It looks possible that my blogs are being probed by hackers. This seems to have been attempted much of this week.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-39401637
31 Mar 2017
UK Pound against Euro - NOT amateur radio
Yet again, the UK pound is stronger against the euro. Some were expecting it to tumble. The last time I looked it was up another 0.5%. Early BREXIT days. but my gut feeling is the euro will weaken further later this year.
20m JT65
Hoping the band is still usable, I have QSYed to 20m JT65 (2W). So far I have only been spotted by S52NR (1318km).
UPDATE 1734z: Spotted by 5 Europeans so far, but nothing further afield.
UPDATE 1755z: Now 8 Europeans spotting me, although I think the band is closing now. I may leave it running overnight to see what happened early Saturday.
UPDATE 1810z: Now 14 Europeans spotting my 2W 20m JT65. The band is still open.
UPDATE 1848z: Now 18 Europeans spotting my 2W on 20m JT65.
UPDATE 2020z: K1GUY, in the USA, spotted me on 20m JT65 about an hour ago.
UPDATE 1734z: Spotted by 5 Europeans so far, but nothing further afield.
UPDATE 1755z: Now 8 Europeans spotting me, although I think the band is closing now. I may leave it running overnight to see what happened early Saturday.
UPDATE 1810z: Now 14 Europeans spotting my 2W 20m JT65. The band is still open.
UPDATE 1848z: Now 18 Europeans spotting my 2W on 20m JT65.
UPDATE 2020z: K1GUY, in the USA, spotted me on 20m JT65 about an hour ago.
MUF
It certainly seems that HF conditions get better nearer the equator. http://www.hamqsl.com/solar3.html shows a diagram of MUF (maximum usable frequencies) and going closer to the equator does seem to help. I am definitely no propagation expert!
Labels:
amateurradio.com,
hamqsl,
muf,
solar
"Near miss" asteroids - NOT amateur radio
http://spaceweather.com/ gives details of asteroids that are quite close to Earth. Most, thankfully, are quite a way away. Near miss is being a big generous!
Labels:
asteroid
Rally News
APRIL 2nd 2017 : HACK GREEN HANGAR SALE
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, French Lane, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL
Doors open 10am. Sale of amateur gear, electronic equipment, comps, military radio sets and vehicle spares. Refreshments are available on site. More details from Lucy Siebert on 01270 623 353 or by email to lucy@hackgreen.co.uk
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/ rallies/
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, French Lane, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 8AL
Doors open 10am. Sale of amateur gear, electronic equipment, comps, military radio sets and vehicle spares. Refreshments are available on site. More details from Lucy Siebert on 01270 623 353 or by email to lucy@hackgreen.co.uk
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Labels:
rally
Food in North Norfolk - NOT amateur radio
If I have posted this before, please accept my apologies!
When in North Norfolk, about 1 hour from here, we usually eat at "The Old Reading Room" in Kelling. The food is nothing special, but the service is by the same good Norfolk people who have been there for years. The place is filled with second-hand books, chutneys and jams. Lots of locals eat there. We love it and have been going there for years.
When in North Norfolk, about 1 hour from here, we usually eat at "The Old Reading Room" in Kelling. The food is nothing special, but the service is by the same good Norfolk people who have been there for years. The place is filled with second-hand books, chutneys and jams. Lots of locals eat there. We love it and have been going there for years.
Labels:
kelling,
old reading room
Sunspots and 10m - Friday March 31st 2017
Solar flux is 86 today (not bad). Sunspot number has dropped back to 33. A=23 and K=5. Yet again 10m is forecast to remain "poor".
Remember though that 10m often surprises and some of my best days on 10m WSPR have been on days when the forecast suggested otherwise!
Remember though that 10m often surprises and some of my best days on 10m WSPR have been on days when the forecast suggested otherwise!
