I am tempted to QSY down a band to 28MHz from 50MHz, but fear that 6m will then promptly open to the USA by multi-hop Es. It would just be my luck! Maybe I'll just stay on 6m and see what happens.
6m conditions have been very good today. Early June is getting close to the best times for Es DX on 6m.
I seem to recall regular openings to Japan from western Europe on 6m about this time. There was some speculation about the mode as it is FAR too far for Es and there were thoughts that noctilucent clouds may be significant. Openings were usually morning weak affairs and a decent station was needed. Don't think WSPR has been tried but Doppler might be a killer as the path crosses the auroral oval. Whatever the mode, this is fascinating stuff. 6m yet again throwing up propagation puzzles. I also wonder just how many so called "multi-hop" Es openings are actually some other mode? Some of the very long paths towards the Far East, Africa and the Americas make you wonder.
This sort of DX is still good in years of low solar activity. Just because the sunspot count can be VERY low does not mean low-VHF has no real DX. In many ways the quiet solar years are more interesting.
UPDATE 1900z: No Es DX now since 1446z. Still hopeful the band might open across the Atlantic this evening.
2 Jun 2014
6m - early June 2014
Not sure if this is "typical" but these are the unique WSPR spots on 6m today (so far) in both directions June 2nd 2014 Here using 1W ERP from a V2000 vertical triband antenna. Arranged in order of distance. Several stations spotted me many times during the day (repeats not shown).
A good selection of Es and GDX on 6m today (so far - time now 1620z). Indeed the Magic Band!
UPDATE 1950z: Out of the blue IK1NET (981km) with 5W is being spotted here at -20dB S/N - late Es. Magic band!
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| 6m WSPR here today. Shows unique spots and arranged by distance |
UPDATE 1950z: Out of the blue IK1NET (981km) with 5W is being spotted here at -20dB S/N - late Es. Magic band!
6m - 4X1RF spots me yet again with 1W ERP (3519km)
At 1308z 4X1RF spotted my 1W ERP WSPR on 6m for the 9th time this season. I assume it is Es and not single hop F-layer. I am amazed that 4X1RF can copy me so often. There was no sign of intermediate distance stations. On 10m Chris regularly copies me when I am using low milliwatts. He has very good ears and must have a quiet QTH. 3519km is a great distance on 6m and I am even more pleased as my antenna is just a V2000 triband vertical fed with lossy CB coax. My FT817 is on the mid-power setting only.
I am still hopeful of transatlantic multi-hop Es propagation with WSPR. Patience! I must stick with 6m and keep everything crossed. If, as I have, worked K1TOL on CW in the past on 6m (summer 2007), then WSPR should certainly be possible as long as there are stations active on WSPR in the USA. K1TOL has a BIG antenna farm but with WSPR more modest antennas in the USA should be fine.
I am still hopeful of transatlantic multi-hop Es propagation with WSPR. Patience! I must stick with 6m and keep everything crossed. If, as I have, worked K1TOL on CW in the past on 6m (summer 2007), then WSPR should certainly be possible as long as there are stations active on WSPR in the USA. K1TOL has a BIG antenna farm but with WSPR more modest antennas in the USA should be fine.
Julian - G4ILO?
Just wondering if anyone has news on Julian?
It is nearly 1 month since his " One foot in the grave" blog was last updated and his health seemed to be failing back then. I have emailed Julian, but had no response from Julian or XYL Olga yet. Julian has been fighting a brain cancer for a couple of years. I hope he is still fighting it.
UPDATE 1431z: See https://twitter.com/g4ilo/status/466514524707643392/photo/1 . I hope Julian enjoys using the new radio. Good news.
It is nearly 1 month since his " One foot in the grave" blog was last updated and his health seemed to be failing back then. I have emailed Julian, but had no response from Julian or XYL Olga yet. Julian has been fighting a brain cancer for a couple of years. I hope he is still fighting it.
UPDATE 1431z: See https://twitter.com/g4ilo/status/466514524707643392/photo/1 . I hope Julian enjoys using the new radio. Good news.
6m Es - a good today
It has been a very good morning for 6m Es today with spots (both given and received) from across Europe and Morocco. SQ9SIM was spotted as early as 0742z and other reports continued throughout the morning.
It has also been good for GDX as well. G3WKW is the best so far at 134km with low Doppler (-1Hz).
In all, a good day so far.
It has also been good for GDX as well. G3WKW is the best so far at 134km with low Doppler (-1Hz).
In all, a good day so far.
Health update (stroke)
You may (or may not!) remember that last September I was very ill and needed an operation on my brain for a bleed. I was discharged from hospital Jan 3rd 2014 and have been recovering at home, albeit slowly.
Today I had to attend a neuro clinic at Addenbrookes Hospital as an out-patient. They seem very pleased with my recovery, which is good news. I may be driving again in the next few months.
