Ploughing a lonely furrow on 6m WSPR

There are very few active stations on 6m WSPR, but I am giving it a try!  The best I can hope for are some locals, some GDX, and just maybe a fleeting bit of Es into somewhere in Europe. The latter is a low chance I think but not zero. I shall probably stick around on 6m until after teatime. In the Far East there has been 6m TEP JA-VK but the UK is a bit too far north.

On 6m I am using a vertical with about 30dBm ERP. This is usually OK for GDX out to about 200km off planes.

Sunspots

Today's sunspot count has fallen to 61 and 20-30MHz propagation is forecast to be "poor". I am currently on 6m and I have not checked out 10m today. Long distance F2 propagation may be more problematic on 10m today.

Time to QSY to 472kHz, 6m tomorrow?

10m has been in good shape again today, but at the moment it is getting too predictable, even a little boring! Every single day it opens to the USA and frequently much further.

So, I shall be QSYing down to 472kHz quite soon this evening where there are already 37 active stations on WSPR.

Tomorrow I may well try a different band, possibly 6m.

UPDATE 1940z:  G3WCB sent this screen shot of my signal last night to the RSGB's LF group. I am the signal near 693. Weak but clear.

10m to the USA

10m WSPR opened to the USA just after 1200z here today. The 10m band has opened to the USA every day now for weeks and weeks by F2.

UPDATE 1355z:  As well as all the  USA stations, there is a wide spread of stations from across Europe too. FZ5ZX and TJ3TS are also coming through reliably from the Indian Ocean and Africa respectively. Not sure if FZ5ZX is a Reunion Is local or a visitor? FR4OZ (9733km) was spotted at 1444z. He is a new station to me, the third on Reunion Is. He claims to be using 5mW but I think this is an error. Otherwise he was putting in a remarkable signal at -3dB S/N. I find it hard to believe 5mW somehow.

100mW from RA3APW on 10m WSPR

Yet again, my old work colleague Karen RA3APW in Moscow is putting an excellent signal into the UK on 10m WSPR using a genuine 100mW from his Ultimate 3 beacon. It really is very impressive. Last time we spoke he was using a small 10m antenna in the shack as well! Not sure if the same antenna is being used.

UPDATE 1345z:  So far, 11 spots of RA3APW's 100mW beacon on 10m WSPR.

Sunspots

Sunspot count today is 75 and 20-30MHz propagation "normal".   Judging by the stations copied on 10m JT65, and recent WSPR spots, conditions on 10m seem pretty good.

10m JT65

This morning, I gave JT65 a go on 10m and managed to work Russia, Ukraine and Georgia.  Copied, but not worked, were China, Japan and New Zealand. I have now gone back to WSPR as it requires less manual intervention.

21 unique (I think) with 5mW ERP on 472kHz WSPR

As far as I can tell, I have now had reports from 21 unique stations on 472kHz WSPR when using 5mW ERP (or less). A new reporter this evening is G3ZJO (79km). Up to now,  Eddie had been unable to decode me: I was just too weak and in the noise.  Maybe he has improved his RX?  His reports (4 so far this evening) are right on the edge at -28 to -30dB S/N.

My best DX report remains GM4SLV (896km) back in the summer. My best DX reception here on 472kHz is Italy at 1815km some evenings ago.  I have still to receive any stateside stations.

On 500kHz I had far more reports. I think my antenna at the newer QTH is poorer and there are fewer different stations active within my range.

Judging by my results with NOTHING special in antennas and grounds for 472kHz. I can recommend 472kHz WSPR to everyone. Even just a few new reporters  with RX only would be very nice.

UPDATE 2145z: IZ7PDX (1815km) already spotted at 2136z. Very early on 472kHz WSPR.

UPDATE 2212z:  About to reset the PC clock and turn down the TX percentage. I want to have a good chance of copying some decent DX tonight. Conditions look very good so far.

Stateside DXing on 10m WSPR

10m really is getting too easy this autumn. These are the most recent recent spots on 10m WSPR this evening.