10m WSPR transceive (2W)
In the end, I decided to go on 10m WSPR this morning. I have been active since breakfast running 2W (20%) with the rest of the time on RX. As yet, no spots.
UPDATE 1024z: Some life!
UPDATE 1148z: Just local G spots of late on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1348z: No further spots, yet, on 10m WSPR. I wonder if the high Doppler on local spots is a result of aircraft approaching Lakenheath, Mildenhall or Cambridge?
UPDATE 1644z: No further spots all day on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1810z: With no further spots, I think I am going to QSY, maybe to 20m WSPR or 20m JT65.
UPDATE 1024z: Some life!
UPDATE 1148z: Just local G spots of late on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1348z: No further spots, yet, on 10m WSPR. I wonder if the high Doppler on local spots is a result of aircraft approaching Lakenheath, Mildenhall or Cambridge?
UPDATE 1644z: No further spots all day on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1810z: With no further spots, I think I am going to QSY, maybe to 20m WSPR or 20m JT65.
30 Mar 2017
Now QRT
Everything is now off until after breakfast tomorrow. As yet, I've not decided what band to try on Friday. Maybe 10m JT65 or WSPR? It depends on the K-index. If this is low, there is a chance of some DX on 10m.
Otherwise I may return to 6m MSK144 again as this is largely (entirely?) independent of solar conditions. Certainly 6m MSK144 has been a total surprise, but I like the challenge of 10m: there is still life there, but it needs activity to prove this.
Otherwise I may return to 6m MSK144 again as this is largely (entirely?) independent of solar conditions. Certainly 6m MSK144 has been a total surprise, but I like the challenge of 10m: there is still life there, but it needs activity to prove this.
Post BREXIT letter UK pound up - NOT amateur radio
OK it is very early days, but the day after the letter triggering the BREXIT process the UK pound is up against most currencies including the euro and US dollar.
UPDATE 2025z: The UK pound is still up against most currencies. Against the euro it is up over 1% in the last day.
UPDATE 2025z: The UK pound is still up against most currencies. Against the euro it is up over 1% in the last day.
Labels:
brexit
Going home - NOT amateur radio
After a few days with us, my brother returned home today by train. Here he is with me in our front garden. The primroses get replaced with begonias in the summer.
Labels:
brother
New Beam, but not for me thanks
Thanks (again) to Southgate News comes information about a new beam from SteppIR. Covering 40-6m I am sure it will appeal to some. To me it is still huge and my neighbours would be appalled. I prefer to use low power and simple antennas. Luckily we are all different!
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/march/new-steppir-beam-huge-signal.htm#.WN0DTYWcHIU .
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/march/new-steppir-beam-huge-signal.htm#.WN0DTYWcHIU .
OFCOM annual plan
OFCOM has just released its annual plan.
See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/annual-reports-and-plans .
See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/about-ofcom/annual-reports-and-plans .
Labels:
ofcom
QRP Marathon
From Oleg:
Dear Club 72 members and friends,
just inform about annually QRP Marathon "Look In the Horizon" in
April. See rules on the Club "72" web page (club72.su) Registration
page will be open in 00.01 UTC April 1'st. Add your QRP QSOs on the
on-line form daily and collect "luk" points depend of distance and
both stations power. Memorable certificates for all Marathon'ers.
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.
Dear Club 72 members and friends,
just inform about annually QRP Marathon "Look In the Horizon" in
April. See rules on the Club "72" web page (club72.su) Registration
page will be open in 00.01 UTC April 1'st. Add your QRP QSOs on the
on-line form daily and collect "luk" points depend of distance and
both stations power. Memorable certificates for all Marathon'ers.
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.
60m (5MHz)
It seems that several administrations have reduced the total 5MHz spectrum available and the power limits permitted when making available the 5MHz WRC15 15 kHz allocation. The RSGB, working with OFCOM and the UK military, has been trying to avoid this (see the GB2RS news last week).
