Having turned on WSJT-X again and resynced the PC to internet time, I am back on 472kHz WSPR TX.
So far, 4 stations have spotted me so far with my 10mW ERP from my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground with best DX being a spot by 2E0ILY (209km).
31 Oct 2019
Electric cars - NOT amateur radio
This has been discussed here before, but I was reminded yesterday by an old friend who is hanging on to his petrol car until he expects to buy an electric car in about 3 years' time. His comment was "electric cars are not there yet". I agree with this. Both the range needs to increase and the price has to fall.
Most days I see maybe 2 electric cars on the roads. I suspect these are early adopters or maybe eco warriors. In 10 years' time I expect we will all be driving these, but as my friend said, "they are not there yet".
I want to buy and use an electric car. Maybe in a few years? In the meantime let us stop subsidising fossil fuels and subsidise renewables instead so we are encouraged to switch.
Most days I see maybe 2 electric cars on the roads. I suspect these are early adopters or maybe eco warriors. In 10 years' time I expect we will all be driving these, but as my friend said, "they are not there yet".
I want to buy and use an electric car. Maybe in a few years? In the meantime let us stop subsidising fossil fuels and subsidise renewables instead so we are encouraged to switch.
OFCOM updates
OFCOM is consulting on spectrum trading and sharing. See their website for more details.
Northern Ireland Rally
Sunday 3 NOVEMBER : BUSHVALLEY ARC RALLY
Limavady Football Club, Rathmore Road, Limavady BT49 0DF. Doors open 11am and admission is £3.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Limavady Football Club, Rathmore Road, Limavady BT49 0DF. Doors open 11am and admission is £3.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Online shopping - NOT amateur radio
Is it any wonder that many of us shop online?
As an example, I recently ordered 10 CR2032 cell batteries online from the comfort of my arm chair. They will be here tomorrow. I got 10, whereas on the High Street I might have got 2 for the same price.
Over time, this will become more and more the norm. In my mind the High Streets are changing: if they adapt they may survive. If they do not adapt many will fail.
A few months ago my wife wanted some new nail scissors. She walked to our local chemists who had none and thought they would be getting no more. She went online, had plenty of choice, and bought them cheaper, within a few seconds!
No, High Street shops are in for a very hard time. Adapt or go under.
As an example, I recently ordered 10 CR2032 cell batteries online from the comfort of my arm chair. They will be here tomorrow. I got 10, whereas on the High Street I might have got 2 for the same price.
Over time, this will become more and more the norm. In my mind the High Streets are changing: if they adapt they may survive. If they do not adapt many will fail.
A few months ago my wife wanted some new nail scissors. She walked to our local chemists who had none and thought they would be getting no more. She went online, had plenty of choice, and bought them cheaper, within a few seconds!
No, High Street shops are in for a very hard time. Adapt or go under.
Halloween - NOT amateur radio
When younger we hardly celebrated Halloween. Sadly, in recent years, the shops have seen another opportunity to take our money and Halloween has become commercialised. The new god is profit.
I have little problem with youngsters having fun (my grandchildren love it), but I do object to the commercialisation. I know some object on religious grounds, but to me it is just an excuse for youngsters to dress up and have fun.
I have little problem with youngsters having fun (my grandchildren love it), but I do object to the commercialisation. I know some object on religious grounds, but to me it is just an excuse for youngsters to dress up and have fun.
10m FT8
On John EI7GL's advice I am giving 10m FT8 a go. An initial 2.5W FT8 CQ at about 0900z was spotted by no-one and now I am RX only on 10m FT8.
UPDATE 1216z: EA4IL (1370km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX. There is life on 10m!
UPDATE 1413z: 3 stations spotted today on 10m FT8. 2 were Spanish and 1 was a local. A recent 10m FT8 CQ (2.5W) was spotted by no-one. I can run more power. Perhaps I should? I can increase the power about 8dB.
UPDATE 1640z: A recent 10m FT8 CQ was again spotted by no-one and no further stations have been spotted here today on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1840z: Sometime in the last 2 hours my Windows 10 PC decided to turn off WSJT-X. I really am heartily fed up with Microsoft.
