Today, I decided to go on 2m FT8 again. At the moment I am RX only, but will put out a few CQs later. Already (within an hour) I have spotted 14 stations in 6 countries with best DX DL6YBF (471km).
UPDATE 1620z: So far today on 2m FT8 RX 37 stations spotted in 7 countries with the best DX on 2m FT8 RX being DJ6GK (607km).
UPDATE 1655z: A recent CQ call (2.5W to the big-wheel omni antenna) was spotted by 10 stations in 2 countries with G7RAU (461km) being the best.
UPDATE 1955z: A very recent QRP CQ call om 2m FT8 TX resulted in no QSOs, but I was spotted by 8 stations with the best DX 244kms away.
UPDATE 2003z: Now 42 stations in 7 countries on 2m FT8 RX today.
5 Oct 2018
Yesterday on 20m FT8
For a complete change I went on 20m FT8 RX yesterday. My antenna is very low and would not match! Even so, the photo shows the stations received. 20m FT8 is just too easy. Imagine if I had a decent antenna!
4 Oct 2018
Liner-2 2m SSB rig
Back in the 1970s it was the ubiquitous rig for DXing on 2m in the UK and rest of Europe.
Coupled with a 30W linear and 9 el Tonna antenna, this was the rig of choice for many. They had plenty wrong with them, but I look back on mine with fond affection.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/liner2
FT8 article for RadCom
A few weeks ago I submitted another article for possible inclusion in RadCom the RSGB's monthly magazine. It looks like this will appear in the near future. It was only short, but probably apposite. Watch this space.
Writing articles is quite enjoyable. Usually I write about things done by myself, as I find these "flow" naturally. Sadly, my poor health has meant few articles about field work of late. Let us hope this changes.
Writing articles is quite enjoyable. Usually I write about things done by myself, as I find these "flow" naturally. Sadly, my poor health has meant few articles about field work of late. Let us hope this changes.
Grandkids - NOT amateur radio
Our grandson was a bit under the weather, but he is much better now. My wife is on the left.
UK Rallies this Sunday
Sunday 7 OCTOBER : 45th WELSH RADIO RALLY
Rougemont School, Malpas Road, Newport,, South Wales NP20 6QB. Doors open 10am and admittance is £2.50. There will be a Bring & Buy sale, catering, lectures/seminars, talk-in, RSGB bookstall, trade stands, special interest groups, and a prize draw/raffle. Lectures: Eric Edwards, GW8LJJ - Free Digital Voice on HF; Andrew Rushton, GW0UZK - Aerial Basics. Contact Michael Rackham, GW4JKV on 01495 226 149 or rackhamone@aol.com.
Sunday 7 OCTOBER : HACK GREEN BUNKER RALLY
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, French Lane, Hack Green, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. This will be a sale of electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. Doors open 10am, there will be refreshments available onsite. Contact 01270 623 353, coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk www.hackgreen.co.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Rougemont School, Malpas Road, Newport,, South Wales NP20 6QB. Doors open 10am and admittance is £2.50. There will be a Bring & Buy sale, catering, lectures/seminars, talk-in, RSGB bookstall, trade stands, special interest groups, and a prize draw/raffle. Lectures: Eric Edwards, GW8LJJ - Free Digital Voice on HF; Andrew Rushton, GW0UZK - Aerial Basics. Contact Michael Rackham, GW4JKV on 01495 226 149 or rackhamone@aol.com.
Sunday 7 OCTOBER : HACK GREEN BUNKER RALLY
Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, French Lane, Hack Green, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8AL. This will be a sale of electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. Doors open 10am, there will be refreshments available onsite. Contact 01270 623 353, coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk www.hackgreen.co.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
20m FT8 RX
For a total change I am on 20m (14MHz) FT8 RX. My antenna is very poor and I cannot get a good match. Even so, I am spotting JA stations.
UPDATE 1252z: Too easy! Spots on 20m FT8 RX today so far. Remember my antenna is low and not even resonant!
UPDATE 1515z: At the moment, Indonesia is the best DX spotted at 11977km. Also, west coast USA is being spotted but nothing from Africa, Australia or South America. I am unfamiliar with 20m, so I do not know the best times for these.
 |
| Within an hour on 20m FT8 RX with a useless, low, antenna! |
Overnight on 472kHz WSPR
Overnight 10 different stations were spotted and 3 stations spotted my 10mW ERP. At the moment I am not active on the air.
Going backwards? - NOT amateur radio
I wrote to Green Thumb 9 days ago. They endeavour to reply, so their computer generated reply says, within 72 hours. So far, I have had no response, so I have written again with yet more pictures. Of course, their computer replied almost instantly again to say how important we are!! Rubbish.