They are doing a further MRI scan June 30th to see if my remaining giddiness when walking/turning can be helped. In all, it was a good outcome - nothing dramatic to report. Giddiness should continue to improve given time - just be patient - as the brain learns to cope and rewires itself.
Today I had to attend a neuro clinic at Addenbrookes Hospital as an out-patient. They seem very pleased with my recovery, which is good news. I may be driving again in the next few months.
They are doing a further MRI scan June 30th to see if my remaining giddiness when walking/turning can be helped. In all, it was a good outcome - nothing dramatic to report. Giddiness should continue to improve given time - just be patient - as the brain learns to cope and rewires itself.
1 Jun 2014
Transatlantic 6m?
According to Steve's blog http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ there was transatlantic propagation on 6m today but here at least I copied nothing of this on WSPR.
I may have been unlucky but it was probably just that there were no active WSPR stations where the propagation was reaching or my antenna is not good enough to catch weak, fleeting openings. I am leaving the kit running overnight just in case!
I may have been unlucky but it was probably just that there were no active WSPR stations where the propagation was reaching or my antenna is not good enough to catch weak, fleeting openings. I am leaving the kit running overnight just in case!
VE7SL's new blog
Take a look at this blog:
Hello Roger - just a note to let you know, and largely due to your inspirational postings over the past few years, I have also started a blog!
http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/
I'm sure you can identify with today's post as well.
Hopefully I can keep up the publishing pace as you have over the years.... I can see it will be a challenge.
Hopefully you will enjoy mine at least half as much as I enjoy yours :-)
73 / Steve
WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl
PLEASE VISIT MY NEW BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/
Es on 6m at last - CN8LI
It was a long time coming today, but at 1648 CN8LI (2113km) spotted my 1W ERP 6m WSPR signal at -16dB S/N. This was the first Es report here in 2 days. It is teatime and Es tends to have a second peak at this time. Es is pretty reliable at this time of year, but the last 2 days have been unusually quiet. I see I am copying him now on 6m.
UPDATE 1950z: All quiet on the Es front here since 1702z. Just locals and G4VXE (136km) GDX. The locals are G4IKZ (18km) and G0LRD (25km) both of whom are using horizontal beams I think. Not sure what antenna Tim G4VXE is using.
UPDATE 2045z: G6AVK (78km) exchanging spots with me now. Signals around -24dB S/N with considerable Doppler, so probably aircraft assisted GDX.
UPDATE 2115z: I think the chances of more Es is receding. One drawback of WSPR is you can only copy the stations with WSPR capability. Sometimes there are few active WSPR equipped stations in a particular area. With CW/SSB stronger signals are needed but there are more active stations. It would be useful if there were more active WSPR stations on 6m in Africa and North and South America.
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| 6m unique WSPR spots so far today |
UPDATE 2045z: G6AVK (78km) exchanging spots with me now. Signals around -24dB S/N with considerable Doppler, so probably aircraft assisted GDX.
UPDATE 2115z: I think the chances of more Es is receding. One drawback of WSPR is you can only copy the stations with WSPR capability. Sometimes there are few active WSPR equipped stations in a particular area. With CW/SSB stronger signals are needed but there are more active stations. It would be useful if there were more active WSPR stations on 6m in Africa and North and South America.
Doppler on 6m with G4IKZ (18km)
There must be more local flying activity at Cambridge Airport on Sundays (private flying?). On my 6m 1624z transmission there was 3Hz Doppler noticeable at G4IKZ - quite a bit when usually I get none at all. For a WSPR signal to be heard, the direct signal has usually to be much stronger than the Doppler shifted signal otherwise WSPR will not usually decode properly. Usually aircraft directions in flight have to be such that no Doppler is apparent for aircraft refection to work as a "path enhancer". I have noticed this with G3WKW in Hampshire on 144MHz WSPR over what is quite a long path. Get just the right flight direction and decodes occur. Otherwise, strong signals and no decodes. Sometimes G3WKW has been there for hours before he decodes on 144MHz.
G0LRD (25km) is just coming in on 6m at 1638z at a strong -8 dB S/N with -4Hz Doppler, so his signal is arriving off an aircraft currently.
G0LRD (25km) is just coming in on 6m at 1638z at a strong -8 dB S/N with -4Hz Doppler, so his signal is arriving off an aircraft currently.
6m - quiet oday
Very quiet, so far, on 6m with just G4IKZ (18km) and G4VXE (136km) spotting my 1W ERP WSPR today as yet. No Es yet.
G4VXE' signal here has variable amounts of Doppler (up to 4Hz) suggesting aircraft reflections are involved. I think other modes (than WSPR) might be better with so much Doppler. The signal is often there but multiple and/pr large Doppler shifts can ruin WSPR signals, whereas other modes might be fine.
I did,very briefly, try 10m WSPR early this morning but QSYed back to 6m instead.
Sunspot count is 55 and 20-30MHz conditions are "normal". Let's hope for lots of multi-hop Es on 6m.
UPDATE 1625z: No Es seen here yet still. This is the second day this season without any Es DX signals coming through. Just G4VXE 136km GDX and local G4IKZ 18km.
G4VXE' signal here has variable amounts of Doppler (up to 4Hz) suggesting aircraft reflections are involved. I think other modes (than WSPR) might be better with so much Doppler. The signal is often there but multiple and/pr large Doppler shifts can ruin WSPR signals, whereas other modes might be fine.
I did,very briefly, try 10m WSPR early this morning but QSYed back to 6m instead.
Sunspot count is 55 and 20-30MHz conditions are "normal". Let's hope for lots of multi-hop Es on 6m.
UPDATE 1625z: No Es seen here yet still. This is the second day this season without any Es DX signals coming through. Just G4VXE 136km GDX and local G4IKZ 18km.
31 May 2014
6m - no Es today
With just a few hours to go today it looks very likely this will be the first day in several weeks without any Es on 6m here. Others have been working some DX on CW so it may just be that the openings have been very location sensitive as can be the case with Es.
6m - G8JNJ/A (184km)
This evening at 2034z G8JNJ/A (184km) was copying my 1W ERP vertical signal at -23db S/N with very little Doppler. Is this tropo? Good GDX on 6m.
Still no Es here on 6m today.
Still no Es here on 6m today.
10m with simple antennas
There is little doubt that when 10m is in the doldrums a beam and QRO would probably be helpful. Every bit of power would help. An HF beam is unlikely to add more than 5-6dB gain (1 S point) so when
the band is in good shape this is very little., but when the band is
dead QRO and a beam might help winkle out DX.
But what about right now? In my experience, even a simple omni-directional antenna is fine, coupled with QRP. You might use a CB vertical or a Cushcraft AR10 vertical (both noisy on RX being vertical?) or the 10m halo on my website.
Even during solar minimums I have worked LUs with 10W SSB to simple indoor antennas. There are very few times when QRO really matters. It may help, but it is much more fun with QRP (rig and antenna). QRP CW can be great fun, especially with simple homemade gear.
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| Tenner QRP 10m CW rig described on my website |
Even during solar minimums I have worked LUs with 10W SSB to simple indoor antennas. There are very few times when QRO really matters. It may help, but it is much more fun with QRP (rig and antenna). QRP CW can be great fun, especially with simple homemade gear.
No 6m Es today?
Well, it is now 2010z and, so far today, not a single station copied here via Es today on 6m. Today must be a quiet day.
Luckily, GDX has been very good, making up for the lack of Es DX.
In my experience, if there are stations active on the band, either GDX or Es they will be heard, even with my indifferent V2000 vertical omni vertical antenna. As far as I know I am not missing much that is active. Even my 1W ERP is being widely reported - Israel best so far this year with 8 WSPR reports of my 1W ERP signal.
Luckily, GDX has been very good, making up for the lack of Es DX.
In my experience, if there are stations active on the band, either GDX or Es they will be heard, even with my indifferent V2000 vertical omni vertical antenna. As far as I know I am not missing much that is active. Even my 1W ERP is being widely reported - Israel best so far this year with 8 WSPR reports of my 1W ERP signal.
6m - more GDX today
6m GDX has again been good today. M0EMM (192km), G4TZX (146km), G8ECI (122km), G3XGS (65km), G6AVK (78km) and G4VXE (136km) copied today. In all, quite a number of GDX stations either copying my 1W ERP or being copied here over the last few days. Some of these are helped by aircraft but almost certainly copyable by plain tropo. I wonder if there has been a small lift on 6m tropo or if this is range under normal conditions?
Sunspot count is 56 and 20-30MHz propagation "normal".
Sunspot count is 56 and 20-30MHz propagation "normal".
30 May 2014
6m GDX and Es on WSPR today
Several examples of 6m GDX today so far: G8JNJ/A (184km) spotted my 1W ERP at -25dB S/N with no Doppler evident at 0850z and G3WKW (134km) was spotted with 4Hz Doppler at 1006z, presumably with the aid of aircraft reflection. At 1032z G4VXE (136km) spotted me at -23dB S/N without apparent Doppler. So far, no Es noticed here, but it is early yet.
Sunspot count is "only" 55 ( this will be considered marvelous in 1 years' time!) and 20-30MHz propagation "normal", so F-layer DX is questionable on 10m. Of course, on 6m and 10m Es does not really get impacted by sunspots (I think) so both 10m and 6m could open Europe-wide later, possibly much further by multi-hop Es.
