At the moment my best DX on 6m FT8 RX is LZ2NW (2139km) in Bulgaria. There seems to be early Es from southern Europe with early spots of Spain, France, Italy, Switzerland and Germany. I have also spotted a couple of UK stations.
UPDATE 1032z: 10 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1854z: Best DX on 6m FT8 RX was EA8YV (2982km) earlier this evening.
9 Aug 2017
No storms yet, so back on air
At the moment all the nasty storms are far away, so I have returned to 6m FT8 RX and 10m WSPR TX.
8 Aug 2017
Wednesday looks dire!
The WX tomorrow looks miserable with lots of dark clouds, rain and thunder/lightning. Shortly I shall go QRT and it is doubtful if the rigs will get switched on tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow is a day to read a book instead.
Visit by Richard G3TFX
An old work friend, Richard G3TFX, called in today. He stopped for a cup of tea, before rushing to catch a bus.
Storm gone through, so on air again
The thunderstorm has passed and is currently well east of us and moving away, for now. So, I am again on 10m WSPR TX (500mW) and 6m FT8 RX. Assuming the storms stay well away, I expect to be on for many hours.
UPDATE 1532z: Just a couple of G spots since returning to 6m FT8 RX. Nothing, as yet, on 10m WSPR TX.
UPDATE 1532z: Just a couple of G spots since returning to 6m FT8 RX. Nothing, as yet, on 10m WSPR TX.
Thunder, so QRT
In the distance I can hear thunder. I have still to check the storm map to see exactly where the storms are, but I am taking no chances, so have gone QRT and disconnected everything. Darn it! It was such a promising Es day.
Now it is raining. The forecast says dry now!
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en .
UPDATE 1228z: The storms are just to the south, but I cannot tell (yet) if they are getting closer.
Now it is raining. The forecast says dry now!
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en .
UPDATE 1228z: The storms are just to the south, but I cannot tell (yet) if they are getting closer.
365project - NOT amateur radio and NOT Microsoft
For several years now I have done a photo a day as a kind of visual diary. It is interesting to look back and see what we did, say 2 years ago to the day. Some would find this hard to keep up, but I have found it fun. It is totally free but if you want more albums and total privacy this only $19.99 a year. See http://365project.org/ .
Don't confuse with Microsoft's Office365 which is totally unrelated and which is a subscription service. I use OpenOffice instead and that is free. See https://www.openoffice.org/download/ .
Don't confuse with Microsoft's Office365 which is totally unrelated and which is a subscription service. I use OpenOffice instead and that is free. See https://www.openoffice.org/download/ .
10m WSPR TX (500mW)
With 5 unique spots of my little WSPR beacon already very early by Es, today is already better than yesterday on 10m WSPR. The Es season may be drawing to a close, but there is still Es about on 10m and 6m.
 |
| 10m WSPR spots of my 500mW as of 0945z today |
70cm UKAC tonight
If memory serves me correctly, tonight starting at 1900z, for 2.5 hours, is the August leg of the RSGB's activity contest on 70cm. I had to miss last month as we were on holiday. I only have a 2m halo and 5W but still manage to work some reasonable ranges especially towards the Midlands. Usually I am active for about 40-60 minutes maximum because of my poor voice. This is usually my limit.
UPDATE 1936z: With just 1 QSO and dire conditions, I gave up! Even G4CLA in the Midlands was weak: usually I manage to work him despite my 5W and 2m halo.
UPDATE 1936z: With just 1 QSO and dire conditions, I gave up! Even G4CLA in the Midlands was weak: usually I manage to work him despite my 5W and 2m halo.
6m FT8 RX
There is early Es on 6m this morning with widespread early reception of southern Europeans. Best 6m FT8 RX DX is IK7EOT (1847km). 6 countries spotted already and it is only 0846z.
UPDATE 0900z: 8 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 0921z: 16 countries spotted already! Hum dinger of a morning so far.
UPDATE 1030z: The map shows my spots on 6m FT8 so far today. A good Es day.
UPDATE 0900z: 8 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 0921z: 16 countries spotted already! Hum dinger of a morning so far.
 |
| 6m FT8 RX up to 1030z today |
UPDATE 1152z: Best DX is currently SM2A (1816km) in the north of Sweden. Nothing outside of Europe so far.
UPDATE 1734z: After a break because of storms, the best DX on 6m FT8 RX is EA8AQV (2988km).
