In the last 30 minutes, both of these have been switched on. 5mW ERP (20% TX, 80 % RX) on 472kHz WSPR and 500mW (100% TX) on 28MHz WSPR.
Best DX on 10m so far is 4X1RF (3519km) and on 630m I have yet to be copied or copy anyone.
UPDATE 1125z: G3YAC (12km) has now spotted me a couple of times on 472kHz (630m) WSPR, but not too strongly.
UPDATE 1146z: Apart from locals G4IKZ (18km) and G3YAC (12km) very little so far on 10m WSPR although 4X1RF (3519km) has spotted me 4 times so far this morning. Activity on 10m WSPR is moderate with 60 active stations worldwide when I last checked.
9 Mar 2015
Sunspots and 10m - Mon March 9th 2015
Sunspot number remains low at 23 today. 10m propagation is expected to be "fair".
As yet, I have still to turn on my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon. It is now 1000z. I intend to have it running shortly but it takes about 20 minutes before it fully stabilises.
As yet, I have still to turn on my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon. It is now 1000z. I intend to have it running shortly but it takes about 20 minutes before it fully stabilises.
8 Mar 2015
472kHz records
Last night LA4ANA (1042km) copied my 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" for the second time. OR7T (337km) also copied me for the first time last night when I was using the earth-electrode "antenna".
In the last 2 weeks alone, 29 unique stations in 6 countries have spotted my 5mW ERP when I've been using the earth-electrode "antenna". The overall total is greater.
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In the last 2 weeks alone, 29 unique stations in 6 countries have spotted my 5mW ERP when I've been using the earth-electrode "antenna". The overall total is greater.
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| Unique stations who spotted me in last 2 weeks on 472kHz WSPR |
Sunspots and 10m today - Sun March 8th 2015
Sunspot number has fallen further to just 20, the lowest for some time, and 10m propagation was expected to be "fair".
I see from WSPRnet that 10m opened to the USA from G although none of radio gear has been on today.
7 Mar 2015
472kHz WSPR this evening
So far, no great TX DX on 472kHz this evening although G3XKR (347km) in North Devon is copying my 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna". It would be good if this evening or overnight I was copied again over 1000km. Last night the PC crashed just after midnight so all DX overnight was missed.
UPDATE 2140z: PE1RKT (285km) has spotted me a couple of times this evening.
UPDATE 2140z: PE1RKT (285km) has spotted me a couple of times this evening.
Sunspots and 10m - Sat March 7th 2015
Sunspot number today is 37 and 10m is expected to be "fair". Already the 10m band is well open to the USA and there was some decent stuff coming through on 10m well before lunch.
Over 1000km on 472kHz TX with earth-electrodes
Last night LA4ANA (1047km) copied my 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" on 472kHz WSPR. This is my best DX yet on the non-antenna, nearly 300km further than my best previous TX record. I was also spotted by DL4YHF (556km) for the first time on the earth-electrode "antenna". My PC decided to crash some time after midnight last night, so I missed any DX overnight. These spots were during the evening period.
In the last 2 weeks alone I have been spotted by 28 different stations when I've been using 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" on 472kHz WSPR. Let no-one say 472kHz is out because they cannot fit an antenna! If my signal can span over 1000km with WSPR then you can surely do better. I make no claims for the earth-electrode "antenna" but if you are unable to erect a proper antenna give it a go.
I have still to try it at this QTH on 136kHz but at my old QTH I managed to be spotted at 250km with very low ERP.
In the last 2 weeks alone I have been spotted by 28 different stations when I've been using 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" on 472kHz WSPR. Let no-one say 472kHz is out because they cannot fit an antenna! If my signal can span over 1000km with WSPR then you can surely do better. I make no claims for the earth-electrode "antenna" but if you are unable to erect a proper antenna give it a go.
I have still to try it at this QTH on 136kHz but at my old QTH I managed to be spotted at 250km with very low ERP.
