Lode cottages

 

We went for a walk around this village near us after lunch. It has many fine cottages. Nice to see the sun.

WhatsApp "share location"

Yesterday I was in Cambridge for much of the day and turned on WhatsApp "share location" feature. I usually use the Apple "Find my iPhone" feature.

The battery drain with the WhatsApp location feature enabled was very high. In fact I was worried that the battery (which was 100% when I left home) would be flat. I shall not use this feature again.

Iran war

Everyone knows that Iran is treated as the pariah of the Middle East and that a more "western leaning" Iran  would be more supportive of President Trump and the Israeli government.

What I do not understand are the true motives and end game in this current conflict. President Trump was allegedly voted into office partly on the grounds that the USA would stop getting involved in "forever wars". Hmmm....

If he stops the threat from missiles, drones and nuclear weapons threatening Israel will he stop and walk away?  This war could end quickly or it could go on for years. In my personal view the USA could have done far more good peacefully in the world. As it is the Middle East (possibly elsewhere) has been turned into turmoil.

10m 2.5W FT8 (Thursday)

My gear was turned on just before breakfast. After a very brief TX period I returned to RX only.

UPDATE 2015z:  1696 stations have been spotted with the best FK8HA (16470km) in New Caledonia in the Pacific. 10m is as good now as I can ever remember it.  It is soon going to go downhill. Now QRT.

Sub 10kHz amateur DX in 2011

Back in 2011 I was very involved in amateur VLF below 10kHz.  

To be successful bandwidths of tiny fractions of a Hz are needed and integration periods of hours or even days.  As would be expected stability has to be perfect with many locking their signals to GPS or similar. 

Remember, amateurs have limited power and space for antennas!

DJ8WX was a regular signal back in 2011.

Sunspots - Thursday March 5th

 Solar flux is 141 and the SSN 71. A=7 and K=0.

10m WSPR Tuesday

When I am on a VHF band, I can use 10m 200mW with my Zachtek WSPR beacon. A point in case was yesterday when I switched to 10m WSPR TX late afternoon.

UK VLF record - 2011

In 2011, I received G3XIZ (45km) which was the most distant UK amateur I copied sub-10kHz. I cannot recall the bandwidth, but it would have been very narrow.

Bury-St-Edmunds

This is a market town in East Anglia, UK with some fine old buildings. Unlike Cambridge about 40km away it feels very East Anglian with locals who have families in these part for centuries. I really like it.

10m FT8 (Wednesday)

As I was in Cambridge much of the day I was on 10m FT8 RX only . 

UPDATE 1854z: So far, 1015 stations spotted. QRT soon.

Sunspots - Wednesday March 4th

 Solar flux is 144 and the SSN 64. A=16 and K=3.

Device memory

In the last 20 years or so, device memory has come a very long way.  256GB micro SD cards are now increasingly common, whereas just a few years ago this would have been amazing and unbelievable. It makes you wonder what will be the norm say in 2050 or 2100?

The human brain has an estimated capacity of 2.5 million GB, which is absolutely huge! Perhaps there will be a breakthrough allowing memories to have capacities approaching this? 

Will our grandchildren look back in amazement when we thought 1TB appeared huge.  I can remember when we thought 256k was huge!

10m 2.5W FT8 (Tuesday)

Another great start on 10m FT8. After a very brief period on TX (4 spots)  I went on RX only

UPDATE 1126z:   730 stations spotted with the best 3D2AG (16213km) in Fiji and Victoria, Australia which, to my surprise, is even further. I went on 2.5W FT8 TX again briefly with the best DX a spot of me on Reunion Is.

UPDATE 2136z: 2016 stations spotted here today. The best day yet? QRT now.

630m WSPR RX overnight

At last I managed to set up my 630m WSPR RX correctly! In all, 7 different stations were copied with the best OH6OHX (1736km) in Finland multiple times (see table). 

I used the coax to my 2m big-wheel antenna via a ferrite rod ATU and a mains earth.

End fed antennas

 A popular antenna is the end-fed if multi band coverage is needed. I use one for 17m-10m. At the end of the wire the impedance will be high so a transformer is needed to bring this to an impedance that can be directly connected to a PA or often via an auto ATU in the rig. There is a video about it on the DX Explorer YouTube channel. There is also a follow-up video.

Sunspots - Tuesday March 3rd

 Solar flux is 148 and the SSN 82. A=5 and K=2.

630m WSPR RX (Monday)

 This evening I am monitoring 630m WSPR. Hopefully this evening I have the settings right!

UPDATE 1900z:  3 spots by DC0DX (467km).  It works!

UPDATE 2136z:    Spotted 5 stations with the best LA8AV (1038km).

