6m FT8

Since lunchtime, I have been on 6m FT8. After a QSO with an EA4, I have been RX only. So far, 34 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX. All were European apart from 1 North African. At the moment my theory about Es openings later in the season favouring more northerly stations seems a load of rubbish with most stations being in southern Europe. Ah well, you cannot be right all of the time!

UPDATE 1850z: 49 stations spotted so far on 6m FT8 RX and my CQ call was copied by 26 stations with the best report being by CN8LI (2114km) in Morocco, N. Africa.

The 2 edged sword - NOT amateur radio

Like many, we want to support our local shops. We use our local baker, butcher and co-op shop. However, when our local chemist had no nail scissors and doubted they'd be getting more my wife turned to Amazon and they arrived within a few days.

Yesterday we ordered some new sheets and pillow cases via Amazon. I was able to track the delivery man's van and told my wife he'll soon be here. In just 24 hours they arrived at our doorstep. In the end I am sure high street shops that want to survive will alter their working models. In the next 20 years the high streets will undergo radical change.

Part of me wishes things were as they were, but the Amazon model is surely the way of the future. Like King Canute and the Luddites, one cannot stop the inevitable: we either change or die. In the next 20 years a lot will change. This not just the high street shops. Think of churches and other institutions. As people get older and die so will many institutions. Amateur radio tends to be an old man's hobby in many places. Where will that be in 20 years?

Dahlias at Anglesey Abbey - NOT amateur radio

Usually there are good displays of dahlias at Anglesey Abbey. This year they are not quite at their best. In another week or so they will be. The photo shows one earlier today.

Anglesey Abbey - NOT amateur radio

This is a nearby National Trust place we try to visit most months for a walk around the gardens. At this time of year schools are on holiday and it can be quite busy. We went early before the hoards arrived! The bridge in the photo was recently repaired by one of our neighbours.

UK rallies this Sunday

Sunday 4 AUGUST : 30th KING'S LYNN ARC GREAT EASTERN RADIO RALLY

Gaywood Community Centre, Gayton Road, King's Lynn, Norfolk. PE30 4EL. NGR is TF638203. Doors open at 9am, traders have access from 7am. Admission is £2.50 with free car parking. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy. There are Amateur Radio pitches outside as well as tables in hall. Onsite catering. Details from Ted, G4OZG on 01553 768701, 07946 838656 or Jeff, G6YPJ on 01366 727997, 07999 426025 or Email rally@klarc.org.uk www.klarc.org.uk.

Sunday 4 AUGUST : CRIANLARICH RADIO RALLY

Crianlarich Village Hall, Main Street, Crianlarich, Perthshire FK20 8QN. Organised by Lomond Radio Club, the doors will open at 10am. There will be a Bring & Buy, traders and RSGB Bookstall. Catering will be available on site. Contact Bill, mm0elf@blueyonder.co.uk for further details.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

70cm FT8

After a brief outing on 6m FT8, I am now on 70cm FT8. At first I called CQ (no spots) and am now RX only. I am on 432.174MHz horizontal with the big-wheel 2m omni which normally gets me 100km on SSB in contests.

UPDATE 1112z: Success!! G0KTN (211km) managed to spot me on 70cm FT8. This was success at first try! Thank you Trevor. On horizontal using the 2m big-wheel omni, where the match was not so good, I could only run 14W. Trevor copied me on this. A later transmission with the V2000 vertical (good match) was at 50W but got no spots. I am now back on 6m FT8.

Sunspots - Thursday August 1st 2019

August already!

Solar flux is 66 and the sunspot number 0.  A= 8 and K=1.

Updated solar data

Early in the new month I look forward to reading the latest solar predictions. These are usually available by the 2nd of each month. With the solar conditions so dire in July, these are especially important as, until now they have forecast that we have passed the solar minimum.

In my view we are only now at, or near, the solar minimum. In the past, solar minimum conditions have lasted for many months. With luck, 2020 could see conditions start to improve, but only time will tell. In the meantime, we have to make the best of things. With luck, 10m could again be our best DX band again in a few years.

UPDATED 1855z: This page (see below) has now been updated and is still showing that we may have passed sunspot minimum.

See http://www.solen.info/solar/

G3XBM YouTube channel

A reminder that many of my projects are featured on my YouTube channel. Often a video helps to explain what is on the G3XBM website.

See https://www.youtube.com/user/G3XBM
See also www.g3xbm.co.uk

472kHz transverter

A few years ago my design for a simple 472kHz transverter was published in the ARRL journal QST. It is also on my website. Several derivatives have been constructed including a version using SMD parts.

Although simple and low power, it has been copied as far north as Norway on WSPR. Although the transverter produces 10-15W output, the ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" is a measured 10mW.

Now is the time to get ready for "the season" which tends to start in the autumn. In the summer months quite a few stations desert the band. This transverter and a simple earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground are all that are needed to get on the band.

Certainly with more power and a "real" antenna and ground system better results can be expected, but this "KISS" approach you can get over 1000km on WSPR on winter nights.