10m WSPR - North American spots Sat March 7th 2015
| KB4SC (6560km) was the first USA station to spot my 500mW WSPR signal at 1222z (quite early). Quite a few others have been spotting me since. TJ1TS (5478km) in Yaounde,Cameroon was spotting me very early, at breakfast time1 UPDATE 1848z: Best USA DX is a spot from AE7YQ (8533km) in DM41kx, which puts him in southern Arizona.'' UPDATE 2012z: At the moment the Canadians are still copying me. VA3XCD (5496km) is not the last I am sure from North America tonight. UPDATE 2138z: N2NOM (5581km) was the last North American to spot me today at 2016z. |
6 Mar 2015
Stroke
My brain is still exhibiting some bizarre effects. I still have problems with drinking thin liquids, speaking, getting tired and feeling drunk when walking, but it is not seeing obvious errors with words on my blogs that is fascinating. My problem, back in Sept 2013, was a cerebellum brain bleed, that was operated on.
For example, in my last post on this blog I wrote "as" instead of "has" but it took a long time to realise this was wrong. It is as if my brain does not process words quite correctly, or at least not quickly. It is not a serious issue and I correct the errors as soon as I do spot them. It happens quite a bit so I think it is real and not just me being paranoid.
I am finding it harder to get absorbed in TV dramas too. It is as if my memory has been affected in some way. My basic intellect is still sharp, but recalling some things can be a problem. Maybe this is just age? I am desperate to get my "old self" back, but know it could be a long road. Knowing now how bad I was I guess I was pretty lucky and I could have ended up a terrible mess.
Richard G3TFX told my XYL to get me into hospital fast in Sept 2013. Looking back, this probably saved my life.
See http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/cerebellum.
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| http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/cerebellum |
I am finding it harder to get absorbed in TV dramas too. It is as if my memory has been affected in some way. My basic intellect is still sharp, but recalling some things can be a problem. Maybe this is just age? I am desperate to get my "old self" back, but know it could be a long road. Knowing now how bad I was I guess I was pretty lucky and I could have ended up a terrible mess.
Richard G3TFX told my XYL to get me into hospital fast in Sept 2013. Looking back, this probably saved my life.
See http://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/cerebellum.
472kHz WSPR today
G3WCB (101km) has been spotting me all day. Although he runs a higher ERP than me, I seem to always give him poorer reports. I think this is because my FT817 is a bit deaf on 472kHz. When I feel fitter, I should try to improve my MF RX system as I may be missing a few stations.
Plenty of USA 10m WSPR spots today
KB4SC (6560km) was the first USA station to spot my 500mW WSPR today, at 1316z. Since then, a lot of USA stations have been spotting me. It has been a good day on 10m today, despite the lowish sunspot number and the "fair" forecast.
UPDATE 1836z: Still lots of spots of my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon by stations in the USA today. I have the feeling that the 10m band will be open to the USA for some while yet?
UPDATE 1926z: Still wide open to the USA on 10m.
UPDATE 2012z: At the moment it looks like KC1AWS (5308km) was the last USA station to spot me today at 1928z. Only local G4IKZ (18km) since then. Will soon be going QRT on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 2024z: The opening to the USA is not yet over! K9AN (6505km) and others were just spotting me strongly! I'll stick around a bit longer, HI. Perhaps this is the "last gasp" as the F2 MUF falls?
UPDATE 2050z: USA stations are still spotting my 500mW WSPR. This is very late now. A total surprise.
UPDATE 2150z: The last spot from the USA was an hour ago. I think the opening to the USA is now, at last, over. It was a good and long one. Now going QRT on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 2230z: Now QRT on 10m. Have reset my PC to internet time on MF.
UPDATE 1836z: Still lots of spots of my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon by stations in the USA today. I have the feeling that the 10m band will be open to the USA for some while yet?
UPDATE 1926z: Still wide open to the USA on 10m.
UPDATE 2012z: At the moment it looks like KC1AWS (5308km) was the last USA station to spot me today at 1928z. Only local G4IKZ (18km) since then. Will soon be going QRT on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 2024z: The opening to the USA is not yet over! K9AN (6505km) and others were just spotting me strongly! I'll stick around a bit longer, HI. Perhaps this is the "last gasp" as the F2 MUF falls?
UPDATE 2050z: USA stations are still spotting my 500mW WSPR. This is very late now. A total surprise.
UPDATE 2150z: The last spot from the USA was an hour ago. I think the opening to the USA is now, at last, over. It was a good and long one. Now going QRT on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 2230z: Now QRT on 10m. Have reset my PC to internet time on MF.
