472kHz transverter

The photo shows me testing my 472kHz (630m) transverter in the back of the garage at the old QTH. Later it featured in a QST article. It is still used now producing about 10W into a 50 ohm load and about 10mW ERP with my earth-electrode “antenna “ in the ground.

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.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

Just 2 stations spotted my 10mW ERP  overnight. These were 2 old faithfuls. I may try occasionally, but suspect my signal is buried in noise much of the summer.

630m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)

 My 10mW ERP WSPR has been on since about 1915z.  No spots of me yet.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

Considering we are in mid June I was quite surprised to see my 10mW ERP 630m WSPR was spotted by 5 stations with the furthermost GM3YXM (425km).

630m QRP WSPR overnight

6 stations spotted my 10mW ERP 630m WSPR overnight. No great DX, but more spots than I was expecting.

My 630m transverter

MF WSPR tonight?

Although my last attempt with 10mW ERP on 630m WSPR was not too great, I am tempted to try again this evening and overnight. Last night I stuck with 6m FT8.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

Just 3 stations spotted me overnight.  I shall carry on a little longer, although I suspect the season is drawing to a close, especially with my 10mW ERP. 

630m QRP WSPR overnight

 

5 stations spotted my 10mW ERP on 630m WSPR overnight. No great DX, although it is June.

630m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)

 My 10mW ERP 630m WSPR is on and will remain on overnight. At 2145z 2 stations have spotted me.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

In all, 8 stations spotted my 10mW ERP 630m WSPR, which is the most for some time. Furthest was a station in Germany 🇩🇪. Not a bad session.

630m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

 Since coming home, I am now on 630m QRP again (10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground) and expect to stay on overnight.  Already spots by 2 stations.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

Not a bad session. It would appear spots are still being received from the old favourites, although I have not had DX spots now for a while.

630m QRPP WSPR overnight

Well, either the internet was not working here from the shack or there was an issue with WSPRnet. Although I was spotting DX on 630m WSPR and was sending all night, no spots at all. I shall probably try again tonight.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

Last night I went on 630m WSPR with my 10mW ERP. In all, 7 stations spotted me, which was better than I was expecting. Best DX was GM3YXM (425km). 

630m QRP WSPR (Friday)

My 630m 10mW ERP WSPR from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground was turned on at about 2040z.

UPDATE 2115z: 2 stations have spotted me so far this evening.

630m WSPR overnight

For a change I went on 630m WSPR overnight with my 10mW ERP from the earth electrode “antenna” in the ground. In all, 7 stations spotted me. This was more than I expected. No real DX.

630m QRP WSPR (Thursday)

For a change, I am again on 630m WSPR with my 10mW ERP from my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

UPDATE 1908z:  So far, just spots by G8OCV/SDR.

630m QRP WSPR

For the first time in months I was not on 630m QRP WSPR, when I was at home, last night. Gradually, the number of spots I had received had been dropping off. I shall be back on in the autumn and may try occasionally in the coming months, but not every night.

A new night-time challenge calls! I am still undecided what form this should take.

End of the road?

Overnight just 2  stations spotted my 10mW ERP 630m WSPR. It looks like the season is ending as noise levels increase over the spring and summer making the reception of weaker signals much harder. It was fun. 

I shall try again in the autumn. 

A new challenge calls!