10m WSPR spots this early evening

Oh, G8LCO told me in an email that I missed a great opening to the USA on 472kHz last night  - of course it was the night I had everything turned OFF because of storms - Sod's Law! In earlier years I have copied the USA from my old QTH, on 500kHz,  but not yet on 472kHz and at the new QTH.

From Southgate News - very low cost 70cm handhelds

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2014/october/price_of_70cm_handhelds_falls.htm#.VDP48MnTCSo  .
This is incredible: a 5W handheld for less than £8.

Looking on eBay, just £6.99 will buy a 70cms unit with charger from Singapore. Tell  me, how can ANYONE make money on these?

Thanks to G1KQH, a link to a review:
http://hamgear.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/review-baofeng-bf-666s-bf-777s-bf-888s-and-look-alikes/

Sunspots

Today's sunspot count has slipped back to 86 but the 20-30MHz forecast is "good".   Already 10m WSPR is producing yet more F2 DX. Long may it continue. If there are USA stations looking, I might even try 6m WSPR in case there is any transatlantic F2 propagation.

UPDATE 1427z: Sadly 6m WSPR activity is very very low. I'll stick with 10m for now.

Late 10m WSPR start today

Last night I went QRT quite early because of nearby storm risks: the lightning map showed flashes quite close last evening. Until a few minutes ago I ventured (on the bus) into Cambridge for a U3AC course. This was my first excursion on my own for over a year! The course is good on Human Evolution.

10m WSPR was turned on a few minutes ago. As well as lots of USA stations, I see my 2W was spotted in Australia by VK5MR (16144km) at 1358z today. The 10m band is in good shape again.

Great to log a HUGE signal from Karen RA3APW (2443km) in Moscow. He runs a genuine 100mW from an Ultimate 3 kit.

UPDATE 1440z:  RV3DQC (2523km) is a collosal +7dB S/N  signal on 10m WSPR. This is either single hop F2 (most likely) or Es.  I think the former is more likely.

Giant solar filament

More data c/o G1KQH again, this time something that appeared in The Register.

See

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/10/05/gigantic_solar_filament_snakes_around_the_sun/

10m WSPR results today

I have just been comparing my 10m WSPR results today with fellow local G0LRD (25km away). He is copying FAR more than I am this morning - stations across Europe, Russia and Australia whereas I have apparently copied NOTHING and I've only been spotted by the locals.  It could be antennas, WSPR-X playing up, or something else. I have just restarted WSPR-X in case this is the reason. Over the weekend I was getting spots from distant places with just 500mW.   It  is odd as G0LND was spotting RA3APW (2466km) running a genuine 100mW very well indeed. I used to work with RA3APW (Karen) years ago. I certainly should have copied this station. Odd.

UPDATE 1318z:  Well, I don't understand this at all. Nothing had changed (i.e all WSPR-X settings were as before which worked previously), but I had to switch WSPR-X  to Direct-X input before decodes were successful and were being uploaded. Now all seems to be well again after a wasted morning. I think I have to note which settings (i.e. PC assignment of audio settings) work, then make sure these are selected next time WSPR-X is opened, rather than assume the same PC settings are assigned when the software is opened. I think this was my problem earlier. Darn it.

Sunspots today

The sunspot count has dropped to 106 (stable) but 20-30MHz propagation is "normal". We should expect decent F2 DX today again on 10m. Yesterday was very good.

UPDATE 1535z:  The 20-30MHz propagation forecast has been upgraded to "good" from "normal". Since sorting out my issue (soundcard settings) with WSPR-X I am seeing lots of USA stations decoding now.  My best DX spot from the USA currently is WA7HL (8508km) in DM51ck square which is Arizona.   In"the old days" WA7 would have been Washington state or nearby.  No longer!

Time to QSY to 472kHz WSPR

Having been spotted in ZL this morning on 10m WSPR, I think it is time to QSY dowm to MF for the evening. At the moment, there are 56 stations active on 472kHz WSPR, which is a lot. It gives my 5mW ERP a chance of being copied by some new stations.

In the last 2 weeks I have been spotted by 14 unique stations as follows:

Unique WSPR spots of my 5mW ERP in last 2 weeks on 472kHz

I don't know how to check 472kHz spots received for the whole of this year as WSPRnet only allows me to look back for a maximum of 2 weeks. I can do it manually but would prefer an automatic way if one exists. Anyone know how to do this please?