10m Lincoln multi-mode rig
I am pretty sure it will get well used in the coming months though. A few dB extra power will make some difference when using SSB on 10m as the sunspots come "off the boil".
40m Pixie
I must have another go with this rig. As I mentioned before, a 7.030MHz crystal would be more useful than the 7.023MHz crystal it came with. The rig definitely works and the RX nets perfectly to the TX frequency. Sensitivity is better than I expected and BC breakthrough far less of an issue than I had expected. It is certainly a good little kit for the price. I need to check the Reverse Beacon Network in case I get out OK but don't hear any replies to my CQs.
Female models - why don't they smile?
Sorry, this is not amateur radio.....
Why do most female models look so unbelievably miserable? Almost without exception, the "look" seems to be to appear as miserable as possible and never smile. Surely, if you want dresses to sell then wear a smile at least! I am sure models used to look nice and smile. Back in the 1960s I never recall models being miserable. Perhaps this is how they are told to look in our politically correct times? Rubbish I say! Not that my XYL is ever likely buy designer dresses, but surely they'd sell more if you thought the models wearing them actually liked them?
Why do most female models look so unbelievably miserable? Almost without exception, the "look" seems to be to appear as miserable as possible and never smile. Surely, if you want dresses to sell then wear a smile at least! I am sure models used to look nice and smile. Back in the 1960s I never recall models being miserable. Perhaps this is how they are told to look in our politically correct times? Rubbish I say! Not that my XYL is ever likely buy designer dresses, but surely they'd sell more if you thought the models wearing them actually liked them?
Sunspots and 10m - March 6th 2015
Sunspot number has dropped to 33 today and 10m propagation is described as "fair". Despite this, 10m feels quite lively today with plenty of stations on the edge of Europe and Asia spotting my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon.
The best 10m WSPR spot so far today was by RA0WKQ (5702km) in Siberia. Also good DX was/is from TJ3TS (5478km) in Cameroon, Central Africa. I suspect 10m will open to the USA after lunch as conditions on the 10m band seem to be better than "fair" to me.
UPDATE 1100z: So far today TJ3TS (Cameroon) has spotted my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon 17 times already. This station is DL8SEQ who is in the capital Yaounde until this summer and operating mainly on digital modes.
The best 10m WSPR spot so far today was by RA0WKQ (5702km) in Siberia. Also good DX was/is from TJ3TS (5478km) in Cameroon, Central Africa. I suspect 10m will open to the USA after lunch as conditions on the 10m band seem to be better than "fair" to me.
UPDATE 1100z: So far today TJ3TS (Cameroon) has spotted my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon 17 times already. This station is DL8SEQ who is in the capital Yaounde until this summer and operating mainly on digital modes.
5 Mar 2015
472kHz WSPR last night
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| Unique 472kHz WSPR spots last night |
I am amazed just how many stations have now spotted my very low ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" on 472kHz WSPR. Never let it be said, "I've no space for MF antennas". If I can get out with my "antenna" then so can you, and probably much better!
W5OLF's WSPR beacon
See http://w5olf.com .
As a user for several months of a W5OLF WSPR 10m beacon OK I am biased. However, if your interest is a small WSPR beacon for 30, 20m or 10m then I can honestly recommend this kit. There are others such as the Hans Summers "Ultimate" beacons. These are more flexible but they need several small PCBs. Jay's WSPR dedicated beacons fit on a single small PCB that fits inside an Altoids tin. As my 10m unit has been copied all over the planet (including Australia and Antarctica), I can highly recommend this design. It really does work well. If you enjoy WSPR you'd be hard pressed to find a neater, smaller solution. I love it. Mine runs lots of the time. Usually it is started up at breakfast time and runs through until the DX disappears the following night. It will probably be on 24/7 during the Es season unless I want to work SSB,CW, FM or AM on the other rigs.