Really I'd like to see the WRC15 allocation released in the UK too as soon as possible, but with the other "channels" still available. As a seasoned QRPer the power levels really don't bother me. 5W would be fine!
Many times we (I) take for granted the work done on our behalf by volunteers at the RSGB. A quiet thank you. You know who you are, HI.
Really I'd like to see the WRC15 allocation released in the UK too as soon as possible, but with the other "channels" still available. As a seasoned QRPer the power levels really don't bother me. 5W would be fine!
Many times we (I) take for granted the work done on our behalf by volunteers at the RSGB. A quiet thank you. You know who you are, HI.
6m MSK144 RX yet again
As you can tell, I love this mode. I was on 6m MSK144 RX overnight again. In the last 12 hours I have spotted 9 stations in 6 countries on 6m MSK144 RX. In the last day I have spotted 13 stations in 7 countries on this band/mode.
UPDATE 1308z: Now 12 stations in 9 countries spotted on 6m MSK144 RX in the last 12 hours. Best DX today is SM0NKZ (1404km).
UPDATE 1528z: Now the totals on 6m MSK144 RX are 15 stations in 10 countries in the last 12 hours.
UPDATE 1308z: Now 12 stations in 9 countries spotted on 6m MSK144 RX in the last 12 hours. Best DX today is SM0NKZ (1404km).
UPDATE 1528z: Now the totals on 6m MSK144 RX are 15 stations in 10 countries in the last 12 hours.
Sunspots and 10m - Thursday March 30th 2017
Solar flux is 83 today. Sunspot count is 53. A=21 and K=5
29 Mar 2017
2.97kHz amateur DX
Labels:
vlf
Article 50 and leaving the EU - NOT amateur radio
Article 50, the trigger to leave the EU, has now been invoked, with 2 years ahead to negotiate our exit from the "club". Although we have some tough decisions and negotiations ahead, the UK pound has not collapsed. If anything it is a little stronger against the euro. Although I voted to remain in the EU, I am pretty sure we'll be fine in the UK. The rest of the EU faces quite difficult times ahead. In truth, Europe needs us as much as we need them.
At Anglesey Abbey - NOT amateur radio
As we are having some new windows fitted, I took my brother for a walk at Anglesey Abbey this morning. Although cloudy, it was quite mild. Many of the daffodils there are dying now.
Labels:
anglesey abbey
More nations get the WRC 5MHz band
The Netherlands is joining the growing list of nations gaining access to the 15kHz wide international WRC15 amateur allocation at 5MHz (60m) although, you will have read, the UK will not be joining the list anytime soon. We have non-contiguous bands at 5MHz that allow access to more spectrum with higher power. Personally, I'd prefer a contiguous allocation and the power limits do not bother me.
Solar storm
It looks like we are in a solar storm. Although this will pass, HF conditions will have been affected. Luckily modes like MSK144 on 6m are little impacted. I guess the chances of lower latitude auroras improves, but I am no expert.
See http://spaceweather.com/
See http://spaceweather.com/
Labels:
geomagnetic storm,
solar
Probing again? - NOT amateur radio
Yet again, 3 of my blogs have seen exceptional activity for a third day and yet again this coincides with much increased views from Russia. I have no problem with people from any country who genuinely are interested, but this looks like bots probing. Highly suspicious.
6m MSK144 RX overnight
The 6m MSK144 RX was left running overnight, but nothing until breakfast-time when F6ECI (811km) was spotted in JN05 square very strongly (+10dB S/N). The bursts may be short, but they are usually strong when they occur.
UPDATE 1132z: Currently 7 stations in 4 countries spotted today.
UPDATE 1132z: Currently 7 stations in 4 countries spotted today.
28 Mar 2017
Gardening - NOT amateur radio
The weather these last few days has been glorious, so it has been a chance to do some gardening. My brother John has been up for a few days and busy doing "odd jobs" which I used to be able to do, but struggle with these days. Here he is putting some new top soil in the garden.
