3 Sept 2020
2 Sept 2020
6m FT8
It is now 0945z. A few moment ago I turned on 6m FT8 (10W and the V2000 vertical omni). So far, 3 spots of me (all G) and nothing on RX.
UPDATE 2050z: Now QRT. 3 QSOs and spots of me by 22 stations including 2 that look like Es. Best DX spot of me was by ES5PC (1783km).
UPDATE 2050z: Now QRT. 3 QSOs and spots of me by 22 stations including 2 that look like Es. Best DX spot of me was by ES5PC (1783km).
V2000 vertical
The photo shows the V2000 vertical omni antenna used on 6m, 2m and 70cm FM. For 2m and 70cm SSB and FT8 I use the big-wheel omni antenna.
The V2000 is also used on 6m FT8. On the same mast is a rarely used 2m halo antenna.
The V2000 is also used on 6m FT8. On the same mast is a rarely used 2m halo antenna.
2m UKAC
Conditions seemed up last night for the 2m activity contest (UKAC). In 45 minutes, 8 stations were worked with 10W to the big-wheel omni antenna as the map shows.
After that time I had to stop because of my poor voice. As usual, these were SSB.
After that time I had to stop because of my poor voice. As usual, these were SSB.
OFCOM updates
Every month, OFCOM publishes its Communications Monthly with its latest data. For example, the number of UK TV licences. See the OFCOM website for the latest data.
This month’s update covers:
This month’s update covers:
- Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator update
- Television broadcast licensing update
- Radio licensing monthly update
- Letters: Publication of our granting of consent for launch of Sky Arts on DTT
- Qualitative research study on declining calls and changing behaviour
- Cost models for consultation on BT’s commitment in Area 3
- Co-regulation of on-demand advertising
Riveting stuff I am sure you cannot wait for!
Labels:
ofcom
1 Sept 2020
Updated solar data
My page for solar data has been updated. This is usually done in the early days of the new month.
At some point the more active side of the sun will turn into view. We have now had several days without sunspots. Assuming we are at the start of the next solar cycle, I expect sunspot numbers will increase.
See https://www.solen.info/solar/
At some point the more active side of the sun will turn into view. We have now had several days without sunspots. Assuming we are at the start of the next solar cycle, I expect sunspot numbers will increase.
See https://www.solen.info/solar/
6m FT8
At the moment I am on 6m FT8 with 10W and the V2000 vertical omni. As yet 9 stations have spotted me including 2 stations in Germany.
UPDATE 1419z: 14 stations have spotted my so far today. Some are probably brief patches of Es, although they could be scatter.
UPDATE 1419z: 14 stations have spotted my so far today. Some are probably brief patches of Es, although they could be scatter.
More grandchildren - NOT amateur radio
For several days now we have had the grandchildren.
This photo was taken at Anglesey Abbey yesterday.
This photo was taken at Anglesey Abbey yesterday.
2m activity contest tonight
Being the first Tuesday of the month, tonight is the RSGB organised 2m UKAC session. I come on SSB with 10W and the big-wheel omni antenna for about an hour. It starts at 1900z.
IC-705 firmware update
ICOM Japan has a firmware update for the IC-705 available on its website. In the coming months we can expect a few more as bugs are found and new features get added.
I have heard rumours that it could be available in Europe later this month.
I have heard rumours that it could be available in Europe later this month.
31 Aug 2020
2m FT8
For about 40 minutes I have been on 2m FT8 using 10W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far 37 stations in 6 countries have spotted me today. Best DX was again a spot from N. Ireland and 2 from Germany.
UPDATE 1747z: So far today, 53 stations in 7 countries have spotted my 10W to the big-wheel omni. 2m FT8 never seems to fail and it amazes me.
UPDATE 1747z: So far today, 53 stations in 7 countries have spotted my 10W to the big-wheel omni. 2m FT8 never seems to fail and it amazes me.
