6 Jun 2019
Kite (bird) - NOT amateur radio
Over breakfast I spotted an unusual bird overhead, so I grabbed my glasses. It was a kite, the second seen from our home. Years ago, this would have been exceedingly rare, but not so any longer. If I had been quicker I could have got a great picture with the blue sky and windmill. I was too slow!
Labels:
kite
472kHz overnight
Sunspots - Thursday June 6th 2019
Solar flux is 70 and the SSN still 0. As the more active side swings into view I hope we see some spots. A=4 and K=1
Labels:
sunspots
5 Jun 2019
472kHz WSPR
The last time I was on 472kHz WSPR, not a single station spotted me, despite being on overnight. At about 1810z, I went back on 472kHz WSPR (20% TX, 10mW ERP, remainder on RX) hoping for better luck!
I guess the summer QRN is higher now and there are far fewer active stations on the band. Both factors make copying a weak QRPP signal much harder. Using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground, I still have a low noise floor.
Amazingly, I have already been spotted today on 472kHz WSPR by G4GIR (53km) who was also spotted here.
I guess the summer QRN is higher now and there are far fewer active stations on the band. Both factors make copying a weak QRPP signal much harder. Using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground, I still have a low noise floor.
Amazingly, I have already been spotted today on 472kHz WSPR by G4GIR (53km) who was also spotted here.
My new radio
Still thinking....
At the moment these are under consideration:
At the moment the FT991A is probably the best for me. If I am buying, it will be this month.
At the moment these are under consideration:
- FT991A - probably not the best, but with a thermally controlled fan, 2m and 70cm and ATU.
- IC7300 - SDR based. Probably the best radio and with 4m, but no 2m and 70cm and (possibly) noisy fan. Good ATU with wide range.
- FT891 - much cheaper but with no 2m or 70cm. Gets good reviews.
- FT450D - older and without 2m and 70cm. Inexpensive.
At the moment the FT991A is probably the best for me. If I am buying, it will be this month.
Labels:
rigs
Cooking - NOT amateur radio
Our elder granddaughter loves cooking and completely makes herself at home in the kitchen. This is how we like it.
We hope, in years to come, all our grandchildren look back on these days with fondness.
We hope, in years to come, all our grandchildren look back on these days with fondness.
Labels:
grandchildren
D-Day anniversary - NOT amateur radio
My father was a Pathfinder. He flew night raids over Germany in WW2 in Lancaster bombers. He rarely spoke of these days. I am sure my dad , and many others, was badly affected by the horrors of war.
With the anniversary this week of the D-Day landings I think the fear these brave people had must have been truly, almost unimaginably, horrific. As they landed on those beaches they must have known there was a high chance of being killed or wounded. No, these were very brave people and it is little surprise these horrors were too much for many to talk about.
Every night that my dad flew over Germany, my mother and grandmother must have been terrified. No wonder he loved his golf on the Devon clifftops.
With the anniversary this week of the D-Day landings I think the fear these brave people had must have been truly, almost unimaginably, horrific. As they landed on those beaches they must have known there was a high chance of being killed or wounded. No, these were very brave people and it is little surprise these horrors were too much for many to talk about.
Every night that my dad flew over Germany, my mother and grandmother must have been terrified. No wonder he loved his golf on the Devon clifftops.
Labels:
D-day,
pathfinders
OFCOM to share some spectrum at 8GHz and 26GHz
I am so thrilled. Said with a good dose of sarcasm. OFCOM is to make available some microwave frequencies.
Labels:
ofcom
The mystery of life - NOT amateur radio
Once in a while I post a philosophical question on this blog. I am no philosopher!
When we die those of a religious persuasion believe in some kind of life after death. Those without a religious belief tend to believe life ceases and we just cease to exist.
Now, all we know is how little we know. We can experience only through our senses. In the last 150 years we realise how easily we cannot rely on our senses. As an example think of quantum mechanics which can be very counter-intuitive. All we can be sure about is how little we know.