UPDATE 1256z: 6m spots also received from G4BRK (134km) and M0ZRQ (102km) around 1200-1248z. Still no Es yet today here. It has been a significant day for 6m GDX today with 5 different stations in the range 100-184km either spotting my 1W ERP or being spotted by me. Wonderful stuff this WSPR!
UPDATE 1725z: CN8LI (2113km) just spotted my 1W ERP for first 6m Es here today at 1722z.
UPDATE 1935z: A spot of CN8LI at 1748z and M0EMM (192km) for the best GDX spot of the day at 1908z. Today has been excellent for GDX. Doppler on M0EMM was 2Hz so probably helped by aircraft reflection.
UPDATE 2100z: A late Es opening to France at 2048z. F6HTL(831km) spotted me at -22dB S/N.
Sunspot count is "only" 55 ( this will be considered marvelous in 1 years' time!) and 20-30MHz propagation "normal", so F-layer DX is questionable on 10m. Of course, on 6m and 10m Es does not really get impacted by sunspots (I think) so both 10m and 6m could open Europe-wide later, possibly much further by multi-hop Es.
UPDATE 1256z: 6m spots also received from G4BRK (134km) and M0ZRQ (102km) around 1200-1248z. Still no Es yet today here. It has been a significant day for 6m GDX today with 5 different stations in the range 100-184km either spotting my 1W ERP or being spotted by me. Wonderful stuff this WSPR!
UPDATE 1725z: CN8LI (2113km) just spotted my 1W ERP for first 6m Es here today at 1722z.
UPDATE 1935z: A spot of CN8LI at 1748z and M0EMM (192km) for the best GDX spot of the day at 1908z. Today has been excellent for GDX. Doppler on M0EMM was 2Hz so probably helped by aircraft reflection.
UPDATE 2100z: A late Es opening to France at 2048z. F6HTL(831km) spotted me at -22dB S/N.
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| 6m uniques today on WSPR |
29 May 2014
Antennas for 6m Es
One of the amazing things about the Magic Band (6m) is that for Es (sporadic-E) propagation, and I suspect for F-layer, almost any antenna will work. For years I have used just a V2000 VHF triband vertical with excellent results including the USA, Azores, North Africa, Ukraine and Israel worked with low power SSB/CW or spotted on WSPR. Polarisation often gets twisted so a beam is NOT needed.Yes, for tropo DXing a horizontal beam might well help but many GDX paths involve aircraft reflection where polarisation is also twisted.
A simple half wave vertical for 6m is at http://users.belgacom.net/hamradio/schemas/on6mu_6meter_verticalantenna.htm .
A simple half wave vertical for 6m is at http://users.belgacom.net/hamradio/schemas/on6mu_6meter_verticalantenna.htm .
6m - May 29th
Later starting on 6m WSPR today - first transmission 1044z - although so far just G4IKZ (18km) spotting me at +9dB S/N, but I don't think I've missed any Es. Es usually peaks lunchtime and teatime.
Sunspot count is lower than of late at 72 with 20-30MHz propagation forecast to be "normal" whatever than means. I suspect that 10m will not be great for F-layer DX today, although with luck both 6m and 10m will be livened with Es propagation. I am also looking for GDX on 6m.
UPDATE 1107z: G4FFC (45km) spotted at -10dB S/N, a very decent consistent signal, when running 2W. There is just the smallest hint of Doppler (aircraft reflection) so I think this signal is pure tropo.
UPDATE 1510z: CN8LI (2113km) spotted my 1W ERP WSPR signal at 1328z for the first Es opening noted here today. 3 spots from him by 1428z.
UPDATE 2050z: A couple of 6m WSPR spots of Italians around teatime, otherwise quiet Es, with just local G4IKZ for 3 hours.
Sunspot count is lower than of late at 72 with 20-30MHz propagation forecast to be "normal" whatever than means. I suspect that 10m will not be great for F-layer DX today, although with luck both 6m and 10m will be livened with Es propagation. I am also looking for GDX on 6m.
UPDATE 1107z: G4FFC (45km) spotted at -10dB S/N, a very decent consistent signal, when running 2W. There is just the smallest hint of Doppler (aircraft reflection) so I think this signal is pure tropo.
UPDATE 1510z: CN8LI (2113km) spotted my 1W ERP WSPR signal at 1328z for the first Es opening noted here today. 3 spots from him by 1428z.
UPDATE 2050z: A couple of 6m WSPR spots of Italians around teatime, otherwise quiet Es, with just local G4IKZ for 3 hours.
28 May 2014
6m Es: good today
WSPRing on 6m got off to a good start with a three spots of SQ9SIM (1325km) around 1012z. G4IKZ is also spotting me well as usual over our 18km local path.