Sunday walk

Yesterday morning we had some sun so we went for a walk in a nearby village. There were still plenty of puddles.

Dalham near Newmarket, UK

 

This village is not far from us.

8m FT8 RX

 Most of the day I shall be monitoring 40.680 FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1730z:  I think I had my settings wrong on 8m FT8 RX!

Something wrong?

 Last night I tried monitoring 630m WSPR. Not a single station copied that suggests something was wrong.

UPDATE 0853z:  Yes, wrong audio source selected. I may try again tonight.

Sunspots - Monday March 2

 Solar flux is 147 and the SSN 85. A=8 and K=1.

6m 5W FT8 (Sunday)

For the first time in several weeks, I am on 6m FT8  with my vertical omni V2000 antenna and the IC-705.

UPDATE 1640z:   Just 3 English spots of me so far. No DX.

Stations spotting my 6m QRP FT8 today

UPDATE 1938z:   11 English stations have spotted my 6m QRP FT8. See map. QRT soon.

10m 200mW WSPR ((Sunday)

My Zachtek WSPR beacon was turned on at about 1430z.  

UPDATE 1518z:  18 stations have spotted me already with most in the east of the USA.  See table.

UPDATE 1540z:  28 stations have spotted me with the best PY2SDR (9616km) in Brazil.

UPDATE 1936z:  36 spots of my 200mW 10m WSPR with the best Reunion Is. in the Indian Ocean. QRT soon.

Sun? What's that?

We have had a dull and wet winter. It is now spring (according to the Met Office), so we decided to go for a walk in nearby Reach. 

For once, the sun was shining, although it has clouded over again!

10m 2.5W FT8 (Sunday)

 In a few minutes my gear will be on 10m 2.5W FT8.

Stations spotting my 2.5W 10m FT8 just now

UPDATE 1237z:  Plenty of spots of my 2.5W FT8 from North and South America.  Currently RX only.

In an art gallery window

 

This was in an art gallery window in Cambridge last week. I am informed it is the singer Prince, although I would not know!

Taking stock of the solar cycle

We are not clearly on the downward slope of the latest solar cycle. The downward slope is usually gentler than the rise from the minimum to the next maximum. 

Usually the higher HF bands get neglected as people move to lower bands. I am hoping with FT8 there will be more activity remaining on the higher bands. We'll see. Often CB is busy when 10m seems dead.

One useful resource is the site I often visit to see how things are progressing.

See https://www.solen.info/solar/

Another DXpedition

Just to show how much of a DXer I am not, I have to confess not having a clue where this is!  I am even unfamiliar with T31! If chasing DXCC is your thing, this may be of interest.

10m still in great shape

Stations received yesterday on
10m FT8  using the QDX-M

Yesterday I decided to stay on 10m FT8 RX all day using my tiny QDX-M which is smaller than a pack of cards. In all, 1851 stations were spotted from all around the world. We maybe on the downward side of solar maximum, but conditions remain superb.

QDX-M 10m

The map shows the stations received here yesterday on my QDX-M on 10m FT8  with just the low endfed wire.

Corruption in high office

Events of the last few weeks have confirmed to me that powerful billionaires command a lot of power and influence in the world. This is not in just one country. 

It would appear that powerful men and women are able to influence the workings of governments and the functioning of countries, being able to avoid justice and prosecution. 

There are dangerous people in high places.

Sunspots - Sunday March 1st

 Solar flux is 141 and the SSN 44. A=8 and K=2.

Sixbox transceiver

Some years ago I wrote an article in SPRAT and a follow up article last year. To my surprise it was awarded a prize!

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/homebrew/sixbox

Sibling reunions

Since the early 2000s we have met every year (just about!) for a sibling reunion with my wife’s brothers and wives. Only after my stroke and Covid have we missed.

Her elder brother sadly died, so we created this photo for her remaining brother who will be here in a few weeks.

Russian Rouble

 It looks like the Russian Rouble could fall heavily this year as Russian oil sales fall . 

With the war against Iran by the USA and Israel, we could be in for a rough ride in the world in the months ahead. Maybe this will help Russia?

DXpedition

 

As mentioned before, chasing DX is no longer important to me, whereas to others it may be.

Lightbeam experiments (2012)

In 2012 I was trying to receive G4HJW’s 481THz (red light) signal over the horizon. It was very strong.

10m 2.5W FT8 (Saturday)

My gear was turned on at 0803z RX only.

UPDATE 0900z: 187 stations have been spotted.

UPDATE 1019z:  434 stations spotted here on 10m FT8 RX. 

UPDATE 1443z:  1167 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX.  See map by Phil VK7JJ.  

UPDATE 1950z:  So far, 1851 stations have been spotted here.Conditions seem very good today.

