Amateur Radio Blog

See http://www.amateurradio.com/.

There is usually something of interest on this blog, so I take a look most days.

Dame Sarah Storey - NOT amateur radio

Dame Sarah Storey has become the most decorated UK paralympian in history. Excellent and the result of lots of very hard work and dedication. I was friendly with her dad at university and he must be very proud of his daughter's achievements. She looks like John, her dad!

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarah_Storey .

Supermarkets and plastics - NOT amateur radio

Have you noticed how much packaging, especially plastic, is used in supermarkets these days? When I was a child we had none, really.

Why is it so hard for supermarkets to make clear which plastics can be recycled? Why are not all plastics used in supermarkets recycled? They all have a lot of power over their suppliers and should insist on this.

Basically, I hate plastic packages for so much, especially when it cannot be recycled.

More rallies this weekend

Sunday 11 SEPTEMBER : TORBAY ANNUAL COMMUNICATION FAIR
Newton Abbot Racecourse, Devon TQ12 3AF. The event is indoors and doors open at 10am with disabled visitors gaining access half an hour earlier. Admission in £2. There is plenty of car parking on site. There will be a Bring & Buy and an RSGB bookstall. There is catering on site. To book tables call Pete, G4VTO on 01803 864 528 or email rally@tars.org.uk.

Sunday 11 SEPTEMBER : ANDOVER RADIO AND COMPUTER BOOT SALE
Tangley Village Hall, Wildhern, Andover, Hants SP11 0JE Doors will be open from 9am to 4pm with disabled visitors gaining access from 8.30am. Admittance will be £2. Tables in the hall are £10 and pitches in the field £8. There will be a Bring & Buy, Car boot area, as well as trade stands. Catering will be available on site and there will be a raffle held on the day. More details from Paul Phillips, G4KZY, 0777 573 8200, paul.g4kzy@gmail.com.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Spelling mistakes (as received) corrected. Can no-one spell these days?

10m JT65

A South American was eventually spotted last evening on 10m JT65: PU3AMB (10431km) in Brazil. Today, I am sticking with 10m JT65 all day, but things are quiet so far with no Es and no UK spots as yet and certainly no F2. As we get more into autumn we may see some F2 on 10m in the daytime from Africa and even the USA.

UPDATE 1110z: Still no spots here yet on 10m JT65.

UPDATE 1215z: EB5AYE (1418km) was spotted at 1158z from IM99 square. I assume this is 10m Es.

UPDATE 1245z: No more 10m Es seen.

UPDATE 1450z: No further spots on 10m JT65 here.

UPDATE 1456z: I just re-synced the PC to internet time to be sure, although this should happen automatically every 1000 seconds. It was also a check that the WSJT-X software and PC were OK as things were quiet. All was fine.

Last 24 hours on 10m JT65

UPDATE 1652z: OH3NE (1737km) recently spotted me on 10m JT65 by Es.

UPDATE 2132z: F5RRS (819km) has spotted my 10m JT65 in the last 20 minutes, but no South Americans.

Sunspots and 10m - Friday Sept 9th 2016

Solar flux is 91 today and the sunspot number 49. K=1. The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".

Windmill sunset - NOT amateur radio

The sun setting in the west last night. Note the reflection in the museum window. We are very lucky to have a windmill literally "over the garden wall". Last night and early this morning were splendid. This is the view from our lounge window.

Jupiter VLF - NOT amateur radio

On YouTube, recordings of Jupiter's emissions at VLF and LF as recorded by the Juno probe and some stunning images.

Easter Island

 Recently seen:

"From September 26-30  some LU amateur radio an LF MF DXers will be operating in CE0Y.

Hamradio from 80 to 6 meter maybe 160 meter. TX RX

VLF LF MF listening with  R-75 and Perseus SDR recording WAVs from 100 KHz to 1710 KHz at night times .  Not grabber online.

Maybe: Notebook+SpectrumLab with antenna via Mic in for VLF.

Antennas: Loops and  Beverages 200-600 meter long to…. ??? meter long. maybe Kite antennas.