UPDATE 1216z: EA4IL (1370km) spotted on 10m FT8 RX. There is life on 10m!
UPDATE 1413z: 3 stations spotted today on 10m FT8. 2 were Spanish and 1 was a local. A recent 10m FT8 CQ (2.5W) was spotted by no-one. I can run more power. Perhaps I should? I can increase the power about 8dB.
UPDATE 1640z: A recent 10m FT8 CQ was again spotted by no-one and no further stations have been spotted here today on 10m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1840z: Sometime in the last 2 hours my Windows 10 PC decided to turn off WSJT-X. I really am heartily fed up with Microsoft.
472kHz WSPR overnight
Overnight, my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 472kHz WSPR was spotted by 14 stations. This time I did not reach Norway, but was spotted by several stations in the Netherlands.
Sunspots - Thursday October 31st 2019
Solar flux is 70 (highest for some time) and the SSN 0. A=9 and K=1.
30 Oct 2019
BREXIT - not amateur radio
With a probable election in the UK on December 12th, it is anyone's guess what will happen regarding BREXIT.
If the Conservatives manage to get a big majority they will probably try to get their current withdrawal agreement passed into law.
If the Labour party gets to form the next government they will probably go for a new, softer, withdrawal agreement and probably push for a people's vote (referendum) to either approve this or remain in the EU.
If the Lib Dems win then BREXIT will be cancelled and we will remain in the EU.
Somehow I cannot see the BREXIT party doing well. They may have some followers, but if they stand against Conservatives they could lose the seat to Lib Dems or Labour.
Like many, I personally favour remaining in the EU or a much softer form of BREXIT. After 3.5 years, like many, I am tired of BREXIT! Years ago we joined a common market. That is what we have always wanted, plain and simple: nothing more and nothing less.
Personally, I doubt if this UK election will make matters clearer.
If the Conservatives manage to get a big majority they will probably try to get their current withdrawal agreement passed into law.
If the Labour party gets to form the next government they will probably go for a new, softer, withdrawal agreement and probably push for a people's vote (referendum) to either approve this or remain in the EU.
If the Lib Dems win then BREXIT will be cancelled and we will remain in the EU.
Somehow I cannot see the BREXIT party doing well. They may have some followers, but if they stand against Conservatives they could lose the seat to Lib Dems or Labour.
Like many, I personally favour remaining in the EU or a much softer form of BREXIT. After 3.5 years, like many, I am tired of BREXIT! Years ago we joined a common market. That is what we have always wanted, plain and simple: nothing more and nothing less.
Personally, I doubt if this UK election will make matters clearer.
28MHz (10m) WSPR TX - 500mW
As I have my outdoor 10m antenna erected again, I thought I would connect my W5OLF WSPR beacon. This puts out 500mW and transmits 100% of the time, but changes frequency every 2 minutes.
If anyone copies me I shall be amazed. The Es season is over and we are at sunspot minimum. Still, it is easy to connect and you never know!
UPDATE 2048z: After a whole day, not a single 10m WSPR spot. Maybe tomorrow I should try FT8 instead on 10m?
If anyone copies me I shall be amazed. The Es season is over and we are at sunspot minimum. Still, it is easy to connect and you never know!
UPDATE 2048z: After a whole day, not a single 10m WSPR spot. Maybe tomorrow I should try FT8 instead on 10m?
Museum Party - NOT amateur radio
It is one of the best local museums in the UK. It heavily depends on volunteers. Many people think it is just the windmill, but it goes on and on!
See http://burwellmuseum.org.uk/
Overnight on 472kHz WSPR TX : 20 stations spotted my 10mW ERP!
Overnight I was on 472kHz WSPR transmit using 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. In all, 20 stations spotted me with the best DX spot being by LA8AV (1035km)in Norway overnight. In the last 2 weeks, I have been spotted by 40 stations on 472kHz WSPR TX when running 10mW ERP from my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
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| Overnight on 472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP) |
UK General Election on Dec 12th - NOT amateur radio
So here in the UK we are set for a general election before Christmas.
