Sunspots - July 27th

Solar flux is 176 and the SSN 181. A=23 and K=2.

OFCOM publications

A reminder that OFCOM publishes a number of publications on a number of subjects that may be of interest to radio amateurs. See the OFCOM website.

In a Cambridge shop window - NOT amateur radio

This was in a shop window in Cambridge today. It was a colourful painting in the Grand Arcade.

6m QRP FT8 (Friday)

15 stations have already spotted my QRP 6m FT8 at 0827z.  Many appear to be Es.

UPDATE 1544z:  119 stations have spotted me today. See map. On RX the furthermost was a station in the Gulf A71VV (5190km).

Sunspots- Friday July 26th

 Solar flux is 167 and the SSN 171. A=9 and K=4.

6m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

At  about 1805z I QSYed to 6m FT8 from 10m.

UPDATE 1715z:  6 stations have spotted me with furthermost S58P (1247km).

Cartoon - NOT amateur radio

 

This was shared to me by Steve G1KQH.

Rally this Sunday

 The following has been notified to me. I always advise checking the information is correct.

Sunday July 28th - Wiltshire Radio Summer Rally. Kington Langley, SN15 5NJ.  Contact  Chairman@Chippenhamradio.club .

Punting on the River Cam - NOT amateur radio

 

A few days ago we went punting on the River Cam in Cambridge as a family.

10m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

My QRP 10m FT8 was turned on around 0845z. 

So far, 8 stations have spotted me with the furthermost V51MA (8640km). 

UPDATE 1545z:  My QRP 10m FT8 has been spotted by 105 stations. Most are in Europe, 1 in Africa, 2 in South America and 4 in Asia. See map of stations spotting me.

UPDATE 1800z:  115 spots of me on 10m QRP FT8 today.

FT8 on CB

 At the moment there are very few monitors on the CB FT8 frequency and nothing has been spotted, so I am about to stop monitoring.

Sunspots - Thursday July 25th

 Solar flux is 175 and the SSN 160. A=6 and K=1.

FT8 on CB

Apparently there is a group of enthusiasts using FT8 on 27.265MHz CB. I have not monitored this but might well try soon. My endfed Par antenna works well on 11m.

630m QRP WSPR tonight?

It is very unusual for me to try 630m QRP WSPR at this time of year. Assuming things work, I might well give it a try this evening. 

The noise floor will be higher at this time of the year on MF and that might mask my QRPP signal. It's an experiment, so the worst is nobody spots me! 

I wonder if people have moved to different modes on 630m and I should try a different mode?

UPDATE 2030z:  Initial tests were not successful. It is probably something dead simple, so I shall try and find out what is wrong tomorrow.

European Es (Wednesday)

The European Es season is drawing to a close until next spring, although there is a far smaller peak around New Year. I do not know why this happens. This is another Es puzzle (to me at least). 

There have been some (probable) Es openings today, although we can expect fewer Es openings than earlier in the spring/summer. As I have mentioned before Es can occur at any time.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .

8m FSW4-300 RX tests

G0KTN is doing some tests using this slow mode (5 minute transmissions) on 8m. 

Although I do not have my usual 8m dipole up, I am trying to RX Trevor on the endfed used for my FT8 EA 8m QSOs recently. Unlike the EA stations, this would be by tropo. Theoretically this mode is about 6dB better than WSPR2. His station is on from 0800-2000z. 

Worth a try!

It's funny how reports and QSOs are easier with more distant stations on FT8 than on more local stations on WSPR and FSW4-300.

UPDATE 2036z:   G0KTN not copied sadly.

53rd wedding anniversary - NOT amateur radio

Today is our 53rd wedding anniversary. 

In all this time we have never exchanged cards or gifts, preferring to celebrate when we met in 1968. 

What are the secrets of a long marriage? Tolerance and acceptance of each other's quirks. We have been lucky.

10m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)

 

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon is on this morning. So far, 4 stations have spotted me.

6m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)

 

It is very pleasing that activity on 6m FT8 is still good. I suspect most are Es. See the map showing where my QRP FT8 has been spotted this morning.

