21 Dec 2016
Sunspots and 10m - Wednesday December 21st 2016
Solar flux is 77 today and the sunspot number 25. A=6 and K=1. Not too bad.
No WSPR or JT65 currently
As mentioned in an earlier post, I am downloading WSJT-X v1.7 to my shack PC, but it failed saying it was missing a dll. I have a clean copy of the file and have emailed it to myself and will try to reinstall on the shack PC later with this dll installed first. Until then, I am not currently active. With Christmas, operation is likely to be intermittent!
20 Dec 2016
WSJT-X and missing Qt5core.dll
WSJT-X V1.7 (available now from https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html) successfully installed on one PC but not on my shack PC saying "Qt5core.dll" was missing. Version 1.6 installed on the shack PC fine earlier this year. I am no Windows expert and have not a clue what this is! BTW both PCs use Windows 10.
Does anyone know where I can get a free and virus free copy of this file please?
Does anyone know where I can get a free and virus free copy of this file please?
More OFCOM
OFCOM has outlined why it is reviewing the Wireless Telegraphy Act licences held by the BBC for its TV and radio services across the UK.
See http://ofcom.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/i/4AD2C82AB9E3890B/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
See http://ofcom.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/i/4AD2C82AB9E3890B/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
Sunspots and 10m - Tuesday December 20th 2016
Solar flux is 73 today. Sunspot number is 12. A=5 and K=1.
More ULF amateur DX
The latest ULF DX news from Stefan DK7FC:
Hi ULF,
In addition to the informations from older mails about this experiment, here are the results of the post-processing:
First, a spectrogram in 424 uHz FFT bin width (after sferic blanking) showing the whole transmission: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
The SNR reached levels up to 22 dB. Even during the (relatively) strong QRN periods at night, the transmissions are still visible. Even the EbNaut transmissions were visible. All this is about 10 dB stronger than i expected. The low winter noise levels and the quiet location certainly plays a big role here. The 'short' DFCW-10800 (3h per element) message "FC" is O copy as the experts say. Inbetween the "F" and "C" there is an EbNaut message (#2) with the content "73". One more example showing the power of EbNaut.
In the last experiments i've shown reference spactrograms beeing generated in low distance (tree grabber) just to give a better overview of what was transmitted, but this is not necessary here :-)
3 EbNaut messages were transmitted. All of them have been decoded with a strong SNR:
1st message: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
2nd message: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
3rd message: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
Last but not least a spectrogram showing the recorded range from 0...12 kHz, without a noise blanker: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
A new experiment in 140 km distance is in the pipeline. The plan is to run it in 2016.
73, Stefan
Hi ULF,
In addition to the informations from older mails about this experiment, here are the results of the post-processing:
First, a spectrogram in 424 uHz FFT bin width (after sferic blanking) showing the whole transmission: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
The SNR reached levels up to 22 dB. Even during the (relatively) strong QRN periods at night, the transmissions are still visible. Even the EbNaut transmissions were visible. All this is about 10 dB stronger than i expected. The low winter noise levels and the quiet location certainly plays a big role here. The 'short' DFCW-10800 (3h per element) message "FC" is O copy as the experts say. Inbetween the "F" and "C" there is an EbNaut message (#2) with the content "73". One more example showing the power of EbNaut.
In the last experiments i've shown reference spactrograms beeing generated in low distance (tree grabber) just to give a better overview of what was transmitted, but this is not necessary here :-)
3 EbNaut messages were transmitted. All of them have been decoded with a strong SNR:
1st message: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
2nd message: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
3rd message: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
Last but not least a spectrogram showing the recorded range from 0...12 kHz, without a noise blanker: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.
A new experiment in 140 km distance is in the pipeline. The plan is to run it in 2016.
73, Stefan
Waters and Stanton
My friend Steve G1KQH has sent me this:
http://blog.hamradiostore.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/IHSG.pdf
Is this the end for W&S as we know it, or a new beginning? I hope a new beginning, as they have been fair to me in the past.
In my view many UK, mainland European and US amateur radio dealers will be looking for ways to streamline their businesses and reduce costs. The alternative is closing down. Dealers in the amateur market have seen better times.
We can expect many well known names to disappear in the years ahead as the amateur radio hobby evolves, active amateurs get older and maybe buy less. One thing is certain. That is we can expect the amateur radio hobby to be very different in the years ahead.
