K1 transceiver

Years ago I built and used an Elecraft K1 CW transceiver. A few years ago it was sold. For its intended purpose, it worked well.

These days I prefer to use digital modes like FT8 and WSPR.

There are better products available nowadays from Elecraft such as the KX2 and KX3 QRP transceivers. In the UK these are expensive especially if you buy the extras as well. They are very good rigs though, although I'd think twice about field use in rain.

See http://www.elecraft.com/
See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/k1

A high sensitivity MOSFET crystal set

Firstly, I should say I have not built this, but it looks interesting.

See http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/culter.pdf

Sub 9kHz amateur radio

At one time, I was fit and well and did quite a bit at VLF.  Apart from receiving several EU stations at VLF, I used earth-mode and could detect my own signals at 6km. Further would have been possible. 

Others, using radiated signals, have covered some quite remarkable distances from amateur gardens with modest powers. At one time people said we'd be lucky to get "over the garden fence".  How very wrong they were!

I still maintain the Sub-9kHz Amateur Radio website. Quite a bit is happening and, contrary to popular belief, big antennas are not needed for VLF RX. What is needed on TX are very stable signals and very long times. Luckily, free software allows VLF MSK commercial stations to be used as stable signals to achieve lock.

10m FT8 RX

We are nearing the Es season in the northern hemisphere.

Today, I am monitoring 10m FT8 RX, but as yet no spots. Usually, I spot the odd UK station, the odd European and sometimes South America, although openings to this part of the world are usually in the evening at this time of the year on 10m in the UK.

UPDATE 1832z: Still no spots on 10m FT8 so far today. At the moment things look dire on 10m. Usually by now I have copied something, but as yet nothing at all today! I even went to check the antenna was connected! I shall continue to monitor for a few hours, but I am not very hopeful. Later, I may try 472kHz (630m) WSPR RX.

UPDATE 1924z: Still no DX today. G0PQO (IO92) was copied this afternoon but this spot was not uploaded to PSKreporter. I'll give it another hour then QSY to MF RX.

Mental health issues - NOT amateur radio

This came in from Molly. You may find the links helpful.

"Hi,

Having had personal experience with addiction, I’ve seen how important it is to address mental health issues before they take control. I truly believe it’s lifesaving to nurture our innermost selves before mental health conditions become debilitating, whether it’s something as common as stress and anger or something as complex as depression or suicidal thoughts.

As part of my work with Recovery Hope, I’m sending you some articles that offer insight and support for those who may be struggling. I hope you’ll consider adding these to your site on this page or one like it (http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html​). Based on the information you have there, it seems you’re just as aware of how important it is for people to care for their emotional wellbeing.

A Checklist for Parents with Children with Mental Health Problems

For Teachers: Children’s Mental Health Disorder Fact Sheet for the Classroom

Promoting Mental Health at Home: How to Design the Perfect Meditation Room

Healthy Eating and Depression: How Diet May Help Protect Your Mental Health

5 Ways to Use Feng Shui in Your Home Design

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Anger Management and Addiction: How to Take Charge of Anger Issues in Sobriety

Elderly Mental Health: How to Help Your Senior

Coping with the Loss of a Loved One

I truly thank you in advance for your support! If you’re open to working with me so that I can write an article for you that further explores the importance of mental health on our overall wellness, please let me know. Since this is a subject so close to me, there is no charge. (If you don’t want me to contact you again, please let me know that as well.)

Thanks,

Molly

Molly Anderson​

Sunspots - Monday April 16th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today, but the sunspot number is zero yet again. A=6 and K=1.

Exhaustion: stroke or old age? - NOT amateur radio

Later this year I turn 70. In 2013 I had a stroke. At the moment 15 minutes of physical work leaves me totally drained. I am unsure if this is as a result of my stroke or just me getting older. Either way, it is no fun. In many ways I feel so much older than, say, 5 years ago. I try to remain positive, but it is hard.

Canada and 5MHz

The new frequency allocation table for Canada has been published reports Southgate News. As yet, Canadian amateurs are not allowed to use the new 15kHz wide WRC 5MHz allocation.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/april/canada-new-100w-ham-radio-5-mhz-allocation.htm#.WtN4CkxFzIU

Personally, I think the sooner we all have a harmonised allocation at 60m the better. Additional channels would be a bonus. As a QRPer, I'd settle for 5W too!

137kHz Transverter

One of my videos describes my transverter for 137kHz, a band on which I had no suitable antennas. Best DX was a WSPR spot by G8HUH at 250km. This is also on my main website at www.g3xbm.co.uk  where you can also find a better quality schematic.

In the end this was converted into a RX-TX transverter, although the FT817 was very deaf on 137kHz!

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHGLkA25MQA

Fallen tree - NOT amateur radio

A few days ago we went for a walk at Dalham. The photo shows our "London" grandchildren enjoying a fallen tree on the walk.