Sunspots and 10m - Wednesday February 15th 2017

Solar flux is 74 today and the sunspot number 15. A=2 and K=1.

Recording 6m MSK144 pings

David G0LRD  has told me that WSJT-X V1.7 allows me to record MSK144 6m spots as WAV files so I can go back and examine them later. I have turned on this feature now, allowing me to check these tomorrow, assuming I get some spots!  Today I spotted 5 different countries on 6m with MSK144.

UK Commercial Radio - NOT amateur radio

Southgate News reports that UK Commercial Radio stations are freed from the shackles of OFCOM. Am I surprised? No.

See https://www.gov.uk/government/news/radio-released-from-shackles

Rugby on TV - NOT amateur radio

I am not a great rugby fan, but my son is. His son plays for his school and he likes to watch. The picture shows him this weekend watching rugby on the bedroom TV, complete with beer and crisps. When his family comes to stay, he certainly makes himself at home.

Sunspots and 10m - Tuesday February 14th 2017

Solar flux is 75 today and the sunspot number 16. A=4 and K=0.

70cm UKAC contest tonight

A reminder that the second 70cm leg of the monthly UKAC activity contest organised by the RSGB is tonight from 2000-2230z. Although I only have a 2m halo fed with lossy coax as an antenna on 70cm (it matches well) I try to go on briefly and work a few stations, mostly locals.

See http://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?year=2017&contest=70cmsukac&seq=

This is preceded by an FM activity contest.
See http://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?year=2017&contest=70cmsfmac

UPDATE 2045z: 5 contacts made with 5W, 2m halo in 30 minutes. Best DX G4CLA (105km).

6m MSK144 this morning

SK0TM (1156km) in JO86 square was the best DX on 6m MSK144 this morning. I was spotted by M1BXF/SDR (14km) when I was briefly on 6m MSK144 TX a few hours ago.

I am also on 10m WSPR TX (500mW 100% TX), but no spots yet.

UPDATE 1135z: DK8NE (704km) in JO50 square was spotted on 6m MSK144.

UPDATE 1922z: EI7BMB (462km) spotted on 6m MSK144 earlier. All quiet on 10m WSPR.

10th country on 6m MSK144 RX

ON4BCV (325km) marks the 10th country spotted so far on this band/mode. I suspect this was aircraft reflection rather than random MS. This mode amazes me as it allows DX to be copied at any time on a dead VHF band with a very simple set-up.

East Cambs 2m FM Net

This is on 144.575MHz FM (yes 144) at 2000z Mondays, vertical, and is open to anyone. Regulars are G4NUA (Cambridge) and G3KKD (Quy). The chat covers anything and we usually finish about 2030z. This started life as an AM net.

If there is QRM we usually QSY downwards in 25kHz steps to find a clear channel. When there is a lift we can sometimes hear stations in the Midlands.

Jigsaw - NOT amateur radio

This 1000 piece  jigsaw (of a world map) took us over a week to do. The most difficult parts were the flags and the oceans. There is no doubt that our geography knowledge improved.

Sunspots and 10m - Monday February 13th 2017

Solar flux is today 75 and sunspot number 18.  A=3 and K=0.

300GHz bands

Although not currently allocated, the THz bands offer incredible data rate possibilities. Now there are ICs which could open up these bands.

See https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/02/170205190911.htm

10m WSPR TX and 6m MSK144 RX again

Today, I am TXing in 10m WSPR and RXing on 6m MSK144. Yesterday and overnight, nothing on 10m WSPR . On 6m MSK144 RX M1BXF (14km) and G0BBB (210km) spotted.

UPDATE 2035z: So far today, 3 countries copied on 6m MS144 with the best DX being OZ1PIF (850km) in JO65 square. This is a great mode for hearing DX at any time!

First UHF Radio

My very first UHF radio was a version of the synthesised FM320 Australian UHF FM CB mobile made by Philips. This was a 70cm amateur version. It was called the FM321. It produced 4W on TX and used channel numbers. I remember someone from Philips discussing producing an amateur band version, at an IEE conference I think.