At the moment solar activity is good although Es is (as far as I know) unrelated to solar activity. I can certainly recall very good Es conditions at all times in the solar cycle.

I am still sure there is a lot to learn about E layer propagation. For example:

• Those long Es openings to the Far East from Europe on 6m every early summer (Mesospheric clouds?).
• An apparent uptick in Scandinavian Es late in the season.
• Long path openings on 6m E layer. Is this some sort of chordal hop?

UPDATE 1355z:  QRT at the moment. 40 spots of me today.

Sunspots - Wednesday July 24th

 Solar flux is 176 and the SSN 167. A=5 and K=1.

OFCOM Consultation

 Just got this from OFCOM......

"Ofcom is today launching a review of the annual licence fees we charge mobile network operators for use of three mobile spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz).

Annual licence fees (ALFs) are fees we charge mobile network operators to use certain spectrum bands. They typically come into effect after a mobile operator’s licence won at auction has come to the end of the initial licence period. The fees are designed to ensure that the spectrum is used efficiently. We currently charge ALFs for three mobile spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz).

On 28 March 2024, BT wrote to Ofcom to request a review of the ALFs we charge for 1800 MHz spectrum. We have now considered BT’s request, and we consider that the evidence suggests that a fee review is justified. As a result of the commonalities in the formula we use to set ALFs, we have decided to begin a review of all of the ALFs we currently charge (that is, ALFs for 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum).

We expect to consult on our initial findings by the end of this calendar year. We welcome any additional evidence which stakeholders consider would assist us in this review."

From a different angle

We usually see King's from a footpath, but today we saw it from a punt. We took our two sons and their children.

Granddaughter with world famous ballerina - NOT amateur radio

On Sunday, one of our granddaughters (who is ballet mad)  met the famous ballerina Darcey Bussell.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcey_Bussell .

6m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

 

My QRP FT8 on 6m is on. So far, 31 spots of me. I am not sure if this is Es or F2 propagation. 

On 6m FT8 RX 8 stations have been spotted here.

UPDATE 1748z:  39 stations have spotted me today.

10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

My 500mW WSPR beacon is on 10m with 2 stations spotting me. These are a local G4KPX (14km) and a station in Portugal CT2IWW (1383km).

Grasshopper- NOT amateur radio

This is a common grasshopper seen in the UK.

Sunspots - Tuesday July 23rd

 Solar flux is 185 and the SSN 173. A==9 and K=1.

Lavender - NOT amateur radio

At this time of year lavender is plentiful. A lesson taught to me was 888 meaning 8th month, 8th day, 8 inches, which is meant to be when and how to prune them.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon has been on for about 15 minutes at 0936z.  No spots. 

UPDATE 1000z: Spotted by local G4KPX (14km) and OZ7IT (853km) multiple times.

UPDATE 1309z:  YO2MAX (1802km) has spotted me. F2?

UPDATE 1917z:   5 stations have spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR today.

UPDATE 2131z:  12 stations have spotted me.

6m QRP FT8 (Monday)

My 6m QRP FT8 has been on for about 10 minutes at 0933z. Just 4 English stations have spotted me so far.

UPDATE 1142z:  21 stations have spotted me so far with the furthermost IT9TYR (1948km) probably Es. The impression is Es is less frequent. It still occurs but not as commonly as a month ago.Although less sensitive than WSPR I think FT8 can be more successful as the TX period is just 15 seconds as opposed to 120 seconds for WSPR2 so very brief openings are caught. There may now be more people monitoring FT8 than WSPR. 

UPDATE 1322z: 30 stations spotted today. See map.

UPDATE 2115z:  146 stations spotted me on 6m QRP FT8 today when I was using the QMX+.

European Es

At about 0900z, there is some Es in Europe confined to the central area in the main.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ . 

Plans for Monday

 In a few moments I shall probably try QRP 6m FT8  with the QMX+ and 10m QRP WSPR with my 500mW W5OLF beacon.

Not my idea of amateur radio

It is a good thing we are all different and find something different to enjoy in our hobby. Some enjoy chasing new countries where lots of power, a tower and a beam helps. Some like satellites, some EME, some amateur television, some just like a chat, etc..