It is not just Green Thumb. We used to be able to ring our local bank. Now you get a call centre in India. Same with the Post Office on-line, insurances etc. It feels like no-one cares any more.
At one time letters were delivered twice a day. Sometimes, you got a letter in cities the same day you posted it.
In many ways we seem to be moving backwards.
UPDATE 2002z: Still no response from Green Thumb.
3 Oct 2018
PR gone mad? - NOT amateur radio
Apparently one university (Manchester) has banned clapping as it can cause distress to some people. Whilst I understand this at one level, I think we are all getting a little stupid.
What next? Ban all cars because some people don't like them? Ban planes as some get frightened in them? In my view, this is PR gone mad.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-45729031
What next? Ban all cars because some people don't like them? Ban planes as some get frightened in them? In my view, this is PR gone mad.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-45729031
MF WSPR again
Rather earlier than previous evenings, I have QSYed to 630m WSPR (10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground). G1GKN (54km) was spotted. I am pretty sure this is a new station, certainly this season. G4KPX (14km) has been quite active and widely received, yet I have still not spotted him! Even if my antenna was very directional, I am surprised not to have spotted him at all.
Sputnik Days
This came in from Oleg RX3G:
Reminder, tomorrow Oct 4 "Sputnik" QRPp Activity Days still begin.
Keep your ears open for Sputnik's "beep-beep-beep" and Vanguard's "V V
V..." before Oct 17. See detailed rules on the Club 72 page -
club72.su - "Sputnik Days" in menu. Also you can see last years
results with a lot of pictures. See you on "orbit"!
72! Oleg "Mr. 72" RX3G
Duty operator of the Deep Space Communication Center :-)
Some years ago, G6ALB built a QRP 15m CW TX using old Sputnik valves. Our first CQ call resulted in a stateside QSO. Great fun.
Reminder, tomorrow Oct 4 "Sputnik" QRPp Activity Days still begin.
Keep your ears open for Sputnik's "beep-beep-beep" and Vanguard's "V V
V..." before Oct 17. See detailed rules on the Club 72 page -
club72.su - "Sputnik Days" in menu. Also you can see last years
results with a lot of pictures. See you on "orbit"!
72! Oleg "Mr. 72" RX3G
Duty operator of the Deep Space Communication Center :-)
Some years ago, G6ALB built a QRP 15m CW TX using old Sputnik valves. Our first CQ call resulted in a stateside QSO. Great fun.
Bad back - NOT amateur radio
This occasionally happens, but things usually get back to normal in a few days. For the last day I have been in agony at times when moving as I must have strained a back muscle. Taking Paracetamol seemed to do nothing, but 1 ibuprofen seems to have done the trick. I shall take more later. I have no idea how this happened.
10m FT8
Yet again, I have returned to 10m FT8. I have only been on for a few minutes, but already I have spotted OK1AVV (1029km).
UPDATE 1537z: 3 stations in 3 countries spotted so far on 10m FT8 RX. All EU.
UPDATE 1648z: First South American spotted. PU5WMA (10042km) spotted at 1543z. For 3 days in a row I have copied South America on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1730z: LU5HA (11096km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX. 10m dead?
UPDATE 1838z: No more South American spots. I shall stay on a bit longer, but think that is it for this evening.
UPDATE 1537z: 3 stations in 3 countries spotted so far on 10m FT8 RX. All EU.
UPDATE 1648z: First South American spotted. PU5WMA (10042km) spotted at 1543z. For 3 days in a row I have copied South America on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1730z: LU5HA (11096km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX. 10m dead?
UPDATE 1838z: No more South American spots. I shall stay on a bit longer, but think that is it for this evening.
Conservative Party Conference - NOT amateur radio
For those readers on Mars or outside the UK, the Conservative Party is the party in government, supported by a Northern Ireland party, to give a slim majority. It is led by Theresa May who is Prime Minister.
At the moment the Conservative Party Conference is drawing to a close and Theresa May is due to speak. By the time you read, or skip, this she may have spoken. Her speech last year was a PR disaster with a bad cough and signs falling off the wall behind her.
She could also face a leadership challenge. It is not an enviable position with many in her own party against her over BREXIT. The trouble is who would replace her? We have plenty of people keen, but no-one that stands out as a great leader. All the people "in the wings" come over as weasels - career politicians with them as their main focus, not the good of the UK.
If there was a General Election it is quite possible Labour, led by Jeremy Corbyn, would be elected on a very left wing ticket. Personally, I am more centralist and wish centralists on all sides would try to form a new party
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-45725615
UPDATE 1320z: It happened and passed off without a hitch. Bet she was pleased!
