Last night was one of my best nights ever on 630m with 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground with spots by 19 stations as the table shows. I was received yet again in Finland.
25 Oct 2023
630m QRP WSPR overnight
Last night was one of my best nights ever on 630m with 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground with spots by 19 stations as the table shows. I was received yet again in Finland.
8m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)
My 2.5W FT8 was turned on about 0845z, but no spots yet today (at 0900z).
UPDATE 1740z: Just local G6KWA (22km) has spotted me today. On RX the furthermost spotted was ZS3/V51PJ (9081km).
10m QRP WSPR TX (Wednesday)
My 500mW 10m QRP WSPR TX beacon was turned on at about 0844z. So far, spotted by 2 stations by F2.
UPDATE 1737z: 37 stations have spotted me today.
24 Oct 2023
630m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)
Since about 2000z, I have been on TX. So far, UK spots.
80m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)
My 80m QRP (2.5W) has been on for the last few hours. My "antenna" is the (almost invisible) earth-electrodes in the ground on which the match is very good. I do not know the ERP on 80m. 2 QSOs have been made with one being PE4BAS, Bas, (450km). Results on TX and RX are far exceeding what I expected. My furthermost spot on TX is UN7MAU (3446km) - quite amazing.
UPDATE 2015z: QSYed to 630m QRP WSPR.
CQWW SSB contest this weekend
This is this weekend (October 28/29th). It is the biggest contest on the planet with 35000 people taking part over the SSB and CW contests.
Exchanges are just report and CQ zone. For example, in the UK, this might be "5914". There is no need to submit an entry, Just come on to work a few more countries. The contest runs all weekend. Exchanges usually take a few seconds only.
At one time (when my voice was OK!) I used to enjoy this contest and have pages filled in the logbook even with 2.5W. I even worked the USA on SSB handheld with the FT817 whip indoors on the bed!
These days, I often forget.
The fog of war - NOT amateur radio
Recently I have been watching different news TV sites trying to get a balanced view of things. It is very noticeable that different outlets emphasise different things.
In the "fog of war" it is very hard to get to the facts. All sides tend to stress what they want you to believe.
The best we can do is get the news from various sources, make our own minds up, and don't believe all we hear.
Getting over Covid-19 - NOT amateur radio
As mentioned before, both my wife and I have had Covid-19, we believe for the first and only time. My wife got better after a few days. I seem to be getting better with the worst of the symptoms now gone. We have both (as "old" people) had all our injections and assumed we would never get it!
As mentioned before we had different symptoms. So far, my sense of small and taste are the same. Since my 2013 stroke these have been "different" in that I no longer want sugar in tea and coffee. Also, I like sweet things more - quite bizarre!
Anyway, assuming I have no relapses, I think I am getting better. If others get it, I hope you have similar experiences or better i.e. mild, and short.
10m QRP WSPR TX (Tuesday)
My 10m 500mW WSPR beacon has been on since breakfast. So far, plenty of spots from the Canary Is, by what looks like F2. Also, other stations, probably F2.
UPDATE 1325z: 19 spots of me so far today.
8m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)
My 2.5W has been on since after breakfast, but just spots by a local so far. As usual, 2.5W and the low dipole.
As the solar conditions do not look too promising today, the best I can really hope for is some tropo or aircraft scatter. Even this would be a bonus!
UPDATE 1316z: ZR1ADI (9777km) has again been copied. With the SSN so low I am pleasantly surprised to see the MUF on N-S paths so high. I was not expecting this.
e-Loran
OFCOM is proposing to offer licences to e-Loran around 100 kHz. I have no idea if this will cause interference to LF and MF amateur bands. I remember the QRM caused by Loran at the top of 160m. I think OFCOM is after comments. See the OFCOM website.
160m QRP FT8 overnight
 |
| Stations spotting my 2.5W to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 160m FT8 overnight |
In all, I was spotted by 55 stations as the maps shows. 73 stations were spotted on RX. The furthermost on TX was OH6BG (1716km).
My theory is this works as a loop in the ground, so that the efficiency should decrease as the skin depth goes down, so I would expect it to be poorer on 160m than 630m. Also, I was using FT8 which is some 10dB poorer than WSPR. Overall, very pleasing.