In my case it is seeing where my QRP signal reaches with simple antennas. Each to their own. It would be a sadder place if we were all the same. I hope we can all continue to enjoy our hobby in our own way.

Sunspots- Monday July 22nd

 Solar flux is 185 and the SSN 200. A=9 and K=2.

Joe Biden drops out of US presidential election - NOT amateur radio

As I mentioned some days ago,  I do not understand the USA. Apparently Joe Biden has dropped out of the race against Donald Trump. He had been asked to stand down by several in his party. On balance, I think he has done the right thing.

He has put his support behind his vice-president Kamala Harris.

Dalham walk - NOT amateur radio

Today, we had a rare sight this summer - sun!  We went for a walk at nearby Dalham with our son and grandson.

10m QRP WSPR (Sunday)

 Although my 500mW beacon has been on for hours, not a single spot received.

Bracket fungus - NOT amateur radio

 This huge bracket fungus was on a tree stump on our walk earlier.

Anglesey Abbey - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows my wife at nearby Anglesey Abbey on Friday on a (rare) sunny day. At the moment this is probably the dullest summer I can remember. We have had far more rain than usual. Often the grass turns brown by now, but it still looks green at the moment.

10m QRP WSPR TX

Yesterday, I went on 10m WSPR with my 500mW beacon as the antenna was available when I was on 6m FT8. In all, 21 stations spotted me with the furthermost PT2FHC (8860km) in Brazil.

6m QRP FT8 with the QMX+

Since about 1020z yesterday until the evening when I went QRT, I was on 6m QRP FT8 with the QMX+. At 1036z Saturday, my signal has been spotted in Eastern Europe. This could be Es.

UPDATE 0825z:  97 stations had spotted my 6m FT8 QRP yesterday. See map.

UPDATE 1758z:  15 stations have spotted me today. Apart from a spot from Finland, all were UK.

Sunspots - Sunday July 21st

 Solar flux is 207 and the SSN 212 . A=7 and K=1.

10m QRP WSPR (Friday)

 At about  1020z, I QSYed to 10m WSPR with my 500mW beacon. No spots.

UPDATE 1034z: No spots. I suspect many are now using FT8.

UPDATE 1044z:  Spots from OE3GBB (1233km) 

10m QRP FT8 (Saturday)

 

In all 68 stations had spotted me before I QSYed to 6m QRP FT8. See map.

Californian poppies - NOT amateur radio

 We saw these yesterday at Anglesey Abbey. They have a new patch of wild flowers near the entrance.

Early 10m openings

Although I am unsure if this was Es or F2, I was surprised to find 10m FT8 open in the middle of the night.

Sunspots - Saturday July 20th

 Solar flux is 202 and the SSN 269. A=5 and K=2.

OFCOM publications

On the OFCOM website are publications that they do. In my view, this is an excuse to justify their existence! 

Overall I am seriously underwhelmed by OFCOM. The sooner it is closed the better.

Swifts will soon be gone - NOT amateur radio

At the moment, swifts are still screaming in the skies above us in the UK.  Soon they will be gone. They stay very few months, just enough to breed.  One morning, we will look up and realise they have gone. I look forward to them returning, but I shall probably have to wait until next May.

Being tired , giddy and with a poor voice and amateur radio

Back in 2013 I suffered a stroke. Luckily, unlike many, I had few long-term issues such as paralysis. The long-term issues I have are poor speech, giddiness and tiredness. I suspect this has altered the way I enjoy amateur radio. 

Over 30 years ago I worked 10m QRP SSB DXCC, so I am no longer fussed about working DX.  Although I still use voice modes like SSB and FM, I use these less. The main modes I use these days are WSPR and FT8.  

Nowadays I get as much fun from 1-way reports of my QRP signals as I do from 2-way QSOs.  Had I not had my stroke, I am unsure how important voice modes would still be. I agree that voice modes are essential for the continuance of amateur radio in the form we are used to. 

As I have mentioned before, as we age (many radio amateurs will be over 90 in 20 years), and as PTTs grow tired of amateur radio, that generates no revenue, I can see the future of our hobby is under threat. Hopefully I am wrong.

