At one time the Yaesu FT817 led the way.
These days there are lots of good QRP rigs available such as the KX2 and KX3 and the uBITX kits, as well as many others. The FT818 really looks pathetic by comparison.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/ft817 . This page is mainly about the FT817, but it also looks at the FT818.
See also http://www.hfsignals.com/ .
10 Mar 2018
Cambridge Posters - NOT amateur radio
All around the city you can see posters. These were in Bene't St. The yellow one is advertising my wife's concert on April 7th. In the background is Old School Lane, the site of the original Cavendish Laboratories, where many a Nobel Prize was won. The world famous Kings College Chapel is about 300m away.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bene%27t_Street .
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bene%27t_Street .
2m FT8 RX (this is getting too easy!)
Yet again, I am monitoring 2m FT8 RX on 144.174MHz. 31 unique stations in 7 countries spotted so far today. Best DX spotted is DK2DTF (644km).
UPDATE 1242z: 35 uniques in 7 countries so far today.
UPDATE 1526z: 42 uniques in 8 countries on 2m FT8 RX so far today. When I was briefly on TX (2.5W) this morning, 3 stations spotted me including GW6TEO (371km).
UPDATE 1604z: In the last 15 minutes I briefly transmitted with 2.5W to my big-wheel antenna. I got reports from as far away as Devon. In just the last 2 hours 22 uniques in 5 countries spotted.
UPDATE 1242z: 35 uniques in 7 countries so far today.
UPDATE 1526z: 42 uniques in 8 countries on 2m FT8 RX so far today. When I was briefly on TX (2.5W) this morning, 3 stations spotted me including GW6TEO (371km).
UPDATE 1604z: In the last 15 minutes I briefly transmitted with 2.5W to my big-wheel antenna. I got reports from as far away as Devon. In just the last 2 hours 22 uniques in 5 countries spotted.
Sunspots - Saturday March 10th 2018
Solar flux is 67 today and the sunspot number zero. A=12 and K=4.
Labels:
sunspots
9 Mar 2018
MLS "something for the weekend" deals
Every weekend, MLS offers discounts. If you are intent on buying one of the items listed, it is worth checking these deals.
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/ .
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/ .
Labels:
mls
Pacific FT8 drone
Southgate News has a piece on a drone slowly floating from Hawaii to California. There is a KX3 on board with FT8 capabilities.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/pacific-ham-radio-drone-kh6jf-mm-using-ft8.htm#.WqKwz0x2tMs .
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/pacific-ham-radio-drone-kh6jf-mm-using-ft8.htm#.WqKwz0x2tMs .
Labels:
southgate news
2m FT8 RX
This never fails to amaze me. Today again lots of stations spotted with best DX DF5VAE (902km) not far from the Polish border.
The map shows the stations spotted on 2m FT8 in just the last 12 hours. Quite amazing seeing I am just using an FT817 with a big-wheel horizontal omni antenna. The big-wheel is about 4m above ground at the rear of the bungalow. It is just visible above the front door in the picture. It just clears the roof. The V2000 is above the garage. This is fed with cheap CB RG58 coax. The big-wheel had decent coax.
UPDATE 1715z: Now 41 uniques in 8 countries spotted on 2m FT8 today since breakfast. I suspect most of the DX is by aircraft reflection. As experiments earlier in the week showed, using the V2000 vertical gave much the same results, so this is definitely not tropo.
UPDATE 2152z: I am still monitoring 2m FT8 this evening. Even in the last hour, I have spotted 12 unique stations with best DX DL1DBR (546km).
The map shows the stations spotted on 2m FT8 in just the last 12 hours. Quite amazing seeing I am just using an FT817 with a big-wheel horizontal omni antenna. The big-wheel is about 4m above ground at the rear of the bungalow. It is just visible above the front door in the picture. It just clears the roof. The V2000 is above the garage. This is fed with cheap CB RG58 coax. The big-wheel had decent coax.
UPDATE 1715z: Now 41 uniques in 8 countries spotted on 2m FT8 today since breakfast. I suspect most of the DX is by aircraft reflection. As experiments earlier in the week showed, using the V2000 vertical gave much the same results, so this is definitely not tropo.
UPDATE 2152z: I am still monitoring 2m FT8 this evening. Even in the last hour, I have spotted 12 unique stations with best DX DL1DBR (546km).
More OFCOM
Apparently they are taking steps to improve mobile coverage and steps towards 5G. I guess writing this crap beats real work, especially if you have a domestic science qualification and know nothing about RF allegedly.
See http://ofcom.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/i/634274CBE08C0A5B2540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
See http://ofcom.createsend1.com/t/ViewEmail/i/634274CBE08C0A5B2540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
Labels:
ofcom
Orchids - NOT amateur radio
For several weeks the Cambridge University Botanic Garden has hosted an orchid festival in its hot houses. We went last year and this. The display was splendid.
We have had some success in growing these at home. The secret is just a thimble full of water a week.
We have had some success in growing these at home. The secret is just a thimble full of water a week.
Labels:
orchids
Rally
11 MARCH 2018 : DOVER RADIO CLUB RALLY
Whitfield Village Hall, Sandwich Road, Manley Close, Whitfield, Nr Dover CT163LY. Talk in, catering, trade stands. Doors open from 10am, entry £2. Auction starts at 12.30pm. Aaron Coote, 2E0FQR, 0771 465 4267 or aaroncoote@hotmail.co.uk. www.darc.org.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/ rallies/
Whitfield Village Hall, Sandwich Road, Manley Close, Whitfield, Nr Dover CT163LY. Talk in, catering, trade stands. Doors open from 10am, entry £2. Auction starts at 12.30pm. Aaron Coote, 2E0FQR, 0771 465 4267 or aaroncoote@hotmail.co.uk. www.darc.org.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Labels:
rally
Degrading solar conditions - Friday March 9th 2018
Solar flux is 66, which is the lowest it has been in years. Sunspot number is zero. A=4 and K=3.
Labels:
sunspots
8 Mar 2018
Sexism - NOT amateur radio
Times have changed. When I started work lots of people smoked and it was the norm. Women got wolf-whistled at. Looking back, this was disrespectful. Women have every right to be treated as equals. Paying women less than men for the same job is wrong.
However, in some ways we have, perhaps, swung too far. Now, it seems, adverts and the TV have to have a token ethnic minority, gay, black or handicapped actor to be "fair". It is a bit like work, where in my latter years people were (re)discovering ideas that we had 40 years ago. To be honest, it was boring and I had had enough.
Personally I think everyone deserves respect and the right to just be themselves, but we have to be careful not to lose sight of reality. These days it is all too easy to turn to litigation when what is needed is a bit of common sense.
As they say, "what goes around comes around". Let's treat all minorities fairly, but keep an eye on reality.
However, in some ways we have, perhaps, swung too far. Now, it seems, adverts and the TV have to have a token ethnic minority, gay, black or handicapped actor to be "fair". It is a bit like work, where in my latter years people were (re)discovering ideas that we had 40 years ago. To be honest, it was boring and I had had enough.
Personally I think everyone deserves respect and the right to just be themselves, but we have to be careful not to lose sight of reality. These days it is all too easy to turn to litigation when what is needed is a bit of common sense.
As they say, "what goes around comes around". Let's treat all minorities fairly, but keep an eye on reality.
Labels:
sexism
Another RadCom Article
Today, I was told that another of my articles is to appear in RadCom. I have no idea when this will be. They are likely to change things quite a bit. It was on compromise antennas, especially for 472kHz. Basically, it was to encourage others whatever they have: poor antennas still get out!
These days I write about things I can still do. Major projects are mostly beyond me, as I get tired quickly because of my stroke. Mostly I miss my VLF and optical experiments. These were fun.
Despite things, I still enjoy the hobby.
Ideas are brewing for another article!
These days I write about things I can still do. Major projects are mostly beyond me, as I get tired quickly because of my stroke. Mostly I miss my VLF and optical experiments. These were fun.
Despite things, I still enjoy the hobby.
Ideas are brewing for another article!
Retail - NOT amateur radio
There is little doubt that the retail trade is changing. Recently we heard that Toys R Us and Maplin were in administration and today even John Lewis reported greatly reduced profits. People nowadays shop far more online and less in traditional shops. I have no idea where this will end.
Labels:
shops
365project - NOT amateur radio
Before now, I have mentioned that my wife and I each take a photo every day. Most of these are of interest to us as a kind of visual diary and most would not win prizes as great works of art! The photo is a snapshot of the photos I took in February.
Labels:
365project
2m FT8 RX
Again, I am monitoring 144.174MHz FT8. Already this morning 10 uniques in 5 countries with best DX EI3KD (583km) in the Munster area of southern Eire. The time is 1010z.
UPDATE 1321z: 25 uniques in 6 countries spotted so far today on 2m FT8. Best DX is still EI3KD.
UPDATE 1402z: Now 27 uniques in 6 countries so far today on 2m FT8. Best DX now is DK2DTF (644km).
UPDATE 1726z: Now 37 uniques in 7 countries today on 2m FT8.
UPDATE 1321z: 25 uniques in 6 countries spotted so far today on 2m FT8. Best DX is still EI3KD.
UPDATE 1402z: Now 27 uniques in 6 countries so far today on 2m FT8. Best DX now is DK2DTF (644km).
UPDATE 1726z: Now 37 uniques in 7 countries today on 2m FT8.
Lower power for Sweden?
According to Southgate News the Swedish regulator is proposing to drop the maximum power on the "free for life" amateur licences to 200 watts. As a confirmed QRPer this is still a really high power! If they cannot work the world with this perhaps they should use the internet instead?
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/swedish-regulator-proposes-ham-radio-power-reduction.htm#.WqEHI0x2vIU .
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/swedish-regulator-proposes-ham-radio-power-reduction.htm#.WqEHI0x2vIU .
Labels:
southgate news,
sweden
Sunspots - Thursday March 8th 2018
Solar flux is 67 today and the sunspot number zero still. A=4 and K=2.
Labels:
sunspots
7 Mar 2018
Antarctica on 630m WSPR
This from Stefan DK7FC this evening:
"Hi MF,
Since a few weeks the German Antarctic research station Neumayer III (https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Neumayer-Station_III) is running a Red
Pitaya on a wideband RX antenna to receive/decode/upload WSPR reports
on up to 8 bands simultaneously. You may have noticed them already on
the WSPR map on other bands. I saw regular spots on 160m from DL
statations and other countries in EU.
They seem to have quite a good satellite internet connection. So uploading WSPR spots is no problem. They also run an up to date webcam showing an image for example here:
https://www.qrz.com/db/dp0gvn
One of the maintainers of the radio station there is Felix / DL5XL. I
know him personally and, taking the idea of EA5DOM, i contacted him and
asked if they want to try to receive on 630m as well. Yesterday i got
an answer.
DP0GVN in IB59UH will receive WSPR(2) on 630m daily between 4...7 UTC now.
I asked them if they can extend the time to 20...07 UTC. Let's see.
So turn on your PAs and make a first contact from your continent to Antarctica on 630m! And spread the message into other reflectors, VK could be in a favorite position.
73, Stefan"
"Hi MF,
Since a few weeks the German Antarctic research station Neumayer III (https://en.wikipedia.org/
They seem to have quite a good satellite internet connection. So uploading WSPR spots is no problem. They also run an up to date webcam showing an image for example here:
https://www.qrz.com/db/dp0gvn
DP0GVN in IB59UH will receive WSPR(2) on 630m daily between 4...7 UTC now.
I asked them if they can extend the time to 20...07 UTC. Let's see.
So turn on your PAs and make a first contact from your continent to Antarctica on 630m! And spread the message into other reflectors, VK could be in a favorite position.
73, Stefan"
More OFCOM news
More news from OFCOM.
See http://ofcom.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/i/252BF072EDA728062540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
See http://ofcom.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/i/252BF072EDA728062540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
Labels:
ofcom
Mistletoe - NOT amateur radio
This is a spot in Cambridge that I have walked past perhaps several hundred times, but until yesterday I'd never noticed this huge mistletoe high up in this tree. As I walked past today, I took this photo. I guess in the summer the leaves would hide it.
Labels:
mistletoe
TESS Satellite - NOT amateur radio
Southgate News has a link to the NASA site about TESS, a satellite that is due to launch in April. The satellite will help in the search for planets orbiting distant stars outside our solar system, so called exoplanets.
See https://www.nasa.gov/tess-transiting-exoplanet-survey-satellite .
See https://www.nasa.gov/tess-transiting-exoplanet-survey-satellite .
Labels:
nasa,
southgate news,
tess
2m FT8 RX
Since just before breakfast, I have been on 2m FT8 RX (with a very brief TX period early on calling CQ when I was copied by G1IDZ (184km)). So far, 1 Dutch and 2 UK stations spotted.
UPDATE 1404z: 25 uniques is 5 countries so far.
UPDATE 1708z: 29 uniques in 8 countries now on 2m FT8.
UPDATE 1920z: Now 33 uniques in 9 countries in last 12 hours.
UPDATE 1942z: 35 uniques in 9 countries.
UPDATE 1404z: 25 uniques is 5 countries so far.
UPDATE 1708z: 29 uniques in 8 countries now on 2m FT8.
UPDATE 1920z: Now 33 uniques in 9 countries in last 12 hours.
UPDATE 1942z: 35 uniques in 9 countries.
Sunspots - Wednesday March 7th 2018
Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number zero. A=4 and K=0.
Labels:
sunspots
6 Mar 2018
President Trump and trade wars - NOT amateur radio
Whilst I understand President Trump's wish to have the USA not disadvantaged by trading nations, he has gone about things in a very odd way that almost invites others to retaliate. In an interconnected world such barriers to trade are very unlikely to work.
One thinks of King Canute.
One thinks of King Canute.
Labels:
trump
472kHz WSPR RX
After a break of a few days, I am monitoring 472kHz WSPR RX. If things go to previous form I'll spot most stations in the next few hours and they'll all be EU stations I've spotted before!
UPDATE 1952z: 3 uniques in the first few minutes. Sadly all stations spotted before! Best DX is F1AFJ (607km).
UPDATE 2129z: 9 uniques so far in 6 countries with best DX 9A3KB (1290km). Just G3KEV also spotted on FT8 earlier in QSO with a German.
UPDATE 2317z: Now 16 uniques. Soon be time to go QRT.
UPDATE 2350z: Now QRT.
UPDATE 1952z: 3 uniques in the first few minutes. Sadly all stations spotted before! Best DX is F1AFJ (607km).
UPDATE 2129z: 9 uniques so far in 6 countries with best DX 9A3KB (1290km). Just G3KEV also spotted on FT8 earlier in QSO with a German.
UPDATE 2317z: Now 16 uniques. Soon be time to go QRT.
UPDATE 2350z: Now QRT.
Yaesu FT818
Since I last wrote, I have heard little new about the FT818. What I have read does not impress me. If you have any more details please let me know so I can share it on the blog.
Spies - NOT amateur radio
In the last day it looks like an ex-spy was poisoned in Salisbury, UK. Russia is suspected, but this is not proven.
What is certain is that Russia, the UK and the USA will all have "dirty tricks" departments, but we only hear about Russia. The spying business is definitely there, although governments would prefer us not to know.
We are fed a diet of filtered news: we hear what they want us to hear. I well remember Vietnam when the Vietcong was considered evil. With the perspective of history we know the USA and the government in the south were far from perfect. Political bias has always been there since the dawn of humanity.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43303651 .
What is certain is that Russia, the UK and the USA will all have "dirty tricks" departments, but we only hear about Russia. The spying business is definitely there, although governments would prefer us not to know.
We are fed a diet of filtered news: we hear what they want us to hear. I well remember Vietnam when the Vietcong was considered evil. With the perspective of history we know the USA and the government in the south were far from perfect. Political bias has always been there since the dawn of humanity.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43303651 .
Labels:
spies
Not quite - NOT amateur radio
After, what for us, has seemed a long cold winter with snow last week, we are now in spring according to the Met Office. Our daffodils are still not quite out. Perhaps next week? Usually the heads drop just before they flower.
The photo shows the daffodils in our back garden. Snowdrops have been good.
The photo shows the daffodils in our back garden. Snowdrops have been good.