At the moment the Conservative Party Conference is drawing to a close and Theresa May is due to speak. By the time you read, or skip, this she may have spoken. Her speech last year was a PR disaster with a bad cough and signs falling off the wall behind her.
She could also face a leadership challenge. It is not an enviable position with many in her own party against her over BREXIT. The trouble is who would replace her? We have plenty of people keen, but no-one that stands out as a great leader. All the people "in the wings" come over as weasels - career politicians with them as their main focus, not the good of the UK.
If there was a General Election it is quite possible Labour, led by Jeremy Corbyn, would be elected on a very left wing ticket. Personally, I am more centralist and wish centralists on all sides would try to form a new party
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-45725615
UPDATE 1320z: It happened and passed off without a hitch. Bet she was pleased!
MF WSPR last night
Last night I was on 472kHz WSPR again with 10mW ERP and the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
An average night with a new station (at least for this season) spotting me. GM4OAS (653km) and 3 others spotted me. On RX 7 different stations with the best DX again being LA8AV(1035km).
An average night with a new station (at least for this season) spotting me. GM4OAS (653km) and 3 others spotted me. On RX 7 different stations with the best DX again being LA8AV(1035km).
Autumn coming - NOT amateur radio
2m FT8
When in the home, but out of the shack, I tend to go on 2m FT8 often. This is true at the moment. So far today, 8 stations spotted in 4 countries. Not sure if these are aircraft reflections or tropo. Judging by the strengths, I suspect some were tropo and some were off aircraft.
Later this afternoon I shall probably switch to 10m FT8 to see if South Americans are, yet again, spotted.
A few CQ calls were not spotted at all, which is quite unusual. Perhaps there are less people monitoring 2m FT8?
UPDATE 1126z: A CQ on 2m FT8 (2.5W) was spotted again by no-one. On 2m FT8 RX 18 stations in 5 countries spotted so far.
UPDATE 1316z: Mystery solved!! After several CQ calls on 2m FT8, I was wondering why no-one was spotting me. I went into the shack, called CQ and monitored the power - nothing! In the end I discovered the FT817ND was set to USB and not DIG so it was looking for audio via the mic rather than data lead. After changing the setting both modulation and power appeared and 3 spots immediately followed. Doh! Best DX on 2m FT8 TX (2.5W to the omni antenna) is G4RRA (334km) in Devon.
UPDATE 1330z: Best DX on 2m FT8 RX is DJ6AG (689km) in Lower Saxony, Germany. So far today, 22 stations in 6 countries on 2m FT8 RX.
Later this afternoon I shall probably switch to 10m FT8 to see if South Americans are, yet again, spotted.
A few CQ calls were not spotted at all, which is quite unusual. Perhaps there are less people monitoring 2m FT8?
UPDATE 1126z: A CQ on 2m FT8 (2.5W) was spotted again by no-one. On 2m FT8 RX 18 stations in 5 countries spotted so far.
UPDATE 1316z: Mystery solved!! After several CQ calls on 2m FT8, I was wondering why no-one was spotting me. I went into the shack, called CQ and monitored the power - nothing! In the end I discovered the FT817ND was set to USB and not DIG so it was looking for audio via the mic rather than data lead. After changing the setting both modulation and power appeared and 3 spots immediately followed. Doh! Best DX on 2m FT8 TX (2.5W to the omni antenna) is G4RRA (334km) in Devon.
UPDATE 1330z: Best DX on 2m FT8 RX is DJ6AG (689km) in Lower Saxony, Germany. So far today, 22 stations in 6 countries on 2m FT8 RX.
2m UKAC RSGB activity contest
In the October leg of the 2m UKAC RSGB activity contest, I made 6 QSOs in the short time I was on. Best DX was G6DOD/P (216km) on the Isle of Wight. As usual I was using 5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.
2 Oct 2018
MF WSPR
After the 2m contest I QSYed to 472kHz (630m) WSPR. So far, the usual suspects copying my 10mW ERP and the same stations being copied.
2m activity contest this evening
The October leg of the 2m activity contest (UKAC) organised by the RSGB starts at 1900z this evening. I usually enter and send a log in, although I rarely stay on long because of my poor voice. 30-60 minutes and I am done in!
I run 5W to my big-wheel omni antenna. These days, I seem to work (or get spotted) far further with 2m FT8, which does not strain my voice. Most contests I work out to about 200km on SSB. My best is much further.
As I have said many times before, this is a very friendly contest with lots of activity. If you don't want to, there is no compulsion to send in a log. It is a great chance to work a few new stations and squares. As I usually work fewer than 10 stations it is quick to transcribe my logs.
