26 Mar 2019
70cm activity contest results
Every month the RSGB organises an activity contest on 70cm on the second Tuesday of the month. Although not a great contester (my scores are always way down!) I usually operate with 5W SSB and my 2m omni antenna of about 30-60 minutes. Surprisingly, my position has improved, although unsurprisingly I am still in the bottom half of the AL (low power) section. As I said before, these contests are good in that activity is usually high. These are friendly contests and operators appreciate the QSOs. There is no compulsion to send in a score. Just enjoy the activity.
10m FT8
Well, no surprises so far here.
Although I have been on 10m FT8 since about 0955z, calling CQ (2.5W) initially, no spots at all so far given or received. If things are like yesterday, I may get a few G spots and not much, if anything, else.
At least I am on 10m FT8 RX, so if there are any decent openings, I have a chance. I know my antenna could be better. 10m often surprises me and others. We live in hope! 😊
UPDATE 1110z: No 10m FT8 spots as yet.
UPDATE 1545z: Just 2 10m FT8 spots today with best DX DO8WA (499km) at lunchtime. Pretty poor here.
Although I have been on 10m FT8 since about 0955z, calling CQ (2.5W) initially, no spots at all so far given or received. If things are like yesterday, I may get a few G spots and not much, if anything, else.
At least I am on 10m FT8 RX, so if there are any decent openings, I have a chance. I know my antenna could be better. 10m often surprises me and others. We live in hope! 😊
UPDATE 1110z: No 10m FT8 spots as yet.
UPDATE 1545z: Just 2 10m FT8 spots today with best DX DO8WA (499km) at lunchtime. Pretty poor here.
Constitutional crisis - NOT amateur radio
One thing the whole of the UK can agree on is we are in a right mess. The UK Government seems to have made a right mess of negotiating BREXIT and the UK parliament has wrestled control of the process. The UK Prime Minister seems powerless now. I think she will resign this week.
Although another referendum seems unlikely, it would no longer surprise me if a majority would now vote to stay in the EU. The EU has many faults though.
As someone once said, if you were a turkey would you vote for Christmas?
Although another referendum seems unlikely, it would no longer surprise me if a majority would now vote to stay in the EU. The EU has many faults though.
As someone once said, if you were a turkey would you vote for Christmas?
160m FT8 RX overnight
Another good night with 19 North Americans and 1 Caribbean station spotted among the 448 stations spotted on 160m FT8 using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground in the last day. Best DX was K4MM (7029km) in Florida, USA.
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Stations spotted here on 160m FT8 RX with the
earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground in the last 24 hours
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25 Mar 2019
160m FT8
As 10m was not doing much, on my set-up at least, I have now QSYed to 160m FT8. At first I briefly called CQ (2.5W to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground), although I am now RX only. The CQ was spotted by M0RTP (116km).
UPDATE 1706z: No spots yet on 160m FT8 RX, although the sun is still well up.
UPDATE 1722z: Just a couple of Europeans spotted so far on 160m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1706z: No spots yet on 160m FT8 RX, although the sun is still well up.
UPDATE 1722z: Just a couple of Europeans spotted so far on 160m FT8 RX.
OFCOM annual plan
OFCOM has published it annual plan. Great. I am so excited. 😆
See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/141914/statement-ofcom-annual-plan-2019-20.pdf .
See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/141914/statement-ofcom-annual-plan-2019-20.pdf .
Misunderstanding - NOT amateur radio
In 2013, I suffered a brain bleed that has left me with hidden disabilities. On my feet I am permanently exhausted. My voice is poor. Doing anything physical or mental and I am exhausted after about 20-25 minutes. I am convinced that no-one, really no-one, really understands how I feel inside.
Outwardly I look well. Many think I am fully recovered. It takes a lot of energy to look and behave "normally", so I have a great deal of sympathy with people who appear well, but are not.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/stroke .
Outwardly I look well. Many think I am fully recovered. It takes a lot of energy to look and behave "normally", so I have a great deal of sympathy with people who appear well, but are not.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/stroke .
Fewer shortwave broadcast stations
Today Southgate News reports on more shortwave broadcasters closing, this time in South Africa. I guess more broadcasters are turning to the internet as it is probably cheaper and more reliable.