UPDATE 1734z: After a break because of storms, the best DX on 6m FT8 RX is EA8AQV (2988km).
Back on again
Just before breakfast I resumed operations. I am on 10m WSPR TX (500wW) and 6m FT8 RX again.
7 Aug 2017
Now QRT
After a brief period looking at 20m FT8 (very busy at 1930z), I have now gone QRT on all bands.
All being well, I hope to return to 10m WSPR TX (500mW) and 6m FT8 RX at breakfast time tomorrow.
All being well, I hope to return to 10m WSPR TX (500mW) and 6m FT8 RX at breakfast time tomorrow.
 |
| 20 minutes on 20m FT8 RX this evening |
Es season ending?
Today, there were just 2 unique spots here on 10m WSPR of my 500mW beacon, although I did much better on 6m FT8 RX. My feeling is the Es season is drawing to a close in the northern hemisphere, although there will still be DX there for those looking. Es occurs at any time of the year although in the UK and USA the best months are May, June and July.
I have worked Es 6m DX on QRP SSB in September and with newer digital modes quite brief openings can now be spotted. Never give up!
As we enter the "quiet sun" years E layer propagation becomes more important and may be the best hope of DX on 10m and higher bands.
For reasons I do not understand, there is a smaller Es peak around the end of December and early January. So, for those alert, there are plenty of opportunities for DX by E layer at any time of the year. OK, outside the peak months there may be long quiet periods, but stick with it and search out those brief openings!
I have worked Es 6m DX on QRP SSB in September and with newer digital modes quite brief openings can now be spotted. Never give up!
As we enter the "quiet sun" years E layer propagation becomes more important and may be the best hope of DX on 10m and higher bands.
For reasons I do not understand, there is a smaller Es peak around the end of December and early January. So, for those alert, there are plenty of opportunities for DX by E layer at any time of the year. OK, outside the peak months there may be long quiet periods, but stick with it and search out those brief openings!
Storms Tuesday?
The weather forecast for the next few days is bad. Rain (heavy at times) is forecast before things might improve on Thursday. There is a chance of thunder too. If so, I may be off air for a few days.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en .
UPDATE 1558z: At the moment, it looks like we may miss the storms tomorrow. I''ll check in the morning.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en .
UPDATE 1558z: At the moment, it looks like we may miss the storms tomorrow. I''ll check in the morning.
Plenty of Colour - NOT amateur radio
10m WSPR
Although on since breakfast time, no spots received at all so far.
UPDATE 1015z: Still no spots received today so far on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1354z: Still no spots on 10m WSPR today.
UPDATE 1548z: Since 1358z EA1FAQ (1249km) has been spotting me intermittently by Es. At the moment, he is my only reporter today on 10m WSPR His last spot was at 1446z.
UPDATE 1825z: 2 unique spots of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon
UPDATE 1015z: Still no spots received today so far on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1354z: Still no spots on 10m WSPR today.
UPDATE 1825z: 2 unique spots of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon
Return to 6m FT8 RX
Yesterday was very good for Es, so I am again on 6m FT8 RX. I am amazed how this mode has taken off. It is not officially released yet. There were loads of stations on this mode yesterday.
UPDATE 0835z: Only G0GGG (210km) spotted on 6m FT8 so far. No Es today as yet.
UPDATE 0858z: OZ1DJJ (763km) spotted, I assume by Es. Also G8TTI (185km).
UPDATE 1016z: Now 5 countries spotted with best DX today so far being SM0NKZ (1404km).
UPDATE 1253z: 12 stations in 8 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8 today.
UPDATE 1806z: Plenty of Es today on 6m FT8. The photo shows the stations spotted in the last day.
UPDATE 0835z: Only G0GGG (210km) spotted on 6m FT8 so far. No Es today as yet.
UPDATE 0858z: OZ1DJJ (763km) spotted, I assume by Es. Also G8TTI (185km).
UPDATE 1016z: Now 5 countries spotted with best DX today so far being SM0NKZ (1404km).
UPDATE 1253z: 12 stations in 8 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8 today.
UPDATE 1806z: Plenty of Es today on 6m FT8. The photo shows the stations spotted in the last day.
Maudlin? - NOT amateur radio
As we get older (this year I enter my 70th year) I guess we become grateful for small things. Even waking up in the morning is a blessing! Seeing migrant birds return always fills me with wonder at nature.