Ely sunset - NOT amateur radio
This photo of the sunset at Ely yesterday appeared on Facebook. Ely is a growing market city with a very old cathedral.
Origins of sayings - NOT amateur radio
Origins of some sayings shared on Facebook yesterday. Assuming these are true, quite fascinating. If not true, I wonder what the origins were?
1. In the 1400s a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb.
Hence we have 'the rule of thumb.'
2. Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...
Ladies Forbidden'... and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
3. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David,
Hearts - Charlemagne,
Clubs -Alexander the Great,
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
4. In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... 'goodnight, sleep tight.'
5. It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink.
Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
6. In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts...
So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.'
It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's'
7. Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim or handle of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service.
'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.
8. In 1696, William III of England introduced a property tax that required those living in houses with more than six windows to pay a levy. In order to avoid the tax, house owners would brick up all windows except six. (The Window Tax lasted until 1851, and older houses with bricked-up windows are still a common sight in the U.K.) As the bricked-up windows prevented some rooms from receiving any sunlight, the tax was referred to as “daylight robbery”!
1. In the 1400s a law was set forth in England that a man was allowed to beat his wife with a stick no thicker than his thumb.
Hence we have 'the rule of thumb.'
2. Many years ago in Scotland , a new game was invented. It was ruled 'Gentlemen Only...
Ladies Forbidden'... and thus the word GOLF entered into the English language.
3. Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:
Spades - King David,
Hearts - Charlemagne,
Clubs -Alexander the Great,
Diamonds - Julius Caesar
4. In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase......... 'goodnight, sleep tight.'
5. It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink.
Mead is a honey beer and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the honey month, which we know today as the honeymoon.
6. In English pubs, ale is ordered by pints and quarts...
So in old England , when customers got unruly, the bartender would yell at them 'Mind your pints and quarts, and settle down.'
It's where we get the phrase 'mind your P's and Q's'
7. Many years ago in England, pub frequenters had a whistle baked into the rim or handle of their ceramic cups. When they needed a refill, they used the whistle to get some service.
'Wet your whistle' is the phrase inspired by this practice.
8. In 1696, William III of England introduced a property tax that required those living in houses with more than six windows to pay a levy. In order to avoid the tax, house owners would brick up all windows except six. (The Window Tax lasted until 1851, and older houses with bricked-up windows are still a common sight in the U.K.) As the bricked-up windows prevented some rooms from receiving any sunlight, the tax was referred to as “daylight robbery”!
30 Aug 2020
2m FT8 (10W and the big-wheel omni antenna)
Been on several hours today. Spotted by 49 stations in 8 countries.
UPDATE 1930z : Now QRT but I was spotted by 63 stations in 9 countries today on 2m FT8 with the big-wheel omni antenna. It never fails.
UPDATE 1930z : Now QRT but I was spotted by 63 stations in 9 countries today on 2m FT8 with the big-wheel omni antenna. It never fails.
Time - NOT amateur radio
"Time is just a construct of the human brain" - discuss.
I saw this recently on a Facebook page about research at Durham University into the universe.
I saw this recently on a Facebook page about research at Durham University into the universe.
Labels:
time
Broadcast listener resources
In my first years in the hobby my main focus was on broadcast band listening, especially on the shortwave broadcast bands. Often this was with a humble crystal set.
In the past I have copied right across the planet on a crystal set. These were actual broadcasts from the originating countries and not via relays. Radio Australia was a real challenge.
The thrill of copying broadcast stations from great distances was exciting especially on a crystal set in which the only power is that from the originating station.
It was amazing what could be copied on a very simple regen RX. Quite a few of us "cut our teeth" on simple regen receivers.
Some useful links are shown below.
See https://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Shortwave_Radio/BCL_Resources/
In the past I have copied right across the planet on a crystal set. These were actual broadcasts from the originating countries and not via relays. Radio Australia was a real challenge.