Although this is largely about BREXIT, I fear the outcome could result in even more of a muddle!
The people in the country, and most parties in government, are largely divided over BREXIT. What my gut tells me is no single party will win an overall majority and the party forming a government will have to consider coalitions, or at very least consider working with the smaller parties. This is not a recipe for strong, decisive government. What might happen is a softer BREXIT.
One thing is certain: nobody knows what will happen.
Although this is largely about BREXIT, I fear the outcome could result in even more of a muddle!
The people in the country, and most parties in government, are largely divided over BREXIT. What my gut tells me is no single party will win an overall majority and the party forming a government will have to consider coalitions, or at very least consider working with the smaller parties. This is not a recipe for strong, decisive government. What might happen is a softer BREXIT.
One thing is certain: nobody knows what will happen.
SAQ (17.2kHz) VLF - no transmission Oct 24th
If you were listening for the special UN Day CW transmission from the historic alternator VLF 17.2kHz TX SAQ you would have been disappointed as it did not happen. They hit a problem, so the transmission had to be abandoned. I think they are trying to find out what the problem is.
Somewhere I have a QSL card for a transmission about 10 years ago.
Somewhere I have a QSL card for a transmission about 10 years ago.
Sunspots - Wednesday October 30th 2019
Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number still 0. A=8 and K=2.
29 Oct 2019
Oh to be young again! - NOT amateur radio
This was the photo on my Liverpool University Student's Union card. Gosh, I do look a fresh faced country bumpkin!
End fed 10/20/40m antenna re-erected
After being down for all the summer, I have re-erected my 10/20/40m end fed antenna. It broke earlier in the year and I thought some ladder work was needed. I am wobbly on ladders these days. Luckily I could reach the parts that mattered without a ladder and it is now strung to a different tree in the back garden. Getting the wire over the tree was surprisingly hard for me. Years ago this would have been trivial, but not any more.
Although I get a good match on 10m there is a high VSWR on 20m and 40m even with the tuner. At least I am able to WSPR and FT8 again on 10m. Most of the far end (after the 10m choke) is in the tree. To get a decent match on 20m and 40m , I need to choose another end point. It is probably fine on RX on 20m and 40m.
Although I get a good match on 10m there is a high VSWR on 20m and 40m even with the tuner. At least I am able to WSPR and FT8 again on 10m. Most of the far end (after the 10m choke) is in the tree. To get a decent match on 20m and 40m , I need to choose another end point. It is probably fine on RX on 20m and 40m.
472kHz WSPR TX
Just now I tested the 472kHz WSPR TX. It works, so I should be on TX (10mW ERP) this evening and overnight. It is a pity that I cannot listen between the TX transmissions currently, but at least I can TX and RX WSPR on 472kHz.
Amazingly, a couple of locals received my transmissions just now.
UPDATE 1421z: Now 2E0ILY (209km) copying me too.
UPDATE 2019z: Darn Windows 10 updates! As usual, I am on 472kHz WSPR TX and monitoring on a different PC in the lounge. I was wondering why no-one had spotted me in 3 hours. Closer inspection showed the shack PC had turned off all programs waiting to install a Windows 10 update it cannot do without an external hard drive attached (internal hard drive is too small). Darn Microsoft!! Once I close this message, resynced time and restarted WSJT-X, all is well and reports are flooding in again. I am seriously fed-up with Microsoft. If I try to open a spreadsheet it tries to get me to use Excel, which of course you pay for. Instead I prefer to use free Open Office. How do you close the Excel message? With great difficulty as there is no "X" to close it! Darn Microsoft again. As I said before, I am seriously considering a Chromebook for the next PC for the lounge. These now run Linux, if you want to, as well as giving access to the Google Play Store and loads of Android apps.
UPDATE 2037z: Already spotted by 9 stations this evening on 472kHz WSPR running 10mW ERP with best spot being by LA8AV (1035km) up in Norway. MX0NCA (100km) is a new spotter.
UPDATE 2130z: I shall stay on 472kHz WSPR TX overnight, assuming Microsoft allows me!
Amazingly, a couple of locals received my transmissions just now.