As a user for several months of a W5OLF WSPR 10m beacon OK I am biased. However, if your interest is a small WSPR beacon for 30, 20m or 10m then I can honestly recommend this kit. There are others such as the Hans Summers "Ultimate" beacons. These are more flexible but they need several small PCBs. Jay's WSPR dedicated beacons fit on a single small PCB that fits inside an Altoids tin. As my 10m unit has been copied all over the planet (including Australia and Antarctica), I can highly recommend this design. It really does work well. If you enjoy WSPR you'd be hard pressed to find a neater, smaller solution. I love it. Mine runs lots of the time. Usually it is started up at breakfast time and runs through until the DX disappears the following night. It will probably be on 24/7 during the Es season unless I want to work SSB,CW, FM or AM on the other rigs.
RSGB Wortley-Talbot Trophy
Sadly my continued ill health means I'll be unable to pick up the award at the RSGB's AGM in London in April. I just wish my health was better so I could do some field work again soon! Both VLF and optical field work are on hold until I feel better. This year I really really hope I'll manage it.
To be honest this award came as a complete surprise, but I'd happily trade these lovely awards to be back to my old healthy self.
10m - USA today
So the 10m band has yet again opened across the Atlantic with KB4SC (6560km) spotting my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon at 1312z and several times since. Others are also copying me.
UPDATE 1748z: Plenty of 10m WSPR spots from the USA received all afternoon and still continuing.
My 500mW 10m WSPR-AXE-CW beacon created by Jay W5OLF continues to work flawlessly. It is so tiny yet just works. It takes about 15-20 minutes to settle (I think the reference drifts as the PA warms up?) and I sync to internet time once a day, which is probably far more frequently than needed. Once running, it works perfectly with nothing else needed, no PC, nothing. All continents were reached within weeks on 10m to a simple wire antenna. At some point I may build a 20m version which is 1W. On 10m 0.5W seems fine.
UPDATE 2042z: At the moment, it looks like N0UR (6535km) was the last USA station to spot my little 10m 500mW WSPR beacon at 2014z. Since then just local G4IKZ (18km).
UPDATE 2205z: No further USA spots since N0UR at 2014z. Now QRT on 10m WSPR until the morning. Still active on 472kHz WSPR.
UPDATE 1748z: Plenty of 10m WSPR spots from the USA received all afternoon and still continuing.
My 500mW 10m WSPR-AXE-CW beacon created by Jay W5OLF continues to work flawlessly. It is so tiny yet just works. It takes about 15-20 minutes to settle (I think the reference drifts as the PA warms up?) and I sync to internet time once a day, which is probably far more frequently than needed. Once running, it works perfectly with nothing else needed, no PC, nothing. All continents were reached within weeks on 10m to a simple wire antenna. At some point I may build a 20m version which is 1W. On 10m 0.5W seems fine.
UPDATE 2042z: At the moment, it looks like N0UR (6535km) was the last USA station to spot my little 10m 500mW WSPR beacon at 2014z. Since then just local G4IKZ (18km).
UPDATE 2205z: No further USA spots since N0UR at 2014z. Now QRT on 10m WSPR until the morning. Still active on 472kHz WSPR.
Sunspots and 10m - March 5th 2015
Sunspot number is little changed at 43. 10m propagation is expected to be "fair". This morning, the usual suspects UR/SWL56, 4X1RF and LZ1OI were spotting my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon. I think 10m will open to the USA later today.
4 Mar 2015
472kHz WSPR - no surprises
I have remained on 472kHz WSPR and intend to continue through the night, but being Wednesday, Windows may try to install updates in the middle of the night and turn off the PC! It should work until about 0400z. So far today, no great surprises with spots from G7NKS (46km), G3WCB (101km) and G8HUH (250km) of my 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna".
In the last 2 weeks 25 unique stations have successfully spotted my 472kHz QRP WSPR signal.
UPDATE 2200z: PA0RDT (243km) has spotted me 4 times this evening. Local G4KPX (14km) in Ely is spotting me too this evening.
In the last 2 weeks 25 unique stations have successfully spotted my 472kHz QRP WSPR signal.
UPDATE 2200z: PA0RDT (243km) has spotted me 4 times this evening. Local G4KPX (14km) in Ely is spotting me too this evening.
Oxburgh Hall
This is not amateur radio....
Today we visited Oxburgh Hall, looked after by the National Trust, in Norfolk. This is a fine moated house that looks more like a fortified castle. It has excellent grounds that had lots of snowdrops out. At the moment the daffodils have still to come out. Although it has ancient origins, parts were changed inside in the 19th century.
