Sunspots and 10m - Weds Feb 24th 2016

Solar flux is 91 today and the sunspot number just 27 (K=2). The forecast for 10m propagation remains "poor" although short-skip has lived things up here.

10m WSPR - a good start

After overnight on 630m WSPR I QSYed to 10m WSPR after breakfast and was rewarded with lots of short skip.  I received several Italians and one Czech station so far.

50MHz RSGB UKAC contest

This evening was the February leg of the 50MHz UKAC (activity contest). As usual, I was unable to be on for long because of my poor voice. I was also handicapped with a vertical antenna (V2000 omni) and 5W pep. I made 3 QSOs with no great DX in the limited time. The contest is still on for another 70 minutes or so.

QSY to 630m (472kHz) WSPR

With the last 10m WSPR spot at 1726z, I am about to QSY to 630m (472kHz) WSPR in the next few minutes. I shall stay on MF overnight with my usual set-up (20% TX 5mW ERP, 80% RX) using the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground.

UPDATE 1912z:  I am now active on 472kHz WSPR and have been for about 5 minutes.

UPDATE 1940z:   A very promising start on 472kHz WSPR this evening (see above spots).

10m WSPRing still

With late 10m WSPR spots of the USA , I shall be on 10m WSPR at least for the next 90 minutes. I was hoping for USA spots, but was thinking this would be unlikely after such a quiet day.

UPDATE 1822z:  No further 10m WSPR spots, so I think the day has ended on 10m WSPR here. I shall probably QSY at around 1900z.

More OFCOM crappery?

See http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/2GHz-mobile-satellite-systems/?utm_source=updates&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2GHz-mobile-satellite-systems.

Why do I dislike OFCOM so much? I think it is because I am turning into a "grumpy old man" who has a dislike of organisations that seem to be forever justifying their very existence. My own direct dealings with them proved them to be "yes men" who were incapable of making decisions. To me, they come across as a QUANGO and the sooner they go the better. I appreciate this is a personal view and others may well have had a better experience.

Personally, I think it would be good if they were replaced by an organisation able to make pragmatic decisions without forever having to check what the law says. With regard to UK amateur radio, they have released 2MHz of under-used spectrum at VHF on a temporary basis which has been of use to a very few.

No, in my book they add very little value. Sorry, my view.

10m WSPR - disappointing again, so far today

As I write this at 1325z there has been not a single spot given or received on 10m WSPR here all day. This is a great pity and says as much about 10m WSPR activity as conditions. Although there may be the odd spot this afternoon, this looks like yet another disappointing day on the band. I am sure with more 10m WSPR activity, more paths would be proved to be "open".  I shall stick with 10m WSPR until after teatime, probably moving to 630m (472kHz) around 1900z. Yesterday the only spot was at 1754z and this was E-W DX.

UPDATE 1725z:  Well, 10m has a habit of springing surprises! In the last few minutes W1VR (6965km) in Florida has been spotted twice after a very quiet day.

UPDATE 1738z:  W1VR has now been spotted 3 times on 10m WSPR.

More QRP Club

More from Oleg:

Dear Club 72 members and friends,

QRP  Rendez-Vous  Visitors  of  the last week:  UR0ET, RV3GM, SM2FIJ, OH6NPV,  UA1CEG, RW3AA, RU3NJC, RD7K,HB9DAX,  UA0SBQ,  RD6MZ, UA1CEX, PA3DEU,  UR7VT,  DF5SF,  DL7MA,  DL8NBG, G3UD, RN4NAA, EA7JUK, OM6TC, LA9QJA, LZ1HM, DK1AY, RA1M

RD7K  op.  Max, DF5SF op. Uli and LZ1HM op. Hristo became "rendezvous
Frequenters"! Congrats!

See "QRP Rendez-Vous" weekly report and "soapbox" here -
http://qrp-club72.blogspot.ru/
See  full  Visitors  and Frequenters lists as well as QRP Rendez-Vous
schedule - www.club72.su

72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"

More about Socialhams

From OE8APR:

Hello dear OM Roger,
there is a new upcoming socialhams feature in preparation.