Labels:
daffodils
Trevor Baylis (clockwork radio) dies
At the age of 80 Southgate News reports that the inventor of the wind-up radio has died. His name was made famous by his invention. His wind-up radio ideas have application in QRP radios.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/trevor-baylis-wind-up-radio-inventor-dies-aged-80.htm#.Wp5iE0x2vIU
See also http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-43290756 .
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/trevor-baylis-wind-up-radio-inventor-dies-aged-80.htm#.Wp5iE0x2vIU
See also http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-43290756 .
Labels:
southgate news
Sunspots - Tuesday March 6th 2018
Where does the time go? It seems only yesterday that it was Christmas. I'm sure our perception of time changes as we get older.
Solar flux is 67 and the sunspot number zero still. A=5 and K=1.
Solar flux is 67 and the sunspot number zero still. A=5 and K=1.
Labels:
sunspots
2m UKAC activity contest
Starting at 2000z tonight is the March leg of the RSGB's activity contest on 2m. The contest runs for 2.5 hours. I usually manage 30-60 minutes as my voice is poor and work 5-10 stations.
See http://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?contest=2mukac for the rules.
An average contest, but again I was defeated by my poor voice. Six contacts in 34 minutes as shown on the map. 5W and a big-wheel omni antenna.
See http://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?contest=2mukac for the rules.
An average contest, but again I was defeated by my poor voice. Six contacts in 34 minutes as shown on the map. 5W and a big-wheel omni antenna.
5 Mar 2018
"So" - NOT amateur radio
Some call me a grumpy old man, but have you noticed how many young people start their sentences with "So"? This really annoys me. I heard this twice on BBC Radio 4 just before lunch, like, you know.
Labels:
so
OFCOM
Yes, allegedly all they care about is money.
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/7960D48FD07A6FAF2540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/7960D48FD07A6FAF2540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C
Labels:
ofcom
Sunspots - Monday March 5th 2018
Solar flux is 68 today. The sunspot number is zero still. A=6 and K=2.
Labels:
sunspots
The G3TFX experiment - 2m FT8 RX vertical
As promised, today I am monitoring 2m FT8 but using my V2000 vertical instead of the horizontal big-wheel. This was suggested by my old work colleague Richard G3TFX in Cambridge.
Already I am surprised by the number of stations still being received. This suggests that these stations are less dependant on polarisation than I thought, suggesting either aircraft reflection or random MS rather than tropo.
UPDATE 1015z: 12 uniques in 4 countries, despite being vertically polarised.
UPDATE 1130z: Now 19 uniques in 4 countries.
UPDATE 1405z: Now 28 uniques in 4 countries.
UPDATE 2105z: Well, the experiment has ended. Conclusion? Polarisation does not matter, so probably most DX received by aircraft reflections. Amazing. Map show stations received on 2m FT8 today with vertical polarisation.
Already I am surprised by the number of stations still being received. This suggests that these stations are less dependant on polarisation than I thought, suggesting either aircraft reflection or random MS rather than tropo.
UPDATE 1015z: 12 uniques in 4 countries, despite being vertically polarised.
UPDATE 1130z: Now 19 uniques in 4 countries.
UPDATE 1405z: Now 28 uniques in 4 countries.
UPDATE 2105z: Well, the experiment has ended. Conclusion? Polarisation does not matter, so probably most DX received by aircraft reflections. Amazing. Map show stations received on 2m FT8 today with vertical polarisation.
4 Mar 2018
Best bus rides in England (video)? - NOT amateur radio
With the closure of the A379 along Slapton Line, Devon we lose one of the best bus rides in England. I hope they repair this road, although I have my doubts as the storm damage is bad.
Head for heights?
Just watching this video made me feel sick! You would never catch me up there! I'd be terrified. Good job I've not got a large tower in my garden.
A short while later I found a video of someone going up an even taller tower!
A short while later I found a video of someone going up an even taller tower!
Labels:
height
Snowy windmill - NOT amateur radio
It is about 5 years since we had real snow. It has attempted to snow over the years, but last week we had real snow falling several times and, for us, very cold temperatures. Others may laugh! As some will be aware, we live next door.
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