We had the tasty homemade leek and potato soup for lunch in the National Trust cafe which is just inside the main house on the LHS over the bridge (just inside).
Oxburgh Hall is a fine property and worth a visit.
See http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/oxburgh-hall/ .
I have updated our East Anglian churches visited blog too.
See http://eachurches.blogspot.co.uk/ .
Today we visited Oxburgh Hall, looked after by the National Trust, in Norfolk. This is a fine moated house that looks more like a fortified castle. It has excellent grounds that had lots of snowdrops out. At the moment the daffodils have still to come out. Although it has ancient origins, parts were changed inside in the 19th century.
We had the tasty homemade leek and potato soup for lunch in the National Trust cafe which is just inside the main house on the LHS over the bridge (just inside).
Oxburgh Hall is a fine property and worth a visit.
I have updated our East Anglian churches visited blog too.
See http://eachurches.blogspot.co.uk/ .
USA spots on 10m WSPR today
Several USA stations spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon today, despite the low sunspot number and only "fair" 10m conditions.
The first to spot me today was KB4SC (6560km) at 1424z and the last was W8QYT (5798km) at 1918z. It was better than I was expecting on 10m this afternoon.
The question is how low can the sunspot number fall and still have decent 10m conditions? I guess there are very many factors to consider. As I've said before, I have worked 11000km+ with QRP SSB at solar minimum on N-S paths. I wonder what WSPR will be capable of? Remember you only need an opening of 120 seconds for WSPR to be successful and WSPR is 12-14dB better than CW and CW is better than SSB. If people stick around on 10m we may be in for some real surprises in the coming "quiet years".
UPDATE 2016z: Well, the opening lasted even longer as W8QYT was still spotting me strongly (-9dB S/N) at 2006z. Often the strongest signals are just before the band dies on a particular path - something to do with the MUF being optimum and lowest attenuation? By the same logic you'd expect optimum propagation just as the MUF rises through 28.124MHz as a path opens. Can't say I've noticed this, but it could account for the early morning spots by 4X1RF?
The first to spot me today was KB4SC (6560km) at 1424z and the last was W8QYT (5798km) at 1918z. It was better than I was expecting on 10m this afternoon.
The question is how low can the sunspot number fall and still have decent 10m conditions? I guess there are very many factors to consider. As I've said before, I have worked 11000km+ with QRP SSB at solar minimum on N-S paths. I wonder what WSPR will be capable of? Remember you only need an opening of 120 seconds for WSPR to be successful and WSPR is 12-14dB better than CW and CW is better than SSB. If people stick around on 10m we may be in for some real surprises in the coming "quiet years".
UPDATE 2016z: Well, the opening lasted even longer as W8QYT was still spotting me strongly (-9dB S/N) at 2006z. Often the strongest signals are just before the band dies on a particular path - something to do with the MUF being optimum and lowest attenuation? By the same logic you'd expect optimum propagation just as the MUF rises through 28.124MHz as a path opens. Can't say I've noticed this, but it could account for the early morning spots by 4X1RF?
40m Pixie
This afternoon, I'll be giving my 40m Pixie another outing on 7.023MHz. I'll take a look on the Reverse Beacon Network to see if I was noticed if I fail to make any 2-way QSOs.
I really need to check my junk box for 7.030MHz crystals as this would be a more useful QRP frequency. When fitter, I need to put it in a box!
UPDATE 1956z: In the end I did not try the 40m Pixie today.
I really need to check my junk box for 7.030MHz crystals as this would be a more useful QRP frequency. When fitter, I need to put it in a box!
UPDATE 1956z: In the end I did not try the 40m Pixie today.
Sunspots and 10m - March 4th 2015
Sunspot number has slipped again and stands at just 38 today. 10m propagation is expected to be "fair".
Already 4X1RF (3519km) has spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon 5 times since breakfast, but only G4IKZ (18km) otherwise. I wonder if the 10m band will open to the USA this afternoon?
Already 4X1RF (3519km) has spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon 5 times since breakfast, but only G4IKZ (18km) otherwise. I wonder if the 10m band will open to the USA this afternoon?