It is called APRSCaching and you can find a short description about
it in the attached PDF file. Before we can go live with this extension
we have to finish our own initial caches. So there will be some more
weeks before it is released to the public.

Anyway, I would be very happy if you can publish the attached PDF on your
blogging site and spread the word about this exciting step we will do soon.

Many thanks in advance!

vy 73 de Andreas
OE8APR

See https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/15047843/APRSCaching_Abstract_en(1).pdf

Sunspots and 10m - Tues Feb 23rd 2016

Solar flux is 93 today and sunspot number just 29  (K=1). 10m is expected to remain "poor" today.

40m WSPR

Earlier this evening I switched from 10m to 40m WSPR. As I have an S8 noise floor I have not spotted anyone else yet although VA3KV (5318km) has spotted me on 40m WSPR as the best DX so far this evening. I'll remain on 40m WSPR overnight.

10m WSPR - a disappointing day

Well, what a disappointing day on 10m WSPR! Just a single spot all day! This was from KD6RF (7571km) at 1754z. I re-synced the PC and checked things were OK as until this time I got not a single spot and thought something was wrong at my end. We are seeing reduced 10m WSPR activity, even though conditions suggest more should have been possible.

Cambridge day - NOT amateur radio

On Mondays I go into Cambridge on the bus for my University of the Third Age course. As I have an hour to kill after the course, I usually grab a bite to eat choosing different places most weeks. This week, I tried one place which was busy and ended up getting the £3 lunch deal (filled roll and drink) which was very good value at Subway. Sadly, because of my poor voice, the assistant treated me as if I was simple-minded: she spoke very slowly as if I was stupid. I found this very frustrating, but for many it must be far worse.  Never, ever, assume someone is stupid just because they have a disability.

Sunspots and 10m - Mon Feb 22nd 2016

Solar flux is 95 and sunspot number 47 (K=0) today although 10m propagation is again expected to be "poor".

IC7300 First Impressions

AmateurRadio.com has a nice link to AB4BJ's blog on first impressions of the ICOM IC7300 transceiver including videos that I have not seen before. Look for Amateur Radio Weekly - issue 99.

If you are considering this radio, it is worth checking out. He was impressed. So was I.  At the moment, the IC7300 looks the favorite for my shack unless Yaesu announces a neat FT817 replacement that is stable, bug-free and available in the UK later this year at a sensible price.

As an IC703 replacement, I'd prefer a low power version, but this is unlikely to be available with CE (EU approvals) marking outside of Japan. 10W would suit me fine.

See http://ab4bj.com/wordpress/2016/02/first-impressions-of-the-icom-ic-7300-hf-6m-transceiver/?utm_source=amateur-radio-weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

FT817 replacement?

Somewhere on the grapevine - it may have been an earlier comment to a post (?) - I heard that the FT817ND is being discontinued. Is this another sign that a replacement is (eventually) on its way?

On the other hand it could be that Yaesu is in financial trouble and rationalising its product range. I sincerely hope it is not the latter. I have used Yaesu rigs for 40 years and they have never gone wrong.  Yaesu make some good products but as a proudly Japanese manufacturer they are not immune from the ravages of the economy.

Sunspots and 10m - Sun Feb 21st 2016

Solar flux is 98 today and sunspot number is 46 (K=1). 10m propagation is expected to remain "poor". All being well, I shall be back on 10m WSPR tomorrow now we are back home again.

Away for a long weekend - NOT amateur radio

As you probably guessed, I was away for a few days. My wife and I were down in Kent, just outside Canterbury, visiting our son and his family including 2 of our young grandchildren. So I have not done blogging for a few days. Sorry, but family comes first. The photo shows my wife and grandson. Canterbury Cathedral, where he was Christened, is in the background.

South Hams, Devon - NOT amateur radio

See www.southhamssociety.org .

If you like the natural beauty of the South Hams in South Devon, you may be interested in this link. In my view, parts of the South Hams are the best places on Earth. I come from there, so am slightly biased!