I guess this means more shortwave spectrum for amateurs potentially, but the nature of the shortwave broadcast bands is changing. In 20 years a casual tune from 3-30MHz will sound quite different, assuming the manmade QRM is low enough!
It would not entirely surprise me if OFCOM released the entire shortwave spectrum at a limited power level on a non-interference basis. This could happen within 5 years. Increasingly, people are deserting shortwaves as too unreliable, which suits amateurs perfectly. Maybe they will release spectrum on something like the FCC's Part 15 rules.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/march/bloemendal-shortwave-station-final-transmission.htm#.XJircfZ2u00 .
See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_47_CFR_Part_15 .
I guess this means more shortwave spectrum for amateurs potentially, but the nature of the shortwave broadcast bands is changing. In 20 years a casual tune from 3-30MHz will sound quite different, assuming the manmade QRM is low enough!
It would not entirely surprise me if OFCOM released the entire shortwave spectrum at a limited power level on a non-interference basis. This could happen within 5 years. Increasingly, people are deserting shortwaves as too unreliable, which suits amateurs perfectly. Maybe they will release spectrum on something like the FCC's Part 15 rules.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/march/bloemendal-shortwave-station-final-transmission.htm#.XJircfZ2u00 .
See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Title_47_CFR_Part_15 .
10m FT8
As of about 0950z I went on 10m FT8. As yet, no spots. I called CQ (2.5W) briefly, but no spots.
UPDATE 1020z: No spots so far today here on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1319z: Still no 10m FT8 spots today.
UPDATE 1558z: Just G0OYQ (177km) is the only 10m FT8 spot so far today.
UPDATE 1622z: G4YBI (83km) also spotted on 10m FT8. I shall soon be QSYing to 160m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1020z: No spots so far today here on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1319z: Still no 10m FT8 spots today.
UPDATE 1558z: Just G0OYQ (177km) is the only 10m FT8 spot so far today.
UPDATE 1622z: G4YBI (83km) also spotted on 10m FT8. I shall soon be QSYing to 160m FT8 RX.
160m FT8 RX
Yet again, 160m FT8 was good. As reported yesterday a VK4 was spotted that I believe was genuine. 15 North Americans, 1 Caribbean and 1 South American were spotted overnight with a total of 449 stations.
At 160m, I think the earth-electrode "antenna" acts as a loop antenna in the ground, although the propagation is by normal means. At higher frequencies the loop get progressively less effective. At 160m I am surprised how well it works. It exceeds expectations.
At 160m, I think the earth-electrode "antenna" acts as a loop antenna in the ground, although the propagation is by normal means. At higher frequencies the loop get progressively less effective. At 160m I am surprised how well it works. It exceeds expectations.
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| Overnight on 160m FT8 RX |
Lackford Lakes - NOT amateur radio
Cycle 25 predictions
It is a brave person that predicts the size of the next solar cycle peak, when some are still predicting the next minimum in 2023!
Recent data may suggest we are already through the minimum, but this could just be a blip. A recent Nature article suggests a peak for Cycle 25 that is slightly bigger than the last peak. Who knows? As time goes by, no doubt the predictions will get better. After the next peak, they will be 100% accurate! 👍
Recent data may suggest we are already through the minimum, but this could just be a blip. A recent Nature article suggests a peak for Cycle 25 that is slightly bigger than the last peak. Who knows? As time goes by, no doubt the predictions will get better. After the next peak, they will be 100% accurate! 👍
24 Mar 2019
160m FT8 RX
As well loads of Europeans, VK4CMV (16366km) spotted on 160m FT8. At first I dismissed this as a pirate, but see he has been spotted by a couple of Australians and New Zealanders, so probably is genuine. If genuine, this is by far the furthermost I have ever spotted on 160m FT8 or indeed by any mode. The time, I think, looks right.
Swallows - NOT amateur radio
From my Facebook memories of 8 years ago, I see I saw a returning swallow in Devon on March 24th.. In some countries, these are known as barn swallows. I usually see the first over here in East Anglia from April 7th, although it is usually a few weeks later before they are commonly seen. Swifts are rare here before the end of April.
10m FT8
At about 0915z, I went QRT on 630m WSPR and QSYed to 10m FT8 RX. Later in the day I may try a few CQ calls.
If it is like yesterday, I am unlikely to spot much. Anyway I am on 10m FT8 RX should you want to try to be spotted. It might be interesting to find out how successful some Gs are. Can I spot you?