3 Mar 2015
UKAC - 2m SSB tonight
Just 5 QSOs this evening on 2m SSB (5W pep) with best DX 204km to G7RAU on the Isle of Wight. As my antenna would still not rotate (bolts too tight) I decided to use the halo again, which is fed with lossy RG58 coax. I am very tempted to swap the rotatable antenna for stacked big wheels with low loss feed coax. Being omni would help in these contests as if I can work over 200km with the halo and lossy cable I'd be at least one S point better on stacked big wheels and a low loss cable. I could have worked far more if I stayed on longer but after an hour my very poor voice told me to stop. There were several workable stations in IO92 square. I worked none of these this evening.
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| Stations worked tonight with 5W + halo on 144MHz SSB. |
G3XKR (IO70) spots me on 472kHz
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| Kingsbridge Estuary, S. Devon |
Years ago my very first amateur radio activity was in the South Hams area of Devon. I was active on 160m AM and CW. My first ever 2m reception was of G3VEH in Cornwall. Did the sun really always shine back then?
UK Activity Contests
Every Tuesday evening the RSGB organises a VHF/UHF activity contest. I have just in time submitted my entry for the low power section of last Tuesday evenings 50MHz contest. With just 3 QSOs logged there is no way on this earth that I'll be anywhere but near the bottom! Having a V2000 omni vertical antenna, 5W, and a stroke damaged voice is no way to enter a 50MHz, UK based, contest! The V2000 and even 2.5W is great in the Es season (I work most that is around), but it is far from ideal working inter-G on 6m SSB.
Tonight is the 144MHz (2m) March leg of the UKAC. My small 3el beam should turn again now (manually) so I'll see how long my voice holds out. 45 minutes to 60 minutes is usually my limit. Last week I was on very little time. My best DX seems to be around 200km with 5W on 2m in "normal" conditions.
At this time of the year there are fewer portable stations active but activity (SSB and CW) is usually very high so this is a good opportunity to work some new squares. People have been very friendly. If in the UK or nearby join the fun 2000-2230z on 2m. I usually go QRT by 2100z because of the strain on my voice.
Just checked where I sit in the Jan 2015 AL section of the 50MHz UKAC. You guessed? Bottom! Well someone has to be!
Tonight is the 144MHz (2m) March leg of the UKAC. My small 3el beam should turn again now (manually) so I'll see how long my voice holds out. 45 minutes to 60 minutes is usually my limit. Last week I was on very little time. My best DX seems to be around 200km with 5W on 2m in "normal" conditions.
At this time of the year there are fewer portable stations active but activity (SSB and CW) is usually very high so this is a good opportunity to work some new squares. People have been very friendly. If in the UK or nearby join the fun 2000-2230z on 2m. I usually go QRT by 2100z because of the strain on my voice.
Just checked where I sit in the Jan 2015 AL section of the 50MHz UKAC. You guessed? Bottom! Well someone has to be!
USA on 10m - March 3rd 2015
Well, 10m has opened to the USA today. KB4SC (6560km) was the first to spot my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon at 1418z today. I see there are a few other USA stations in the log who are spotting me since then.
Apart from the USA stations, only 4X1RF has spotted me and locals, certainly no "super-DX".
UPDATE 1840z: Still plenty of USA stations spotting my 10m 500mW WSPR.
UPDATE 1922z: It looks like K9AN (6505km) was the last to spot me on 10m WSPR tonight at 1846z. At least 10m did open to the USA for my little 500mW WSPR beacon today, unlike yesterday.
Apart from the USA stations, only 4X1RF has spotted me and locals, certainly no "super-DX".
UPDATE 1840z: Still plenty of USA stations spotting my 10m 500mW WSPR.
UPDATE 1922z: It looks like K9AN (6505km) was the last to spot me on 10m WSPR tonight at 1846z. At least 10m did open to the USA for my little 500mW WSPR beacon today, unlike yesterday.
2 Mar 2015
472kHz WSPR - very quiet this evening?
I have been on 472kHz for the last 30 minutes or so but activity seems very low. So far I have spotted no-one and no-one has spotted me.Usually I can be assured of activity on 472kHz WSPR. There are between 36 and 44 active stations according to WSPRnet but no-one is actually being copied!
Even my 40m Pixie failed to get any RBN reports this evening. What with no USA stations copying me on 10m, this has been a very disappointing day radio-wise. Tomorrow may be totally different, such is the nature of our delightful hobby.