If you are  interested in TX (136 kHz -472 kHz ) to Easter Island in this week please write to me only via: lu8ydnqn@gmail.com  

73s Alex LU8YD"

Soon be time to return to 630m

It is rapidly getting more like autumn with nights starting to get darker earlier. It is my intention to return to 630m soon.

I need a better antenna though and a better ground system.  For several seasons I have used my earth-electrode system, but it would be good to try with a higher ERP.

Rally

Saturday 10 SEPTEMBER : CAISTER LIFEBOAT RADIO RALLY
Caister Lifeboat Station, Tan Lane, Caster on Sea, Norfolk, NR30 5DJ
Doors open from 9.30am to 3pm with traders gaining access from 8am. There are indoor tables available at £10 and outside car boot pitches for £5 and booking is advisable. Admission is free and the venue has free parking and disabled access. All proceeds go to Caister Lifeboat. Contact Zane, on 0771 121 4790 or by email to m1bfidx@ntlworld.com. www.m1bfidx.wix.com/cl-radio-rally.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

As I always caution, check details with the organiser before going any distance. I reproduce what I get sent in good faith.

QRP and QRP Club

More from Oleg:

Dear Club 72 members and friends,
welcome all QRP operators to the
FAR EAST QRP NET
in Thursday (weekly) at 9.00 UTC at 14060 +/-
In the DX list today (Sept 8):
RV3DSA/0 (Vladivostok), UA0SBQ/p (nr Irkutsk), JA1KGW - all QRP
Comments and reports are appreciated to "mr72" e-mail, please.
Enjoy 2-way QRP!
72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"

Remaining on 10m JT65 today

No further Es since the single spot from France late last night. I have decided to stick with 10m JT65 today although without Es I rarely get UK spots on this band. It is still quite early in autumn to expect much F2 propagation on 10m.

UPDATE 1020z: G4CJC (73km) spotted, but no Es seen here on 10m JT65 today.

UPDATE 1144z:  Still nothing else spotted on 10m JT65 here today.

UPDATE 1205z: DO4CP (915km) has been spotted. So there is lunchtime Es about on 10m JT65.

UPDATE 1502z: GI4SNA (488km) has spotted me on 10m JT65 but is wrongly reporting me as on 12m.

UPDATE 2016z: It is dark now and no spots (given or received) on 10m JT65 here. As it is quite late, I think South America is unlikely today on 10m.

Sunspots and 10m - Thursday Sept 8th 2016

Solar flux is 92 today. Sunspot number is 50 and K=4. The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".

UPDATE 1010z: The K index is going down (less disturbed) and currently K=3.

Brazil copied on 10m JT65

Although my own signals were not spotted in South America, PU2KOB (9653km) in GG56 square was copied at 1930z. As there was no Es, I assume this was pure F layer. Are we approaching autumn conditions? Although conditions cannot be expected to match recent autumns, I am still hopeful of some openings to North America on 10m JT65.

UPDATE 2220z: 10m is filled with surprises! 12 minutes ago I was spotted in France by what appears to be Es. I was going to go QRT but instead I'll remain on 10m JT65 overnight.

Going away

When I've been away it seems to take a few days before readers return. Perhaps they assume I've died and am never returning!

Anyway, don't panic I am still here and intend to be around for a good few years to come. If the blog disappears for a week or so, I am probably unable to access my blog as I am away or the internet is down.

The longest "outage" was when I was in hospital for 3.5 months 3 years ago.

10m JT65

About 20 minutes ago I went QRT on 6m and started up on 10m JT65, hoping to reach South America this evening. I also re-synced the PC to internet time. As yet, no reports from South America.

UPDATE 1832z:  No South Americans on 10m JT65 as yet.

6m JT65

This morning I decided to go on 6m JT65 rather than 10m, although I may switch to 10m later. So far, just 1 UK spot of my QRP on 6m, by G4VXE (136km). There is no sign of Es here on 6m JT65. At least on 6m JT65 I do get UK spots.

UPDATE 1248z: 2 spots of my 6m JT65 QRP from UK signals plus a couple of spots of others but nothing from mainland Europe by Es.

