HW8 testing and Amazon returns

When I tested my Heathkit HW8 transceiver a few weeks ago I erroneously bought a stereo plug to 6.35mm mono plug adapter. As it was surplus to requirements I started the process to return it. 

To my surprise I was given a refund and told I did not need to return it.

Toad

On several occasions recently I have seen a toad in the garden. It maybe the same one. 

Today I was moving the garden recycling bin and noticed this very frightened toad. It hopped away!!

Amazing motor

China has announced a new very lightweight motor that is transformative. 

Combined with electric batteries with far greater range per charge, we can expect EVs to rival cars running on petrol or diesel very soon.

Many will be able to charge at home for far less than a fossil fuelled car. I am not sure what happens if you live in a flat or need to string the charging cable across a pavement.

FT8 versus WSPR

 This is definitely NOT a very controlled test!  

On 6m, my usual power is 3W FT8.  On 10m I usually run 200mW of WSPR. WSPR takes almost 2 minutes to TX a message, whereas FT8 takes about 15 seconds. WSPR is able to use far weaker S/N ratios. WSPR can detect down to about -32dB S/N. FT8 can detect down to about -23dB S/N.

Even though I am using different powers, different bands and different antennas, the impression is FT8 is more often used and achieves better results than WSPR with Es. Maybe shorter TX times help when conditions are more up and down? I certainly get far more spots with my 3W 6m FT8 than my 10m 200mW WSPR.

I would be interested to know if anyone has done a proper, scientific comparison.

What is not in doubt is that both modes are superior to SSB and CW.   Things may be different when the path is stable, such as with scatter, tropo or F2.

6m 3W FT8 (Wednesday)

My gear was turned on at about 0815z.

UPDATE 1323z:  Spotted by 52 stations, probably Es.

10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)

 My beacon was turned on at about 0815z.

UPDATE  1337z:  5 stations spotting me, probably Es.

Oil prices falling?

Judging by yesterday, the price of oil is falling based on the Strait of Hormuz reopening soon. Let’s hope it opens and stays open!!

Wednesday plans

Later I expect to be on 10m 200mW WSPR and 6m 3W FT8. I think I shall give 8m a miss, although plans may change!

Sunspots - Wednesday June 17th

Solar flux is 113 and the SSN 76. A=6 and K=1. 

Each to their own

Yesterday, I chanced upon a Facebook page of a radio shack. The guy had all manner of radios and linears. I would  guess there was over $30000 worth of kit. Now, how people spend their money is entirely up to them. 

What I would like to say is I bet I got as much fun from a homemade transceiver that used about £20 worth of parts as he did. I recall the chap in Chicago saying "who is that calling me on CW?".  He was on 15m SSB. DX? About 4000 miles. 

For months that was the only rig I used.

See https://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/search?q=pipit