The most cheerful thing was the return of our two red legged partridges! They may not be the same ones, but to see two was great.
UPDATE 2200z: I spoke too soon! 472kHz WSPR reports received from G4SMD (250km) and G3THQ (88m) and I am spotting PA0A (417km).
In the last 2 weeks my 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" has been copied by 23 unique stations with best DX spot F1AFJ (607km).
Even my 40m Pixie failed to get any RBN reports this evening. What with no USA stations copying me on 10m, this has been a very disappointing day radio-wise. Tomorrow may be totally different, such is the nature of our delightful hobby.
The most cheerful thing was the return of our two red legged partridges! They may not be the same ones, but to see two was great.
UPDATE 2200z: I spoke too soon! 472kHz WSPR reports received from G4SMD (250km) and G3THQ (88m) and I am spotting PA0A (417km).
In the last 2 weeks my 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" has been copied by 23 unique stations with best DX spot F1AFJ (607km).
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| Unique 472kHz spots on earth-electrode "antenna" in last 2 weeks. |
No 10m USA spots again?
Despite 10m conditions forecast to be "fair", it looks like this will be the second day in a row when not a single USA or Canadian station will have spotted my 500mW WSPR beacon. It really does look as if conditions are on the change. This afternoon just 4X1RF and G4IKZ spotting me this afternoon.
Birds at this QTH
When we first moved to our bungalow (19 months ago) we saw
2 red legged partridges regularly in the road and in the garden. Then we
saw 3 for one day. After that (for the last 6 months) there has been just 1. Now, today, we have just seen 2 again. I hope it is a male and a
female and they stop around and have young! The red
legged partridge is an introduced species, but it is the commonest
partridge with 82000 territories. It is a very good looking bird. The
ones locally seem quite content. See red legged partridge RSPB page .
Yesterday, there were a couple of mallard ducks in the close. Overall though we see fewer bird species than at the old QTH despite putting out plenty to attract them. I would have thought with an orchard next door, the windmill, allotments and fields close by, we'd see lots. Starlings do roost on the windmill sails and there are fewer starlings around nowadays.
From the shack window I get an excellent view of the birds in our garden.
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| View from shack window |
From the shack window I get an excellent view of the birds in our garden.
40m Pixie: a tip I was given
Andy Cutland in the Channel Islands has reminded me that it is well worth checking the Reverse Beacon Network to see if the signal from the Pixie is getting out, even if no replies are received. I must admit I've not yet been doing this. From now on I'll check the RBN although I usually reply to CQs rather than call CQ when using QRP (search and pounce).
Sunspots and 10m - Monday March 2nd 2015
Yesterday was dire(ish) on 10m. Let us hope today is better. My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon has been on for 20 minutes, but only being spotted l.ocally so far.
Sunspot number today is 66 (not bad) and 10m propagation is expected to be "fair".
UPDATE 1000z: I see 4X1RF (3519km) has spotted me.
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UPDATE 1130z: 4X1RF has spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon 4 times so far this morning. He is, so far, the only DX station to copy me. It seems pretty quiet.
UPDATE 1212z: 4X1RF has now spotted me 5 times today so far. No other DX spots received today.
UPDATE 1410z: 4X1RF has now spotted me 8 times today so far. Still no transatlantic spots received though. I am beginning to think the long afternoon openings on 10m to the USA are ending.
Sunspot number today is 66 (not bad) and 10m propagation is expected to be "fair".
UPDATE 1000z: I see 4X1RF (3519km) has spotted me.
.
UPDATE 1130z: 4X1RF has spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon 4 times so far this morning. He is, so far, the only DX station to copy me. It seems pretty quiet.
UPDATE 1212z: 4X1RF has now spotted me 5 times today so far. No other DX spots received today.
UPDATE 1410z: 4X1RF has now spotted me 8 times today so far. Still no transatlantic spots received though. I am beginning to think the long afternoon openings on 10m to the USA are ending.
1 Mar 2015
10GHz WBFM transceivers
The modern way of getting (simply) into 10GHz WBFM appears to be using very low cost 10GHz Doppler radar modules with a 100MHz FM receiver. Whilst with G6ALB for my Pixie tests Andrew demonstrated a working 10GHz link based on these low cost modules. These are useful links Andrew sent me.