Sunspot count is 96 with "normal" 20-30MHz conditions. I shall probably stick on 6m , looking mainly for Es and GDX, but may go back to 10m if 6m is very very quiet. This week I have been spotted twice in South America (Brazil and Uruguay) on 10m WSPR with 2W.
So far, SQ9SIM has spotted my 6m 1W ERP weakly just once on WSPR at -29dB S/N.
UPDATE 1040z: Very strong spot from DK8NE (755km) just now of my 1W ERP on 6m. Looks like a good day for 6m Es.
UPDATE 1050z: G4ENZ (176km) in IO81vv being spotted quite well on 6m GDX. Doppler (2Hz) suggests aircraft reflection, at least on some transmissions?
UPDATE 1100z: 4X1RF (3519km) spotted my 6m 1W ERP at 1058z at a respectable -22dB S/N. Also, even more spots by German stations. This is a VERY good 6m day!
UPDATE 1230z: Es from SQ9, DL, F, I and 4X1 so far plus GDX. A good day so far on 6m QRP.
UPDATE 1620z: All quiet here this afternoon on 6m apart from 20+ spots from G4IKZ. Still amazed at spots from Israel - that is SOME distance on 6m, especially with 1W ERP from a small V2000 vertical.
UPDATE 1717z: At 1648z a surprise +3dB S/N spot from CN8LI (2113km) in Morocco of my 1W ERP 6m WSPR signal.
UPDATE 1945z: Quite a lot of spots now being exchanged with CN8LI (1830-1918z ish). 6m open in that direction.
Sunspot count is 96 with "normal" 20-30MHz conditions. I shall probably stick on 6m , looking mainly for Es and GDX, but may go back to 10m if 6m is very very quiet. This week I have been spotted twice in South America (Brazil and Uruguay) on 10m WSPR with 2W.
So far, SQ9SIM has spotted my 6m 1W ERP weakly just once on WSPR at -29dB S/N.
UPDATE 1040z: Very strong spot from DK8NE (755km) just now of my 1W ERP on 6m. Looks like a good day for 6m Es.
UPDATE 1050z: G4ENZ (176km) in IO81vv being spotted quite well on 6m GDX. Doppler (2Hz) suggests aircraft reflection, at least on some transmissions?
UPDATE 1100z: 4X1RF (3519km) spotted my 6m 1W ERP at 1058z at a respectable -22dB S/N. Also, even more spots by German stations. This is a VERY good 6m day!
UPDATE 1230z: Es from SQ9, DL, F, I and 4X1 so far plus GDX. A good day so far on 6m QRP.
UPDATE 1620z: All quiet here this afternoon on 6m apart from 20+ spots from G4IKZ. Still amazed at spots from Israel - that is SOME distance on 6m, especially with 1W ERP from a small V2000 vertical.
UPDATE 1717z: At 1648z a surprise +3dB S/N spot from CN8LI (2113km) in Morocco of my 1W ERP 6m WSPR signal.
UPDATE 1945z: Quite a lot of spots now being exchanged with CN8LI (1830-1918z ish). 6m open in that direction.
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| 6m unique spots today |
27 May 2014
QSY to 10m WSPR
UPDATE 1700z: So far, only European Es on 10m today. I shall keep looking, but chances of South America or further, are now reducing.
UPDATE 1745z: Still just EU Es on 10m WSPR. Mainly, but not totally, in direction of Spain.
UPDATE 1830z: Sometime between 1736z and a few minutes ago my WSPR program just stopped working. I have reset the internet clock and restarted the WSPR software. No idea what I have missed, but my Win 8.1 PC wants to do this from time to time, for no apparent reason. It also lost 10m settings. It is working now and I am still being spotted by EA6URL. Still no real DX.
UPDATE 1915z: Still just EU Es on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 2000z: It was worth the wait: CX2ABP (11127km) in Montevideo spotted my 2W WSPR at 1946z. Real DX at last. Signal report was weak at -31dB S/N and I wonder if it was Es (to Spain) + F2 layer for the rest of the path? I wonder if there will be other South Americans later? There seems to be a distinct lack of South American stations on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 2145z: No more Es since 2004z. Going QRT shortly.
UPDATE 2215z: QRT.
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| Unique 10m WSPR spots today (to 1840z) |
472kHz transverter
It is always very satisfying to see when someone has taken one of my designs and taken it on to the next stage. In the case of M1GEO, he has made a PCB for a design based on my transverter. It looks so much better than my original! Dead bug build style is fine for "one offs" mind you.
See http://www.george-smart.co.uk/wiki/472_kHz_Transverter
It is quite a while since I was last on 472kHz. I really should try loading up the feeder to my 2m/70cm antenna to see how this performs.