This begs the question - what is it like on 80m FT8? If the match is OK, I shall probably try this tonight!
This is experimentation I can still do! At some point I must try my 2200m (136 kHz) beacon on QRSS. I think it can do QRSS. It is over 10 years since I last used QRSS.
23 Oct 2023
160m FT8 this evening?
As a change from 630m WSPR, I might try the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground with QRP 160m FT8 as long as I can get a match that is low enough.
I cannot recall trying this at this QTH. Mind you, it it is more than a month ago I probably cannot remember it!
UPDATE 1450z: I turned on my 160m QRP FT8 to the earth-electrode using the same 3C90 matching transformer. With the same taps as used on 630m the SWR is pretty low.
UPDATE 1811z: 7 stations have spotted me with the furthermost LA3MHA (1074km).
UPDATE 1900z: 10 stations have spotted me.
630m QRP WSPR overnight
My furthermost spot has increased in distance. Last night was probably my best ever on the band.
Count your blessings - NOT amateur radio
As mentioned yesterday, I have tested positive for Covid-19 despite having all the injections and avoided it until now. My wife also has it, with different symptoms. At the moment I feel rough and hope things get better soon. I have not felt this unwell since my 2013 stroke.
Just imagine this if I lived in Gaza. I have no sympathy with killing innocent people whatever their religion. I am sure revenge just fuels the flames. I just wish everyone could live in peace and respect our differences.
At the moment my symptoms of Covid are many and varied. It feels like a very heavy cold and it hurts when I cough. Also, I have noticed I make far more mistakes typing.
Enjoy every moment.
8m QRP FT8 (Monday)
My 2.5W to the low dipole has been on since about 0945z. So far, no spots.
UPDATE 1424z: So far still no spots on TX or RX.
10m QRP WSPR (Monday)
My 10m QRP WSPR TX beacon was turned on about 30 minutes ago.
UPDATE 1258z: 39 stations have spotted me today.
New Elecraft CW rig
Jason Woodman has passed on this data on new Elecraft CW rig.
"Elecraft has announced a new hand portable CW transceiver KH
Self contained rig idea for SOTA/POTA. Covers 40M - 15M up to 5w.
Self contained rig idea for SOTA/POTA. Covers 40M - 15M up to 5w.
KH1 Hand-Held, 5-Band Transceiver (Rig only $549.95)
Package:
KH1 Hand-Held, 5-Band Transceiver
KHATU1 Antenna Tuner
KHPD1 Keyer Paddle
KHLOG1 Logbook Tray w/mini-ballpoint pen
KXBT2 rechargeable Li-Ion battery
KHIBC1 Internal Battery Charger
ES20 Custom zippered carrying case.
KHATU1 Antenna Tuner
KHPD1 Keyer Paddle
KHLOG1 Logbook Tray w/mini-ballpoint pen
KXBT2 rechargeable Li-Ion battery
KHIBC1 Internal Battery Charger
ES20 Custom zippered carrying case.
Total cost $1099
"NOTE: We currently cannot ship the KH1 to any EU country. The KH1 is currently not CE certified."
More info on KH1: https://elecraft.com/products/
I agree with Jason - expensive. Presumably there is VAT and import duty to consider when they get CE approval eventually. A nice rig.... if you can afford it. Personally, I am disappointed there is not (I think) an FT8/WSPR option.
Separately, I was sent a You Tube link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc5P2rhpUpo. There are several videos on YouTube.
22 Oct 2023
630m QRP WSPR (Sunday)
For this evening and overnight, I am on QRP 630m with the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground. So far 9 stations have spotted me.
8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)
My 2.5w FT8 to the low dipole was turned in about 0930z. So far, no spots on TX or RX. 3 stations spotted in continental Europe plus on "QSO" with EA1TX (1240km). Not sure they have legal access to 8m.
10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)
UPDATE 1623z: The impression I am getting is that there are more stations on than last year. Already today my 500mW has been spotted by 28 stations.
Covid-19 - NOT amateur radio
Symptoms are different between us, but we would best describe it as a heavy cold. and a hacking cough. We are also tired. My wife has also lost here sense of taste and smell.
