9 Mar 2020
8 Mar 2020
Earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground repair
Assuming it remains dry, I intend to fully replace the wire. A few weeks ago it broke and I suspect there may be breaks elsewhere. The wire has been there for over 6 years, so now is a good time to replace it. Some of the wire from the far ground runs just above the ground along the garden fence.
At the old QTH bringing this wire back to the house on the ground and using another ground close to the house (rather than the mains earth) seemed to make little difference at 472kHz. I think most radiation is from the loop formed in the ground. These findings seem to back this up.
UPDATE 1525z: As it has been raining I may have to wait until later this week.
At the old QTH bringing this wire back to the house on the ground and using another ground close to the house (rather than the mains earth) seemed to make little difference at 472kHz. I think most radiation is from the loop formed in the ground. These findings seem to back this up.
UPDATE 1525z: As it has been raining I may have to wait until later this week.
20m FT8
A few minutes ago I went on 20m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna. Already I have been spotted in Finland. On 20m FT8 RX 3 stations spotted so far today.
Although FT8 is still popular, I get the feeling this mode is going "off the boil" a bit.
UPDATE 1232z: I cannot believe how well this set-up works! Already 8 stations have spotted me with the best report of my 10W to the tiny indoor loop being K7BV (3897 miles). 27 stations in 3 continents spotted so far today.
UPDATE 1458z: So far today 22 spots of my 10W FT8 to the tiny indoor loop As there was a strong signal on my frequency I have QSYed HF about 100Hz. On RX 98 stations spotted so far today on 20m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1842z : 31 spots of my 10W today and 205 stations spotted.
Although FT8 is still popular, I get the feeling this mode is going "off the boil" a bit.
UPDATE 1232z: I cannot believe how well this set-up works! Already 8 stations have spotted me with the best report of my 10W to the tiny indoor loop being K7BV (3897 miles). 27 stations in 3 continents spotted so far today.
UPDATE 1458z: So far today 22 spots of my 10W FT8 to the tiny indoor loop As there was a strong signal on my frequency I have QSYed HF about 100Hz. On RX 98 stations spotted so far today on 20m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1842z : 31 spots of my 10W today and 205 stations spotted.
Iris - NOT amateur radio
Amateur TV streaming
See https://batc.org.uk/live/
Worldwide TV - NOT amateur radio
One of the external links on my website is to a place linking to TV stations around the world. Some definitely work. Watching TV from overseas can be educational.
See https://broadcast-live.com/television/englishusa.html
See https://broadcast-live.com/television/englishusa.html
7 Mar 2020
2m FT8
A few moments ago I decided to go on 2m FT8. On RX just 1 spot so far, but 12 spots of my 10W in 2 countries. Still using the big-wheel omni antenna.
The impression I am getting is that FT8 is getting fewer people now than a year ago.
UPDATE 1710z: Still just the 1 spot on 2m FT8 RX and 12 spots of my 10W FT8 TX. No QSOs.
UPDATE 1715z: I was wondering what effect the of the Fly-Be (a mainly inter UK airline) collapse has had on aircraft scatter? I think not much as I am still being widely spotted. I suspect there are just fewer active TX stations.
UPDATE 1801z: Just one QSO with F5APQ (180km). Possibly stations are getting picky: if they have worked them before why bother? 17 spots of my 10W so far today. Best DX is yet again Cornwall G7RAU (461km), but another good report from GD3YEO (384km).
UPDATE 2011z: 21 stations spotted me this evening, but 3 QSOs in 3 countries. Only 6 stations spotted here this evening.
UPDATE 2240z: 22 stations spotting me with 4 QSOs today. Soon it will be time to go QRT. Funny how 2m FT8 looks so different from 2m SSB with the same power. I seem to be able to be spotted and worked at ranges twice that of SSB at any time. If some QSOs are aircraft scatter, there must be lots of aircraft at lots of times. I am wondering if these long paths are some sort of scatter mode in which polarisation is less important and in which aircraft are not involved? As these paths seem to work at any time, I cannot believe the aircraft scatter theory.
The impression I am getting is that FT8 is getting fewer people now than a year ago.
UPDATE 1710z: Still just the 1 spot on 2m FT8 RX and 12 spots of my 10W FT8 TX. No QSOs.
UPDATE 1715z: I was wondering what effect the of the Fly-Be (a mainly inter UK airline) collapse has had on aircraft scatter? I think not much as I am still being widely spotted. I suspect there are just fewer active TX stations.
UPDATE 1801z: Just one QSO with F5APQ (180km). Possibly stations are getting picky: if they have worked them before why bother? 17 spots of my 10W so far today. Best DX is yet again Cornwall G7RAU (461km), but another good report from GD3YEO (384km).