See http://www.george-smart.co.uk/wiki/472_kHz_Transverter
It is quite a while since I was last on 472kHz. I really should try loading up the feeder to my 2m/70cm antenna to see how this performs.
Good start on 6m Es today
IK1WVQ was spotted at 0924z and I was spotted by OE1MSB (1220km) as early as 0824z on 6m WSPR. This is a promising start on 6m WSPR.
Sunspot count is 110 and 20-30MHz conditions described as "normal". This is of no relevance to 6m Es propagation (at least not directly), but suggests half decent DX conditions on 10m. I may QSY to 10m later for a change.
UPDATE 1210z: No more 6m Es here since 0928z. Got to be patient!
UPDATE 1420z: Still no more 6m Es here, so will probably QSY to 10m shortly. G4IKZ spotting me lots (a local).
Sunspot count is 110 and 20-30MHz conditions described as "normal". This is of no relevance to 6m Es propagation (at least not directly), but suggests half decent DX conditions on 10m. I may QSY to 10m later for a change.
UPDATE 1210z: No more 6m Es here since 0928z. Got to be patient!
UPDATE 1420z: Still no more 6m Es here, so will probably QSY to 10m shortly. G4IKZ spotting me lots (a local).
26 May 2014
QRP calling frequencies
Although currently I spend most of my time on WSPR or other digital modes (saves my voice - stroke) here is a list of QRP calling frequencies which may be useful.
See http://www.njqrp.org/data/qrp_freqs.html . It shows European frequencies as well as USA ones.
My usual technique with QRP is "listen and pounce". I rarely call CQ on QRP and find this the more successful approach. Often the other station has no idea I am using very low power.
See http://www.njqrp.org/data/qrp_freqs.html . It shows European frequencies as well as USA ones.
My usual technique with QRP is "listen and pounce". I rarely call CQ on QRP and find this the more successful approach. Often the other station has no idea I am using very low power.
6m Es today
At 1504z OE1MSB was being spotted here on 6m WSPR using 2W RF. So far, this is the first Es I have seen today. Maybe there will be others around teatime?
I am beginning to wonder if 4X1RF, who spotted me recently, was 6m by F-layer. He spotted me no less than 7 times that afternoon, but has not spotted me since, even once.
At 1542z and 1602z G4VXE (136km) was spotted by tropo (maybe some aircraft reflection?) - a good GDX distance - when Tim was using 5W. Tim spotted my 1W ERP at 1558z.
UPDATE 1750z: CN8LI (2113km) has just spotted me twice. Decent Es.
I am beginning to wonder if 4X1RF, who spotted me recently, was 6m by F-layer. He spotted me no less than 7 times that afternoon, but has not spotted me since, even once.
At 1542z and 1602z G4VXE (136km) was spotted by tropo (maybe some aircraft reflection?) - a good GDX distance - when Tim was using 5W. Tim spotted my 1W ERP at 1558z.
UPDATE 1750z: CN8LI (2113km) has just spotted me twice. Decent Es.
Full QTH locator
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| QTH locator (10m digit version) |
As an example, on the 25km path to G0LRD the error using 6 digits is around 1km. The actual path (using the full 10 digit locators at each end) is 26.516km. Sometimes the error is such that paths appear longer with 6 digits. It all depends on where in the 6 digit square one sits.
6m quiet so far today (to 1130z)
Just the usual local spots on 6m this morning- G4IKZ, G4KPX and GOLRD copied and no Es as yet. Sunspot count is 133 and 20-30MHz forecast is "normal" today.
President Lincoln II transceiver
See http://www.president-electronics.com/en/The_CB_Radios/Fiche_produit.php?REF=TXSE041
25 May 2014
G4IKZ (6m) - turning his beam?
Nick G4IKZ (18km) has been spotting me some 24dB weaker on 6m WSPR in the last 30 minutes or so. I suspect he has just rotated his horizontal beam, maybe towards the USA or Caribbean in the hope of seeing some super-DX by multi-hop Es. I am using just a V2000 vertical (omni) and where his beam is normally aiming (Europe?) the cross-polarisation loss is minimal.
40m,20m,10m WSPR, then back on 6m
Just for a brief change I fired up WSPR on these bands and got EU spots on each band around teatime. On 10m PY2RN (9550km) spotted me, so 10m is still opening N-S over the equator.
I have now returned to 6m WSPR and have spotted IK1WVQ (1084km) but only been spotted locally myself this evening.
I have now returned to 6m WSPR and have spotted IK1WVQ (1084km) but only been spotted locally myself this evening.
6m - Sunday
Saturday we went to Canterbury on the train to see my son and family, so no amateur radio yesterday. Was going to listen for G4BAO's test 70cm beacon on my vertical, but John has turned it off I hear.