Sunday plans
Probably on QRP 8m FT8 and 10m 500mW WSPR TX during the day, switching to 630m QRP WSPR after dark.
630m QRP WSPR overnight
Just UK stations spotting me overnight. 9 stations spotted my 10mW ERP with the furthermost GM0UDL (659km).
21 Oct 2023
630m QRP WSPR (Saturday)
My usual pattern in to QSY from 8m FT8 to 630m WSPR after dark. On 8m, I have little chance, whereas on 630m I am one of the very few in the UK on 630m WSPR.
UPDATE 1715z: Just spots by 2 stations so far on TX . On RX a couple of stations spotted with the furthermost PA3GSH (396km).
UPDATE 1838z: G6AVK (78km) has spotted me 3 times this evening.
UPDATE 2125z: 5 stations have spotted me this evening.
Late flush - NOT amateur radio
10m 500mW WSPR TX (Saturday)
My 10m QRP WSPR beacon was turned on about 0909z. No spots yet.
UPDATE 1417z: 5 stations have spotted me.
8m QRP FT8 (Saturday)
My 2.5W to the dipole was turned on at 0909z. So far, just local spots.
UPDATE 1622z: S50B (1220km) in Slovenia has also spotted me.
UPDATE 1639z: Judging by results on 10m, I do not think 8m F2 conditions have been exceptional. With my QRP, I think conditions have to be very good.
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20 Oct 2023
Cambridge Grand Arcade - NOT amateur radio
OFCOM reminder
There are quite a few new publications on the OFCOM website. Also, they update the data they hold on licences etc every week. See the OFCOM website for details.
10m 500mW WSPR TX (Friday)
My QRP 10m WSPR beacon was turned on at about 0900z. So far, at 1028z, spotted by 12 stations.
630m QRP WSPR overnight - amazing!
Yet again, I was on 630m WSPR with my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Results continue to amaze me. OH1LSQ (1733km) seems to spot me most nights.
8m QRP FT8 (Friday)
My 2.5W and dipole was turned on at about 0900z. Just local spots at 1019z.
UPDATE 1355z: On TX still just local spots. On RX ZR1ADI (9777km) spotted again.
19 Oct 2023
Rally
The following rally has been notified to me. In view of the weather warnings, I strongly advise checking before travelling.
Sunday, October 22nd, Galashiels, TD1 3JX. I do not have contact details.
Quote from "The Knowledge" today - NOT amateur radio
In the UK, Mrs Thatcher was the first women Prime Minister. She had very definite views about what had to change. She was very strong in UK politics. She was in charge of the Conservative government. Many hated her and she has a lot to answer for.
This appeared in "The Knowledge" today.
Quoted |
“If you have to tell people you are powerful, it means you aren’t.” Margaret Thatcher |
Fan vaulting - NOT amateur radio
People travel across the planet to see it. The fan vaulting is the best example in Europe I believe.
Look Down! - NOT amateur radio
10m 500mW WSPR TX (Thursday)
At about 1245z, my QRP 10m WSPR beacon was turned on. So far, just G4KPX (14km) spotting me.
UPDATE 1422z: 11 stations have spotted my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon this afternoon.
Living in the moment - NOT amateur radio
As recent events have taught us, we have no idea what is just around the corner. More than ever we must enjoy the now. We spend a lot of time worrying about the future and not enjoying the now. Yes, we have to keep an eye on the future, but it can consume us in lots of unnecessary worry too.
8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)
As the storm risk seems low, I turned on my 2.5W 8m FT8 to the dipole at 1245z.
UPDATE 1304z: 2 stations have spotted me - 1 local G4WSZ (12km) and one in Spain EA3ERE (1153km).
630m QRP WSPR overnight
10 stations spotted my QRP WSPR on 630m overnight including (yet again) OH1LSQ (1733km) .
Thunder risk (Thursday)
Although I think the risk of thunderstorms this morning is low, I am taking no chances. I shall be out until lunchtime, so I have disconnected, antennas, PSUs and plugs from the mains to minimise risks of static build-up causing damage. So, I am not on ANY band this morning.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/#m=oss;t=3;s=0;o=0;b=;ts=0; .
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