UPDATE 1421z: Now 2E0ILY (209km) copying me too.
UPDATE 2019z: Darn Windows 10 updates! As usual, I am on 472kHz WSPR TX and monitoring on a different PC in the lounge. I was wondering why no-one had spotted me in 3 hours. Closer inspection showed the shack PC had turned off all programs waiting to install a Windows 10 update it cannot do without an external hard drive attached (internal hard drive is too small). Darn Microsoft!! Once I close this message, resynced time and restarted WSJT-X, all is well and reports are flooding in again. I am seriously fed-up with Microsoft. If I try to open a spreadsheet it tries to get me to use Excel, which of course you pay for. Instead I prefer to use free Open Office. How do you close the Excel message? With great difficulty as there is no "X" to close it! Darn Microsoft again. As I said before, I am seriously considering a Chromebook for the next PC for the lounge. These now run Linux, if you want to, as well as giving access to the Google Play Store and loads of Android apps.
UPDATE 2037z: Already spotted by 9 stations this evening on 472kHz WSPR running 10mW ERP with best spot being by LA8AV (1035km) up in Norway. MX0NCA (100km) is a new spotter.
UPDATE 2130z: I shall stay on 472kHz WSPR TX overnight, assuming Microsoft allows me!
2m FT8
At the moment I am on 2m FT8 RX with the big-wheel omni antenna.
So far today, 21 stations in 6 countries spotted (to 1108z).
So far today, 21 stations in 6 countries spotted (to 1108z).
Anglesey Abbey tree - NOT amateur radio
Autumn is coming, although many trees are still green. This one looks autumnal (see photo).
CQWW SSB contest - doh!
Last weekend was the CQWW SSB contest. I forgot! Although I do not enter a log, the bands are usually busy, so this is usually a good chance to work a few stations. Of course it helps to remember the contest is on! It is surprising how bands like 10m spring into life proving it is often low activity rather than conditions that is the problem.
In past CQWW SSB contests it is often possible to fill pages in the log with 10m QRP SSB QSOs.
In past CQWW SSB contests it is often possible to fill pages in the log with 10m QRP SSB QSOs.
472kHz WSPR
At the moment "split" is not working on my FT817ND. I suspect this is software and will be a fixable issue.
What I had forgotten is I can still TX on 472kHz WSPR and still RX on 472kHz WSPR, but not at the same time. So, tonight, all being well, I shall be on 472kHz WSPR TX for about 25% of the time with the usual 10mW ERP. On another occasion I shall concentrate on 472kHz WSPR RX.
What I had forgotten is I can still TX on 472kHz WSPR and still RX on 472kHz WSPR, but not at the same time. So, tonight, all being well, I shall be on 472kHz WSPR TX for about 25% of the time with the usual 10mW ERP. On another occasion I shall concentrate on 472kHz WSPR RX.
10m QRP
28 Oct 2019
Primroses - NOT amateur radio
These provide colour all through the autumn and winter.
Normally they get replaced in the spring with flowers that last until the first frosts. Incidentally, we had our first frost of the autumn last night.
2m FT8
As I am (for now) unable to operate the FT817ND in "split" mode I am again on 2m FT8 (2.5W to the big-wheel omni antenna).
An initial FT8 CQ was spotted by 8 stations in 3 countries with the best again being GI6ATZ (479km). This never seems to fail. If he is active, irrespective of conditions, he spots me! On 2m FT8 RX 4 stations in 3 countries spotted with best DX spotted being DJ9IE (515km).
UPDATE 1710z: 15 stations in 6 countries spotted this afternoon on 2m FT8.
An initial FT8 CQ was spotted by 8 stations in 3 countries with the best again being GI6ATZ (479km). This never seems to fail. If he is active, irrespective of conditions, he spots me! On 2m FT8 RX 4 stations in 3 countries spotted with best DX spotted being DJ9IE (515km).
UPDATE 1710z: 15 stations in 6 countries spotted this afternoon on 2m FT8.
OFCOM and 5G spectrum
Today OFCOM announced that it was freeing up spectrum for 5G at 700MHz and around 3.6GHz.