10m QRP FT8 with the QMX+ ( Friday)

So far, 37 stations have spotted me on 10m QRP FT8 today and I have spotted 70 stations. See map for stations spotting me today.

UPDATE 1338z:   100 stations spotted here today on 10m FT8 and 66 stations have spotted my QRP 10m FT8.

Amateur radio dealers

Dealers worry me . 

At the moment, many are doing a decent business and look like they will be around forever. 

However, some have closed and others must be thinking about it as owners retire or think about it.

When you buy that nice shiny new rig think will this dealer still be around if I have to use the warranty or get it repaired?

QMX+ and Windows 10

The QMX+ is a great rig, but several people had issues with it being recognised with Windows 10. This sequence worked for me:

Do NOT connect the USB lead and do NOT have WSJT-X running!

• Start QMX+
• Start PC
• Connect USB lead
• Start WSJT-X.

Although I cannot guarantee this, it worked for me. Also, I adjusted the audio levels from the default 54 to 99 on the higher bands.

Doing this, it has been faultless and great.

Sunspots- Friday July 19th

 Solar flux is 209 and the SSN 276 . A=5 and K=1

OFCOM crappery?

 Today I got this from OFCOM. I preferred the GPO. As you can tell, I am not a great fan.

“Ofcom has today published a consultation on its General Policy on Information Gathering.

As an evidence-based regulator, the ability to obtain information to inform our work is fundamental to our role.

The primary purpose of the policy is to make clear to stakeholders how we intend to exercise our powers under legislation where we are required to publish this policy.

We are proposing to update our existing policy - first published in 2005 - to reflect our current practices and powers in this area.

In summary, we plan to:

• expand the general policy to cover new information gathering powers and clarify its scope;
• update and clarify the text to reflect our experience of issuing statutory information notices;
• provide further detail on how we will handle statutory information notices (including in relation to the role of the Information Registry, the use of information provided voluntarily, the use of draft notices, and the disclosure of information and confidentiality); and
• clarify our approach to enforcement and what we expect from stakeholders when responding to a statutory information notice.

We are inviting feedback on our proposals which must be submitted by 30 September. Taking account of responses, we will aim to publish our final policy later this year.”

What makes me think this is now a QUANGO that has lost its way?

In the days of the GPO I was inspected several times. Since it became OFCOM, I have not been inspected ever.

Upcoming rallies

 The following rallies have been notified to me. It is always advisable to check details with organisers before going a long way. All are on Sunday.

Bury St Edmunds Radio Rally - Rougham Tower Museum, IP32 7QB.  Contact rally2024@bsears.co.uk .

Finningley ARS Rally 2024 Sandcraft, Doncaster, DN8 5SX. Contact kevin.avery@tunstall.com or martin.m0hom@gmail.com .

Need to update scrapbook

My scrapbook needs updating. I shall do this in the coming weeks and make sure the link on my website points to the latest version. I think the main changes are I now have a QMX+ and having a bundle of fun. There may be some other things that need updating.

Donovan's, Kingsbridge, Devon - NOT amateur radio

Kingsbridge is where I lived as a teenager.  Most of the shops are on a steep hill. One of these is Donovan's that sells mainly furniture. I think it dates back to the mid 1800s. Since I was young (a long time ago!), it has not changed much and I hope it doesn't. This photo was taken a few weeks ago when I was down there staying with my brother.

Peak of solar cycle 25?

The last published figure for the peak of solar cycle 25 was June 2024 (smoothed). Since then we have had high sunspot numbers and flux and it would not surprise me if this moved later. 

What is certain is we are seeing some great conditions, so enjoy them!

See https://www.solen.info/solar/ .

Early 10m Es

My QMX+ was on 10m QRP FT8 early (0500z) and already I have had 23 spots all across Europe presumably via Es. It is very easy to miss these very early morning openings.

UPDATE 0930z:  So far I have been spotted on 10m FT8 QRP by 53 stations. The furthermost on 10m FT8 RX is VK6RK (14469km).

UPDATE 1302z:  73 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX today with the QMX+.

UPDATE 1638z: 303 spots of my 10m QRP FT8  with my QMX+ in the last day (see map).

