Ant (of Ant and Dec) - NOT amateur radio

Allegedly, Ant (a UK TV star) has been fined £86k and banned from driving for being over the drink-drive alcohol limit. He is very sorry for his actions. Sadly, his reputation has been badly dented.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-43786771

The Liner-2

This was the very first 2m SSB rig available in Europe and it revolutionised 2m.

I first got mine second-hand in the mid-1970s and was amazed how far one could work on 10W of SSB, especially as before I'd only used a few watts of FM or AM. Stations that I could never imagine hearing, let alone working, suddenly were within my grasp, even with just a dipole or HB9CV antenna. This was the experience of many in those exciting early days of SSB in Europe when activity was around 145.41MHz.

The Liner-2 had plenty of faults! It was basically a modified 10m rig and produced lots of spurii, especially if the power was pushed up. Many used it with a 9 element Tonna antenna and a 30W linear. Having said all that, I was able to work some amazing DX with a simple, indoor antenna and the Liner-2 barefoot.

There was also a 70cm version produced by Belcom, although I never owned one or even saw one.

In its day, it was a trailblazer. We have come a very long way since then.

Sunspots - Tuesday April 17th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today. The sunspot number is zero. A=3 and K=1.

472kHz WSPR RX

After a very disappointing day on 10m (28MHz) FT8 in which just a single G was spotted, I have now moved to MF RX. The shack PC is on battery power which should be good until early morning with a nice quiet noise floor.

As yet, no spots, even after 20 minutes. I am beginning to think some of the regulars have gone QRT until the autumn.

UPDATE 2102z: Just a single spot of PA3ABK (306km) so far this evening. At least the gear is working!

UPDATE 2124z: Now DK2DB (685km) spotted.

K1 transceiver

Years ago I built and used an Elecraft K1 CW transceiver. A few years ago it was sold. For its intended purpose, it worked well.

These days I prefer to use digital modes like FT8 and WSPR.

There are better products available nowadays from Elecraft such as the KX2 and KX3 QRP transceivers. In the UK these are expensive especially if you buy the extras as well. They are very good rigs though, although I'd think twice about field use in rain.

See http://www.elecraft.com/
See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/k1

A high sensitivity MOSFET crystal set

Firstly, I should say I have not built this, but it looks interesting.

See http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/culter.pdf

Sub 9kHz amateur radio

At one time, I was fit and well and did quite a bit at VLF.  Apart from receiving several EU stations at VLF, I used earth-mode and could detect my own signals at 6km. Further would have been possible. 

Others, using radiated signals, have covered some quite remarkable distances from amateur gardens with modest powers. At one time people said we'd be lucky to get "over the garden fence".  How very wrong they were!

I still maintain the Sub-9kHz Amateur Radio website. Quite a bit is happening and, contrary to popular belief, big antennas are not needed for VLF RX. What is needed on TX are very stable signals and very long times. Luckily, free software allows VLF MSK commercial stations to be used as stable signals to achieve lock.

10m FT8 RX

We are nearing the Es season in the northern hemisphere.

Today, I am monitoring 10m FT8 RX, but as yet no spots. Usually, I spot the odd UK station, the odd European and sometimes South America, although openings to this part of the world are usually in the evening at this time of the year on 10m in the UK.

UPDATE 1832z: Still no spots on 10m FT8 so far today. At the moment things look dire on 10m. Usually by now I have copied something, but as yet nothing at all today! I even went to check the antenna was connected! I shall continue to monitor for a few hours, but I am not very hopeful. Later, I may try 472kHz (630m) WSPR RX.

UPDATE 1924z: Still no DX today. G0PQO (IO92) was copied this afternoon but this spot was not uploaded to PSKreporter. I'll give it another hour then QSY to MF RX.

Mental health issues - NOT amateur radio

This came in from Molly. You may find the links helpful.

"Hi,

Having had personal experience with addiction, I’ve seen how important it is to address mental health issues before they take control. I truly believe it’s lifesaving to nurture our innermost selves before mental health conditions become debilitating, whether it’s something as common as stress and anger or something as complex as depression or suicidal thoughts.

As part of my work with Recovery Hope, I’m sending you some articles that offer insight and support for those who may be struggling. I hope you’ll consider adding these to your site on this page or one like it (http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2010_05_01_archive.html​). Based on the information you have there, it seems you’re just as aware of how important it is for people to care for their emotional wellbeing.

A Checklist for Parents with Children with Mental Health Problems

For Teachers: Children’s Mental Health Disorder Fact Sheet for the Classroom

Promoting Mental Health at Home: How to Design the Perfect Meditation Room

Healthy Eating and Depression: How Diet May Help Protect Your Mental Health

5 Ways to Use Feng Shui in Your Home Design

Drug Abuse and Addiction: Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Anger Management and Addiction: How to Take Charge of Anger Issues in Sobriety

Elderly Mental Health: How to Help Your Senior

Coping with the Loss of a Loved One

I truly thank you in advance for your support! If you’re open to working with me so that I can write an article for you that further explores the importance of mental health on our overall wellness, please let me know. Since this is a subject so close to me, there is no charge. (If you don’t want me to contact you again, please let me know that as well.)

Thanks,

Molly

Molly Anderson​

Sunspots - Monday April 16th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today, but the sunspot number is zero yet again. A=6 and K=1.