Ergonomically it was excellent. It only got used at home, never mobile. It worked some impressive DX on UHF FM simplex. I cannot remember when it was sold.

If I am honest this was one of the best radios I ever had. It had no memories, no fancy gismos, but it worked well.  If my memory serves me, I used this with a TV J-Beam antenna (hand rotated) which still had about 10dB gain in the 70cm amateur band.

Spaghetti Harvest BBC Spoof - NOT amateur radio

See http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/1/newsid_2819000/2819261.stm .

Way back in 1957 the BBC ran a spoof Panorama programme about the spaghetti harvest. The programme was narrated by Richard Dimbleby. It was the first time, I think, that TV had been used to pull an April 1st stunt.

Getting older - NOT amateur radio

Looking back at some old emails, I came across this photo of my university days. I can remember a few names, but it was nearly 50 years ago! This is me 3 rows back on the left side with hair!

10m WSPR

For the last day I have been on 6m MSK144 RX and 10m WSPR TX.  EA4BPN (1334km) spotted me on 10m WSPR yesterday when I was running 500mW.

"Kent" grandchildren - NOT amateur radio

My wife with the "Kent" grandchildren earlier today. It is interesting comparing our two sets of grandchildren. At the same ages our two boy grandchildren are interested in the same things. I guess this is a phase of middle childhood.

Sunspots and 10m - Sunday February 12th 2017

Solar flux is 75 today. Sunspot number is 18.  A=5 and K=1.

QRP and QRP Club

From Oleg:

Dear Club 72 members and friends,

Weekly QRP Rendez-Vous report (February 12, 2017)
Visitors of the week: SM2FIJ, OK2PDT/p, RV3GM, YU1KM, PA3DEU, UA1CEX, GI3TME,  UR7VT,  UR0ET, F6ABG, US5ERQ, UW5EKR, UY1IF, UA1CEG, OH6NPV, DJ2DW,  EA8/DK6XM,  F5SSI, RW3AA, R1CAF, DK1HW, OH5LP, F8WBD, SP9AMH, EA6BB,  EW1CY,  DL1HSI,  OK1FAO, UR3VZ, SM7RYR, DF3QE, DF6IA, RU3NJC,
R1OA, OM6TC, RV3DSA/0, UR4MME, IZ0RQF, RY3AAA, R2AJA, 9H3FC
Congrats!!!
F6ABG, OK1FAO, R3VZ, UR4MME became Honor Frequenters
See full Visitors and Frequenters lists on the Club 72 web page
Comments...
See  full version of the WQR Report on the Club 72 blog page (link on
the web age available).
See you all QRPers on the next Rendez-Vous round table!

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.

Amateur ULF: 5 wavelengths on the 101km band?

From Stefan DK7FC:

Hi all,

Meanwhile my 1 week taking transmission, starting  01.FEB.2017 23:30 UTC on 2970.000000 Hz at 150...170 mA is completed. I tried to leave a trace/peak into a range beyong 3 wavelengths.

Renato Romero / IK1QFK is running a 5 uHz FFT spectrogram on 2970 Hz. He's using a well working E field antenna in Cumiana/Italy.
The spectrogram is running since christmas evening 2016, available at http://www.webalice.it/rromero/live_cumiana/last-LFtest_2970.jpg

There are time markers in 1 week intervals.

I can see a dash, a trace right on the frequency. It appeared 2 days after i started transmitting, which is expected with an FFT window time of nearly 3 days. The SNR was up to 12 dB during the visual observation of incoming spectra.
Partly, the trace disappered during the transmission time (destructive interference with QRN). However i can see a resulting trace of a high average SNR and exact (!) frequency stability relative to the other traces beeing present in the spectrogram.

I would tend to call it a serious detection of my signal. Spectrogram experts, what's your opinion please?