Labels:
garden
Sunspots and 10m - Tuesday March 28th 2017
Solar flux is 85 today. Sunspot number is 49. A=54 and K=3. 10m conditions are expected to remain "poor" but solar flux and sunspot numbers are quite decent.
Russia again - NOT amateur radio
Yesterday numbers of visitors were up on a couple of my blogs. Now, I welcome anyone from any part of the planet, but it is strange how numbers seem to double and most of these are from Russia. This is a pattern I have seen before and I know others have seen similar.
It looks very suspicious to me like they are probing for vulnerable sites to hack with malicious intent. Sorry but I think my content is pretty innocuous!
Should my blogs suddenly go you will know the reason! If you suddenly get links to porn sites or sites offering you lots of money you'll know I have been "got at". I try to screen and delete dodgy comments that are clearly outright ads or with links to dodgy sites, but please let me know if you find any that I have missed.
It looks very suspicious to me like they are probing for vulnerable sites to hack with malicious intent. Sorry but I think my content is pretty innocuous!
Should my blogs suddenly go you will know the reason! If you suddenly get links to porn sites or sites offering you lots of money you'll know I have been "got at". I try to screen and delete dodgy comments that are clearly outright ads or with links to dodgy sites, but please let me know if you find any that I have missed.
Labels:
russia
27 Mar 2017
SDR receivers and transceivers
There is a real gap in my knowledge as I have never once tried an SDR based receiver or transceiver. SDR dongles are very low cost, so I really have no excuse.
On the Southgate site I read news of a new SDR 5W transceiver.
See https://sunsdr.eu/product/sunsdr2-qrp/
On the Southgate site I read news of a new SDR 5W transceiver.
See https://sunsdr.eu/product/sunsdr2-qrp/
10m JT65 (2W) this morning
This morning, I am on 10m JT65 transceive. As yet, no spots given or received.
UPDATE 0918z: Still no 10m JT65 spots given or received, but it is still very early. I was hoping to see a few Gs, but nothing.
UPDATE 1124z: 10m JT65 - still nothing at all!
UPDATE 0918z: Still no 10m JT65 spots given or received, but it is still very early. I was hoping to see a few Gs, but nothing.
UPDATE 1124z: 10m JT65 - still nothing at all!
Sunspots and 10m - Monday March 27th 2017
Solar flux is 78 today. Sunspot number is 20. A=4 and K=5. 10m propagation is again expected to remain "poor". Not too long to wait now to the Es season.
QRP and QRP Club
Oleg's usual report:
Dear Club 72 members and friends,
Weekly QRP Rendez-Vous Report (March, 26, 2017)
Thanks all for starting new sessions of evening 7030 kc Rendez-Vous!
Visitors of the week: RU3NJC, UA1CEG/p, UA1ADF, US7IB, R1OA, DK1HW,
RA1OIM, RN4AO, PA3DEU, OF5LP, OH6NPV, RV3GM, UR5EFD, R1CAN, UR7VT,
G3XJS, UR0ET, US5ERQ, I1NOL, UA0SBQ, R1CAF, SM7RYR, IW2HTH/p, DH0DK,
DL6YYM, G4HOM, R2AJA, UA1CEX, G6HUI, ON6KZ, UR5IFM, G0EQC
Congrats!
IW2HTH became Honor Frequenter (regular visitor)
New Visitors: I1NOL, DL6YYM, G0EQC - you are welcome!
See full Frequenters and Visitors lists on the Club 72 web page.
Some comments...
See full WQR Report on the blog page - http://qrp-club72.blogspot.ru/
Schedule:
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
9.00 UTC - 14060 kc
18.00 UTC - 7030 kc
alternative 10116 kc if contest QRMs. Keep +/- RIT for QRM, QRL, XTAL
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.
