4m FT8

Starting tomorrow, I intend to concentrate on 4m FT8. Even with my compromised antenna, matched using the auto ATU in the FT-710, much of Europe should be in range by Es. It could be fun. I shall probably run 10W, maybe less.

Exile? - NOT amateur radio

Since 1970 I have lived happily in Cambridgeshire. I like where I live. We have a nice house and good friends.

Yet a part of me still yearns for where I come from in South Devon.  If I ever moved back I know it would not be the same. People have moved on or died and my memories of the place could not be replaced. 

It is extremely unlikely that I would move back. Instead I go back for a boost most years. Perhaps this is for the best: happy memories.

10m Lesser Chirpy

These days, many people prefer FT8 or WSPR for QRP. However, it is fun to see where an ultra-simple rig can reach. This has been on before, but with Es so good, it will certainly get all over Europe. As with all simple circuits, it is a compromise.

Although I find it hard to believe, this circuit dates back to 2012!  It is an ultra-simple CW transceiver for 10m. It is capable of improvement, I am sure. Mine was made "dead bug" style.  You can always use the reverse beacon network to see where you are reaching.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/10m-lesser-chirpy

SPAM - NOT amateur radio

My mail provider does a pretty good job of filtering SPAM messages out. Just occasionally (maybe 1 in 1000) it puts things in the SPAM folder that is not SPAM, so I try to check before deleting SPAM for good. If I have not replied to an email, it went in SPAM and I missed it. Do not be afraid to send it again! Usually I respond within 24 hours.

Recently, my most common SPAM is "unable to deliver package" or similar. If you just confirm your details we can send you the package (and no doubt send you a nasty virus as a free bonus!!). Thankfully, SPAM is not an issue.

8m QRP FT8 (Monday)

Es looks promising. 

My 8m FT8 gear (2.5W) was turned at about 0755z. So far, at 0813z, no spots.

UPDATE 1053z: Spots received from HC02 (1808km) and IU8CNE (1626km).

UPDATE 1921z: 3 stations spotted my 2.5W 8m QRP FT8 today.  On the whole, I am still being spotted by the same stations. Where is everyone? I was hoping many more would be on this Es season. Sadly, with a few exceptions, this is not the case.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)

My 500mW WSPR beacon was turned on at about 0755z. So far, just spots from local G4KPX (14km).

UPDATE 1321z: 35 unique stations have spotted my 10m WSPR QRP so far today.

UPDATE 1344z: It is amazing just how strong signals via Es can be. Today, for example, one German station reported my 500mW at +5dB S/N. If his background noise was low, he would probably have received me at 0.5mW. My antenna is nothing special. Raising it a bit higher and with a CB beam I could probably raise my signal by 10dB. So he would probably have spotted me if I was using just 50uW!

UPDATE 1902z:  37 unique stations have spotted me today.

UPDATE 2002z:  38 stations have spotted me today on QRP 10m WSPR.

Sunspots - Monday June 19th 2023

Solar flux is 164 and the SSN 133.  A=10 and K=2.

8m disappointment

Compared with last summer, there would seem to be fewer stations transmitting on 8m. Many who are active know they can be spotted across Europe and far further by F2. It is also true that many may legally operate at 8m without a licence as long as applicable ISM rules are met. In the UK this means 10mW ERP. If this continues (low TX activity) I may go QRT on 8m until the autumn. 

Father's Day - NOT amateur radio

Today was Father's Day in the UK. I was bought a nice bottle of wine by one of my son's as the photo shows. 

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

Although I have been active since this morning, nothing has appeared on PSKreporter. HC02 (1808km) in Portugal says he has spotted me for over 10 minutes.

UPDATE 1658z: Just HC02 (1808km) spotting me today.