There are so many things that we simply do not understand and probably can never know or understand. Human consciousness is perhaps the ultimate mystery.
Something tells me there is so much we cannot know.
When we die those of a religious persuasion believe in some kind of life after death. Those without a religious belief tend to believe life ceases and we just cease to exist.
Now, all we know is how little we know. We can experience only through our senses. In the last 150 years we realise how easily we cannot rely on our senses. As an example think of quantum mechanics which can be very counter-intuitive. All we can be sure about is how little we know.
There are so many things that we simply do not understand and probably can never know or understand. Human consciousness is perhaps the ultimate mystery.
Something tells me there is so much we cannot know.
Labels:
death
6m FT8 RX
Even though it is just 0830z, 10 stations in 4 countries spotted already on 6m FT8 RX. There is some early Es about with best DX spotted so far being HA7TM (1429km).
UPDATE 0937z: So far this morning 15 stations in 5 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1322z: Now 39 stations in 11 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1756z: Now 60 stations in 14 countries (all EU) spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 0937z: So far this morning 15 stations in 5 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1322z: Now 39 stations in 11 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1756z: Now 60 stations in 14 countries (all EU) spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
160m FT8 RX
Although I remained on 160m FT8 RX overnight, there were fewer EUs active than previously and no "real DX" on the band.
Electric Cars - NOT amateur radio
As mentioned a few days ago, my view is this is still not quite a mature technology. Once ranges are improved, I am still convinced there will be a "tipping point", although we are not there yet. Batteries based on lithium may not be the answer. Maybe we need a new technology that is truly green?
Labels:
"electric cars"
Sunspots - Wednesday June 5th 2019
Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number. A=4and K=1.
Labels:
sunspots
4 Jun 2019
160m FT8 RX
Overnight, I shall be on 160m FT8 RX again. Now darkness has fallen Europeans are starting to come through, although it is unlikely stations "across the pond" will appear. Currently my best DX on 160m FT8 this evening is OM7DX (1325km). Still using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
UPDATE 2137z: Now 21 stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX this evening with best DX R7PL (3468km) in Chechnya.
UPDATE 2137z: Now 21 stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX this evening with best DX R7PL (3468km) in Chechnya.
2m activity contest
This evening was the monthly 2m leg of the RSGB's activity contest(UKAC), that I missed last month as I was on holiday.
Again, my poor voice did not help and I could only stay on for about 50 minutes only. My 5W to the big-wheel omni netted me some decent QSOs as the map shows.
Again, my poor voice did not help and I could only stay on for about 50 minutes only. My 5W to the big-wheel omni netted me some decent QSOs as the map shows.
Anglo-Saxons - NOT amateur radio
At the weekend we took 2 of our young grandchildren to West Stow where there is a reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village. The theme was Anglo-Saxon food. Despite the looks on our grandson's face, he actually enjoyed it! We also ate in the café there and were served by very friendly staff. My wife said the fruit scone was one of the best she had ever had.
One of their drinks was dandelion coffee. We made some years ago and it was actually very good.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion_coffee
One of their drinks was dandelion coffee. We made some years ago and it was actually very good.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dandelion_coffee
Labels:
west-stow
OFCOM monthly update
Every month OFCOM issues an update to its Communications Monthly. This summarises the main numbers that matter.
Labels:
ofcom
BREXIT - NOT amateur radio
We have the US president on a state visit to the UK giving his usual "helpful" advice. Without his help we are already in a mess with the ruling Conservatives and the main opposition Labour parties both deeply divided over the EU. Also the Conservatives are to elect a new leader and Prime Minister when Theresa May leaves soon.
Honestly, we are deeply divided over the EU and I see no easy answers. If I could hibernate I should do so for 10 years to see how this works out. If only the EU had been a little more flexible. With the rise of right wing parties maybe they will soon face a stark choice: modify how the EU works or face its break-up.