I have been on 6m WSPR (1W ERP) since just before lunchtime and DL4MFC (916km) and DK1KW (914km) have spotted me by Es. Also spotting me are the usual locals. Just been spotted by EA6ZL (1485km) at 1226z at a strong -5dB S/N.
I spotted OE9ICI (857km) at 1230z running QRO fifty watts! Why?? He would have been good copy at 5W or less. WSPR is a WEAK SIGNAL mode and running high power is just daft and a waste. I expect it was one of his first attempts! He will soon learn.
Lots of 6m EU Es evident. 6m seems to be open in most EU directions.
I have been on 6m WSPR (1W ERP) since just before lunchtime and DL4MFC (916km) and DK1KW (914km) have spotted me by Es. Also spotting me are the usual locals. Just been spotted by EA6ZL (1485km) at 1226z at a strong -5dB S/N.
I spotted OE9ICI (857km) at 1230z running QRO fifty watts! Why?? He would have been good copy at 5W or less. WSPR is a WEAK SIGNAL mode and running high power is just daft and a waste. I expect it was one of his first attempts! He will soon learn.
Lots of 6m EU Es evident. 6m seems to be open in most EU directions.
24 May 2014
G4BAO - 70cm new beacon testing
John G4BAO (about 8km) has been testing beacon bits for the new 70cm UK beacon network, at 1mW level so far, to a vertically polarised antenna. Not knowing his polarisation, last evening I copied the 1mW signal on my 5 el horizontal 70cm beam at about 559 by ear. Signal is about the same level as the Kent beacon on 2m here.
I will look for his test beacon (G4JNT design,, GPS disciplined) on my V2000 vertical to avoid cross-polarisation losses, if still on the air. Frequency is/was temporarily 432.440MHz. The beacon sends FSK and JT65.
It will be excellent when the UK 70cm beacon network is running again. At the moment, the only beacon I can copy frequently is in Holland! GB3BSL (Bristol 70cm beacon) used to be a decent signal here and was a good propagation indicator, sadly now QRT like most of the original 70cm UK beacon network.
I will look for his test beacon (G4JNT design,, GPS disciplined) on my V2000 vertical to avoid cross-polarisation losses, if still on the air. Frequency is/was temporarily 432.440MHz. The beacon sends FSK and JT65.
It will be excellent when the UK 70cm beacon network is running again. At the moment, the only beacon I can copy frequently is in Holland! GB3BSL (Bristol 70cm beacon) used to be a decent signal here and was a good propagation indicator, sadly now QRT like most of the original 70cm UK beacon network.
23 May 2014
New 5MHz amateur band soon?
Many countries have allocated small sections close to 5MHz for amateur use. In the UK, these sub-bands are available only by NoV. At the WRC2015 it is possible a contiguous 5MHz band may be allocated worldwide to the amateur community. If this happens, it will be an interesting band but even if it happens it could be some years before it becomes widely available.
Up to now I have only been on 5MHz a couple of times with WSPR with an indifferent antenna with moderate success. I got an NoV over a year ago.
Up to now I have only been on 5MHz a couple of times with WSPR with an indifferent antenna with moderate success. I got an NoV over a year ago.
10m antenna
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| Homebase-10 10m halo antenna |
The Homebase-10 antenna worked well and is nearly omni-directional. My problem is where should it go? Although quite a low visual impact antenna, it needs a mast to get it up in the air and in the clear. Something else would have to come down to make room and I like the antennas I have up at the moment.
G4IKZ weaker today
Nick, G4IKZ (18km) is weaker this morning, I assume because he has pointed his beam in a slightly different direction. Others copied today are G4KPX (14km) and CN8LI (2113km) yet again.
Sunspot count is down to 70 today but 20-30MHz conditions are "normal". Maybe 10m will be less good today? I shall stick with 6m Es searching.on WSPR.
UPDATE 1742z: All afternoon it has been G4IKZ alone with 20+ spots since lunch. Apart from CN8LI's spots several times before lunch no Es noticed on 6m today (well not yet).
UPDATE 2125z: Still no sign of Es this evening. Will be closing down soon.
Sunspot count is down to 70 today but 20-30MHz conditions are "normal". Maybe 10m will be less good today? I shall stick with 6m Es searching.on WSPR.
UPDATE 1742z: All afternoon it has been G4IKZ alone with 20+ spots since lunch. Apart from CN8LI's spots several times before lunch no Es noticed on 6m today (well not yet).
UPDATE 2125z: Still no sign of Es this evening. Will be closing down soon.
22 May 2014
SmartMic
See http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?p=3125 .
This could be a killer app for amateur radio: Digital Voice (DV) without the need for a PC. It consists of a board that goes between the mic and rig and the rig and LS.
DV in the end is a 1.25kHz wide 16QPSK signal able to work with very low S/N ratios and low power transmitters.