UPDATE 1558z:  4 UK spots today on 6m JT65 with the best DX G1IDZ at 182km. No Es on 6m all day.

Sunspots and 10m - Wednesday September 7th 2016

Solar flux is 92 today and sunspot number 32. K=3. The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".

OFCOM updates

Form the latest from OFCOM see http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/.  I am not a great believer in the value of this organisation, but I leave it to you to decide.

Kids and puddles - NOT amateur radio

We have been visiting our son and his family who live near Canterbury in Kent. Their children are still very little (4 and 7). What is the magnetic attraction to muddy puddles?  Yesterday they went out on their scooters, but as soon as they found a puddle they just had to jump in it!

2m UKAC tonight

A reminder that tonight 1900-2130z is the 2m leg of the UK activity contest organised by the RSGB.  The enjoyment is working new squares although I have been suprised how well I am doing.

As we have only just returned from visiting our son and family in Kent, I shall be late on tonight.

UPDATE 2225z:  I was only on for a very short time (about 15 minutes) but worked 6 QTH squares with 5W and my omni antenna. Best DX was the south coast. Conditions were up tonight. I shall put in an entry tomorrow.

Sunspots and 10m - Tuesday Sept 6th 2016

Solar flux is 91 today and sunspot number 22. K=2. The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".

There was no solar forecast yesterday as I could not update the blog from my son's home in Kent.

UKAC 2m this Tuesday Evening

A reminder that this coming Tuesday evening 1900-2130z will be the 2m leg of the UK activity contest. Activity is usually high. Even if you dislike contests, these friendly contests are a way to enjoy increased SSB/CW activity. There is no compulsion to send in a log. The enjoyment is working new squares.

Garden winding down - NOT amateur radio

UK autumns often have strong winds. Winters often cold but not very cold. Some winters have no snow but the average winter has a few days of snow only. One winter is likely to buck the trend. For the last few years years our sensationalist press has been forecast a very cold winter. By the law of averages they will be right some time.

Lightning

According to my storm map there is thunder activity over Germany at the moment moving east. The UK seems to be storm free, just as well with lots of 2m contest stations with big antennas up high on hill tops.

See http://www.lightningmaps.org/?lang=en

QRP and QRPclub

More from Oleg:

"Dear Club 72 members and friends,

Weekly QRP Rendez-Vous report (August 29 to September 4, 2016)
Visitors  of  the  week: UR5EFD, OH6NPV, DK1HW, US3EN, RV3GM, UA1CEX, RU3NJC, UA1CEG, UA1AV, UR0ET, UA1ASB, R4NX, RV3UF, OE3RV/p
See full Visitors and Frequenters lists on the Club 72 page - www.club72.su

72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72" "

RSGB 2m Trophy Contest

Because of my poor voice I was only on for a very short while this morning. In all I worked 5 QTH squares but could have worked many more if I had stayed on longer. Sunday morning is a good time as many stations have worked most stations and are looking for stragglers like me! My 5W and omni antenna did not seem to be a great handicap. Several continentals heard.

10m JT65 Sunday

I stayed on 10m JT65 overnight (no spots) and did a re-sync to Internet  time early this morning. There is already some Es about with HA5CAR (1451km) spotted and spotting me. IU1DZZ also spotted on 10m JT65.

UPDATE 1130z: F5RRS (819km) has also spotted me on 10m JT65.

Sunspots and 10m - Sunday Sept 4th 2016

Solar flux today is 99 and sunspot number. is 46.  K=4. The forecast for 10m F2 propagation is again "poor".

Church Bells - NOT amateur radio

 

There must be (at least) 2 weddings today as our local church bells have rung twice so far today. See also http://eachurches.blogspot.co.uk/ .

2m contest reminder - this weekend

For once, I remembered!

This weekend is the 2m Trophy Contest organised by the RSGB, It runs from 1400 UTC Saturday until 1400 UTC Sunday. See http://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?year=2016&contest=144trophy&seq=

There is also the RSGB Backpacker's Contest on Sunday morning. I hope to be on for some of the time.

On Tuesday evening is the 2m UKAC Contest for September.