I have said this before, but expect fewer and smaller radio magazines, fewer adverts, fewer suppliers, fewer kits and fewer dealers.
Have you counted the number of radio magazines on the newsagents stands recently compared with mags on other subjects? 30 years ago there were several magazines about amateur radio, but these days they are rare.
http://blog.hamradiostore.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/IHSG.pdf
Is this the end for W&S as we know it, or a new beginning? I hope a new beginning, as they have been fair to me in the past.
In my view many UK, mainland European and US amateur radio dealers will be looking for ways to streamline their businesses and reduce costs. The alternative is closing down. Dealers in the amateur market have seen better times.
We can expect many well known names to disappear in the years ahead as the amateur radio hobby evolves, active amateurs get older and maybe buy less. One thing is certain. That is we can expect the amateur radio hobby to be very different in the years ahead.
I have said this before, but expect fewer and smaller radio magazines, fewer adverts, fewer suppliers, fewer kits and fewer dealers.
Have you counted the number of radio magazines on the newsagents stands recently compared with mags on other subjects? 30 years ago there were several magazines about amateur radio, but these days they are rare.
2m UKAC results
In the yearly totals, I was 80th out of 193 in the AL section of the RSGB's 2m UK activity contests held on the first Tuesday evening each month. As I only run 5W QRP to a big-wheel omni (3dBd gain max) and am only on for 30-60 minutes because of my poor, stroke impaired, voice, I think this is not too bad.
If you want 2m SSB activity in the UK, then I can recommend these Tuesday evening contests, even if you don't send in a score. Activity levels are usually very good and a very modest set-up works. It has been successful for me with just an FT817ND. My typical maximum distance is 200km in this contest. On RX it is unusual not to hear lots of DX even in the short time I get on.
If you want 2m SSB activity in the UK, then I can recommend these Tuesday evening contests, even if you don't send in a score. Activity levels are usually very good and a very modest set-up works. It has been successful for me with just an FT817ND. My typical maximum distance is 200km in this contest. On RX it is unusual not to hear lots of DX even in the short time I get on.
19 Dec 2016
Sunspots and 10m - Monday December 19th 2016
Solar flux is 72 today and the sunspot number 13. A=9 and K=1.
More OFCOM
OFCOM is consulting on the use of UHF bands in the UK from 410-470MHz. I think this will not involve a look at amateur radio use of the 70cm band in UHF (band 1).
They are also looking at some microwave allocations.
See
http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/4559A73E8304B6CD/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/67C9780756CAEC6A/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
They are also looking at some microwave allocations.
See
http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/4559A73E8304B6CD/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/67C9780756CAEC6A/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
Snow - NOT amateur radio
10m JT65 all yesterday evening and overnight
Instead of moving to MF WSPR, I decided to stay on 10m JT65. I am still on 10m now. Perhaps none too surprisingly, nothing spotted overnight.
Most (sensible?) people QSYed or went QRT.
Most (sensible?) people QSYed or went QRT.
QRP and QRP Club
More from Oleg:
WQR Report (December 18, 2016)
Visitors of the week: US3EN, SQ7SAU, OH6NPV, DK1HW, UA1ADF, UR5EFD,
UR7VT, ON6KZ, OK2PDT, US5ERQ, EW1CY, RU3NJC, DL3HXX, HA5AEK, R1CAF,
UA1AQC, RA1M, LZ2RS, G3XJS, OK1AQW, UR0ET, RW3AA, UU1CC, F5IN, DJ2DW,
UW5EKR, UA0SBQ, DK2SC, R2FAE, YU7SOL, DF9QV, UY1IF, OH5LP, UA1AQS,
RX3DFU, RV3GM
Congrats!
OK2PDT, DL3HXX, UA1AQC, F5IN, DJ2DW, UW5EKR, DK2SC became Honor
Frequenters (regular visitors) of the "rendezvous"
See full Frequenters and Visitors lists on the Club 72 page -www.club72.su
Comments...
See full report with comments and pictures on the blog page -http://qrp-club72.blogspot.ru/
72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"
This is a periodic Newsletter of the Club 72. Don't reply to Newsletter address! Send any requests or news to mr72@club72.su please.