UPDATE 2040z: I was late on tonight and could not stop on long. 6 stations worked in 5 squares with 5W and the omni antenna. I have yet to work out the best DX.
I run 5W to my big-wheel omni antenna. These days, I seem to work (or get spotted) far further with 2m FT8, which does not strain my voice. Most contests I work out to about 200km on SSB. My best is much further.
As I have said many times before, this is a very friendly contest with lots of activity. If you don't want to, there is no compulsion to send in a log. It is a great chance to work a few new stations and squares. As I usually work fewer than 10 stations it is quick to transcribe my logs.
UPDATE 2040z: I was late on tonight and could not stop on long. 6 stations worked in 5 squares with 5W and the omni antenna. I have yet to work out the best DX.
Return to 10m FT8
After a few hours on 2m, I have returned to 10m FT8 and already spotted loads of EU stations and had a few 2-way QSOs. Will 10m open to South America later?
A CQ (2.5W) was spotted by CS7AOL (1457km) and a QSO resulted.
UPDATE 1650z: So far today, 36 stations in 10 EU countries spotted on 10m FT8. 10m dead?
UPDATE 1752z: Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is currently ZD7GWM (7605km) on St Helena.
UPDATE 1818z: So far today 46 stations spotted in 12 countries and 3 continents today on 10m FT8. Hardly dead!
UPDATE 1856z: Already a couple of South American stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX this evening. So far, 51 stations spotted in 14 countries.
A CQ (2.5W) was spotted by CS7AOL (1457km) and a QSO resulted.
UPDATE 1650z: So far today, 36 stations in 10 EU countries spotted on 10m FT8. 10m dead?
UPDATE 1752z: Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is currently ZD7GWM (7605km) on St Helena.
UPDATE 1818z: So far today 46 stations spotted in 12 countries and 3 continents today on 10m FT8. Hardly dead!
UPDATE 1856z: Already a couple of South American stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX this evening. So far, 51 stations spotted in 14 countries.
2m FT8
Just before lunch I switched to 2m FT8 (2.5W to the omni antenna). No QSOs but yet again I was spotted by G7RAU (461km) on The Lizard in Cornwall and by GW3ATZ (248km) in north Wales. I shall probably stick with 2m FT8 until late this afternoon when I'll probably return to 10m FT8.
OFCOM Communications Monthly
Apparently OFCOM has issued its latest monthly update. In my email the header says September. In the email body it says August. Well, I guess this is not bad for primary school children.
I cannot give you the link as I could not see it in the email.
I cannot give you the link as I could not see it in the email.
Trump and drink - NOT amateur radio
At least he is sober with that nuclear trigger. Otherwise, do we care?
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-45713170/trump-i-d-be-the-world-s-worst-drinker
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-45713170/trump-i-d-be-the-world-s-worst-drinker
That IC7300 fan...
Well, it seems the IC7300 fan questions remains unanswered. Unless I am told the fan is a non-issue, I shall delay buying one.
As I said in my comment, as soon as I buy a 100W version, they will CE approve and sell the QRP version in the UK for £799 and the IC7300 price will drop to £999!
As I said in my comment, as soon as I buy a 100W version, they will CE approve and sell the QRP version in the UK for £799 and the IC7300 price will drop to £999!
Back on 10m FT8 again
Yesterday was good on 10m FT8 with some 2-way QSOs, quite a few UK and Europeans spotted and then 8 South Americans spotted in the evening.
Today I am back on 10m FT8, mainly RX but with the odd CQ (2.5W). So far one 9A spotted and my own signal spotted by M0ZWW (127km) in Coventry.
UPDATE 1036z: Well, my 10m FT8 CQ a few minutes ago was spotted by 9A6W (1541km). Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is EA5RR (1584km). 10m still has propagation, although few realise!
UPDATE 1058z: Plenty of spots of my 10m FT8 2.5W CQs. See photo.
Today I am back on 10m FT8, mainly RX but with the odd CQ (2.5W). So far one 9A spotted and my own signal spotted by M0ZWW (127km) in Coventry.
UPDATE 1036z: Well, my 10m FT8 CQ a few minutes ago was spotted by 9A6W (1541km). Best DX on 10m FT8 RX is EA5RR (1584km). 10m still has propagation, although few realise!
UPDATE 1058z: Plenty of spots of my 10m FT8 2.5W CQs. See photo.
 |
| Spots of my 10m FT8 CQs (2.5W) this morning |
1 Oct 2018
IC7300 fan questions (again)
Basically, these questions were asked a few weeks ago, but I did not get a decent reply. If you know the answer(s) please post them here or send me an email.