Years ago, I had quite a strong faith. These days I am unsure. There are so many faiths and I am sure all are an attempt to come to terms with our humanity. Yet it seems hard to think we just become nothing when we die. I am sure all world religions hint at the truth, but all are wrong. You only have to think of all the evil in the last few thousand years done in the name of religion.
Indeed, it is possible that what each of us experiences is unique to us, but this is straying into philosophy. The simple answer is that not one of us knows with any certainty.
In the meantime, we must live each day as if our last: be kind to others and kind to ourselves. Milk every day for the best.
Years ago, I had quite a strong faith. These days I am unsure. There are so many faiths and I am sure all are an attempt to come to terms with our humanity. Yet it seems hard to think we just become nothing when we die. I am sure all world religions hint at the truth, but all are wrong. You only have to think of all the evil in the last few thousand years done in the name of religion.
Indeed, it is possible that what each of us experiences is unique to us, but this is straying into philosophy. The simple answer is that not one of us knows with any certainty.
In the meantime, we must live each day as if our last: be kind to others and kind to ourselves. Milk every day for the best.
More VLF success?
This was posted Saturday by Stefan DK7FC:
VLF,
After nearly 8 days the carrier is still on the air without an interruption, despite occasional thunderstorms :-)
It looks like the SNR is suffering by summer QRN, as expected.
The stable carrier was good for doing local tests with my Raspi+Octo-soundcard. The system is now completely configured including system time setting via the GPS module. I recorded a few days from the carrier, converted the data files into wav, reprocessed them in SpecLab: The carrier is stable and on the expected frequency, so the sample rate correction via vlfrx tools seems to work.
Forthermore i corrected some bugs in the circuit of my portable RX loop preamp for VLF (must have been late in the night when i built it up a few months ago). Now the noise is much lower. It looks promising! So it is time for a portable VLF experiment in the far field, just to check the system more seriously.
The crew of DL0AO has built up and optimised their VLF system to receive the weak 3675.005 Hz carrier in abt 220 km distance. Looks like there is something on their cardioidal spectrogram pointing to West,
http://df6nm.bplaced.net/
Something like 10 dB SNR in 31 uHz. That's not so bad!
I will run it for some more time until the trace is a bit longer. Then in some days i like to start transmitting an EbNaut message on that frequency which can be stacked until a decode appears. Markus has developed a tool for windows to do the stacking, maybe it works in that experiment... It will also be a test to see if i can decode the message from my own recording using vlfrx tools, an important step to pass...
So far so good. What are YOUR projects you are currently working on, LF/MF/VLF related?
73, Stefan
VLF,
After nearly 8 days the carrier is still on the air without an interruption, despite occasional thunderstorms :-)
It looks like the SNR is suffering by summer QRN, as expected.
The stable carrier was good for doing local tests with my Raspi+Octo-soundcard. The system is now completely configured including system time setting via the GPS module. I recorded a few days from the carrier, converted the data files into wav, reprocessed them in SpecLab: The carrier is stable and on the expected frequency, so the sample rate correction via vlfrx tools seems to work.
Forthermore i corrected some bugs in the circuit of my portable RX loop preamp for VLF (must have been late in the night when i built it up a few months ago). Now the noise is much lower. It looks promising! So it is time for a portable VLF experiment in the far field, just to check the system more seriously.
The crew of DL0AO has built up and optimised their VLF system to receive the weak 3675.005 Hz carrier in abt 220 km distance. Looks like there is something on their cardioidal spectrogram pointing to West,
http://df6nm.bplaced.net/
Something like 10 dB SNR in 31 uHz. That's not so bad!
I will run it for some more time until the trace is a bit longer. Then in some days i like to start transmitting an EbNaut message on that frequency which can be stacked until a decode appears. Markus has developed a tool for windows to do the stacking, maybe it works in that experiment... It will also be a test to see if i can decode the message from my own recording using vlfrx tools, an important step to pass...
So far so good. What are YOUR projects you are currently working on, LF/MF/VLF related?
73, Stefan
Back on again
At breakfast time I resumed 10m WSPR TX and 6m FT8 RX. Although dull, I think there are no storms likely locally today.
6 Aug 2017
QRT until tomorrow
As the Es seems to have stopped, I have gone QRT on 10m and 6m. I should be on at breakfast time in the morning.