WQR Report (December 18, 2016)
Visitors of the week: US3EN, SQ7SAU, OH6NPV, DK1HW, UA1ADF, UR5EFD,
UR7VT, ON6KZ, OK2PDT, US5ERQ, EW1CY, RU3NJC, DL3HXX, HA5AEK, R1CAF,
UA1AQC, RA1M, LZ2RS, G3XJS, OK1AQW, UR0ET, RW3AA, UU1CC, F5IN, DJ2DW,
UW5EKR, UA0SBQ, DK2SC, R2FAE, YU7SOL, DF9QV, UY1IF, OH5LP, UA1AQS,
RX3DFU, RV3GM
Congrats!
OK2PDT, DL3HXX, UA1AQC, F5IN, DJ2DW, UW5EKR, DK2SC became Honor
Frequenters (regular visitors) of the "rendezvous"
See full Frequenters and Visitors lists on the Club 72 page -www.club72.su
Comments...
See full report with comments and pictures on the blog page -http://qrp-club72.blogspot.ru/
72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"
This is a periodic Newsletter of the Club 72. Don't reply to Newsletter address! Send any requests or news to mr72@club72.su please.
18 Dec 2016
Local Pub - NOT amateur radio
Climate Change - NOT amateur radio
At the moment, the jury is still out, but most seem to be saying the Earth is getting warmer and that this is largely down to Man in recent times. Some argue this is just natural variation and we should ignore it. A recent Guardian article makes you wonder.
See https://www.msn.com/en-gb/weather/other/arctic-ice-melt-could-trigger-uncontrollable-climate-change-at-global-level/ar-AAkJqic?ocid=spartandhp
In the USA, there seems to be a "Canute" attitude: it is all a Chinese conspiracy and it will just go away. I am far from convinced! We ignore these worldwide risks at our peril. Some cities and island states could be inundated and we should get all the facts and act accordingly.
See https://www.msn.com/en-gb/weather/other/arctic-ice-melt-could-trigger-uncontrollable-climate-change-at-global-level/ar-AAkJqic?ocid=spartandhp
In the USA, there seems to be a "Canute" attitude: it is all a Chinese conspiracy and it will just go away. I am far from convinced! We ignore these worldwide risks at our peril. Some cities and island states could be inundated and we should get all the facts and act accordingly.
New radio - later
As you may recall, I was thinking about investing in either a KX2, FT991A or IC7300. At the moment, the IC7300 is the favourite, although I am still expecting the price of this rig to drop next year, despite the exchange rate.
To me, if the FT891 and FT450D are much lower priced, then so should be the IC7300, which has a much less complicated RX architecture.
At the moment, I am in no great hurry. Once the FT991A starts to make inroads, the IC7300 price will drop. Sub-£1000 is definitely likely in my view It is only at the current price because people are prepared to buy it at the current price.
At their present prices most users can't see a real difference between the IC7300 and the FT991A. OK one has 4m (IC7300) and one has 2m and 70cm (FT991A), but to the end user, the architectural differences mean nothing.
To me, if the FT891 and FT450D are much lower priced, then so should be the IC7300, which has a much less complicated RX architecture.
At the moment, I am in no great hurry. Once the FT991A starts to make inroads, the IC7300 price will drop. Sub-£1000 is definitely likely in my view It is only at the current price because people are prepared to buy it at the current price.
At their present prices most users can't see a real difference between the IC7300 and the FT991A. OK one has 4m (IC7300) and one has 2m and 70cm (FT991A), but to the end user, the architectural differences mean nothing.
Sunspots and 10m - Sunday December 18th 2016
Solar flux is 71 today. Sunspot number remains zero. A=6 and K=2. Not great for the higher HF bands?
Stroke and taste - NOT amateur radio
It is fascinating (as well as very frustrating!) how my stroke 3 years ago is still affecting me. The worst aspects are feeling giddy all the time when on my feet (I think the giddiness makes me tired), poor voice and taking a long time with drinks.
My taste is also affected. Before my stroke, I always had a little sugar in tea and coffee. These taste sweet in their "naked" form these days, so no sugar is added.
Most people say how well I look and they are pleased I can do so much. This is how I look on the outside. Inside me it still feels odd. I'd be very pleased to return to the "normal", pre-stroke me, but I guess I have to come to terms with the "me" I am. No, things are still very difficult.
My taste is also affected. Before my stroke, I always had a little sugar in tea and coffee. These taste sweet in their "naked" form these days, so no sugar is added.