The thrill of copying broadcast stations from great distances was exciting especially on a crystal set in which the only power is that from the originating station.
It was amazing what could be copied on a very simple regen RX. Quite a few of us "cut our teeth" on simple regen receivers.
Some useful links are shown below.
See https://www.dxzone.com/catalog/Shortwave_Radio/BCL_Resources/
Labels:
shortwave broadcast
G4NUA's 100mW WSPR TX
A friend of mine built a 100mW 20m WSPR beacon based on a Raspberry Pi. It has been spotted in Brazil.
29 Aug 2020
SPAM emails - NOT amateur radio
On the whole the SPAM filter on Gmail works well.
As an example, I have just been informed that my Norton anti-virus software is running out. The only problem is I don't use Norton!
Every day I get messages telling me how my bank balance has gone up as a result of winning a prize. As for Bitcoins, I must get at least 20 SPAM messages every day.
Regarding sexual partners, every day I get requests and I am sure it is not because I am a great stud! 😁
As an example, I have just been informed that my Norton anti-virus software is running out. The only problem is I don't use Norton!
Every day I get messages telling me how my bank balance has gone up as a result of winning a prize. As for Bitcoins, I must get at least 20 SPAM messages every day.
Regarding sexual partners, every day I get requests and I am sure it is not because I am a great stud! 😁
Labels:
spam
Transatlantic 2m tropo
EA8CXN (IL18) has worked FG8OJ on 2m SSB tropo. This was reported on a Facebook group earlier. He also worked FM5CS.
Labels:
2m
2m aircraft scatter?
As many will know, I frequently try 2m FT8. What puzzles me is that even will 10W and the big-wheel omni antenna (3dB over a dipole maximum) I seem to get great ranges at any time.
This could be aircraft scatter, but I am puzzled why this is there all the time. If it was just at certain times I would be more inclined to think this is aircraft scatter. Just maybe, there are enough aircraft in the sky to allow brief 15 second periods of FT8 to be reflected at any time.
Another possibility is that FT8, with its additional sensitivity, allows other scatter modes to be possible. Whatever, 2m FT8 seems to allow me to reach incredible distances every single day, even with my very simple antenna and low power. If I had a big beam and 400W, some amazing distances should be possible.
This could be aircraft scatter, but I am puzzled why this is there all the time. If it was just at certain times I would be more inclined to think this is aircraft scatter. Just maybe, there are enough aircraft in the sky to allow brief 15 second periods of FT8 to be reflected at any time.
Another possibility is that FT8, with its additional sensitivity, allows other scatter modes to be possible. Whatever, 2m FT8 seems to allow me to reach incredible distances every single day, even with my very simple antenna and low power. If I had a big beam and 400W, some amazing distances should be possible.
Labels:
2m,
aircraft scatter,
ft8,
scatter
Hair time - NOT amateur radio
The photo shows one of our grandchildren having her hair combed by her mum.
Her family is with us for a few days.
Her family is with us for a few days.
Labels:
hair
2m FT8
For about 50 minutes, I have been on 2m FT8. So far, my 10W to the big-wheel omni antenna has been spotted by 25 stations in 7 countries. Best DX is a spot by GI6ATZ (479km). Nothing yet spotted on RX.
UPDATE 1502z: 43 spots of me in 8 countries so far..
UPDATE 2002z: 58 stations in 9 countries have spotted me today. QRT soon.
Stations spotting me with 10W 2m FT8 to the big-wheel so far today to 1502z |
UPDATE 2002z: 58 stations in 9 countries have spotted me today. QRT soon.
IC-705 packaging
On the IC-705 Facebook page earlier was this photo of the packaging for the IC-705. Many people are lusting after one. Attractive packaging can help sales.
Covid-19 vaccine - NOT amateur radio
So the UK government will give temporary approval if clinically necessary for the administration of proven safe and effective vaccines for Covid-19 if available. There is still a way to go. See the UK government website for more information.