Patio - NOT amateur radio
QRP and QRP Club
As usual, Oleg gives his weekly report:
Dear Club 72 members and friends,
Weekly Rendezvous and Parade (WRP) Report (August, 6, 2017)
Of course, any MW (milliwatt) or SR (simplest radio) operators are
welcome on the Rendezvous and MRP (Micro Radio Parade) events.
Strongly recommend to use "CQ MRP" if you use MW or SR equipment.
Visitors of the week: OM6TC, IT9QAU/m, G3XJS, PA3JD, HB9DAX, I2AOX,
YU1RK/p, US5ERQ, G3JFS, DL3XZ, SV9/DL5DBY/p, RW3DF, DK4AN, UA1CEG/p,
UY1IF, UA6BFE, PD0HRS, RV3GM, DK1HW, R1CAF, R4NX, US3EN, UR5EFD,
UR7VT, RA7RA, UA1CEX, UA9MLY, Z35M/p, RU3NJC, RW3AA, F3MB, UA3APU,
F8BBL, OF5LP, ON4ADR, DL4CF/p, R1CAN, ON6KZ, UR5FA, F6DIZ, IK2WQH
MRP operators - UA1CEG, UA1CEX, RV3GM, UA3APU, RW3AA, Z35M, RA7RA, UR5FA
Congrats!
F3MB became Frequenter (regular visitor)
New Visitors - PA3JD, YU1RK, DL5DBY, UA3APU, F8BBL, IK2WQH - you are welcome!
See full Visitors and Frequenters lists on the Club 72 page
Comments...
see full version of the WRP Report including comments and pictures on
the blog page - https://qrp-club72.blogspot.
That's all Folks for now!
Thanks all for activity, comments and pictures
See you on next week RV and MRP
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 Rendezvous and Parade (WRP) Report (August, 6, 2017)
Of course, any MW (milliwatt) or SR (simplest radio) operators are
welcome on the Rendezvous and MRP (Micro Radio Parade) events.
Strongly recommend to use "CQ MRP" if you use MW or SR equipment.
Visitors of the week: OM6TC, IT9QAU/m, G3XJS, PA3JD, HB9DAX, I2AOX,
YU1RK/p, US5ERQ, G3JFS, DL3XZ, SV9/DL5DBY/p, RW3DF, DK4AN, UA1CEG/p,
UY1IF, UA6BFE, PD0HRS, RV3GM, DK1HW, R1CAF, R4NX, US3EN, UR5EFD,
UR7VT, RA7RA, UA1CEX, UA9MLY, Z35M/p, RU3NJC, RW3AA, F3MB, UA3APU,
F8BBL, OF5LP, ON4ADR, DL4CF/p, R1CAN, ON6KZ, UR5FA, F6DIZ, IK2WQH
MRP operators - UA1CEG, UA1CEX, RV3GM, UA3APU, RW3AA, Z35M, RA7RA, UR5FA
Congrats!
F3MB became Frequenter (regular visitor)
New Visitors - PA3JD, YU1RK, DL5DBY, UA3APU, F8BBL, IK2WQH - you are welcome!
See full Visitors and Frequenters lists on the Club 72 page
Comments...
see full version of the WRP Report including comments and pictures on
the blog page - https://qrp-club72.blogspot.
That's all Folks for now!
Thanks all for activity, comments and pictures
See you on next week RV and MRP
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.
6m FT8 RX
After a successful outing in this mode yesterday, I am again on 6m FT8 RX. It does seem to have really taken off.
UPDATE 0822z: Quite a few early Es spots this morning. Widespread too.
UPDATE 1251z: Lots of 6m JT8 spots today (more than 26). Best DX on 6m FT8 Rx is currently OH5ELO (1942km). Es.
UPDATE 1739z: Lots of 6m Es today.
UPDATE 0822z: Quite a few early Es spots this morning. Widespread too.
UPDATE 1251z: Lots of 6m JT8 spots today (more than 26). Best DX on 6m FT8 Rx is currently OH5ELO (1942km). Es.
 |
| 6m FT8 RX up to 1739z today |
10m WSPR TX (500mW) again
As the 10m WSPR TX beacon (500mW) is "stand alone" and does not need the PC and uses a different antenna from that used on 6m, I am on 10m WSPR this morning.
UPDATE 0823z: No 10m WSPR spots yet today.
UPDATE 1230z: Several spots on 10m WSPR this lunchtime. Germany, Poland and Denmark spotted my 500mW. Es I assume.
UPDATE 1733z: Best spot today of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon was by EW2ABC (1812km).