UPDATE 1320z: Quite a surprise! Already 8 stations spotted in 5 countries. Are we seeing some signs of Es?
UPDATE 1744z: 12 stations in 7 countries spotted so far today on 10m FT8 RX. All Europeans, but better than of late. Soon be time to QSY. Probably to 160m FT8 RX.
If it is like yesterday, I am unlikely to spot much. Anyway I am on 10m FT8 RX should you want to try to be spotted. It might be interesting to find out how successful some Gs are. Can I spot you?
UPDATE 1320z: Quite a surprise! Already 8 stations spotted in 5 countries. Are we seeing some signs of Es?
UPDATE 1744z: 12 stations in 7 countries spotted so far today on 10m FT8 RX. All Europeans, but better than of late. Soon be time to QSY. Probably to 160m FT8 RX.
472kHz WSPR overnight
For the first time this "season" I was spotted by more stations than stations that I managed to spot. Usually I spot more than spot me. My best spot was by Finbar EI0CF (602km).
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| 472kHz WSPR overnight |
People's vote march - NOT amateur radio
Although we may argue about just how many attended the London march yesterday, there were a lot. In the end, I suspect the UK parliament may take over BREXIT and a compromise, acceptable to a majority, will be worked out. We are in odd times. I hope that rifts can be mended.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47678763 .
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47678763 .
Meaningful vote (take 3) - NOT amateur radio
It is rumoured that the UK Prime Minister, Mrs May, will try for a 3rd time, to get her BREXIT deal approved by the UK parliament.
Most in the UK are sick to death of her "flogging a dead horse". In the end people will lose faith in her and tell her to listen rather than continue with a deal that will only get approved if people see no other alternative. Personally, I think she will resign within 14 days.
In recent days she has managed to alienate people who voted "leave" and "remain" in the 2016 referendum. If there was a real leader in the wings I'd say go, but we seem bereft of decent leaders.
Most in the UK are sick to death of her "flogging a dead horse". In the end people will lose faith in her and tell her to listen rather than continue with a deal that will only get approved if people see no other alternative. Personally, I think she will resign within 14 days.
In recent days she has managed to alienate people who voted "leave" and "remain" in the 2016 referendum. If there was a real leader in the wings I'd say go, but we seem bereft of decent leaders.
Ducks - NOT amateur radio
G3RJV (SK) - Mr QRP
Yesterday I received my Spring 2019 copy of SPRAT, the excellent GQRP quarterly magazine.
On the cover was a picture of G3RJV with fellow QRPers G3MFJ and G3VTT. This was taken in a care home and George G3RJV looked frail and thin, a shadow of his old self. The magazine was obviously prepared before he died.
G3RJV was an inspiration to me and many others. RIP George. We shall miss you, but carry on with QRP. You were a beacon to many of us.
On the cover was a picture of G3RJV with fellow QRPers G3MFJ and G3VTT. This was taken in a care home and George G3RJV looked frail and thin, a shadow of his old self. The magazine was obviously prepared before he died.
G3RJV was an inspiration to me and many others. RIP George. We shall miss you, but carry on with QRP. You were a beacon to many of us.
23 Mar 2019
472kHz WSPR
A few minutes ago I QSYed to 472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP, 20% TX, 80% RX). Even though the transverter crystal is still settling, I have already received a spot from G8LCO (58km).
Nest building time - NOT amateur radio
10m FT8 RX
Since 0837z, I have been on 10m FT8 RX. No spots yet at 0941z.
UPDATE 1100z: Still no 10m spots today.
UPDATE 1403z: Just a couple of G spots so far today on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1618z: A disappointing day here so far with just 3 G spots all day. No DX and not even a European spotted. I must erect a better 10m antenna before the Es season, although the antenna I have would probably be fine for Es. If the minimum is really ending 10m could be quite a bit better by next spring.
UPDATE 1100z: Still no 10m spots today.
UPDATE 1403z: Just a couple of G spots so far today on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1618z: A disappointing day here so far with just 3 G spots all day. No DX and not even a European spotted. I must erect a better 10m antenna before the Es season, although the antenna I have would probably be fine for Es. If the minimum is really ending 10m could be quite a bit better by next spring.
Dad's benches - NOT amateur radio
My father died in 1987.