Sunspots - Saturday February 28th

 Solar flux is 139 and the SSN 53. A=10 and K=2.

Hungry squirrel

This was yesterday. This squirrel was more interested in the chips in the bin than in me!

Russian losses in the war with Ukraine

 This war has been going on now for 4 long years and is now entering the 5th with no clear end in sight. It would seem President Putin is trying recreate the USSR and does not see Ukraine as a legitimate state. He has shown no willingness to stop the fighting.

10m 2.5W FT8 (Friday)

I have been on 10m 2.5W FT8 since about 0930z.

UPDATE 1203z:   After a brief session on FT8 TX, I am 10m FT8 RX only. 102 stations spotted so far. See map.

UPDATE 1337z:  167 spots on FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1348z:  33 spots of my 2.5W 10m FT8.

UPDATE 1944z:  988 stations spotted with the best Hawaii.

Sunspots - Friday February 27th

Solar flux is 130 and the SSN 43.  A=18 and K=2.

The USA and Iran

Things are moving very fast. I am sure President Trump would like regime change in Tehran, but at the same time does not want "forever" wars with no clear end. With the mid-term elections coming up, if he was to get embroiled in a war with Iran this might be really bad for his prospects.

10m 2.5W FT8 (Thursday)

 My gear has been on since lunch. The impression I get is there is far more FT8 activity than WSPR on 10m.

UPDATE 2026z: 563 stations spotted on RX from all corners of the planet. During the brief TX periods my signal has been spotted by 15 stations. The map shows the stations spotted on RX here.

Free Project Scrapbook PDF

This is a reminder that my Project Scrapbook is available as a free PDF download from my main website. 

Over the years this hobby has given me lots of fun and I hope you get as much fun as I did. Thankfully we all get fun in different ways.

It is well overdue for an update!

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/book

Amaryllis

Every winter we enjoy seeing amaryllis bulbs transform into amazing flowers. 

In all, they probably provide about 4 months of fun. Now they are almost over for this season. Those that remain are top-heavy and easily topple over.  Still, spring on Sunday!

Notice the windmill behind.

10m 200mW WSPR TX (Thursday)

 My beacon was turned on at about 0915z. Later, I might give 10m 2.5W FT8 a try.

UPDATE 0925z:  No spots yet.

Sunspots Thursday February 26th

 Solar flux is 125 and the SSN 25. A=14 and K=4.

The light

Winter merges into spring and the evenings gradually get lighter in the UK. 

I think it is the light you notice most. Also the birds sing to establish territory and to find a mate. 

These next few months are my favourite ones. The world has new hope and new starts as it has done for millions of years. 

Later in the spring I look out for returning, screaming, swifts after their long flights back from Africa.

Sun!!

We have had a very dull and wet winter so it’s great to see the sun.

State of the Union

Whatever views you hold, President Trump is the leader of the largest and biggest economy in the world. 

My personal view is that leaders really need to be "in tune" with their people. I struggle to see how rich billionaires in any country can really understand how the common person feels.

Increasingly the world seems to be run by very rich people. I hope they are all fighting hard for their  common citizens.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/ce3g0epn6gd

Antarctica

My 200mW 10m beacon has reached the German research base in Antarctica several times recently. Hopefully their noise floor is low!

10m 200mW WSPR

My beacon was turned on at about 0640z.

UPDATE 1807z: Just 3 spots today. See table. Disappointing.

Nearly spring

These daffodils were seen yesterday at nearby Anglesey Abbey. It is officially spring on Sunday according to the Met Office.

Sunspots - Wednesday February 25th

Solar flux is 120 and the SSN still 0. A=14 and K=2.

Russia-Ukraine conflict

This has now been going on for 4 years.

No nation is perfect, but I really wish this would end fairly and end soon.  

My worry is the USA will just walk away.  Clearly Europe is concerned about President Putin's aims beyond Ukraine, for example in the Baltic and Finland.  At one time an attack on one NATO nation was the same as an attack on all NATO members and was a strong deterrent. Would the USA join? 

The Ukrainian people have put up a stalwart defence.

How?

Just now I noticed 2 pieces of 446MHz walkie-talkies for £13.59 total with VAT!!  When I started at Pye Telecom UHF portables sold for over £700 each!! 

I know things are more integrated but both Aliexpress and the manufacturer make profits!

The future

It appears that the USA is moving towards an economic model in which they become self-sufficient in their hemisphere or (ideally) within their own borders. At a pinch the EU could do this and Russia. In the case of China I am less sure.

I think the "big" players are getting nervous of long supply chains.

The UK is very vulnerable. It is very dependent on long supply chains for most things. As long as international trade works the UK is OK.  If this is disrupted the UK is in deep trouble.