UPDATE 1820z:   DH5RAE (995km) already spotted very early evening.  G4XRV (87km) is an all time new reporter (I think) since the table above was created, making 15 unique reporters of my 5mW ERP in the last 2 weeks on 472kHz WSPR.

UPDATE 1940z:  G8ALS (126km) is the 16th unique reporter of my 5mW ERP 472kHz WSPR in the last 2 weeks. 

UPDATE 2135z: Most of my 472kHz WSPR transmissions this evening are receiving 4-6 spots per 2 minute TX burst, which is not bad for a genuine 5mW ERP

10m WSPR - locals compared

G4KPX (14km away) seems to be using the same power as me (I suspect another FT817?) but I am not sure what antenna he is using. I know Richard is very keen on magnetic loops. Looking at his spots sent and received he seems to be getting quite a few more than me.

I know my antenna could be better, but in my present poor health think it unlikely it will be changed.  It seems clear to me that I am missing some stations because of my antenna on 10m.

G0LRD (25km) seems to get fewer spots than Richard, but usually gets better results than me.

UPDATE 1325z: The first USA spot with me was at 1226z whereas with G4KPX was 3 hours sooner than me!  Antennas matter if you want first class results on 10m. Presumably whatever antenna G4KPX is using has a lower take-off angle and is more efficient.

Receiving the Russian ZEVS transmissions on 82Hz (yes Hertz!)

See http://www.vlf.it/zevs/zevs.htm .

Quite a few VLF/ELFers attempt to copy the Russian ZEVS transmissions to deeply submerged nuclear subs at around 82Hz, yes, you read right, Hertz. At these frequencies even a few watts ERP penetrate deeply in the sea. The Americans used a similar system called Project Sanguine at around 76Hz , but this has now gone QRT. I think they use green lasers now?

The ZEVS data rate is low and usually there are a couple of transmissions a day. Usually Spectrum Laboratory software is needed for long term stability. Several people have been successful, although I have still to try.

I hope the transmissions are just tests these days!

ZL - my best ever 10m WSPR spot on TX

This morning on 2W 10m WSPR at 1044z I was spotted in New Zealand by ZL1RS (18047km) at a relatively strong -17dB S/N. He was in RF64vs square, which is in/near Kirikiri on North Island. Years ago I worked ZL on 10m QRP SSB just before heading to work. The 10m band is in great shape today.

Today's ZL report suggests, if he has a quiet location with a low noise floor, he might  have copied me with 20 times less power i.e. around 100mW ERP.

UPDATE 1135z:  South America is putting in an early appearance with PU2UIB (9524km) spotting my 2W WSPR as early as 1052z this morning at -22dB S/N.

Unique 10m WSPR reports of my 2W this morning

Sunspots and 10m conditions like Saturday?

Sunspot count today remains at 128 (as yesterday) and 20-30MHz propagation is again "normal".  I guess it depends on how stable things are, but already 10m WSPR is open to LA1IC (1044km). No real DX outside Europe seen yet though on 10m WSPR.

UPDATE 0930z:  Guess who spoke too soon?  VK7AB (17342km) near Hobart and FR5ZX (9740km) both spotted on 10m WSPR at 0918z.  LOTS of Europeans being copied from across the continent.

GB3MCB (144.469MHz)

You may recall I had not copied this 2m Cornish beacon, even on MS pings here in East Anglia and was wondering why.  Well, it turns out it is off air because it interferes with a local repeater.  I was actually quite pleased to read this - my kit was not deaf after all. On 2m I use the FT817ND with a 3el beam.The QTH is on an East Anglian "hill" i.e. a small bump. In UKAC Tuesday evening contests I can usually work 200km+ with 5W from home.  In the last UKAC 2m contest I worked a /P station in Scotland, which was much further.

UPDATE 5.10.14 0932z:   According to the beacon keeper, they plan to turn the 2m beacon back on at GB3MCB when coax has been replaced and antennas re-sited. It is a small group though and funds are tight.