UPDATE 2053z:  QRT. 412 stations have spotted me on 10m QRP FT8 in the last day.

Sunspots - Thursday July 18th

 Solar flux is 224 and the SSN 275. A=5 and K=1.

Hollyhocks - NOT amateur radio

We have quite a few of these flowers in our front garden. They look splendid, but then go rusty and look a mess. They also self-seed and are very hard to get rid of! 

Once they have flowered it is better to cut them back before the seeds scatter.

We call them "triffids".  Just imagine if they could walk!! If you are thinking about planting any, think hard.

Sunny at last! - NOT amateur radio

In all my years, I cannot remember a worst summer. Until yesterday it was cold, dull and wet. 

Today we have warm sunshine! It makes you feel so much better. It is only expected to last a few days. Well, I suppose we have to be grateful for having any summer here in the UK. 😀

10m QRP WSPR TX (Wednesday)

As the 10m antenna is free when I am on 6m, I decided to try 500mW 10m WSPR with my 10m WSPR beacon. No spots at all after about an hour.

6m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)

Just before lunch I went on 6m FT8 with the QMX+. So far, 11 stations have spotted me including one in the south of Spain. Nothing spotted on RX, which is surprising.

UPDATE 1222z:  Just a single G spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.

QMX+ start-up

Since adjusting upwards I have had no problems whatsoever with the WSJT-X audio levels on my QMX+ rig on 6m and 10m. 

Using Windows 10 I am still having issues with the PC recognising the QMX+. This may well be a Windows 10 issue and I have still not worked out the order in which things have to be connected and turned on.  Once I fully understand this it should not be an issue going forward. 

All I know is this problem does not occur with my SignalOne USB from Tigertronics, which just works every time.

Overall the QMX+ is very good, but it would be even better not having to struggle every time.

10m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)

 In all, my QRP 10m FT8 has been spotted by 5 stations. These seem to be via Es.

UPDATE 0937z: My QRP FT8 spotted by 11 stations including ZS4ZO (9235km).

UPDATE 1405z:  12 stations have spotted me in the last 30 minutes.  Best DX is a spot from South Africa again.

UPDATE  1832z:  77 stations have spotted me on 10m QRP TX (see map) and 107 stations spotted here on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2125z: Still lots of Es spots of my QRP even though it’s very late.

Muntjac deer - NOT amateur radio

 These dog sized, introduced deer are a real menace eating many garden plants. One of our neighbours is trying to keep them at bay by planting these!

Sunspots - Wednesday July 17th

 Solar flux is 242 and the SSN 250. A=10 and K=1.

QMX+ oddity

 After about 4 hours with no spots of me on TX, I noticed the QMX+ display had an "s" after the VFO A frequency and no power, suggesting the TX had detected a high SWR and inhibited TX. A little while before I had been successfully TXing on both 10m and 6m FT8 and I knew the SWR was good. I feared the PAs had been blown, but could not understand how this could be with a good SWR and several diodes in the supply line.

In desperation, I thought I should turn off the QMX+ and turn it on again. At first the QMX+ sound cards were not recognised. I unplugged the USB cable, waited a decent while (20secs?) and reconnected it. Power was immediately visible and on 6m FT8 I was spotted all over Europe. It was NOT the PAs (thankfully) so must have been the firmware.  I think there is another possible bug.

UPDATE 1930z:  49 spots of my QRP FT8 this evening on 6m with the QMX+. It is a good rig, but there are still (I think) a few teething problems.

6m QRP FT8 with the QMX+ (Tuesday)

Spots of my QRP 6m  FT8 this afternoon

Just one station spotted so far on RX - G3XDV (45km) and 11 spots of my QRP FT8 TX using the V2000 vertical omni antenna (see map of spots of me).  No Es spotted today. 

10m QRP FT8 with the QMX+ (Tuesday)

So far this afternoon my QRP FT8 has been spotted by 13 stations with the furthermost ZS4ZO (9235km). On RX the furthermost are a couple of stations in Brazil.

QMX+ audio levels - success!

Using PuTTY on Windows 10 I increased the audio settings in digital modes on 10m and 6m FT8 on my QMX+.  