He retired from his job on the local water board in South Devon at 60 and then led a team of young people working for the National Trust mending the coastal footpaths. He loved his work and when he died the National Trust erected a couple of benches with plaques in his honour.
In WW2 he was a flight engineer in a Pathfinder squadron. Later I realised, too late, just how brave he must have been. He hated the war and the thought of killing innocent people. He rarely wanted to speak of those dark days. My biggest regret now is not being able to speak with him about how he felt.
Overnight on 160m FT8 RX
In a word "good".
21 North Americans spotted and 2 South Americans with HK3PJ (8482km) as best DX. In all, 515 stations spotted here on the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground in the last day on 160m FT8.
21 North Americans spotted and 2 South Americans with HK3PJ (8482km) as best DX. In all, 515 stations spotted here on the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground in the last day on 160m FT8.
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| 160m FT8 RX spots here in the last 24 hours |
Sunspots - Saturday March 23rd 2019
Solar flux is 80, which is the highest it has been for ages and the SSN 27. A=1 and K=0
22 Mar 2019
160m FT8 RX
For about 20 minutes I have been on 160m FT8 RX. Already, 90 stations spotted with best DX UB9XT (3147km).
UPDATE 2006z: Now 175 stations spotted with best DX 4F6FO (3964km).
UPDATE 2234z: Now 324 stations spotted this evening on 160m FT8 RX with the best DX spotted being R0SR (6425km) in Asiatic Russia.
UPDATE 2006z: Now 175 stations spotted with best DX 4F6FO (3964km).
UPDATE 2234z: Now 324 stations spotted this evening on 160m FT8 RX with the best DX spotted being R0SR (6425km) in Asiatic Russia.
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| 160m FT8 RX this evening |
BREXIT blues - NOT amateur radio
If you live in the UK I expect, like me, you are sick and tired of BREXIT and the apparent inability of our elected MPs to agree on anything. A petition on the UK Government website calling for Article 50 to be scrapped is reported to have over 3 million signatures already. Experts think it very unlikely this is due to bots. Most votes are genuine.
No, most people in the UK and EU are appalled by our apparent lack of ability to agree on anything. There is no doubt that leaving the EU has terminally affected UK politics. A radical re-alignment of UK political parties seems highly likely in the next 10-20 years. I have little doubt that the EU will miss us, assuming we do leave.
BREXIT is going to have far reaching consequences. In the end, I am sure the UK will be fine, whether inside or outside the EU, but these next few years could be difficult as things change.
No, most people in the UK and EU are appalled by our apparent lack of ability to agree on anything. There is no doubt that leaving the EU has terminally affected UK politics. A radical re-alignment of UK political parties seems highly likely in the next 10-20 years. I have little doubt that the EU will miss us, assuming we do leave.
BREXIT is going to have far reaching consequences. In the end, I am sure the UK will be fine, whether inside or outside the EU, but these next few years could be difficult as things change.
Cambridge Market - NOT amateur radio
10m FT8
With the better solar numbers today, just maybe we'll see more promising conditions on 10m, maybe. At about 0945z, I QSYed to 10m FT8 RX. After 30 minutes, no spots.
UPDATE 1320z: Just local G4AWP (19km) spotted on 10m FT8 so far today.
UPDATE 1405z: So far today just a couple of local UK stations G4AWP and M0PWL (25km) spotted. No DX, not even a European! A brief CQ (2.5W) a short while ago resulted in no spots.
UPDATE 1430z: IZ4GWE (1224km) spotted.
UPDATE 1511z: G0OYQ (177km) now spotted.
UPDATE 1626z: A total of 5 stations spotted today on 10m FT8 RX. 4 were English with 1 Italian.
UPDATE 1320z: Just local G4AWP (19km) spotted on 10m FT8 so far today.
UPDATE 1405z: So far today just a couple of local UK stations G4AWP and M0PWL (25km) spotted. No DX, not even a European! A brief CQ (2.5W) a short while ago resulted in no spots.
UPDATE 1430z: IZ4GWE (1224km) spotted.
UPDATE 1511z: G0OYQ (177km) now spotted.
472kHz WSPR overnight
Poor to average.
In all, I spotted just 8 stations and 6 stations spotted my 10mW ERP. It is going "off the boil".