472kHz WSPR this afternoon

It has been interesting to see who spots me in the daytime on 472kHz WSPR. Only 3 stations spotted me (2 quite locals - G0LRD (25km) and G3XIZ (46km), plus G8HUH at 250km, who receives people well).

On RX, I copied 3 stations - G4KPX (14km), G8HUH (250km) and PA3ABK/2 (306km). I shall stick with 472kHz WSPR this evening. No doubt range will increase at night.

UPDATE 1636z:  29 stations currently active on 472kHz WSPR of which G4KPX, G3ZJO and myself are in the UK and transmitting.  I think we are all 3 of us are very QRP ERP stations. I know Richard G4KPX was running 1mW ERP (or less) to an indoor TX loop in a spare bedroom on 472kHz. He gets out very well.

UPDATE 1820z:  DH5RAE (995km) and DJ0ABR (983km) now being spotted here on 472kHz WSPR.

UPDATE 2000z:   G8LCO (58km) situated between Stevenage and Welwyn has copied me 6 times so far this evening. No great DX, but nice to be seen by someone relatively new (I think?) on the band.

UPDATE 2200z: G8LCO has now spotted me 12 times tonight so far. My best DX report so far is from PA0A (417km).

Now QSYed to 472kHz WSPR

Even with 500mW out on 10m I was being spotted in Cameroon by TJ3TS (5478km), so I have QSYed down to 472kHz WSPR (5mW ERP) to see what daytime propagation is like. Initially just a spot from local G0LRD (25km) but I am hopeful of others too. Activity is not yet high (27 stations, many RX only) on MF.

The rain is just arriving here and not expected to clear through until 1600z.

Sunspots 128 and 10m conditions

Sunspot count today is a respectable 128 and 20-30MHz propagation "normal".  Already been swapping 10m WSPR spots with 4X1RF (3519km) several times since around 0700z and at 0948z VK7AB (17342km) near Hobart in Tasmania was coming through weakly.  No other Australians seen yet on 10m but the band is clearly open by F2 to some very distant places.

Nearer to home G0LRD (25km) is running 100mW and being copied OK here. I have just dropped down to 500mW from the FT817.

South America on 10m WSPR

PT2WWV (8873km) was spotting me this evening at -21dB S/N at 1810z. So far, this is my first report today from South America. If I stick around on 10m, I doubt this will be the last report. PT2WWV seems to copy me well and I often copy him on 10m.

UPDATE 1855z:   So far, PT2WWV has spotted me 3 times tonight.]

UPDATE 2230z:  Last overseas spot of me was HB9ADJ (816km) at 1932z. Just locals since then. Staying on 10m through the night now to see which Europeans appear during the night.

Should I try a new band?

As 10m is getting quite predictable these days and I think I just about know how far my 5mW ERP will get on 630m (472kHz), I am tempted to try a new band tonight, maybe 80m or 160m WSPR although activity levels are low.

Sunspots and 10m WSPR activity

Sunspot count today is 105 (decent) and 20-30MHz propagation forecast to be "excellent". This should mean some good long distances on 10m F2. So far, I am only being spotted by the locals.
 
UPDATE 1105z:  A few spots exchanged with 4X1RF (3519km) on 10m and EA5WO (1428km) spotted here. DK6UG (633km) has also spotted me. As yet no really long distance F2 DX copied, but I expect that to soon change.

UPDATE 1120z:   Seeing the above 10m WSPR spots you do wonder how often this band is open very briefly by Es or F2. For a WSPR decode you need the band to be open for nearly 2 minutes only. I suspect we will find it briefly opens far more frequently than was thought. After all, the MUF has just to creep above 28.1246MHz very briefly for WSPR to catch it.  On CW or SSB you'd have to be very very patient. WSPR is some 12-14dB better than CW.G0MGM

UPDATE 1144z:   G0MGM (101km) and M6NNB (127km) have been spotting me. These are  interesting GDX distances. I assume these are pure tropo or plane enhanced, although there was little or no Doppler on my signal.

Recent 10m WSPR spots

UPDATE 1434z:  Have been exchanging 10m WSPR spots with USA stations since 1252z: 10m is well open to the USA yet again. It has been open daily to the USA for weeks now. This must be F2.