Dear Club 72 members and friends,
Weekly QRP Rendez-Vous Report (March, 26, 2017)
Thanks all for starting new sessions of evening 7030 kc Rendez-Vous!
Visitors of the week: RU3NJC, UA1CEG/p, UA1ADF, US7IB, R1OA, DK1HW,
RA1OIM, RN4AO, PA3DEU, OF5LP, OH6NPV, RV3GM, UR5EFD, R1CAN, UR7VT,
G3XJS, UR0ET, US5ERQ, I1NOL, UA0SBQ, R1CAF, SM7RYR, IW2HTH/p, DH0DK,
DL6YYM, G4HOM, R2AJA, UA1CEX, G6HUI, ON6KZ, UR5IFM, G0EQC
Congrats!
IW2HTH became Honor Frequenter (regular visitor)
New Visitors: I1NOL, DL6YYM, G0EQC - you are welcome!
See full Frequenters and Visitors lists on the Club 72 web page.
Some comments...
See full WQR Report on the blog page - http://qrp-club72.blogspot.ru/
Schedule:
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
9.00 UTC - 14060 kc
18.00 UTC - 7030 kc
alternative 10116 kc if contest QRMs. Keep +/- RIT for QRM, QRL, XTAL
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.
26 Mar 2017
eBay HB100 10GHz modules
An old work colleague, Richard G3TFX, has found these modules on eBay for £2.23 with free postage. This is an insane price.
Gardening - NOT amateur radio
In the last few weeks with some decent sunshine the garden has "come alive". There is new growth everywhere.
Here I am in the garden yesterday. Lis (my wife) has done most of the work. I am pruning a rose and clearing a bramble.
Here I am in the garden yesterday. Lis (my wife) has done most of the work. I am pruning a rose and clearing a bramble.
Labels:
garden
Ashhar Farhan, VU2ESE website
Ashhar is well known for his BITX rigs for HF. This is his website. If you are looking for low cost HF rigs, this may be your answer! The circuits are clever, simple and low cost.
See http://www.hfsigs.com/
See http://www.hfsigs.com/
New world record with low cost HB100 module on 10GHz
These modules are very low cost. They make the heart of a very low cost wideband FM system for 10GHz. They are the modern version of the Gunnplexer. They contain (I think) a transmitter, RX mixer and 2 antennas all on a small PCB. If you spend £5 you will have change from some eBay suppliers!
"204km. NEW WORLD RECORD, Full Duplex 10GHz with HB100 only 10mW!
Team #1: Giuseppe IK8XFR - Nino IZ8WLZ - Giacomo (Jack)
on S. Giovanni a Piro JN70RB
Team #2: Giuseppe IZ8WGU - Domenico IZ8BAD - Gianluca IZ8YWC - Antonio IK8TGH
on Solano Sup. JM78VF...
Strong signals, how many Km can still make HB100 with only 10mW?"
No more 5MHz ....yet
On the GB2RS news today from the RSGB:
Somebody dragging feet?
Somebody dragging feet?
"Amateurs
in the UK have been very fortunate in having early access to 5MHz,
with 5 spot frequencies 15 years ago and more than 70kHz of spectrum
made available in 2013. This was a result of close cooperation with
Ofcom and the MoD, who is primary user on the band. The UK currently
has an arrangement that gives us more spectrum and a higher power
allowance of 100W at 5MHz, however it does not
cover all of the WRC-15 band of 5351.5 to 5366.5kHz. The Society
played a very active role in the WRC-15 process and continues to work
with Ofcom to gain access to all of the WRC-15 band, however this is
not expected to change in the foreseeable future as there are
on-going assignments within the band. The RSGB will implement the
IARU Region 1 band plan for 5MHz within the segments allocated to us.
In common with other Region 1 societies with allocations greater than
15kHz, we will recommend that frequencies within the WRC-15 band that
are allowed under the UK Amateur Radio Licence only be used for
international contacts, or for stations with no other option."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)