Honestly, we are deeply divided over the EU and I see no easy answers. If I could hibernate I should do so for 10 years to see how this works out. If only the EU had been a little more flexible. With the rise of right wing parties maybe they will soon face a stark choice: modify how the EU works or face its break-up.
Labels:
brexit
4m (70MHz)
It is many years since I went, briefly, on 70MHz with a homebrew QRP transverter and a wire dipole. Even with this some impressive inter-G DX was worked. The transverter featured in GQRP SPRAT. It is also on my website. If I buy a new radio it is unlikely to include 70MHz.
See www.70mhz.org .
See www.70mhz.org .
Sunspots - Tuesday June 4th 2019
Solar flux is 69 and the SSN still 0. A=4 and K=1.
Labels:
sunspots
160m FT8 RX overnight
Loads of Europeans spotted with best DX on 160m FT8 RX with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground being CT3MD (2521km) on Madeira. Nothing from "across the pond". In all, 98 stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX with this "antenna".
6m FT8
In the last few minutes I have been calling CQ at 2.5W to the vertical omni V2000 antenna. No QSOs resulted, but I was spotted by 3 stations with best DX M0BEW (194km). Now I am RX only on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 0947z: Now 13 stations in 3 countries spotted this morning on 6m FT8 RX with best DX SM7CAD (1140km), which was probably Es.
UPDATE 1535z: Now 44 stations in 12 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8 RX today. Some Es, but not great.
UPDATE 0947z: Now 13 stations in 3 countries spotted this morning on 6m FT8 RX with best DX SM7CAD (1140km), which was probably Es.
UPDATE 1535z: Now 44 stations in 12 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8 RX today. Some Es, but not great.
3 Jun 2019
Photo-bomb - NOT amateur radio
This picture is superb. Not because it has any merit for photography skills, but I love the way our granddaughter just popped up!
This was totally spontaneous and I love that you can only see her eyes. We laughed and laughed.
This was totally spontaneous and I love that you can only see her eyes. We laughed and laughed.
Labels:
photo-bomb
160m FT8
For the last 30 minutes or so, I have been calling CQ on 160m FT8 with 2.5W to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Not a single spot of me and no-one else yet spotted. Probably things will change after dark. At the moment I am RX only on 160m FT8.
The other night, as well as lot of Europeans on 160m FT8 RX I (supposedly) spotted a PY in Brazil. This could be genuine, but all spots of this station were in Europe. None in South America, none in the Caribbean, none in North America. I get the feeling this was someone in Eastern Europe playing little children's games.
UPDATE 1947z: Just 3 stations spotted so far on 160m FT8 RX with best DX OM5CM (1350km).
UPDATE 2130z: Now 32 stations in 12 countries so far spotted on 160m FT8 RX this evening.
The other night, as well as lot of Europeans on 160m FT8 RX I (supposedly) spotted a PY in Brazil. This could be genuine, but all spots of this station were in Europe. None in South America, none in the Caribbean, none in North America. I get the feeling this was someone in Eastern Europe playing little children's games.
UPDATE 1947z: Just 3 stations spotted so far on 160m FT8 RX with best DX OM5CM (1350km).
UPDATE 2130z: Now 32 stations in 12 countries so far spotted on 160m FT8 RX this evening.
Oscar 100 web SDR down for maintenance
At the moment, I monitor activity on Oscar 100 by listening to the Goonhilly web SDR. This is down for maintenance until Thursday. This is quite a useful tool.
See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/
See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/
Labels:
oscar 100
UK dealers
This afternoon, I rang the main UK suppliers requesting the best price with free delivery for cash on a major amateur transceiver. I get the feeling they are being muzzled. Even with no trade-ins, no finance and upfront cash they do not seem to understand. More fool them for a sale lost. I can wait.
Why do UK amateur radio dealers remind me of insurance companies, who don't understand the value of loyal customers? It really infuriates me when premiums go up each year even though it is years and years since I last made a claim. You would think they would want to keep loyal customers. No, they depend on mugs being too lazy and just paying up. Personally, I think insurance companies are immoral sharks.