UPDATE 2011z: 21 stations spotted me this evening, but 3 QSOs in 3 countries. Only 6 stations spotted here this evening.
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| Stations spotting my 10W 2m FT8 TX today |
Oscar 100 update
Every now and then I update the activity level on the narrow-band transponder on this geosynchronous satellite. It is a few weeks since I last did this. My very non-scientific survey suggests that activity levels are very similar to a few weeks ago.
See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/
See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/
World Book Day - NOT amateur radio
The photo shows her about to go to school.
Cambridge Round Church - NOT amateur radio
Years ago I used to go there, but that was a very long time ago!
Yaesu answer to the IC-705?
The pattern of recent years has been for ICOM to launch a new product and Yaesu to play catch up.
With this in mind we can expect Yaesu to launch a new transceiver at Dayton this spring to compete with the IC-705. Many were very disappointed with the FT818.
Unless they come out with a killer radio people will buy the ICOM IC-705 instead.
With this in mind we can expect Yaesu to launch a new transceiver at Dayton this spring to compete with the IC-705. Many were very disappointed with the FT818.
Unless they come out with a killer radio people will buy the ICOM IC-705 instead.
Goldfinch - NOT amateur radio
After a few minutes it flew off!
472kHz transverter repairs
Although it is replaced, the antenna current is still low, so more investigation is needed.
UPDATE 0910z: I tried the earth-electrode "antenna" on a different rig on 160m and was still getting a high SWR. This suggests something is wrong outside still. More investigations needed!
UPDATE 1725z: A visual test indicated nothing untoward. Possibly tomorrow I may replace the wire in case there is something not visible that is wrong. I measured the DC resistance and this was higher than I was expecting, but not exceptionally high.
Peregrine falcons - NOT amateur radio
The photo shows my brother's wife with me looking up at the steeple.
See https://hawkandowltrust.org/web-cam-live/norwich-cathedral-side
6 Mar 2020
Space weather
Southgate News has a piece on the space weather forecast by expert Dr Tamitha Skov.
See http://www.southgatearc.org/space-weather/index.htm#.XmKtf46TK00
See http://www.southgatearc.org/space-weather/index.htm#.XmKtf46TK00
Oil price way down - NOT amateur radio
At 1230z today oil prices have dropped over 4%. This is a sure sign of low demand. The FTSI100 stock index has fallen about 1000 points. One UK airline has gone into administration.
UPDATE 1546z: It is now down 6.58%. Recession here we come....
UPDATE 1638z: Now down 8.96%.
UPDATE 2000z: Oil ended the day 9.1% down.
UPDATE 2102z: Oil prices are still falling. At the moment things are still bad.
UPDATE 1546z: It is now down 6.58%. Recession here we come....
UPDATE 1638z: Now down 8.96%.
UPDATE 2000z: Oil ended the day 9.1% down.
UPDATE 2102z: Oil prices are still falling. At the moment things are still bad.
Risk averse? - NOT amateur radio
Having just cancelled a 2 week holiday in Corfu, I am wondering if I am becoming more risk averse as result of my 2013 stroke or old age? My basic concern was corona virus.
The thought of having to spend 2 weeks self-isolating abroad or in a Greek hospital filled me with dread. In all, we would have to spend about 5 hours in planes and 4 hours in airports, plus the 2 weeks in the hotel. I decided that it would be better to self-isolate at home or, if required, be treated in a UK hospital.
My wife is upset (as am I), but we can always have a 2 week holiday another year.
The thought of having to spend 2 weeks self-isolating abroad or in a Greek hospital filled me with dread. In all, we would have to spend about 5 hours in planes and 4 hours in airports, plus the 2 weeks in the hotel. I decided that it would be better to self-isolate at home or, if required, be treated in a UK hospital.
My wife is upset (as am I), but we can always have a 2 week holiday another year.
FT8 popularity
Southgate News has a piece asking how long it takes to get DXCC using FT8.
In the piece they say that 80% of contacts are now on FT8. If true, and I do not know if this is, it means there is a huge drop in SSB use and far less chatting.
Although I enjoy FT8 as my voice is poor, I hope people still want to use other modes and chat. Without this, our hobby is much poorer.
Years ago people often chanced on amateur radio. Operators heard amateur AM transmissions and they were curious. FT8 needs special free software, so newcomers are very unlikely to chance upon it.
In the piece they say that 80% of contacts are now on FT8. If true, and I do not know if this is, it means there is a huge drop in SSB use and far less chatting.
Although I enjoy FT8 as my voice is poor, I hope people still want to use other modes and chat. Without this, our hobby is much poorer.