UPDATE 1615z:  My 1550z TX transmission resulted in 14 spots of which 11 were from the USA and one of the remaining was even further afield from FR1GZ.

Overnight success on 472kHz

Need to check if any new stations were spotting me overnight, but good results here on RX with 2 Italians spotted on 472kHz WSPR.

IW4DXW (1190km) was spotted 4 times around 0230z.  IZ7PDX (1815km) was spotted here 2 times around 0200z. He is a new DX record on RX from this QTH.

This morning, in daytime, G8HUH (250km), G3WCB (101km) and G0LRD (25km) were spotting me.  I have now moved to 28MHz (10m).

FT991 multi-mode, 160m-70cm all mode transceiver

The first UK price looks like around £999 from Nevada who expect stocks spring/summer 2015. This is more than I was expecting.

This image is the best I could find. The image is located on the Universal Radio site in Ohio and the link to the image will be removed if this is a problem.

http://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/3991lrg.jpg

Click the image for a bigger, clearer picture. 

I would consider investing in this transceiver, but would be looking for a better price. The FT450D is currently £699 in the UK (even less at MLS £619.95 according to G1KQH) I wonder if they will spin out an FT817 replacement based on the FT991 design? I am sure there would be a good market for a 5-10W version here in the UK.

10m WSPR - now spotting Canada

At 1550z VE3KCL (5696km), running 200mW WSPR, is being spotted here (just) at -29dB S/N.

UPDATE 1735z: 4X1RF (3519km) has spotted me 10 times so far today.

UPDATE 1910z:   For well over an hour now I have been spotting, and been spotted by,  just locals. It is too soon to call it a night and there might yet be more DX on 10m WSPR. For now, I shall stick with 10m to see what happens.  Later I might QSY to MF.

UPDATE 1958z: No DX on 10m WSPR for 2 hours, so soon time to QSY to 630m (472kHz) WSPR. 

UPDATE 2200z:  Been on 472kHz since about 2020z.

One 2W 10m WSPR burst - 10 reports

My 1432z 10m WSPR transmission got 8 reports (spots) as follows:

One 2W WSPR transmission today on 10m

5 were from stations in the USA (up to -9dB S/N), 1 from Israel and 2 locals.

UPDATE 1456z: My last 10m 2W transmission got no less than 10 spots of which 70% were from the USA. 10m is wide open to the USA today.

First USA spot today

My first USA 10m WSPR spot today was of WG2Z (5600km) at -24dB S/N at 1220z. I hope this will be the first of many spots given and received today to/from North and South America.

UPDATE 1320z:  WB8ELK/01 (6872km) spotted me at 1316z at -23dB S/N.

UPDATE 1422z:  Plenty of USA stations spotting me, and being spotted, on 10m WSPR this afternoon. No South Americans seen so far in the logs.

UPDATE 1432z:   So far, FR1GZ (9724km), on Reunion Is in the Indian Ocean, has only been spotted twice here on 10m WSPR.

10m WSPR - 4 immediate spots

Turning on 10m WSPR at just before 0942z, I received 4 spots of my first transmission with best DX being R0AU at 5546km way over in Siberia. The other spots were by locals. Not a bad start today.

UPDATE 1100z:  OH5MD recently spotted here as well as EA5WO.  Seems Europeans are still about on 10m WSPR, but apart from R0AU no real DX yet seen on the band which is a bit surprising.

UPDATE 1210z:  F2 in evidence, RN6LLV (2878km) has been spotted 3 times so far. This is classic single hop F2 propagation.

Sunspots and 10m

Sunspot count today is 164 (pretty good still and "stable") and 20-30MHz propagation forecast to be "normal". We should expect some 10m F2 propagation today.

10m has opened from the UK to the USA every day in recent weeks although it was "touch and go" yesterday with just a brief opening in which K3NAL was spotted here in the afternoon.

Yet again I see there are plentiful openings across Europe with G4HZW being spotted in Germany and OZ7IT spotting a Japanese station.

I am about to turn on 10m WSPR.

New WSJT-X software

WSJT-X is now available as a new public release V1.4.0 from Oct 1st 2014.  At the moment this will still be a beta version and further improvements are likely in future releases.

