Windows PC

Currently I have 2 Windows PCs. Both run Windows 10 and were made by Asus. One I have had for years and is the main shack PC. The other failed under warranty and is currently being fixed.

Despite trying everything, I have still not got the FT-710 to work on FT8. I have downloaded the drivers, checked the settings are correct many, many times. This includes watching several YouTube videos. Until the other PC returns from repair, I cannot check the FT-710 with the other Windows PC.

Looking in Device Manager, all is there, but I cannot get CAT to work and there is no TX audio.

Of course, the FT-710 could be faulty, but I suspect the shack PC.

8m WSPR (Wednesday)

For a change, I am on 8m WSPR today. As the TX is on for longer periods, I am TXing at 1W instead for 20% if the time.

Our Close - NOT amateur radio

Although it is cold again, there are signs of spring in our Close. 

Sunspots - Wednesday March 8th 2023

Solar flux is 180 and the SSN 191. A=11 and K=2. 

FT-710 and FT8

This afternoon, I shall have a go at getting FT8 working on the Yaesu FT-710AESS.  It requires some drivers downloading first. There are several YouTube videos which should help.

Anglesey Abbey earlier - NOT amateur radio

 This was the mill and leat at Anglesey Abbey this morning.

Good looking fellow? - NOT amateur radio

This photo shows me when I was young. Not much change on the top!! I have been bald since my early 20s. It did not last long! 

E-field probes (EFP)

These are very small RX antennas that can be very effective at VLF, LF and MF.  As you move HF, they get less effective. The main issue is that at lower frequencies external noise dominates.  

There are several designs around. Important factors are dynamic range (they can be hit with some very strong signals) and positioning away from buildings to minimise noise pick-up.

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

80m FETer transceiver

One of the challenges in amateur radio is how simple can you make a rig that really communicates? Some years ago I designed and built this unit for 80m CW that appeared in GQRP SPRAT. It is one of the simplest transceivers you can make. It really works!

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/80m-feter-transceiver .

Sunspots - Tuesday March 7th 2023

 Solar flux is 188 and the SSN 173. A=15 and K=3.