In the last 2 days, my 8m QRP FT8 on 40.680 MHz has been spotted by 2 Gs. I have not managed any Es yet, but I expect this will soon change. So, I plan to go on QRP FT8 on 40.680 MHz (TX first) with a DF of about 1950 Hz.
6 May 2023
5 May 2023
8m QRP FT8 (Friday)
Assuming the storm risk has passed, I intend to go on 40.680 MHz QRP FT8 after lunch. I usually TX with 2.5W about 1950 Hz high in the first period. I should be on by about 1130z. At 1142z, I turned on my 8m QRP FT8.
UPDATE 1425z: No spots yet.
UPDATE 1527z: After an interruption because of a thunderstorm, I am now back on again.
UPDATE 1535z: Still no spots.
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| Just 1 spot by G7PUA/A |
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| The storms seem to have passed at 1819z |
UPDATE 1656z: Just a single spot by G7PUA/A (168km) who has spotted me on 8m QRP FT8 TX. Not sure of the propagation mode. Nobody spotted on RX. QRT because of thunder.
Thunderstorms
We are just having a passing thunder storm.
Although the chances of a direct strike are low (thankfully) in the UK, passing storms can cause power surges that can damage equipment.
I am no expert on thunder and lightning, but I know from others that it should always be treated with respect. Whenever there is a risk, I disconnect mains plugs and antennas "just in case". Opinions vary on what to do, but leaving things connected only works if your lightning protection is very good. Most of us have very poor protection.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/other-amateur-radio/lightning-maps .
10m QRP FT8 (Friday)
My intermittent coax plug has been fixed and now on 10m FT8 with the FT817ND at 2.5W. So far spotted by just 1 G station, but spotting stations across the world on RX.
UPDATE 0944z: 12 stations have spotted my 2.5W and 67 stations spotted here.
UPDATE 1000z: Thunder stopped play! All disconnected. See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/other-amateur-radio/lightning-maps .
160m FT8 QRP last evening
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| 160m FT8 QRP TX |
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| 160m FT8 RX |
Last evening I went on 160m FT8 with 2.5W and the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. As the evening before, results were good.
4 May 2023
10m QRP FT8 (Thursday)
Very late in the day, I decided to switch from 8m to 10m FT8. Just a couple of spots of my 2.5W from the FT817ND. I also discovered that my 10m coax antenna plug is intermittent. This needs investigation. Quite a few stations spotted on RX.
UPDATE 1803z: 4 spots of my 2.5W with the furthermost 9G5AF (5189km).
Rallies on Sunday
These rallies have been notified to me. I do not have contact details, but advise checking with the organisers first if intending to travel a long way.
Sunday May 7th - Dartmoor Radio Rally, Yelverton, PL20 6AL
Sunday May 7th - Hamfest Rally,Thorpe Camp Visitor's Centre. No postcode given.
Spring - NOT amateur radio
The green in spring always looks fresh whereas later it looks tired. This horse chestnut tree looks splendid.
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