Most people say how well I look and they are pleased I can do so much. This is how I look on the outside. Inside me it still feels odd. I'd be very pleased to return to the "normal", pre-stroke me, but I guess I have to come to terms with the "me" I am. No, things are still very difficult.
Solar updates
At the moment, my source of solar data has not been updated, so I am unable to update on this blog. I'll do this later in the day, all being well.
10m JT65 since breakfast
Although I have been on 10m JT65 all morning, no spots given or received as yet.
UPDATE 1212z: G4CJC (73km) has been spotted on 10m JT65, but no DX as yet.
UPDATE 1426z: G0LRD (25km) is spotting me on 10m JT65, but still no DX.
UPDATE 2115z: 2E0XXO (120km) has been spotted this evening on 10m JT65. I shall stay on 10m JT65 overnight "just in case".
UPDATE 1212z: G4CJC (73km) has been spotted on 10m JT65, but no DX as yet.
UPDATE 1426z: G0LRD (25km) is spotting me on 10m JT65, but still no DX.
UPDATE 2115z: 2E0XXO (120km) has been spotted this evening on 10m JT65. I shall stay on 10m JT65 overnight "just in case".
17 Dec 2016
Return to 10m JT65
After an evening and night on 630m WSPR, I have returned to 10m JT65.
There was no new DX on MF last night with my best TX DX (5mW ERP) being DL-SWL (701km) again. No spots from Norway sadly.
UPDATE 1115z: Nothing as yet on 10m JT65.
UPDATE 1204z: Still no 10m JT65 spots.
UPDATE 1530z: Still nothing on 10m JT65.
There was no new DX on MF last night with my best TX DX (5mW ERP) being DL-SWL (701km) again. No spots from Norway sadly.
UPDATE 1115z: Nothing as yet on 10m JT65.
UPDATE 1204z: Still no 10m JT65 spots.
UPDATE 1530z: Still nothing on 10m JT65.
Lighter evenings - NOT amateur radio
Although mornings get darker until early January the sunset gets later from December 18th here. Winter Solstice is Dec 21st.
At first the change is very slow, but at least we are moving in the right direction! We'll blink and it will be the longest day. By the end of January the sun sets almost an hour later. I enjoy all seasons but look forward to lighter evenings.
At first the change is very slow, but at least we are moving in the right direction! We'll blink and it will be the longest day. By the end of January the sun sets almost an hour later. I enjoy all seasons but look forward to lighter evenings.
Sunspots and 10m - Saturday December 17th 2016
Solar flux is 72 today and the sunspot number is zero. A=2 and K=1.
Family Clock - NOT amateur radio
16 Dec 2016
Alibris - NOT amateur radio
Well, I have had a moan about this company before.
Every week it seems they have a sale with at least 10% savings. To be honest it is a joke and their emails get deleted right way. If you we ever want to buy something from them, you can be sure it will be cheaper next week or later the same week!
Every week it seems they have a sale with at least 10% savings. To be honest it is a joke and their emails get deleted right way. If you we ever want to buy something from them, you can be sure it will be cheaper next week or later the same week!
Decision time?
Tomorrow, I shall probably ring around the UK dealers to see who can offer me the best cash deals on the IC7300, the FT991A and the KX3. I have read the reviews, so I need a good deal on price and guarantee.
Back on MF WSPR
At around 1924z I returned to 472kHz (630m) WSPR. At the moment G4FTC (123km) in IO91 is the best DX on TX with 5mW ERP. As yet, we are seeing no skywave reports.
6m JT65 and 10m WSPR
Since breakfast, I have been on 6m JT65 and 10m WSPR. So far, nothing on either band.
Sunspots and 10m - Friday December 16th 2016
Solar flux is 72 today and the sunspot number 12. A=3 and K=0
OFCOM
OFCOM are holding some public meetings to review their plans for 2017.
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/E6E549BF4512C7DC/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38A
They are also consulting on commercial gateways.
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/B66A67CA9536B759/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/E6E549BF4512C7DC/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38A
They are also consulting on commercial gateways.
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/B66A67CA9536B759/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
15 Dec 2016
Back on 472kHz WSPR
For the evening and overnight, I have returned to 472kHz (630m) WSPR using 5mW ERP. So far, just local spots out to 80km.
UPDATE 2015z: G4FTC (123km) in IO91 spotted me as the best DX spot so far.
UPDATE 2242z: PA0RDT (243km) is the best TX DX so far this evening on 630m.