It still insists on using the term "airwaves", suggesting to me that this quango is being run by a bunch of school kids who actually know very little about RF and spectrum. Perhaps I am being a grumpy old man. For this I apologise.
It still insists on using the term "airwaves", suggesting to me that this quango is being run by a bunch of school kids who actually know very little about RF and spectrum. Perhaps I am being a grumpy old man. For this I apologise.
South Devon - NOT amateur radio
27 Oct 2019
FT817ND issue?
This evening I intended to go on 472kHz WSPR RX and TX, but I noticed the antenna current was zero. On closer examination, I noticed that the "split" function on the FT817ND had disappeared. With my brain fog as a result of my 2013 stroke I attempted to reset the "split" memory function.
I struggled for 30 minutes without success. I am sure I was doing things correctly. Even the micro-processor was reset, following the instructions in the manual. Again, no success.
Maybe leaving it until the morning, just in case I am doing something wrong might help. I am just a bit suspicious that the "split" function just disappeared.
Unless I can get "split" working again I can only RX on 472kHz WSPR. Tonight I am not on any band.
I struggled for 30 minutes without success. I am sure I was doing things correctly. Even the micro-processor was reset, following the instructions in the manual. Again, no success.
Maybe leaving it until the morning, just in case I am doing something wrong might help. I am just a bit suspicious that the "split" function just disappeared.
Unless I can get "split" working again I can only RX on 472kHz WSPR. Tonight I am not on any band.
Horse chestnut tree - NOT amateur radio
Crabapple jelly - NOT amateur radio
Moan time: cookies - NOT amateur radio
In recent months every website I visit asks me to OK cookies. I think this must be some new EU directive.
As with most such things, it is counter-productive. If you read the terms and conditions they can be pages of legal mumbo-jumbo, so most people will just "accept" without reading the terms. In fact this pop-up about accepting cookies becomes a real pain.
Surely I am not alone.
As with most such things, it is counter-productive. If you read the terms and conditions they can be pages of legal mumbo-jumbo, so most people will just "accept" without reading the terms. In fact this pop-up about accepting cookies becomes a real pain.
Surely I am not alone.
Return to 2m FT8
A short while ago I returned to 2m FT8. Initially I called CQ (2.5W to the big wheel) and now I am RX only. Although my CQ got no QSOs, I received 8 spots with the best again being N. Ireland GI6ATZ (479km). On RX 10 spots in 5 countries.
UPDATE 1708z: So far today on 2m FT8 RX 49 stations in 8 countries spotted. Best DX spotted on 2m FT8 today is DL3TW (655km).
UPDATE 1708z: So far today on 2m FT8 RX 49 stations in 8 countries spotted. Best DX spotted on 2m FT8 today is DL3TW (655km).
472kHz WSPR overnight
My 10mW ERP was spotted by more stations overnight than ever before. In all, my tiny signal was spotted by 20 receiving stations including Norway, weakly, just once. Quite decent results. The table shows the stations that spotted me in distance order.
On 472kHz WSPR RX, just 10 stations were spotted.
26 Oct 2019
UK Election and BREXIT - NOT amateur radio
This could be a momentous week in UK politics. Firstly on Monday, only if passed with a two-thirds majority, we could have a General Election on December 12th. On October 31st we are meant to be leaving the EU.
Somehow, I suspect neither will happen.
Somehow, I suspect neither will happen.
630m WSPR after a break
As 2m FT8 is a waste of time overnight, I have decided to go on 472kHz (630m) WSPR overnight tonight. My first 2 minute 10mW ERP transmission was spotted by 4 stations. So far, after about 30 minutes I have spotted 3 stations including 2 Germans. Will I be spotted in Norway overnight? Sadly there are only two stations on 472kHz WSPR TX this evening. One is the huge signal of G3KEV and the other is mine!
World Cup Rugby - NOT amateur radio
I am not a great rugby fan, but to beat the NZ all-blacks is a big deal, that much I do know. In the end England won 19-7, which is quite a margin, so they now play in the final. At the end of the day it is just a game, but the English team must be very pleased. Wales play tomorrow. It would be good if they won too.
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