UPDATE 1902z: 10 unique 10m WSPR spots today. Not bad.
UPDATE 0823z: No 10m WSPR spots yet today.
UPDATE 1230z: Several spots on 10m WSPR this lunchtime. Germany, Poland and Denmark spotted my 500mW. Es I assume.
UPDATE 1733z: Best spot today of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon was by EW2ABC (1812km).
UPDATE 1902z: 10 unique 10m WSPR spots today. Not bad.
5 Aug 2017
10m WSPR
Since the storm passed through this afternoon, I have been on 10m WSPR TX (500mW). After a slow start, lots of spots from Germany and Austria by Es.
UPDATE 2125z: 8 unique spots today on 10m WSPR, although I only started this afternoon. Now QRT on all bands.
UPDATE 2125z: 8 unique spots today on 10m WSPR, although I only started this afternoon. Now QRT on all bands.
Swifts gone? - NOT amateur radio
We spent about 40 minutes outside enjoying a cup of tea in the late sunshine this afternoon.
Although looking, I saw not a single swift overhead. A few weeks ago and I'd have seen maybe 20. Most have started to move south. They only stay for a few months then they are gone. Ephemeral.
A few may still be around, but most have left us until next spring.
Although looking, I saw not a single swift overhead. A few weeks ago and I'd have seen maybe 20. Most have started to move south. They only stay for a few months then they are gone. Ephemeral.
A few may still be around, but most have left us until next spring.
Back on again after storms
As the storms seem to have cleared through and we are now bathed in sunshine, I am back on 10m WSPR TX (500mW) and 6m FT8 RX after a very brief TX period.
The impression I am getting is there is less Es than a month, or so, ago. There is still Es but not as frequent.
UPDATE 1454z: A couple of stations copied my brief 6m FT8 CQ. Best DX was a spot by G6GEI (91km).
UPDATE 1604z: IZ1AZJ (967km) was recently spotted on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1612z: Nothing at all on 10m WSPR TX.
The impression I am getting is there is less Es than a month, or so, ago. There is still Es but not as frequent.
UPDATE 1454z: A couple of stations copied my brief 6m FT8 CQ. Best DX was a spot by G6GEI (91km).
UPDATE 1604z: IZ1AZJ (967km) was recently spotted on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1612z: Nothing at all on 10m WSPR TX.
Kangaroo - NOT amateur radio
QRT - storms
Just before 1300z, there was thunder forecast (and it came) so I went QRT on all bands and disconnected everything. Although it is still raining, the forecast for the rest of the day is now better. I may come back, this time on 6m FT8. As there are still plenty of storms around, I may wait a bit.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en .
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en .
MLS offers
Yet again, I received a "something for the weekend" email from Martin Lynch. They also have offers on other items.
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/ .
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/ .
7 countries on 6m MSK144 so far
Since yesterday, I returned to 50.280MHz MSK144 RX. So far, 7 countries spotted. There seem to be most users of this mode on the old frequency rather than the new.
4 Aug 2017
Return to 6m MSK144 - but on 50.280MHz
After reading some of the recent comments, I have returned to MSK144 on 6m, but on 50.280MHz RX. Already I have spotted PA5JS (370km).
More OFCOM rubbish?
Sorry, but my personal view is OFCOM seems incompetent. Recent tests on VDSL seem to re-enforce this. Is OFCOM really saying the noise pollution of the spectrum, especially in cities, is not getting worse? If so, they must be plain stupid. Even in my village it is much worse than 20 years ago. Please OFCOM get real. There is more to life than money. Sometimes I hear/read nothing but bollocks.
In the USA you have the FCC.
Perhaps OFCOM assume we only go on the internet and digital radio/TV? Well, if you know very little or nothing, about radio you might think that.
See http://rsgb.org/main/files/2012/12/VDSL-RFI-RSGBOfcom-meeting-June-21-2017.pdf
In the USA you have the FCC.
Perhaps OFCOM assume we only go on the internet and digital radio/TV? Well, if you know very little or nothing, about radio you might think that.
See http://rsgb.org/main/files/2012/12/VDSL-RFI-RSGBOfcom-meeting-June-21-2017.pdf
Busy bee - NOT amateur radio
6m FT8 RX
After a day on 6m MSK144, I have now gone on 6m FT8 RX monitoring 50.313MHz. Already spotted G0MBL (130km) in Kent.
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