UPDATE 2015z: G4FTC (123km) in IO91 spotted me as the best DX spot so far.
UPDATE 2242z: PA0RDT (243km) is the best TX DX so far this evening on 630m.
10m JT65 now and MF overnight
About an hour ago I stopped 472kHz (630m) WSPR and started up again on 10m JT65, but no spots as yet on 10m.
Last night on MF G3XIZ (46km), G4FFC (45km) and best DX this season so far LA3JJ (993km) spotted me on 472kHz WSPR. As usual, I was using 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 472kHz (630m). All great - thank you! So far, I think I have been spotted by 24 unique stations in 5 countries this season on 472kHz WSPR.
UPDATE 2010z: DG0OPK (730km) spotted me on 10m JT65 3 hours ago. No "real" DX though.
Last night on MF G3XIZ (46km), G4FFC (45km) and best DX this season so far LA3JJ (993km) spotted me on 472kHz WSPR. As usual, I was using 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 472kHz (630m). All great - thank you! So far, I think I have been spotted by 24 unique stations in 5 countries this season on 472kHz WSPR.
UPDATE 2010z: DG0OPK (730km) spotted me on 10m JT65 3 hours ago. No "real" DX though.
Screening for aortic aneurisms - NOT amateur radio
Apparently men in their 65th year are eligible for free screening for aortic aneurisms. I was never informed! Today I found out about someone who died suddenly abroad from this treatable condition. Locally, the contact is via http://www.cuh.org.uk/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening .
UPDATE 1850z: So I rang the help desk and was told they had my results from 3 years ago! Well, it was not me as I have never had this test. NHS efficiency??
UPDATE 1850z: So I rang the help desk and was told they had my results from 3 years ago! Well, it was not me as I have never had this test. NHS efficiency??
Sunspots and 10m - Thursday December 15th 2016
Solar flux is 71 today and the sunspot number 25. A=4 and K=1.
14 Dec 2016
Visible Aurora
The Space Weather website reports on a world famous surfer who sees a visible aurora in Norway.
See http://www.smh.com.au/sport/surfing-great-mick-fanning-seeks-new-adventures-20161213-gtaaxn.html
See http://www.smh.com.au/sport/surfing-great-mick-fanning-seeks-new-adventures-20161213-gtaaxn.html
ULF amateur success
Stefan DK7FC has successfully decoded his radiated signal at 65km on 2.97kHz. He refers to an attachment that is not included here.
"Hi ULF,
My post-processing of the 4 day recording is still running, almost 50% of the data is shown on the spectrograms now.
I'm happy to confirm the successful decode of a 5 character EbNaut message over 65 km on the 101 km band, with a BIG SNR! It's the one which started on 08.DEC, 7 UTC. First there was no decode until i found that i made a mistake, the actual start of the transmission is 6:58:40 UTC, an offset of -1 symbol.
Capture in attachment. I also attach the wav file, if someone wants to play with it, the size is very small.
73, Stefan"
For EbNaut resources see: http://www.abelian.org/ebnaut/
"Hi ULF,
My post-processing of the 4 day recording is still running, almost 50% of the data is shown on the spectrograms now.
I'm happy to confirm the successful decode of a 5 character EbNaut message over 65 km on the 101 km band, with a BIG SNR! It's the one which started on 08.DEC, 7 UTC. First there was no decode until i found that i made a mistake, the actual start of the transmission is 6:58:40 UTC, an offset of -1 symbol.
Capture in attachment. I also attach the wav file, if someone wants to play with it, the size is very small.
73, Stefan"
For EbNaut resources see: http://www.abelian.org/ebnaut/
10m JT65
I have returned to 10m JT65 (2W QRP). So far, I have spotted one G in IO93 and SV4RRK (2194km). So far, no-one has spotted my QRP. Are we seeing the start of the small winter Es peak?
Sunspots and 10m - Wednesday December 14th 2016
Solar flux is 71 today and the sunspot number 14. A=4 and K=0.
472kHz (630m) WSPR
So far, I have now been spotted by 21 unique stations in 4 countries this autumn using 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" on 472kHz WSPR. I have now QSYed to 10m JT65.
UPDATE 1938z: I am about to go QRT on 10m JT65 and QSY to 472kHz (630m) WSPR.
UPDATE 1938z: I am about to go QRT on 10m JT65 and QSY to 472kHz (630m) WSPR.
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