The distance is quite exactly at 5 wavelength on that 101 km band!
It would be a first detection on ULF (0.3...3 kHz) between DL - I !

73, Stefan

Analogue or switch mode PSUs?

Although I have a linear PSU, I am thinking of getting a new PSU  to complement the one I have. Although I mostly use QRP, it would be good to get one that will power a modern 100W rig. I think this means one that can run 25A without overload.

SMPSUs tend to be smaller, but can be noisy both electrically and because they tend to have fans. Linear PSUs tend to be larger, but often don't have fans.

Any recommendations?

At the moment W&S are offering a special deal on a linear PSU with a 2 year warranty.

Growing amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

Our amaryllis is growing and now has 8 flower heads from 2 stems.

It has been great fun watching it grow and flower. I think next week will be the peak.

On 10m WSPR TX and 6m MSK144 RX

At the moment I am receiving on 50.280MHz MSK144 and transmitting on 10m WSPR.  My 9th country received on 6m MSK144 in the form of PE1FYH (325km). I suspect the Netherlands station was received by aircraft reflection rather than MS.

UK Charity Bags - NOT amateur radio

This is a UK thing. I have no idea what happens in the rest of the world.

RANT -

I hate charity collection bags (dropped on UK doorsteps most weeks) emblazoned with this or that registered charity name and numbers, but buried in the small print you see that the collection is by a private company who will donate so much a year to that charity.

Basically this is a CON. No doubt they make huge profits and are able to claim back their "gift" against tax. How can this CON be allowed?

My wife is taken in and so I guess are most who receive such bags in their doors most weeks.

- RANT ended.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/184607/sponsors/IlTvgHICEDOYFfgm3r

I have started a petition. Please respond by clicking the link.

5 sponsors are needed for this petition to go public.

Sunspots and 10m - Saturday February 11th 2017

Solar flux is 74 today and the sunspot number 18. A=8 and K=2.

Donald (Mr Men style) - NOT amateur radio

See http://www.thepoke.co.uk/2017/02/08/donald-trump-mr-men-cartoon-just-superb/

I am no great fan of USA politics (to me it is all about being money rich), but great politicians are able to laugh at themselves in any nation. Those who think they are above humour deserve to fail. Sadly there are too many politicians who take themselves far too seriously both in the USA and in Europe (including the UK).

The great politicians are the gentle giants who go into power, not for self-glory, but for the greater good of the society they live in. Sadly we have very few in 21st century politics who will go down in history as great leaders.

I understand why many in the USA voted for their latest president. I also understand why so many in the UK voted to leave the EU.

UK Rally this weekend

FEBRUARY 12th 2017 : HARWELL AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY RADIO AND ELECTRONICS RALLY

Didcot Leisure Centre, Mereland Road, Didcot, OX11 8AY. Talk-in using G3PIA on 145.550. Free parking nearby (disabled parking next to Leisure Centre). Doors open at 10am. Admission £3 (children under 12 free). There will be radio and electronics stalls, Special Interest Groups and an RSGB Bookstall. Refreshments will be available all day. Details for both traders and visitors from Ann, G8NVI by email to ann.stevens@btinternet.com www.g3pia.org.uk

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Breakfast - NOT amateur radio

I enjoy breakfast. The picture shows today's: ham, an egg and potato cake all cooked without fat.

Sunspots and 10m - Friday February 10th 2017

Solar flux is 74 today and the sunspot number 15. A=6 and K=2.

6m MSK144 RX- give it a go!

6m MSK144 RX so far today

G8EPQ (77km) and HB9Q (794km) copied on 6m MSK144 this morning. I think the former was aircraft scatter and the latter random MS.

It amazes me what just appears on 6m in this mode at any time, irrespective of conditions. Mine is a very basic setup with just an FT817, a V2000 vertical omni and RG58 coax and free software. If I can copy these so can anyone! Give it a go.

UPDATE 1318z: GI4SNA (488km) has been spotted on 6m MSK144 - my 8th country.