Hi Roger,These are the units I found when I was looking for [definitions of] the 10.525 GHz ISM band.It looks like 3cm Doppler radar is alive and well,I’d assumed it had disappeared in favour of PIR.Some data here:These are very good pages (for wideband FM on 10 GHz).
Andrew G6ALB
40m Pixie measurements
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| Pixie harmonic measurements |
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| Pixie on the bench |
I should also case the unit! Drilling the case could be a challenge in my current state of health! Just doing the building and testing was exhausting.
USA 10m WSPR spots (or lack of them!)
It is now 1330z and so far not a single USA station has, yet, spotted my 500mW WSPR beacon. OK , it is still quite early and things may well be better later, but yesterday was far better on 10m. Plenty of reports from Eastern Europe and near Asia though.
So far, 10m has been a bit disappointing today.
UPDATE 1445z: And still no 10m WSPR spots from the USA today yet!
UPDATE 1448z: In the meantime, 4X1RF (3519km) has spotted me 22 times so far today.
On 472kHz no-one had copied my 5mW ERP so far until this afternoon when G3YAC (12km) and G8LCO (58km) copied me. My best DX on 472kHz WSPR receive is PA0A (417km) who has been coming though during the day.
UPDATE 1530z: I have the feeling that I'm not going to have my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon spotted in the USA today. If the band does "wake up", I suspect just a handful of USA stations may be lucky. By now I'd have expected some transatlantic spots. That is the nature of 10m: you can never be sure. No wonder some call it a magic band.
UPDATE 2048z: So, the day passed and not a single USA station spotted my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon today. Conditions are on the change?
So far, 10m has been a bit disappointing today.
UPDATE 1445z: And still no 10m WSPR spots from the USA today yet!
UPDATE 1448z: In the meantime, 4X1RF (3519km) has spotted me 22 times so far today.
On 472kHz no-one had copied my 5mW ERP so far until this afternoon when G3YAC (12km) and G8LCO (58km) copied me. My best DX on 472kHz WSPR receive is PA0A (417km) who has been coming though during the day.
UPDATE 1530z: I have the feeling that I'm not going to have my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon spotted in the USA today. If the band does "wake up", I suspect just a handful of USA stations may be lucky. By now I'd have expected some transatlantic spots. That is the nature of 10m: you can never be sure. No wonder some call it a magic band.
UPDATE 2048z: So, the day passed and not a single USA station spotted my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon today. Conditions are on the change?
Sunspots and 10m - March 1st 2015
Sunspot number has climbed again to 70 and 10m propagation is forecast to be "fair".
So far this morning reports of my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon from G4IKZ (18km), G4KPX (14km) and 4X1RF (3519km). I had to remove the antenna and turn off the beacon for a period to use the antenna on 40m CW.
So far this morning reports of my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon from G4IKZ (18km), G4KPX (14km) and 4X1RF (3519km). I had to remove the antenna and turn off the beacon for a period to use the antenna on 40m CW.
First 40m Pixie QSO
At 1000z this morning I exchanged RST 579 reports with G6ALB who is 3km from me on my 40m Pixie on 7.023MHz CW. This was my first on-air QSO. Netting was perfect and I used the rig directly into my low Par triband antenna. An ATU might have helped. Andrew G6ALB said the channel was pretty busy but that I was a good RST579 with no hint of chirp. This afternoon we'll put the rig on his spectrum analyser. I gave Andrew 579 probably reflecting the poorer MDS of the Pixie. I have no idea of his power or antenna.
My initial goals have been met: I built the kit and have managed a QSO on the air with it. With the fatigue associated with my brain bleed still very apparent (I am well and truly shattered currently), I was well pleased. A few more QSOs with the 40m Pixie would be good, HI.
$10 well spent. Excellent little kit. FB little transceiver. Works surprisingly well.
My initial goals have been met: I built the kit and have managed a QSO on the air with it. With the fatigue associated with my brain bleed still very apparent (I am well and truly shattered currently), I was well pleased. A few more QSOs with the 40m Pixie would be good, HI.
$10 well spent. Excellent little kit. FB little transceiver. Works surprisingly well.
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