This could be a killer app for amateur radio: Digital Voice (DV) without the need for a PC. It consists of a board that goes between the mic and rig and the rig and LS.
DV in the end is a 1.25kHz wide 16QPSK signal able to work with very low S/N ratios and low power transmitters.
CN8LI - 6m
Reports from CN8LI have been coming in consistently all afternoon. I assume the propagation is Es but this very non-sporadic! I suppose it is just conceivably single hop F-layer, but I think Es is more probable. Now if only someone another 1000-2000km further south was on too so multi-hop Es into Africa was a possibility. Later in the Es season, multi-hop Es becomes more likely into S.America, the Caribbean and N.America.
At 1806z CN8LI is still spotting me well (-1dB S/N).
UPDATE 2125z: CN8LI's last 6m spot of me was at 1854z (+6dB S/N) and this appears to be the last today. Just G4IKZ spotting me now, lot of times!
UPDATE 2200z: finally closed down at 2145z with just G4IKZ spotting me all evening.
At 1806z CN8LI is still spotting me well (-1dB S/N).
UPDATE 2125z: CN8LI's last 6m spot of me was at 1854z (+6dB S/N) and this appears to be the last today. Just G4IKZ spotting me now, lot of times!
UPDATE 2200z: finally closed down at 2145z with just G4IKZ spotting me all evening.
Clearing the back of the (old) garage
As I was in hospital Sept-Jan because of my stroke, I was not around when my wife arranged for our old home to be rented out. We left a lot of my stuff locked away at the back of the garage and only cleared this today. Among the "goodies" were 2 QRP power meters, a DC PSU, a small rotator and several antennas. I had wondered where these all were! Now I know.
Very quiet start on 6m this morning - better later
This morning, it was very quiet start on 6m WSPR with just the usual strong spots from G4IKZ (18km). I am actually very pleased with these reports of my 1W ERP signal as I am pretty sure Nick uses a horizontal beam so we are cross-polarised.
Sunspot count is 100 but 20-30MHz conditions are reported as being "good" so maybe 10m will be in decent shape for DX today. 6m will remain "sporadic" hopefully with some Es propagation later?
UPDATE 0940z: Still just G4IKZ spots this morning so far. Not sure if the few dB variation in reports is the noise floor increasing, path variations, or Nick moving the antenna a tad.
UPDATE 1445z: Well, there is 6m Es about. Firstly OE1MSB (1220km) at 1114z then several spots from CN8LI (2113km) - 14 spots to 1444z - as well as G4FFC (45km) although at 45km hardly GDX. Wouldn't it be great to hook up to some TEP with Es to northern latitudes? Lots of Doppler on my spots from CN8LI - moving Es patches?
UPDATE 1530z: Had to disconnect antennas because of local storms.
UPDATE 1635z: Antennas back on around 1625z and CN8LI still spotting me and me him. He has been a remarkably consistent reporter all afternoon long. At teatime signals both ways are VERY strong (like he is down the road!).
UPDATE 1740z: HB9PLH just spotted me on 6m WSPR. Still plenty of Es around.
UPDATE 0940z: Still just G4IKZ spots this morning so far. Not sure if the few dB variation in reports is the noise floor increasing, path variations, or Nick moving the antenna a tad.
UPDATE 1445z: Well, there is 6m Es about. Firstly OE1MSB (1220km) at 1114z then several spots from CN8LI (2113km) - 14 spots to 1444z - as well as G4FFC (45km) although at 45km hardly GDX. Wouldn't it be great to hook up to some TEP with Es to northern latitudes? Lots of Doppler on my spots from CN8LI - moving Es patches?
UPDATE 1530z: Had to disconnect antennas because of local storms.
UPDATE 1635z: Antennas back on around 1625z and CN8LI still spotting me and me him. He has been a remarkably consistent reporter all afternoon long. At teatime signals both ways are VERY strong (like he is down the road!).
UPDATE 1740z: HB9PLH just spotted me on 6m WSPR. Still plenty of Es around.
21 May 2014
6m Es and GDX
Well 6m "came good" today with Es to IK1WVQ and CN8LI as well as GDX in the form of G8JNJ/A (184km) G4FFC (45km) and G4BRK (134km). I get the feeling that daily Es is now more likely until later in the summer. Tonight I shall have to go QRT as we have thunder forecast, so I need to disconnect antennas. Today has been a good day on 6m.
It is interesting to see just how much variation there is on Es signals. For example, my 1W ERP signal level with CN8LI varied by 27dB over lunchtime. Strongest was 0dB S/N and the weakest -27dB S/N.
It is interesting to see just how much variation there is on Es signals. For example, my 1W ERP signal level with CN8LI varied by 27dB over lunchtime. Strongest was 0dB S/N and the weakest -27dB S/N.
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