After a very disappointing day on 10m (28MHz) FT8 in which just a single G was spotted, I have now moved to MF RX. The shack PC is on battery power which should be good until early morning with a nice quiet noise floor.
As yet, no spots, even after 20 minutes. I am beginning to think some of the regulars have gone QRT until the autumn.
UPDATE 2102z: Just a single spot of PA3ABK (306km) so far this evening. At least the gear is working!
UPDATE 2124z: Now DK2DB (685km) spotted.
16 Apr 2018
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
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
See http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/culter.pdf
Labels:
crystal set,
mosfet
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.
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.
Labels:
vlf
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.
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.
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
Labels:
mental health
Sunspots - Monday April 16th 2018
Solar flux is 69 today, but the sunspot number is zero yet again. A=6 and K=1.
Labels:
sunspots
15 Apr 2018
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.
Labels:
exhaustion
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!
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!
Labels:
5mhz,
60m,
southgate news
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
Labels:
137khz
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