Even if you hate contests, these are a good chance to work a few new stations and QTH squares. There is no compulsion to send in a log. Just enjoy the activity.

UPDATE 2116z: I went on the 2m Trophy Contest for 20 minutes just now and worked 4 stations with my 5W and big-wheel omni. Best DX was a station in IO81RF which is 227km. I may try again tomorrow morning.

Letter from Howard in Billings Montana

I received a letter in the mail from Howard in Billings Montana MT59102-1420 USA. No callsign was given but he enclosed a stamp (USA Global) which I am not sure is valid on letters from the UK.

Howard is after a Peter Jones PK-205 straight key that was distributed in the USA by Palomar at one time. If anyone knows any data please contact me and I'll try to contact Howard. I don't think he reads the blog or has email/internet.

A quick Google search did not show any results for "Peter Jones straight key".  I wonder if he is no longer in business?

10m JT65

After no activity overnight, I switched everything back on 10m JT65 just after 0930z. So far no spots at all again.

UPDATE 1100z:  Still no spots on 10m JT65 here so far today.

UPDATE 1242z:  IK8TNG (1639km) has spotted me be Es on 10m JT65.

UPDATE 1646z: Three Es spots so far on 10m JT65 (2 Italy and 1 France). No real DX seen yet. As there is no Es towards S.America, I think it is unlikely there will be any Es joining with F-layer today on 10m JT65. Let's hope I am proved wrong.

UPDATE  1912z:  Well. I was wrong! I have spotted stations in Paraguay and Brazil on 10m JT65 this evening already. I do not think this was Es related.

UPDATE 2018z:  With CU2ZG (2572km) in the Azores just spotted, and spotting me, I am wondering if the South Americans are a linkage of Es and F layer after all?  I have recently also spotted a couple of LUs on 10m JT65, with best DX  LU1ECF (11223km).

See https://pskreporter.info/pskmap.html .

Sunspots and 10m - Saturday Sept 3rd 2016

Solar flux is 97 and the sunspot number 50. K=5. The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor". Will it ever be better?

For a look at the solar conditions in recent months see http://www.solen.info/solar/ which shows the slow decline in solar conditions.. We are now on the way down the solar cycle but have a long way to go before the next minimum.

QRT time on 10m JT65

After the worst day I can remember on 10m JT65, it is time to go QRT and turn everything off until tomorrow. This was the first time in ages when I spotted no-one and no-one spotted me on 10m. Still, things are likely to get better F2-wise as we enter the autumn, at least on better days.

UPDATE 2150z:  Now QRT for the night.

Pizzas in Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

We went shopping in Cambridge this afternoon. These pizzas were in a cafe window. Although tempted, I resisted but they did look very nice. Out of interest, the cafe was on Be'n'et Street not far from the Mitre pub where DNA was first formulated and just across from Free School Lane where the old Cavendish Labs are: these were made famous by Rutherford in the last century.

Grandchildren gone home - NOT amateur radio

Lego done!

Well our grandchildren have gone home and the house is quiet again. We love having them, but as they say, "we love to see them and see them go".

QRT - storm risk, but now back on-air

As the weather forecast talked of storms and lightning this afternoon, I decided to go QRT this afternoon. Having just checked the lightning map, I have gone back on-air on 10m JT65.

UPDATE 1606z:  Still no spots here on 10m JT65.

UPDATE 1645z:  Still no 10m JT65 spots today. I have the feeling this is going to be a quiet day!

UPDATE 1844z:  Still nothing at all on 10m JT65 all day.

UPDATE 2002z:  Still all quiet on 10m JT65 here.

PSK reporter not working?

Ever since I went on to JT65 on 10m or 6m I have used PSKreporter maps to see who I am spotting or who is spotting me. In the last hour when I look, I have been unable to connect. This may be just a blip, as I have never seen trouble before. By contrast, WSPRnet has been very unreliable at times, so much so that it has been totally unusable at times.

UPDATE 1158z:  PSKreporter seems to work on 6m. Maybe it is just that there are no active monitors and no spots on 10m? So, maybe it is me.