Years ago people often chanced on amateur radio. Operators heard amateur AM transmissions and they were curious. FT8 needs special free software, so newcomers are very unlikely to chance upon it.
Britbox: crap? - NOT amateur radio
A few days ago I signed up to this streaming service set up by ITV and the BBC.
Since then, I have found the website mostly unavailable. Not only that, but I cannot find out how to access it on my TV which I get via Virgin Media. Amazon Prime and Netflix are apps, which I can easily access.
So far, my impressions are not good. This should be easy and painless. It is not!
As soon as the website is accessible I am going to cancel.
Since then, I have found the website mostly unavailable. Not only that, but I cannot find out how to access it on my TV which I get via Virgin Media. Amazon Prime and Netflix are apps, which I can easily access.
So far, my impressions are not good. This should be easy and painless. It is not!
As soon as the website is accessible I am going to cancel.
20m FT8 on the tiny indoor loop
A few moments ago I turned on 20m FT8 using the only 20m antenna I have: the tiny indoor loop.
Plenty of stations coming in on RX including lots of Japanese stations with the best DX so far on 20m FT8 RX being JQ2QHQ (9526km).
On TX (10W) just one spot so far EU1SW (1799km).
UPDATE 1202z: 227 stations spotted so far on 20m FT8 RX with 5 spots of my 10W 20m FT8 TX with best being WW1WW (3255 miles).
UPDATE 1643z: Now 28 stations have spotted my 10W 20m FT8 TX to the tiny indoor loop. On 20m FT8 RX 541 stations spotted. Absolutely amazing!
UPDATE 1953z: 39 spots of my 10W to the tiny indoor loop antenna. On 20m FT8 RX 668 stations spotted. Now QRT on 20m.
Plenty of stations coming in on RX including lots of Japanese stations with the best DX so far on 20m FT8 RX being JQ2QHQ (9526km).
On TX (10W) just one spot so far EU1SW (1799km).
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| Stations spotting my 10W FT8 TX to the tiny indoor loop today |
UPDATE 1953z: 39 spots of my 10W to the tiny indoor loop antenna. On 20m FT8 RX 668 stations spotted. Now QRT on 20m.
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| Stations spotted on 20m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop |
Cambridge colleges - NOT amateur radio
Red-legged partridges - NOT amateur radio
5 Mar 2020
Rallies
Saturday 7 MARCH : LAGAN VALLEY ARS RALLY
Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough, Co Down BT26 6AR. Doors open at 11am and entrance is £4. Dave Wilson, MOOBW, the RSGB President and Examination Quality Assurance Manager, will be in attendance to meet attendees and give a demonstration of the online exam system to anyone who wishes to see how it works. The RSGB Awards Manager, Bobby, MI0RYL will be there as will representatives from the RABIC.
Sunday 8 MARCH : CANCELLED
PENCOED ARC TABLE TOP SALE
Pencoed Rugby Club The Verlands, Felindre Road Pencoed CF35 5PB Due to unforseen circumstances the table-top sale has been cancelled.
Hillsborough Village Centre, 7 Ballynahinch Road, Hillsborough, Co Down BT26 6AR. Doors open at 11am and entrance is £4. Dave Wilson, MOOBW, the RSGB President and Examination Quality Assurance Manager, will be in attendance to meet attendees and give a demonstration of the online exam system to anyone who wishes to see how it works. The RSGB Awards Manager, Bobby, MI0RYL will be there as will representatives from the RABIC.
Sunday 8 MARCH : CANCELLED
PENCOED ARC TABLE TOP SALE
Pencoed Rugby Club The Verlands, Felindre Road Pencoed CF35 5PB Due to unforseen circumstances the table-top sale has been cancelled.
Christening Font at Norwich Cathedral - NOT amateur radio
It is shown in the photo.
2m FT8
A few minutes ago I went QRT on 10m FT8 RX (no spots) and QSYed to 2m FT8. So far (2010z) 13 spots of my 8-10W the big-wheel omni in 3 countries (G, GI and EI).
On 2m FT8 RX only 2 G spots so far.
UPDATE 2233z: 18 stations have spotted my 10W, but I have spotted only 3 Gs.
On 2m FT8 RX only 2 G spots so far.
UPDATE 2233z: 18 stations have spotted my 10W, but I have spotted only 3 Gs.
Norwich - NOT amateur radio
The photo shows Pull's Ferry where stone from France used to build the cathedral came in. They built a special canal up to the cathedral (now not there) to move the stones to the cathedral from the River Wensom.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_Wensum
10m FT8 (mainly RX)
At the moment, and for much of the day, I am on 10m FT8 RX with the indoor loop. If I spot anyone at all I shall be pleased! At 10m, the loop should be more efficient, but will there be activity?