See http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/ for more details.

Important changes in version 1.4 relative to v1.3, r3673 include the following:

1. CAT control for most radios is much improved, including expanded support for Commander, Ham Radio Deluxe, and OmniRig.  One-way CAT control is no longer generally supported.  Users may choose no CAT control, or may have working two-way communication so that WSJT-X can verify that commands sent to the rig have been executed.  "Split" mode  operation is supported via HRD for radios where HRD provides the  necessary control functions.  WSJT-X can now simulate Split mode for rigs that do not provide it.

2. Many options previously found on the Setup menu now appear on a far more flexible "Settings" screen.  You can define multiple spot operating  frequencies per band.  All recognized amateur bands are supported, and  frequency offsets can be configured for transverters.

3. There has been considerable polishing and extension of the user  interface, including optional user-defined waterfall palettes and fonts for the main screen, decoded text areas, and Astronomical Data screen.

4. The JT65 decoder now accepts negative values of DT down to -3.2 s, eliminating most of the occasional "garbage decodes" produced by poorly time-synchronized transmissions.

5. Better (glitch-free) behavior of audio streams.

6. Better handling of messages that include compound callsigns.

7. Support for standard "localization" conventions.

8. Writable files now appear in platform-dependent standard locations, allowing for more efficient installation on all supported platforms and  user settings to be seamlessly carried forward during program upgrades.

9. A new WSJT-X User Guide is available at
http://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/wsjtx-doc/wsjtx-main.html .  Additions and changes will continue to be made, as needed: please send us your suggestions for improvements!

In addition these listed improvements there are many internal changes aimed at cleaning up the code, establishing a standard set of  compile-and-build tools, and making the whole package more readily maintained by an active development group.


KNOWN PROBLEMS
--------------
WSJT-X v1.4 cooperates with Ham Radio Deluxe much more reliably than v1.3.  However, the good behavior can break down when HRD Logbook or DM780 are also running in parallel.  You may see delays up to 20 seconds or so in frequency changes or other radio commands, due to a bug in HRD.  HRD folks are aware of the problem, and are working to resolve it.

It has not been possible to initially provide support for all radios via  HRD. We have built-in diagnostics that allow quick identification of the extra support needed to support untested rigs via HRD. We urge HRD users to try this new version and report back results. We will then add any missing support based on feedback from users as soon as possible.

About 25 amateurs, including all of the most active members of the Development Team, have been regular users of WSJT-X built from recent code revisions.  In addition to those mentioned explicitly in the  program documentation, we thank CT1EKD, DK6OV, G3PQA, G4YKQ, K2LYV, KF5OIM, N9JCA, NA7KR, PA0TBR, and N0URE for their essential help -- especially help with debugging rig control for specific radios.

Particular thanks are also due to Bill, G4WJS and Greg, KI7MT, who  recently have done much of the heavy lifting on the WSJT development front.

REMINDER: this is a beta release -- a candidate for official release as WSJT-X Version 1.4.  The program is stable, highly capable, and a pleasure to use.  However, almost certainly it has bugs that have not yet come to light.  One of your responsibilities is to report any anomalous behavior.  The most useful bug reports include any relevant
details on your setup and (if possible) instructions on how to reproduce the problem.  Please read the WSJT-X User Guide first!

We look forward to your feedback on this release candidate for WSJT-X 1.4.

    -- 73, Joe, K1JT (for the WSJT Development Team)

Quiet start on 10m WSPR this afternoon, so far.

This afternoon has been very quiet, so far, on 10m WSPR. Yes, it could rapidly change but this afternoon so far it is just G0LRD,  G0VQH,  G4IKZ (all locals) plus G8JNJ/A (184km). So far, no DX this afternoon seen here.

After the last week or so, you get to expect W's to be pounding through.  Guess you can never take 10m for granted. Maybe this is a blackout and normal 10m propagation will return soon?

UPDATE 1415z:  OZ7IT (853km) spotted at 1354z.  Some life about on 10m WSPR  this afternoon, but no DX to the USA in evidence as yet, here.