UPDATE 1845z: LA3EQ (768km) and F6ECI (811km) spotted on 6m MSK144. LA3EQ is a new country on this mode on 6m. Random MS?

UPDATE 2240z: And another country spotted on 6m MSK144!  This was OZ1PIF (850km) - probably random MS.

Late winter flowers - NOT amateur radio

This winter things are very late. Snowdrops are now appearing and I have only just seen a few daffodils out. At a guess I'd say we are 6 weeks behind last year.

This is a view of a quiet lane in our village. This cottage dates from the 1700s at a guess.

As yet, we have had no snow this winter; a few flurries, but nothing that has settled. In the past we could expect a week of snow on the ground. These days snow is rare here. It is definitely wetter and milder.

Sweden on 6m - random MS?

SC7C (1155km) near Kalmar, Sweden was copied this evening for my 7th country heard on MSK144 on 6m. I suspect this was random meteor scatter. Yet again, at +5dB S/N, the ping was strong.

The UK Pound - NOT amateur radio

At the moment the pound is holding up fairly well against the Yen, Euro and the US Dollar. OK, it dropped following the BREXIT vote but, for now, it is not falling. What happens when Article 50 is triggered is anyone's guess. My guess is the Euro will lose value this year. Against the Dollar and Yen I am uncertain how the pound will do.

Rally - N.Ireland

FEBRUARY  11th 2017 : BALLYMENA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB RALLY

Ahoghill Community Centre, 80 Cullybackey Road, Ahoghill BT42 1LA.

There is free parking on site. Doors open at 10.30am and admission is £3. There will be trade stands, Bring & Buy and a prize draw. Light refreshments will be available. Please note this is a Saturday daytime rally Hugh Kernohan, GI0JEV 0282 5871 481 or email HKernohan@aol.com

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

6m MSK144 RX

Overnight I remained on 6m MSK144 RX and I am still on this mode and band this morning. M6GAN (122km) and DK9WI (508km) spotted, by aircraft reflection I think.

UPDATE 1430z: EI7BMB (462km) also spotted in the last hour. Aircraft I'm pretty sure.

Sunspots and 10m - Thursday February 9th 2017

Solar flux is 73 today and the sunspot number is zero. A=5 and K=0. Although conditions are not disturbed, with an absence of sunspots I expect 10m will be quiet due to a lack of activity.

6m

Outside of the Es season, 6m appears very quiet. With Es, I find that with a few watts and a simple antenna it is easy to work all over Europe and North Africa on SSB. Last year and the year before my 2W was copied in Israel and I copied Kazakhstan on WSPR.

Since discovering 6m MSK144 I have learnt that DX is possible at almost any time. Most of my MSK144 reception has been aircraft reflection, but some remarkable DX seems to have been by random MS. Judging by the reports, I am sure I could work MS DX by MSK144 in a decent MS shower.

OFCOM and 5G frequencies

OFCOM has published a paper outlining its proposed 5G frequencies.

See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/7261046CD05FE3E5/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C

NEXIT? - NOT amateur radio

Will the Netherlands be next to swing to the right along the lines of the UK and the USA? According to the BBC this is possible.

Like many, I feel ashamed about the populist view of immigrants. The USA is a nation of immigrants. In the past the UK welcomed in true refugees such as the Huguenots and German Jews. Yes, there is a difference between a true refugee and an economic migrant. I hope this swing to the right is a blip. Basically a large swing to the right is dangerous. Think of Hitler.

In my view refugees fleeing war, famine, etc. should always be welcomed. These are desperate people who need our love and kindness. How would we feel if the "shoe was on the other foot" and we were the refugee?

The common thread in the UK, USA, The Netherlands and France seems to be a disillusion with globalisation and a wish to control who comes to a particular country, and the fall from grace of career politicians. All need to wake up or this move to the right will gather pace.  I am not a right winger, but I can see the common man at odds with those in power. There is a danger of nations turning inwards.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-38891753 .