As Bas recently mentioned, especially on N-S paths there is still propagation on 10m. Have a go on 10m today!
As Bas recently mentioned, especially on N-S paths there is still propagation on 10m. Have a go on 10m today!
4 Mar 2020
2m FT8
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| Stations spotting my 2m 10W to the big-wheel this evening |
First cut - NOT amateur radio
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| First cut |
Still no sunspots
We had a few in January, but it has been spotless since. If we were after the minimum I should have expected to see a few by now. We live in hope! Solar flux is still very low. It would not surprise me to hear we are only now at the solar minimum.
Chocolate bars getting smaller? - NOT amateur radio
The common view, widely held, is that chocolate bars are getting smaller and that this is a clever marketing ploy: we cannot be sure they are really getting smaller or that they seem to get smaller as we grow up.
The truth is some have indeed got smaller, but some have actually got bigger! Most seem to have shrunk in recent years.
See https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2015/11/13/Chocolate-bar-sizes-Historic-comparison-of-Hershey-s-and-Mars-bars#
See also https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-5128597/Graphics-reveal-chocolate-shrunk-size.html
The truth is some have indeed got smaller, but some have actually got bigger! Most seem to have shrunk in recent years.
See https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2015/11/13/Chocolate-bar-sizes-Historic-comparison-of-Hershey-s-and-Mars-bars#
See also https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/article-5128597/Graphics-reveal-chocolate-shrunk-size.html
Transatlantic on 472kHz WSPR
Jason, M1PRO, built my 472kHz transverter and reports on his blog that he was spotted in the USA last night.
2m FT8 activity contest this evening
Some East Europeans have started 2m and 70cm FT8 activity contests each month. I shall take part in the 2m session tonight.
See https://www.ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/
See https://www.ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/
17m FT8
At about 0905z I went on 17m FT8 with about 8W to the tiny indoor loop antenna. Although no spots on RX, I have already been spotted by 2 stations on TX!!
UPDATE 1025z: 4 spots of me so far with best DX 5B60ALJ (3185km). 2 RX spots so far on 17m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1040z: 6 spots of me so far this morning on 17m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop.
UPDATE 1132z: My tiny indoor loop continues to amaze me! So far this morning with 8-10W 17m FT8 this has been spotted by 8 stations right across the compass. On 17m FT8 RX 6 stations spotted so far.
UPDATE 1207z: 11 stations has so far today spotted my signal on 17m FT8 TX. Quite amazing.
UPDATE 1415z: 24 spots of me on 17m FT8 TX (10W) with best DX being a spot by KC5LT (4058 miles). All on the tiny indoor loop!
UPDATE 1534z: 35 spots of my 10W 17m FT8 today so far and 63 stations in 5 continents spotted here with the loop on 17m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1810z: 40 spots of my 17m FT8 TX today. I am running 10W. Now QSYed to 2m FT8.
UPDATE 1025z: 4 spots of me so far with best DX 5B60ALJ (3185km). 2 RX spots so far on 17m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1040z: 6 spots of me so far this morning on 17m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop.
UPDATE 1132z: My tiny indoor loop continues to amaze me! So far this morning with 8-10W 17m FT8 this has been spotted by 8 stations right across the compass. On 17m FT8 RX 6 stations spotted so far.
UPDATE 1207z: 11 stations has so far today spotted my signal on 17m FT8 TX. Quite amazing.
UPDATE 1415z: 24 spots of me on 17m FT8 TX (10W) with best DX being a spot by KC5LT (4058 miles). All on the tiny indoor loop!
UPDATE 1534z: 35 spots of my 10W 17m FT8 today so far and 63 stations in 5 continents spotted here with the loop on 17m FT8 RX.
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| 17m FT8 TX today |
USA presidential elections
The money spent in the campaign strikes me as obscene. The amounts of money spent by these candidates is staggering. Talk of caring about the poor rings hollow with me.
To me it smacks of ego and power. In the USA you choose, but personally I find them all a poor choice whether Democratic or Republican.
It seems a general problem that we lack politicians who have good motives and are electable. I can think of very few people. Everyone has dark secrets, but, tell me, who can you think would really make a good leader in any country? Sorry, but I bet you are struggling.
To me it smacks of ego and power. In the USA you choose, but personally I find them all a poor choice whether Democratic or Republican.
It seems a general problem that we lack politicians who have good motives and are electable. I can think of very few people. Everyone has dark secrets, but, tell me, who can you think would really make a good leader in any country? Sorry, but I bet you are struggling.
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