UPDATE 1520z:  Firstly DK6UG (633km) was spotting me and now I am spotting K3NAL (5930km).  If it was a blackout it has ended as 10m is now waking up. 4X1RF (3519km) is a massive -2dB S/N signal with 5W.

UPDATE 1550z: Now being spotted weakly by French listener F59706 (560km). This probably Es but could be F2 backscatter.

UPDATE 1630z:   Looking at WSPRnet, I don't think there is a massive difference in results between G0LRD and me. He is doing better with his antenna, but tends to spot, and be spotted, by similar stations. G4IKZ on the other hand seems to get better results. He is using 5W and a Moxon antenna which has gain in some directions. This may give him an edge whenthe beam is pointing the right way. Nick's ERP will be nearly 20W in the best directions. He also has a gain on RX of 4-5dB in the best direction and probably a lower noise floor, because of his directionality.

UPDATE 1718z: 4X1RF has spotted me 14 times today so far. No further USA stations spotted or spotting me, so far, today.

UPDATE 1722z:  The brief appearance of K3NAL earlier underlines the usefulness of WSPR in "sniffing out" short lived openings on bands like 10m. This will prove even more useful in the quieter solar years ahead.

UPDATE 2035z:  Nothing from the USA for hours and hours. Just locals. 10m has been disappointing today.

UPDATE 2100z:   Now QRT on all bands.

Australian 472kHz transverter

See http://www.vk3xdk.net46.net/89_31_600M-472Khz-479Khz-Transverter-V2.html . This is a 472kHz, mostly SMA parts, tranverter which is available from Australia for 180 Oz dollars ready built and tested. That is around £90, but this does not include shipping or duty. The transverter uses a 28MHz packaged oscillator. My own design (see www.g3xbm.co.uk website) is built "dead bug" style. Both the VK3XDK and G3XBM designs put out about 12W into a 50 ohm load. 472kHz is a fascinating band and even very compromised antennas work.  I have nothing special WRT antennas. I tune up the feeders to my V2000 vertical and Par end-fed and use a mains earth. This far from ideal arrangement gets out ( best DX is 896km with 5mW ERP and best RX DX is 1190km so far this season).

Recommendation: give 472kHz a go.

Nick G4IKZ monitoring 10m WSPR now

Local G4IKZ has been monitoring 6m most of the summer, but I notice he is looking on 10m today but so far is seeing just G0LRD and me.

I was wondering how efficient my antenna is on 10m compared with others. It is pleasing to see that Nick is not copying that much either. I think he uses a 10m Moxon beam, but no idea which way it is aiming today. He is getting me much weaker on 10m than on 6m. I believe my Par 3-band end-fed is somewhat down on an optimised 10m antenna, but not too badly.  Certainly not enough to worry about. I seem to be spotted quite widely if I run 2W.

I suppose a more efficient 10m antenna would (maybe) allow me to use 200mW instead, although in RX I copy most stations in all directions, quite well on 10m. The Par also does a decent job on 20m and even 40m, even though quite low and just strung to a tree in the garden.

For several weeks now 10m has been open to Europe at some time in the day. It was open to Spain and Israel this morning. Most days it has opened for F2 DX to places much further away.  So far, this afternoon is exceptionally quiet on 10m WSPR.

10m WSPR this morning

Luckily local G0LRD (25km) pointed out that I was showing the wrong ERP on 10m on WSPRnet. Although ERP is 5mW on 472kHz it is 2W on 10m. For some reason WSPRX did not save the 33dBm setting when I changed bands earlier.

4X1RF (3519km) as spotted me 4 times already and EB5DQ (1405km) has been seen here 3 times so far.

Sunspot count today is 166 (with blackouts) and 20-30Hz forecast is "fair".

472kHz overnight

Last night was a good one on 472kHz with some decent distances copied including IW4DXW (1190km) on a couple of occasions, albeit very weakly.

Unique 472kHz WSPR stations seen overnight

In the other direction, my 5mW ERP was copied by 7 unique stations.  I think G8LCO is an all-time new reporter, but I need to check. Unfortunately WSPRnet only goes back 2 weeks.

Unique 472kHz WSPR reports using 5mW ERP