10m WSPR spots so far

G8VDQ (93km) has been spotted here on 10m WSPR (presumably involving aircraft reflection judging by the Doppler and I have been spotted by G0HWW (29km) a few times. No DX outside the UK as yet, although it is still quite early.

Sunspots and 10m - Fri Feb 19th 2016

Solar flux has fallen a little to 96 and sunspot number is 35 (K=2). Predictions for 10m propagation remain "poor" today.

IC7300 yet?

As yet, I have not heard that the ICOM IC7300 is available in the UK or the rest of Europe. Dealers are still keen to take deposits and are still quoting a price "below £1000". With an SDR architecture I think the final price will be somewhat lower. At a lower price I might consider this, especially with 4m coverage. At current rates we may have to wait until next Christmas before we see this rig with stable software at a decent price.

See http://www.hamradio.co.uk/amateur-radio-main-equipment-base-station-radio-icom-base-station-radio/icom/icom-ic-7300-hf-50-70mhz-transceiver-deposit-pd-6016.php .

FTSE 100 - NOT amateur radio

At lunchtime the FTSE 100 UK share index is down 0.38%. It was higher, but still negative on the day.

We should expect it to gradually slide in the months ahead as investors are still nervous about Greece, the EC, China and the world economy at large. It always bounces back, although this could take years.

My expectations this year? I think it will fall to around 5000 then bounce back to 6500. Of course I am only guessing and it could end up anywhere between 4000 and 7000.  I suspect there will be a bounce if we vote to stay in the EU in the summer. If we vote to leave, I suspect the pound and the FTSE 100 will lose value.

RSGB Band Plans

I have a love/hate relationship with my national society. In many ways they do a very good job. At the same time they seem to have a "thing" about AM.

Yet again, there is ZERO acknowledgement of 10m AM except a (begrudged?) comment that 29-29.1MHz is in the 6kHz wide all mode section. No explicit mention that this is where AM can be found. Indeed a year ago an RSGB official told me he had no idea about 10m AM!! AM has been just above 29MHz for as long as I can remember: got it RSGB?

The 2m AM centre of activity of 144.55MHz gets again a (begrudged?) footnote, whereas other modes get explicit mention.

No, the RSGB  hates AM. This is my conclusion. This is a stupid stance. There is plenty of space for AM on 10m and the VHF bands. AM gear is low cost too.

I love digital modes but AM has a place.

10m WSPR - just local so far

G0HWW (29km) is the only station spotting me on 10m WSPR today so far.  Although there may be some DX later, I am not too hopeful on 10m.

UPDATE 1535z:  Just been spotted in Brazil on 10m WSPR by KD0VWO (7412km). So far this is the only DX spot on 10m WSPR all day.

Sunspots and 10m - Thurs Feb 18th 2016

Solar flux is 97 today (lower than of late). Sunspot number is 60 (K=4). 10m propagation is expected to be "poor" today. I am not expecting great things of 10m again today as conditions look quite disturbed.

Kia - NOT amateur radio

Just (a few days ago) received this from EMG in Cambridge. I wonder if Kia also needs to quietly update its software? This is the first time I heard about this. Suspicious or a genuine product enhancement?

Dear Mr xxxxx

Service Action notice

We have been advised that a product enhancement is available for your car, xxyyyzzz.  It is important that these improvements are applied and we have been requested by Kia Motors to do so.

As your Kia dealer we like to take care of our customer’s cars.  We believe in Family-Like Care, and that extends from our service to you and to the care we give your car. 

While your car is in our care we will complete a comprehensive Vehicle Health Check to make sure that it is in the best condition possible and will advise you of any actions required. 

We can provide collection and delivery at your home or workplace and we can also arrange alternative transport if required.  You are also welcome to wait in our customer area; we’ll make sure we don’t keep you waiting any longer than we need to. Just let us know what suits you best.

Remember that if repairs are needed we will always use genuine parts from Kia, which are covered by a 2-year warranty and the correct specifications of the latest lubricants.  Our technicians are trained by the Kia Academy and use Kia specialist tools.  At the same time we will use the Kia Global Diagnostic System to make sure the latest updates from Kia are applied to your car.