The audio level on FT8 with WSJT-X is now comfortably in the green whereas it was low and in the red as delivered. 

Perhaps Hans should increase the default audio levels on higher bands? By default it was set to 54 on all bands and I have adjusted 10m and 6m to 99. It certainly works. I was getting 10m FT8 spots before even with the level still in the red.

The QMX+ is a great radio.

PuTTY issues solved in the end (I think)

It looks like I have solved the problems I have had with PuTTY.  As I mentioned yesterday, I am a total PC dummy and have never had occasion to use a terminal emulator before. I looked for guidance on the internet and was taken to a Computer Weekly page that was (for me) useless gobbledegook. 

In total fairness to Hans of QRP Labs, I think the instructions in the QMX (not QMX+) operating manual are very clear for Linux users, but perhaps a few words for Windows users would make things totally clear that you have to choose "serial" and put in the COM port number. Also, I had to plug the USB cable in after waiting about 10 seconds for the QMX+ to be recognised (I think!).  

Once I quit PuTTY I shall see if the new audio levels are better on the higher bands.

European Es - Scandinavia again

This is, I am sure, more than coincidence as I have seen this pattern for many years. Scandinavian countries dominate. Es is not exclusively Scandinavian stations, but these are far more common than earlier in the Es season here. It is almost like there is some other Es mechanism in play.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .

US politics - NOT amateur radio

In the end I have come to the conclusion that I do not understand US politics at all. 

I am sure the Republicans say ill of the Democrats and vice versa. I am sure we hear the political propaganda from both sides, but it is impossible to know that facts. 

One thing is certain: gun crime in the USA is far, far higher than here in the UK and I blame the lax gun laws over there (see graph). 

UPDATE 1429z: If Mr Trump gets in again, the most likely route is USA isolationism. I do not mind that the USA stops being "the policeman of the world", but I can sense dangers over Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel.

Sunspots - Tuesday July 16th

 Solar flux is 233 and the SSN 205. A=6 and K=3.

10m QRP FT8 (Monday)

Quite late in the afternoon, I went on 10m QRP FT8  with my QMX+ rig. On TX, spots from eastern Europe and on RX spots from Europe, Africa and South America.

UPDATE 1804z:  So far, 37 spots of my QRP 10m FT8 with the furthermost VP8NO (12273km) in the Falkland Islands. See map.

UPDATE 2142z: 121 spots of my QRP FT8 on 10m. This is very good considering I did not start until late afternoon. Now QRT.

European Es : not over yet

Looking at the Es reports in Europe, it looks like we are still seeing plentiful Es in Europe. My motto is stick with the higher HF bands and lower VHF looking for Es.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .

Pye PF70

One of my early jobs in the labs at Pye Telecom was rebanding the PF70 to the band that included 2m. This involved optimising coils and capacitors. 

In the end I was in development for nearly 40 years before I retired. I used to come home and say my work was my hobby. Mostly it was great fun and I enjoyed it.

Plans for today

Today I have several aims:

• Sort out PuTTY so I can increase the audio level on FT8 using my QMX+.
• Try the QMX+ on 6m FT8.
• Try the QMX+ (again) on 10m FT8.

UPDATE 1937z:  I failed!  In the end I just went on 10m QRP FT8. That's the problem with being retired: there is always tomorrow. Things can wait.

Cars - NOT amateur radio

There were several vintage cars at our local museum and windmill on Sunday.

See  https://burwellmuseum.org.uk/ .

Bikes at the windmill - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday it was briefly sunny and these bikers 🚴 enjoyed a visit to the windmill next door.

By the way, this is our hedge in the front.

472kHz transverter breadboard

This photo from many years ago shows me breadboarding my 472kHz transverter.

UPDATE 0812z:  In the early autumn, I shall try again on 472kHz WSPR. Last season was very successful despite the low ERP.

PuTTY trouble

I am sure it’s finger trouble on my part, but I have never used a terminal emulator on Windows 10 before or any machine, so what should be easy with my QMX+ seems very hard for a PC idiot like me! 