In all, I spotted just 8 stations and 6 stations spotted my 10mW ERP. It is going "off the boil".
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| 472kHz WSPR overnight here |
Sunspots - Friday March 22nd 2019
Are we through the minimum? It looks like it!
Solar flux is 79 and the sunspot number 49 (yes 49!!!). A=2 and K=0. These are the best figures for a very long time!
Let the big climb begin. Please.
Solar flux is 79 and the sunspot number 49 (yes 49!!!). A=2 and K=0. These are the best figures for a very long time!
Let the big climb begin. Please.
21 Mar 2019
472kHz WSPR
Since just after 1900z I have been on 472kHz WSPR with my usual 10mW ERP (20% TX, 80% RX) from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. So far 3 stations have spotted me with best spot being by PA0O (440km). So far, not a bad evening.
10m FT8
Although I called CQ (2.5W) late this morning, I got no 10m FT8 TX reports. On 10m FT8 RX, just one G spot. So far, dire!
160m FT8 RX overnight
160m FT8 RX was monitored overnight. It was a good night. In all, 22 North Americans and 1 Caribbean station were copied with best DX spotted being KI5BLU (7636km).
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| 160m FT8 RX overnight |
Sunspots - Thursday March 21st 2019
Solar flux is 73 and the sunspot number 28. A=5 and K=1. This is the best solar flux and SSN for some time. Fingers crossed!
Rallies
Sunday 24 MARCH : HAMZILLA RADIO FEST AND ELECTRONICS FAIR - hosted by Dover Amateur Radio Club
Discovery Science Park, Gateway House, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF. Open 10am to 4pm. Online ticket entrance £3.00; Limited early bird tickets £5.00. Tables £10.00. Online purchase/bookings now available. Attractions: Bring-and-Buy Sale, Catering, Lectures/Seminars, RSGB Bookstall, Special Interest Groups, Trade Stands, Guest speakers, Digital village, Demos. Icom, SDRPlay and many more exhibitors. RSGB examinations will be held at event - visit website for more details, or email: club@darc.online. Disabled Facilities. 1000s free parking. Contact Aaron Coote, M0IER on 0771 465 4267, M0IERDX@gmail.com www.hamzilla.uk.
Sunday 24 MARCH : CALLINGTON RADIO RALLY
Callington Town Hall, Callington, Cornwall PL17 7BD. Doors open 10am - 1pm and admittance is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy (10% commission) and trade stands. Catering available on site. Ample free parking in the adjacent carpark. Rally organised jointly by the Devon & Cornwall Repeater Group and Callington Amateur Radio Society (CARS). More information and bookings from Roger 2E0RPH on 07854 088882 or email 2e0rph@gmail.com.
Sunday 24 MARCH : CAUSEWAY COAST GLENS ARC RADIO RALLY
Bushmills Community Centre, 14 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim BT57 8QG. Doors open from 11am. Admittance is £3. More details from stephen769@talktalk.net.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Discovery Science Park, Gateway House, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF. Open 10am to 4pm. Online ticket entrance £3.00; Limited early bird tickets £5.00. Tables £10.00. Online purchase/bookings now available. Attractions: Bring-and-Buy Sale, Catering, Lectures/Seminars, RSGB Bookstall, Special Interest Groups, Trade Stands, Guest speakers, Digital village, Demos. Icom, SDRPlay and many more exhibitors. RSGB examinations will be held at event - visit website for more details, or email: club@darc.online. Disabled Facilities. 1000s free parking. Contact Aaron Coote, M0IER on 0771 465 4267, M0IERDX@gmail.com www.hamzilla.uk.
Sunday 24 MARCH : CALLINGTON RADIO RALLY
Callington Town Hall, Callington, Cornwall PL17 7BD. Doors open 10am - 1pm and admittance is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy (10% commission) and trade stands. Catering available on site. Ample free parking in the adjacent carpark. Rally organised jointly by the Devon & Cornwall Repeater Group and Callington Amateur Radio Society (CARS). More information and bookings from Roger 2E0RPH on 07854 088882 or email 2e0rph@gmail.com.
Sunday 24 MARCH : CAUSEWAY COAST GLENS ARC RADIO RALLY
Bushmills Community Centre, 14 Dunluce Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim BT57 8QG. Doors open from 11am. Admittance is £3. More details from stephen769@talktalk.net.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
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