Forty-9er transceiver

This was a design for a tiny QRP CW transceiver for 40m CW.  This short video shows the radio with a digital display, which was non-standard. 

See https://www.norcalqrp.org/files/49erOrigMnl.pdf

Kits are still available.

Christ's College, Cambridge, UK

For a very long time this has been shrouded in scaffolding. 

Today the scaffolding had been taken down, so I took this photo. 

We see this several times every week for free. Others travel across the planet to see some of these sites.

10m 200mW WSPR TX (Tuesday)

My beacon was turned on at breakfast.

UPDATE 1636z:  So far, 40 spots. See table.

UPDATE 1922z: Spotted by 43 stations today with the best AE5AU (7209km) who has spotted me 11 times! Now QRT. Map by Phil VK7JJ.

Sunspots - Tuesday February 24th

 Solar flux is 108 and the SSN still 0.  A=23 and K=3.

Heathkit

In the late 1960s Heathkit made some great radios. Take, for example, the SB101. 

Then the Japanese started making transceivers that meant there was little difference in making a kit. Most bought a ready made transceiver instead. 

“Lord of the flies “ TV series

This famous book by William Golding is being serialised by the BBC.  It tells the tale of children isolated on a remote Pacific island following a plane crash. They revert to savages and hunt for food.

Much of western civilisation depends on inter-connected trade these days. It would take very little for western civilisation to collapse and us having to return to savagery . There’s a message here.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/m002qk4w/lord-of-the-flies

Bouvet Island DXpedition

For many years I have not actively chased DX. We are all different thankfully, so this might be important to you. I think this was delayed.

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

British politics

 In case you are puzzled by the British political system, this diagram may help. I found it earlier.

10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)

My beacon was turned on at about 0945z .

UPDATE 1721z: Spotted widely even though the SSN is zero! See table.

Sunspots - Monday February 23rd

 Solar fly is 110 and the SSN 0. A=136 and K=4.

More like spring

We are still in winter yet it feels more like spring is coming. 

The evenings are lighter and the weather today has been mild with some sun.

Xiegu G106

The DX Explorer YouTube channel has a video on the Xiegu G106 QRP rig. The rig is a very compact 5W QRP transceiver. It very modestly priced. It is about 3 years old.

There are quite a few transceivers from China now. I expect we will see more in the years to come. I think the Japanese monopoly on amateur rigs is drawing to a close.

QDX-M on 10m FT8

This is an impressive rig. 

It has only been used on FT8 but it seems to copy loads (over 1100 stations yesterday).  

I run mine via suitably rated diodes in the power lead to ensure I am below 12V when using a 13.8V PSU so I reckon the output is about 2.5W. 

At this power it has been spotted in the USA multiple times, although sometimes you get clobbered by a QRO station.  Unlike my WSPR beacon it does not change frequency randomly between TX bursts. 

It is very small and probably is smaller than a pack of cards. If, like me, you have a poor voice, it is ideal.  I think the 10m version also covers 12m and the 11m CB bands, although I have not explored these.

See https://shop.qrp-labs.com/qdxm

10m 2.5W FT8 (Sunday)

Although I was briefly on TX I am mainly on RX. The gear was turned on before breakfast.

UPDATE 2025z:  373 stations spotted on RX. 10 spots on TX. Now QRT. 

See map of stations received today on 10m FT8. Even though there are stations from all over the world, I think conditions were better yesterday.

Sunspots - Sunday February 22nd

 Solar flux is 110 and the SSN 11. A=16 and K=5.

Is there a world outside of ourselves?

We (I think!) experience the universe as if we are just a small part of it, yet when we die all our senses (I think!) die with us. This raises a philosophical question about "is what I perceive the same as you?".

Does anyone know of anything that proves the universe exists beyond ourselves? This question has been asked here before. Perhaps it is a tautology and impossible to prove.

As an aside, when I was at university a fellow student was set an essay question:

"Are all truth functional schemas primarily analytic?"  

I did not understand the question then and am still no wiser!

ATS Mini RX video

 This video is available from Tech Minds.

10m 2.5W FT8 (Saturday)

My gear was turned on at about 0715z. At the moment TX is enabled.

UPDATE 1029z:   2 English stations have spotted me and I have spotted 97 stations on RX with the best ZS2DL (9836km). Just on 10m FT8 RX for the last hour.

UPDATE 1336z: Been back on TX for about 20 minutes. On TX spotted by 17 stations and on RX 425 stations.

UPDATE 1504z:  Back to RX only. 668 stations spotted on RX. At the moment we are experiencing very good conditions on 10m. In a few years time it will be very different. Enjoy it!

UPDATE 1952z: 1105 stations spotted here on RX today on 10m FT8 RX. See map. QRT soon.