Why do UK amateur radio dealers remind me of insurance companies, who don't understand the value of loyal customers? It really infuriates me when premiums go up each year even though it is years and years since I last made a claim. You would think they would want to keep loyal customers. No, they depend on mugs being too lazy and just paying up. Personally, I think insurance companies are immoral sharks.
Labels:
dealers
Internet - NOT amateur radio.
The Virgin Media man came earlier and thinks he has found a fault with the cabinet. At the moment, things seem to be working. We shall see.
UPDATE 1947z: Internet still working!
UPDATE 1947z: Internet still working!
Labels:
internet
6m FT8
All morning I was on 6m FT8, initially calling CQ (2.5W), then RX only. For some reason (probably flaky internet) spots did not upload to PSKreporter. I have now reset things.
UPDATE 1515z: Now 36 stations in 9 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX today. Recently, I spotted my old friend G3WKW (134km) calling CQ, but no replies sadly, despite calling him for several minutes. My QRP CQ was spotted locally by G4KPX (12km).
UPDATE 1815z: Now 49 stations in 9 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX today,
UPDATE 1515z: Now 36 stations in 9 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX today. Recently, I spotted my old friend G3WKW (134km) calling CQ, but no replies sadly, despite calling him for several minutes. My QRP CQ was spotted locally by G4KPX (12km).
UPDATE 1815z: Now 49 stations in 9 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX today,
That state visit - NOT amateur radio
This is my personal view and others are free to hold different views, but I have no desire to see the current US president afforded a state visit at OUR EXPENSE.
2 Jun 2019
Kite - NOT amateur radio
On a walk today at Dalham we saw a kite (bird). At one time these would have been rare over here, but now they are quite common.
Solar minimum update
My usual source of data on the next solar cycle has been updated and still suggests that we have passed the solar minimum.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
6m FT8
It looks like today was one of best days this season on 6m. As I said, the Internet is off most of the time so I have not been able to access PSKreporter or upload spots. I am now calling CQ.m
UPDATE 1847z: My CQ (2.5W) was spotted by several stations including some by Es.
UPDATE 1923z: PV8DX spotted. This is the first South American copied here this season on 6m.
UPDATE 1847z: My CQ (2.5W) was spotted by several stations including some by Es.
UPDATE 1923z: PV8DX spotted. This is the first South American copied here this season on 6m.
No solar data again
Yet again we have had no Internet apart from 4G on the phone. As yet I have not been able to access solar data.
1 Jun 2019
160m FT8 RX
This evening and overnight I am on 160m FT8 RX using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground and there are plenty of Europeans to be spotted. At the moment 34 stations spotted with best DX 5B4AIF (3171km).
Electric Cars - NOT amateur radio
Most days now I see 1-2 electric cars. In other words they are not (yet) common. As the years go by I expect there will be far more. It is my view that we will have a "tipping point" when most of us will be driving electric cars and internal combustion care will seem "past it". At least one local amateur has bought an electric car recently, although unless you do mostly local journeys, I think the range is still too low. The tipping point will come, in my view, when most trips can be done in a day without recharging i.e.the range is over 300 miles. OK, most journey's are far shorter, but the battery technology is still "not there".
Labels:
electric car
6m FT8
Earlier I was on 6m FT8 TX and my QRP was copied by several stations. Although RX most of the day I am unable to upload spots to PSKreporter as the Internet via WiFi is off.
UPDATE 1840z: The Internet has been off much of the day.
UPDATE 1840z: The Internet has been off much of the day.
472kHz WSPR overnight
We are really at the end of the season with just 3 stations spotted here and no one spotting me!
Solar data
At the moment I am having trouble with the Internet so am unable to get solar data. My only access is via 4G.
UPDATE 2000z: Internet back on, but flaky! Solar flux is 68 and the SSN 0. A=5 and K=0.
UPDATE 2000z: Internet back on, but flaky! Solar flux is 68 and the SSN 0. A=5 and K=0.
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