Please get in touch with us on 01223 478478 to arrange a convenient appointment.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Yours sincerely

Grandchildren in Paris - NOT amateur radio

This afternoon both sets of grandchildren are in Paris. The "Kent" ones are just there for a few days holiday and the "London" ones are there visiting their grandparents. Both sets went by Eurostar train. The picture shows the "London" ones on the train with their mum. Centre of London to centre of Paris by direct train in about 2.5  hours. Wonderful.

10m DX on WSPR

EA8/DL9XJ (2981km) and KD0VWO (7412km) are the best DX so far on 10m WSPR today. No USA spots, although with fairly disturbed conditions I am not expecting much.

Sunspots and 10m - Wed Feb 17th 2016

We have had no internet most of the day, so I have been unable to check things and update blogs until now.

Solar flux today is 102 and sunspot number 49 (K=4). The 10m forecast is "poor" today. I am not expecting much today.

10m GDX

G4CUI (172km) has been spotted several times this evening. I assume this is tropo and aircraft reflection. There were no USA 10m WSPR spots here today although I was spotted in Brazil several times.

House quiet - NOT amateur radio

After 4 nights, the "London" grandchildren have been collected and have returned home. We enjoyed having them , but by the end I was exhausted. The house is quiet again - but tidy! We love having them though and will miss them.

10m not as good?

Although I have been spotted in Brazil several times, at the moment there have been no USA spots on 10m today. There have been a few short-skip spots as well.

Sunspots and 10m - Tues Feb 16th 2016

Solar flux is 107 and sunspot number is 48 (K=3). 10m propagation is expected to remain "poor".

QRP Club

From Oleg:

"Dear Club 72 members and friends,
"72 Net" weekly report (February 8 to 13, 2016)
This  week  QRP  Rendez-Vous  visitors:  UA1CEG, RD6MZ, UR7VT, ON6KZ,
RV3GM,  OE5WLL, OH6NPV, RU3NJC, UR0ET, OM6TC, TF/RA1M, PA3DEU, RW3AA,
OH6TX,  SM2FIJ,  UA1CEX,  9A0QRP,  R1OA,  UR5EFD, DJ8WO, EW1CY, G3UD,
UA1ADF,  UA0SBQ,  UA1AQC,  RN3RD, OH5LP, R2FAE, DL4HG, I4DOR, GM0GCO,
UT8NR, S57RT
R2FAE entered in the Honor Frequenters list - congrats!
See "soapbox" here - http://qrp-club72.blogspot.ru/
Full Visitors and Frequenters lists here - www.club72.su
Welcome all QRP stations on the "72 Net" QRP Rendez-Vous round tables.
See schedule on the Club 72 web page.
72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72" "

Snow - NOT amateur radio

We had our first real snow of the winter briefly this morning. It was on the ground, but soon went. Our "London" grandchildren thought it was magical and enjoyed eating the snow, having a snowball fight and making a very small snowman. Like childhood itself, the snow was soon gone.

10m to the USA again

Yet again, spots were exchanged with the USA on 10m WSPR.  Some spots were very strong. It now looks like the USA will be spotted most days this winter and spring. As I have said before, next autumn could be more difficult, although on present trends we might see the USA for another autumn. It is entirely possible 10m will open to the USA this summer by multi-hop Es.

Very early 10m WSPR spots

As early as 0632z SI9AM (1503km) was spotted. There were lots of 10m short-skip spots early today on 10m WSPR. This could be promising.

Sunspots and 10m - Mon Feb 15th 2016

Solar flux is 109 today. Sunspot number is 52 (K=3) and 10m propagation is expected to be "poor" today. How will 10m WSPR be today? This is anyone's guess!

Walk - NOT amateur radio

At this time of year we go for a walk at nearby Landwade to see the daffodils, snowdrops and aconites. This year, everything is early. It was a cold and dry day with a strong east wind. The temperature was 3 degrees C, though it felt much colder. We went with our "London" grandchildren.