My basic questions are about the IC7300 fan noise. As a confirmed QRPer it is very unlikely high power would be used. Mostly 10W or less would be used if I bought one. It is by no means certain I shall buy one.
My questions are these:
My basic questions are about the IC7300 fan noise. As a confirmed QRPer it is very unlikely high power would be used. Mostly 10W or less would be used if I bought one. It is by no means certain I shall buy one.
My questions are these:
- Is the IC7300 fan noisy?
- If operating at well below maximum power does the fan run quieter?
- Does the fan only operate when the rig gets hot?
- Does the fan only operate on TX?
On the IC706, which I briefly owned, the fan was very annoying. I have seen mods to change the IC7300 fan to a quieter one, but I would be reluctant to do this on a radio still under guarantee. Running at way below maximum power, I may be unnecessarily worried.
If you can help, please let me know.
Big skies - NOT amateur radio
The photo was taken from a moving car about 1 mile from our home in Cambridgeshire.
Autumn apples - NOT amateur radio
Solar data
Early every month I take a look at the latest solar data. As yet, my source has not been updated with the summary for September.
We are approaching the next solar minimum so we can expect long periods when the sun will be spotless. This could well go on into 2021. The next minimum will probably be 2020. I also keep a watchful eye on predictions for cycle 25. The last forecast was expecting cycle 25 to be similar to cycle 24.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
UPDATE 1552z: The data for September is now there. At the moment, the forecast is that we are already very close to the solar minimum. The next few months will give us a better idea. One of the graphs shows us already at solar minimum. Let's hope this is right.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png
We are approaching the next solar minimum so we can expect long periods when the sun will be spotless. This could well go on into 2021. The next minimum will probably be 2020. I also keep a watchful eye on predictions for cycle 25. The last forecast was expecting cycle 25 to be similar to cycle 24.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
UPDATE 1552z: The data for September is now there. At the moment, the forecast is that we are already very close to the solar minimum. The next few months will give us a better idea. One of the graphs shows us already at solar minimum. Let's hope this is right.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png
More problems for the Chinese?
In a report today on Southgate News I see that New Zealand is trying to put a stop to the illegal import of unlicenced radios that can go outside amateur bands. This could impact people like Baofeng who sell cheap wideband radios. There is also a clamp-down in the USA.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/october/update-on-the-prohibition-of-unrestricted-two-way-radios-in-new-zealand.htm#.W7HlHvZFzIU
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/october/update-on-the-prohibition-of-unrestricted-two-way-radios-in-new-zealand.htm#.W7HlHvZFzIU
10m FT8
For a change, I am on 10m FT8 (2.5W), mostly RX with the occasional CQ. So far, no spots of others and 1 spot of me from GM4WJA (624km). Not sure of the propagation mode.
UPDATE 1025z: No further 10m FT8 spots on RX or TX.
UPDATE 1107z: A surprise FT8 QSO (in answer to my CQ call) with CS7AOL (1457km). No other spots.
UPDATE 1505z: 5 stations in 4 countries spotted on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1542z: I am again calling CQ (2.5W). The impression I am getting is that transient E layer openings are still occurring, albeit less frequently than in the peak Es months, but there are fewer people on now: I guess they think 10m is "dead" and look elsewhere sadly. At least with FT8 it concentrates activity and works with weak signals. As long as the station is there for 15 seconds, it gets spotted.
UPDATE 1907z: Several more Europeans spotted plus several South Americans (8). Sadly, no-one has spotted my CQs from outside Europe except EA8CYL (2990km) in the Canary Is off Africa.
UPDATE 1025z: No further 10m FT8 spots on RX or TX.
UPDATE 1107z: A surprise FT8 QSO (in answer to my CQ call) with CS7AOL (1457km). No other spots.
UPDATE 1505z: 5 stations in 4 countries spotted on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1542z: I am again calling CQ (2.5W). The impression I am getting is that transient E layer openings are still occurring, albeit less frequently than in the peak Es months, but there are fewer people on now: I guess they think 10m is "dead" and look elsewhere sadly. At least with FT8 it concentrates activity and works with weak signals. As long as the station is there for 15 seconds, it gets spotted.
UPDATE 1907z: Several more Europeans spotted plus several South Americans (8). Sadly, no-one has spotted my CQs from outside Europe except EA8CYL (2990km) in the Canary Is off Africa.
 |
| Where my 2.5W 10m FT8 was spotted today |
 |
| Stations spotted on 10m FT8 today |
Overnight on MF WSPR
8 unique spots of my 10mW ERP 472kHz WSPR over night, with best DX a spot from PA3ABK (306km).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
