Mini-whip RX active antennas

These antennas can be very effective on VLF, LF and MF. They are extremely small but work every bit as well as big antennas. They are the best way to listen on these lower bands.

They are sometimes known as E-field probes (EFP). They work because external noise dominates. This noise decreases as the wanted signal decreases so actual S/N is just as good with a small antenna. This is not the case when the RX noise figure dominates. Often they are optimised for lower frequencies. With active antennas it is important to have good dynamic ranges.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/antennas/e-field-probe-efp . 

UPDATE 1253z:  Now 137kHz EFP on new site - see https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/antennas/137khz-efp-rx-antenna .

10m FT8 (Thursday)

In a few moments I hope to go on 10m FT8 again. My usual pattern is a few times on 2.5W FT8 TX followed by RX for most of the time. 

Disappointing - NOT amateur radio

The rose garden at nearby Anglesey Abbey is usually a picture. This year it looks "different" with fewer roses out. I am not sure if this is due to the weather or Covid-19. It still looks colourful, but not as good. 

Snogging? - NOT amateur radio

These two snails were spotted yesterday. It looks like they are having a cuddle, possibly more! I am no expert on snail reproduction. 

Yesterday on 10m FT8 RX

There is little doubt that Es was prevalent on 10m FT8 RX yesterday. In all, 354 stations spotted, with most of these in Europe. 

Sunspots - Thursday August 12th 2021

Solar flux is 74 and the SSN 22. A=6 and K=1. 

Practical Wireless (September 2021)

I still get this on subscription. 

If I am honest, it would be the first magazine to go. 

Content is a bit patchy with some good articles and some less so. 

It must be many years since I wrote an article for PW. I have certainly not written anything since ownership changed.

Wild flowers - NOT amateur radio

These wild flowers were seen in 2014 at Ickworth near Bury St Edmunds.  

In recent years these have been disappointing.

10m FT8 RX

Most of the day I have been on 10m FT8 RX Earlier on I was on TX (2.5W) and had a couple of EU QSOs and was spotted by 27 stations. Clearly the Es season is far from over.

UPDATE 1350z: 339 unique stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX.

Oscar 100 status update

A few days ago I mentioned that a couple of amateurs in India were working on a low cost transverter for this geosynchronous satellite. 

The last time I looked was lunchtime in Europe on a Wednesday. It was quiet.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ .