went on TX at about 1150z, I am mostly RX with the V2000 vertical. No spots given or received.

UPDATE 1512z: 1 station spotted my brief transmission GB0SNB/SDR (65km) and 2 stations were spotted on 6m FT8 RX - 2E1IDC (92km). and G0OYQ (177km). No DX outside G.

University Church, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows Great St Mary's, which is the university church in central Cambridge. It is very close to the world famous King's College Chapel and Cambridge Market.

15m FT8 RX (Sunday)

 It is now 0920z. I have been on 15m FT8 RX for about 10 minutes with the Wellgood active loop antenna. So far, 12 stations spotted.

UPDATE 1145z:   89 stations spotted this morning. QSYing to 6m FT8 shortly.

10m QRP WSPR TX

At the moment, I am again on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW. As 6m was open yesterday I may QSY to 6m later. Just local G4KPX (14km) spotting me so far today.

Sunspots - Sunday December 12th 2021

 Solat flux is 76 and the SSN 0.  A=5 and K=0.

Grove or copse? - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows me at nearby Anglesey Abbey this morning.  A few years ago they planted some silver birches which have now matured. I am unsure if this should be called a grove or copse. Apparently according to Paul (see comments) it is a grove.

160m FT8 RX

Having gradually gone to lower and lower frequencies, I have settled on 160m FT8 RX. So far, 17 stations spotted with the furthermost YL1ZF (1605km).

OFCOM Communications Monthly

Every month OFCOM updates its Communications Monthly with the latest statistics it holds. See the OFCOM website for more details.

Indian Convention

Looks like there was/is a large amateur radio convention in India. I notice that there are few (if any) wearing masks. Some months ago India was overwhelmed with Covid-19 cases. With the new variant spreading fast, I am surprised.

See http://www.larc.in/larc4/ .

15m FT8 RX

At about 1430z I QSYed from 40m to 15m FT8 RX using the Wellgood active loop.  It is now 1440z and, so far, 7 stations spotted.

UPDATE 1712z:  26 stations spotted, mostly in the USA.

Oscar 100 wideband

Often I give an update on the activity on narrowband transponder, but I am not aware of similar way to actually see the signals in the wideband section. The BATV webSDR shows the spectrum, not the actual signals. OK, I know you could look at the actual satellite, but I was wondering if these DATV signals could be viewed on the internet.

If you know how to look at actual DATV signals via Oscar 100, please let me know.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/wb/ .

10m WSPR QRP TX (Saturday)

As the 10m antenna is free, I am on 10m WSPR  TX with my 500mW W5OLF beacon. It is now 1102z and so far 3 unique stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 1411z:  4 unique stations have spotted me (see table).

UPDATE 1715z:  QRT soon as no further DX stations spotting me.

UPDATE 1740z:  QRT.

40m FT8 RX overnight

Since last evening I have been on 40m FT8 RX with the indoor Wellgood active loop. 186 stations spotted including 3 in the USA.

I may remain on 40m FT8 RX this morning. At 1104z, 64 stations had been spotted this morning.

Devon view - NOT amateur radio

 The photo shows the coastal view near Hope Cove in Devon looking towards Dodman Point in Cornwall. The Lizard may be visible in exceptional optical conditions. I have never seen it.

Sunspots - Saturday December 11th 2021

 Solar flux is 76 and the SSN 0.  A=4 and K=3.

40m FT8 RX

This evening (and hopefully overnight) I am on 40m FT8 RX with the Wellgood active loop. 104 stations spotted by 2300z.

OFCOM and satellites

OFCOM is changing the licence conditions for some low earth orbit satellites. See the OFCOM website for details. 

160m FT8 RX overnight

 

Overnight with the indoor Wellgood loop, 308 stations spotted, but nothing from "across the pond".

17m FT8 RX (Friday)

Since about 0855z, I have been on 17m FT8 RX with the Wellgood active loop indoors. It is now 0913z and 40 stations already spotted.

UPDATE 0930z: 66 stations spotted with the furthermost RM8Y (5221km).

UPDATE 1748z:  440 stations spotted with the furthermost being VK2XZ (16962km). With just 4 more in the last hour, this suggests the band is closing or has closed.

UPDATE 1952z:  447 stations spotted. QRT soon.

10m WSPR TX (Friday)

Since about 0855z, I have been on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW to my W5OLF beacon. So far, just spots from G4KPX (14km). 

Near disaster! For almost a day the little beacon had been fully on with no antenna. Remarkably, the PA device survived this abuse. I was lucky. It was so good to see it had survived.

UPDATE 1626z: Just G4KPX spotting me today. 

Sunspots - Friday December 10th 2021

 Solar flux is 77 and the SSN 0 again. A=3 and K=1.

160m FT8 RX (Thursday)

Since teatime I have been on 160m FT8 RX with the active Wellgood loop on the shack window. So far (at 1939z) 86 stations spotted with the furthermost RN7T (3082km). 

Desk Calendar - NOT amateur radio

This is for my room. The cover is of the windpump at nearby Wicken Fen. 

UK Christmas Parties? - NOT amateur radio

With the new Omicron Covid-19 variant it would appear that this is more transmissible than earlier variants, but indications (early) are that it is less severe. For most people it presents a bit like a cold, not needing hospital treatment.

With luck, this will soon become the dominant variant and herd immunity will result in the virus subsiding. There is a risk still that hospitals could be overwhelmed, so the UK government has taken measures to slow the growth.  It seems inevitable that this variant will soon be the dominant one.

Recently rumours have emerged about parties at the UK Prime Minister's premises in Downing Street last Christmas. These have always been denied, but they are being investigated.

What seems to be true is that the UK people largely follow the Covid rules despite the government rather than because of them.

Government credibility would be higher if they always led by example.

Clearly any gathering carries the risk of spreading the virus.

One of the best rigs ever?

Some years ago, I sold my IC-703 to a local friend. He used it mainly on 20m. Looking back, it was one of the best radios I have ever owned. It covered 160m to 6m with 10W,  auto ATU, speech processing and DSP. 

I managed to blow my PAs which were easily fixed. Otherwise it was faultless. These are hard to find these days, but for a multi-band, multi-mode QRP radio it is hard to beat.

These days it is replaced by the IC-705. This covers more bands and has a few extras, but does not have an auto-ATU.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/commercial-rigs/icom-ic-703 .

10m FT8 (Thursday)

After a brief TX period (2 mins?) around 0900z, I am on 10m FT8 RX only. At 0922z no spots given or received. 

UPDATE 1130z:  Just 6 spots on 10m FT8 RX so far. Most of these look like tropo or aircraft reflection with no signs here of F2 or Es.  Furthermost is DO8WA (499km), Sometimes in December and January there is a small mid-winter Es peak. Don't ask me why as I do not know!