28 Aug 2020
10m FT8
Since 0856z I have been on 10m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna and 4W. So far, I have been spotted by just 1 station up in the Faroes. A couple of stations in northern Spain copied. Otherwise very quiet here.
Yet again the Es (if that is what it is) seems to favour more northern stations, much as I found in previous years late in the season.
Yet again the Es (if that is what it is) seems to favour more northern stations, much as I found in previous years late in the season.
8 years ago - NOT amateur radio
This photo shows me with one of our grandchildren 8 years ago. This is the same boy as in the previous post.
Eating out - NOT amateur radio
Since the lockdown we have eaten out 3 times so far. The last time was last Wednesday with one of our sons and his children. Every time we have eaten out we have felt perfectly safe.
60m in Australia
As of now, Australia has not allocated the WRC 60m amateur band. The main concern is sharing the band with commercial users. At present there is a consultation about sharing this small allocation.
In the UK we have more slots with higher power limits. Personally, I'd prefer a narrower band with a lower power limit in the UK i.e. swap the various slots for a smaller, contiguous and shared WRC band.
See https://www.acma.gov.au/consultations/2020-05/possible-use-53515-53665-khz-band-amateur-service-consultation-132020
In the UK we have more slots with higher power limits. Personally, I'd prefer a narrower band with a lower power limit in the UK i.e. swap the various slots for a smaller, contiguous and shared WRC band.
See https://www.acma.gov.au/consultations/2020-05/possible-use-53515-53665-khz-band-amateur-service-consultation-132020
Indoor verticals
Many have restrictions on outside antennas, possibly with covenants preventing any form of outside antenna. Some years ago I made one for 160m, although similar antennas could be made of other HF bands. If I can make one for 160m, I am pretty sure ones for higher HF bands should be even better. Never say you cannot erect an effective HF antenna.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/160m_loft_ant
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/160m_loft_ant
Labels:
loft antenna
Sunspots - Friday August 28th 2020
Solar flux is 70 and the sunspot number 0. A=8 and K=0.
Labels:
sunspots
27 Aug 2020
10m FT8 (4W to the indoor loop)
Since late morning, I have been on 10m FT8. So far 2 stations have spotted me: Faroes and Sweden.
UPDATE 2004z: 10 stations have spotted me today.
UPDATE 2004z: 10 stations have spotted me today.
UK rally updates
The following rally updates were received earlier. If the background makes these hard to read on some screens, please accept my apologies, but this is how I get them.
Sunday 30 AUGUST : CANCELLED
MILTON KEYNES ARS RALLY. MKARS, Irish Centre, Manor Fields, Watling Street, Bletchley MK2 2HX Additional information at www.mkars.org.uk/rally.
Sunday 30 AUGUST : POSSIBLY CANCELLED check TARS website
TORBAY ANNUAL COMMUNICATIONS FAIR. Newton Abbot Racecourse, Devon TQ12 3AF. Doors open at 10am with disabled visitors gaining access at 9.30am. Indoor event with plenty of free parking on site. There will be a Bring & Buy as well as an RSGB bookstall. Catering will be available on site. Details & bookings: Mike, G1TUU, 01803 557941 or rally@tars.org.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall ies/
Sunday 30 AUGUST : CANCELLED
MILTON KEYNES ARS RALLY. MKARS, Irish Centre, Manor Fields, Watling Street, Bletchley MK2 2HX Additional information at www.mkars.org.uk/rally.
Sunday 30 AUGUST : POSSIBLY CANCELLED check TARS website
TORBAY ANNUAL COMMUNICATIONS FAIR. Newton Abbot Racecourse, Devon TQ12 3AF. Doors open at 10am with disabled visitors gaining access at 9.30am. Indoor event with plenty of free parking on site. There will be a Bring & Buy as well as an RSGB bookstall. Catering will be available on site. Details & bookings: Mike, G1TUU, 01803 557941 or rally@tars.org.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Labels:
rallies
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