Sunspots - Monday November 21st 2022

Solar flux is 119 and the SSN 72. A=6 and K=2

8m QRP WSPR

In preparation for my local 8m QRPP WSPR tests later this week, I have now QSYed to 8m WSPR. I am on 40.680 MHz with my WSPR tones at 1500 Hz HF in the middle of the WSPR slot. 

This means the actual WSPR transmission is on 40.6815 kHz.

Jason, M0NYW is doing local tests with 8m WSPR at 10mW ERP on 8m under ISM regulations. He is producing a coverage map around the local area. He is doing a blog.

See https://m0nyw.blogspot.com .

Cactus - NOT amateur radio

My wife has her birthday later this week. This cactus is always in flower for her birthday. It is in our hall. 

I think it is called a Christmas cactus, although ours is always in flower in November.

Curious cat - NOT amateur radio

My French daughter-in-law has a cat that loves exploring bags. Yesterday, we went to London to see her and our granddaughter..... and the cat.

10m QRP (500mW) WSPR TX (Sunday)

With 17 stations already spotting my QRP by 1200z, this is a good day on 10m WSPR. Let's hope I get spotted in the USA later.

8m FT8 at 2.5W TX (Sunday)

Since learning yesterday that I was running 2.5W and not 5W with 3 bars on my FT8, I can report good results this morning on 40.680 MHz FT8. 

Results suggest there is some Es. See map.

RF attenuators

Luckily, there are several online calculators to work out what values of resistor are needed for a given degree of RF attenuation. In the past, I have added attenuators right on the output of my FT817 to get really low power with WSPR on HF bands. 

Starting tomorrow, I hope to do some very low ERP tests on 8m locally. Initially, I shall be sending 8m WSPR with my normal power, to make sure locals are looking in the correct place. Later, I am proposing to send 10mW ERP 8m WSPR with a different callsign to see who can still copy me.  This should give some idea of what would be possible on the 8m ISM band with very low powered beacons.  

Recent OFCOM statements have indicated to me that such operation would be legal without a licence as long as the technical requirements and IR 2030 are met i.e. 10mW ERP at 8m. 

If successful, I think many more UK people could legally experiment at 8m on the ISM band albeit with very low power. I know that Jason M0NYW is proposing such tests in his local area. In my view, this is exactly what research is all about. This is not amateur radio, but it is very much radio by amateurs.

Now, I am no legal expert, so you have to decide what the rules indicate.

See https://leleivre.com/rf_pipad.html .

Sunspots - Sunday November 20th 2022

Solar flux is 115 and the SSN 59. A=5 and K=0.

630m WSPR RX

 This evening I am on 630m (472kHz) WSPR RX. So far, at 2125z, 2 unique stations spotted.

8m QRP WSPR TX

 At the moment I am on 8m 1W WSPR TX. This is in preparation for my 10mW ERP tests next week. No local spots.