One of my challenges today is to find out what I need to do to get it working. It can not be hard. It does not help that my brain gets so fuddled.

Sunspots - Monday July 15th

 Solar flux is 234 and the SSN 217. A=5 and K=1.

The recent uptick in solar activity must have pushed the peak of solar cycle 25 into later this year.

Experiments with the QMX+

 At the moment, I am testing my QMX+ transceiver on 15m and 10m QRP FT8. I am still experimenting to see what sequence I have to use to get the QMX+ soundcards to be recognised by the Windows 10 PC.  Currently it works fine although I cannot remember the sequence in which I plugged things in!!  

Also, the audio levels need increasing on the higher bands. This can be done by putting the PC in terminal mode and adjusting some numbers. I have yet to do this.

Overall, I think the QMX+ is a good rig. It will be even better when I adjust the audio levels on the higher bands.

European Es season

Usually, the Es season in Europe goes "off the boil" about now. Es can occur at any time of the year, although the peak times are in spring and early summer.

It is interesting that most of my spots on 10m QRP FT8 this morning were probably F2.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .

Gun culture - NOT amateur radio

This morning, we see on the news that Donald Trump narrowly missed an attempt on his life.

The USA has a gun culture and a very high death rate due to guns. It is sad that political candidates cannot give their "pitch" without the fear of being shot.

Patio - NOT amateur radio

We have managed to have coffee or meals outside very few times this year as it has been dull and wet. 

The photo shows our patio today. 

10m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

At 0808z my 2.5W 10m FT8 had been spotted by 33 stations in the last 12 hours with the furthermost 9K2OD (4637km) in Kuwait. 63 stations have been spotted on RX.

UPDATE 1310z:  93 stations have spotted my 10m 2.5W FT8 today. 

UPDATE 1847z: 218 stations have spotted my 10m QRP FT8 today.  See map.

Sunspots - Sunday July 14th

 Solar flux is 238 and the SSN 214. A=4 and K=1.

Nearly forgot!

Just now I sent off my entry for the 70cm activity contest last Tuesday. It would appear that interest in this contest is waning. I managed 1 QSO, then I gave up. 

Looking at the waterfall on my RX, it would appear there were fewer people active. This is a pity, although it is far easier on 70cm FT8.

Much as I enjoy FT8 and WSPR, I am sure these will be partly to blame for the slow death of amateur radio as we knew it.  

As a youngster, I discovered amateur radio by listening to locals on 160m AM and DX on 15m AM. These opportunities no longer exist as people can chat in a multitude of ways for free without a licence using the internet. Talking to friends across the world even by video is commonplace.

It is my view that amateur radio as we knew it will cease in the next 20 years.

QMX+ SSB

A few moments ago I watched the RSGB's Webinar with Hans Summers about the QMX+ transceiver. It was a very good session and underlines just how bright Hans is. I was impressed.

In the webinar Hans mentioned that high on his priority list was implementing SSB on the QMX and QMX+ transceivers and that he hoped to do this within weeks or months. He is a busy man! This will be done via a firmware update. There is already an internal mic fitted although an external mic/PTT may be used.

As mentioned earlier, the RSGB is doing a series of Webinars on various subjects. See tonight@8 on the RSGB channel on YouTube or watch live.

10m QRP FT8 (Saturday)

At 0903z, 12 spots of my 2.5W 10m FT8.  I have noticed this before:  Scandinavians tend to dominate late in the Es season. Is this just coincidence or is there something going on? 

UPDATE 1302z:   32 stations have spotted my QRP 10m FT8 including one in the USA.

Stations spotted
here on 10m FT8
RX at 1633z

UPDATE 1630z: 208 stations spotted here today. See map. 92 stations have spotted my 2.5W 10m QRP FT8.

UPDATE 1734z:  304 stations have been spotted here on 10m FT8 in the last day.

Saturn - NOT amateur radio

This amazing NASA photo shows Saturn from a space probe.

Cambourne or Great Cambourne - NOT amateur radio?

Yesterday the first post box in the UK with the moniker of King Charles III was formally unveiled in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire. 

According to the BBC this is called "Great Cambourne" although I have never heard this name used before.   To locals it is known simply as Cambourne.

QMX+ video on YouTube

The RSGB does a series called Tonight@8. Recently, it featured the QMX+ rig from QRP Labs designed by Hans Summers G0UPL.

Sunspots - Saturday July 13th

 Solar flux is 210 and the SSN 162.  A=6 and K=1.

Interesting space photo - NOT amateur radio

This photo appeared on “The Knowledge “ earlier although I think it was on Flickr before. It shows sunrise from the ISS.

MLS announce new portable

MLS has announced a new ICOM hand portable to coincide with ICOM's 60th anniversary. 

£619.99 for a hand portable? Hmm.  A lot more than I would pay, although I expect some will pay up for a fairly unique transceiver. Look for the ID-52 anniversary edition. 

See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/id-52-plus .

Favourable exchange rates

 I notice that the pound is very strong against the Japanese Yen. It has also got a lot better against the US Dollar.

On the face of this we should expect useful reductions in the price of Japanese gear. Alternatively, dealers can make a greater profit.

Wild flowers - NOT amateur radio

 

This is a recent photo from my son of wild flowers.

We had a patch of wild flowers just outside the windmill next door, but it is not so good this year.

10m QRP FT8 (Friday)

Today at 0751z 68 stations have already spotted me with the furthermost V51MA (8460km). 

UPDATE 1052z:   115 stations have spotted my 10m QRP FT8 this morning. These include Africa, North and South America and Europe. Interestingly, no spots in Asia.

UPDATE 1335z:  186 spots of my QRP 10m FT8  in the last day. See map.

Sunspots - Friday July 12th

 Solar flux is 205 and the SSN 188. A=6 and K=2.

Upcoming Rallies

 The following have been notified to me. Always check with organisers if travelling far.  All are on Sunday July 14th.

• Cambridge Repeater Group Rally (postponed). Foxton CB22 6EN. Contact rally2024@cambridgerepeater.net .
• Lincoln Short Wave Club  Summer Rally, Market Rasen,LN8 3HT . Contact m5zzz@outlook.com .
• McMichael Radio and Electronics Rally and Car Boot Sale 2024, Reading, RG4 6ST. Contact rally@radarc.org .

Blackberries - NOT amateur radio

In the lane next to our house there is a blackberry bush laden with blackberries. In a few weeks they will be great. 

There are already some ripe (see photo).

Swallows (barn swallows) - NOT amateur radio

A few years ago, these birds that migrate here in the spring and summer from southern Africa were common. It was not unusual to see a few on the telegraph wires. Although they are still seen, they seem to be far more  localised. We still have plenty of swifts locally despite many nest sites going and I have seen house and sand martins.

I guess the time will come when some decide to over-winter. I think some have tried in the past but succumbed to the lack of insects. As winters get shorter and milder with climate change, I can see some patterns changing.

Electric cars - NOT amateur radio

Let me say from the outset that I do NOT have an electric car.  

In my view, we are not yet at the tipping point when the price drops considerably, the range is considerably improved, there are plentiful charging points and the batteries do not need expensive materials to be mined. Give it just a few years and petrol and diesel vehicles will look as out of date as CRTs and film cameras.

Having said that, it is noticeable how much more common electric cars have become. Just a few years ago on a trip to Cambridge I might have seen 2. Now to see 8 is quite common. This is probably due to several factors. The energy crisis has caused people to question fossil fuelled vehicles, especially if you can charge at home overnight on a good tariff. Secondly, more recent cars are more likely to include electric cars. My estimate is the ratio of fossil fueled to electric cars is about 100:1.

My next car may well be electric as long as we move away from lithium, the range improves considerably and the price comes well down. For now I shall carry on with my recent diesel car.

By the way, I am fully in favour of a new road tax in which the further you travel, the more you pay. This would seem a fair way of taxing everyone and encourage the use of public transport. Maybe fossil fuels should be discouraged by taxing them more heavily and subsidising electric vehicles?

10m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

Already my 10m 2.5W FT8 has been spotted by 16 stations. In the last day 113 stations spotted me from across the world.

UPDATE 1354z:  Spotted by 214 stations on 4 continents (see map) just today.