472kHz WSPR

A few minutes ago I QSYed from 6m FSK144 RX to 630m WSPR (5mW ERP). The PC is on battery power so the RX noise floor is low.

472kHz WSPR this morning so far

Sunspots and 10m - Wednesday February 1st 2017

Solar flux is 77 and the sunspot number 42. A=24 and K=3.

Weather forecasts in the UK - NOT amateur radio

OK, people keep telling me how complex and difficult it is to predict the UK weather. But we still buy millions of pounds worth of super-computers so we can do a better job.

Today (this very morning) the local forecast for Burwell and Cambridge both said dull, but dry until after dark. At 2pm this afternoon it rained when I had to walk 0.5 miles in Cambridge. You would expect TODAY's local forecast would be correct!

The only reliable forecast seems to be to look out of the window. Super-computers? Met Office, please spend the money on something more useful and stop pretending. Wet seaweed is a lot less expensive!

More 6m MSK144

Only Eire, France, Germany and England spotted on 6m MSK144 RX today with the FT817 and omni vertical and poor coax. 6 countries this last few days. Amazing what this mode produces.

Solar hole

Southgate News reports on a Spaceweather post that a solar hole is spewing the solar wind towards Earth. The worst should hit around Feb 1st, which is tomorrow. Obviously, this could impact HF conditions.

See http://spaceweather.com/ .

Burwell Cottage - NOT amateur radio

Although our village (Burwell, Cambs, UK) has grown a lot in recent years, it still has some lovely cottages like this one.  Some parts of our church are around 1000 years old and the oldest house dates from around 1200AD. I suspect this cottage dates from the 1700s, so is quite new!

6m MSK144

Nothing copied overnight, but EI4DQ (576km) in IO51 near Cork, Eire was again spotted this morning. I am monitoring on 50.280MHz. Aircraft reflection? I  think so.

One more day and night on 6m, then time for a new challenge.

With such a simple system here I am amazed to spot so much.

UPDATE 1216z: France and Germany spotted on 6m MSK144 this morning.

UPDATE 1325z: EI4DQ (576km) was recently spotted on 6m MSK144. At the moment, this is the furthermost.

Sunspots and 10m - Tuesday January 31st 2017

Solar flux is 76 today and the sunspot number 35. This cycle is far from over! A=6 and K=3.

East Cambridgeshire 2m FM Net

A reminder that the East Cambridgeshire Net is on 2m (144.575MHz), yes one four four, at 8pm clock time on Mondays on FM vertical. Everyone welcome.

Usually we are on the air for about 30 minutes. If the channel is already busy, we usually QSY down 25kHz. This started life as an AM net on 144.55MHz.

As this uses the same antenna I use on 6m, I'll try loading up my long wire for 6m for the duration of the net.

6m today so far

6m has not disappointed again today with quite a few stations spotted by MSK144 on 50.280MHz RX. Judging by the distances, I think these were tropo or aircraft reflection and not random MS. I shall probably remain on this band and mode overnight. It is fascinating to see who just pops up, especially by MS.

Italy, Switzerland and Eire on a flat band? Can't be bad with just an omni vertical, FT817 and lossy coax! I assume this sort of DX is there at any time in the solar cycle too.

Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

We are very lucky to live within very easy reach of Cambridge which is about 10 miles away "as the crow flies". I used to work in the city. It has a rich academic history with its world famous university, Kings College Chapel, Samuel Pepys Library and probably the highest concentration of Nobel Prize winners on the planet! People come from all over the world to see what we can see for free at any time. As a local, we can get into the colleges for free. And we take it all for granted.

As an "oldie" we can take advantage of the vast number of University of the Third Age (U3AC) courses on offer. Often the lecturers are ex-university staff, who give their time without charging. It is great learning to simply find out knowledge without exams or pressure.

At some point we will realise just how lucky we are.

See http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/chapel/index.html

6m overnight and early today

EI4DQ (576km) was spotted on 50.280MHz (6m) on MSK144 at 0819z. Overnight nothing copied. I shall remain on 6m MSK144 RX all morning, reporting to PSK Reporter Maps what I pick up.

Sunspots and 10m - Monday January 30th 2017

Solar flux has fallen slightly to 77 today. Sunspot number is 24 (dropped). A=7 and K=1.

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch - NOT amateur radio

In all, 10 unique bird species seen, but some very commonly seen birds were not seen in the hour from 3pm to 4pm. I twice tried to submit my results to the RSPB, but on both occasions it told me there was an error.  On another page it said I had submitted the results! Rubbish!

For the benefit of anyone who wants to know, these are the birds spotted in our back garden 1500-1600z:

Woodpigeon 3
Starling 15
Robin 1
Blackbird 1
Black headed gull 1
Collared dove 3
Dunnock 1
Crow 1
Goldfinch 1
Jackdaw 1

Village walk - NOT amateur radio

This morning, we did a short walk around part of our village. I saw my first little egret in our village (these were rare in the UK before the 1980s) as well as a buzzard overhead. The weather was dull.

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/bird-and-wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/l/littleegret/ .

IW4AOT on 6m - MS?

This morning I spotted IW4AOT calling CQ on 6m MSK144. I assume this was random MS. He did not get uploaded to PSK Reporter Maps. Maybe I lost internet for a while?

UPDATE 1438z: G4CLA copied at 1349z on 6m MSK144. Tropo?

UPDATE 1842z: Now back on 6m MSK144 with 15 secs TX periods.

UPDATE 2212z: Now back on 50.280MHz (6m) MSK144 receive only for the overnight period. My apologies to G0LRD (25km) who was trying to work me earlier, but I was beaconing.

Sunspots and 10m - Sunday January 29th 2017

Solar flux is 80 today. Sunspot number is 28. A=9 and K=2.

QRP and QRP Club

In the last day I have received a couple of emails from Oleg:

Dear Club 72 members and friends,

Weekly QRP Rendez-Vous report (January 29, 2017)
Visitors of the week: RA1M, US3EN, UR7VT, UR0ET, UA1CEG, RV3GM, R1CAF,
RW3AA, UA0SBQ, DK1HW, F6FAI, DH0DK, OH6NPV, OK2FAO, RU3NJC, UA3LMR/p,
UA1ADF,  US7IB,  DK2QX, SM2FIJ, EA6BB, US5ERQ, UA1CEX, OM6TC, SM7RYR,
SM7ZDI
Congrats!
F6FAI entered in the Honor Frequenters list
Comments...
See full WQR Report on the Club 72 page - www.club72.su

72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"

This is a periodic Newsletter of the Club 72. Don't reply to Newsletter address! Send any requests or news to mr72@club72.su please.

Dear Club 72 members and friends,just reminder about the Snowman QRP Winter field game soon.
Keep in your diary - February 4 and 5, 2017
Short rules as follow:

This is not Contest but only QRP activity game just for enjoy
Two tours in the game:
February 4 and 5, both in time of 9.00 to 13.00 UTC
Bands - 20 and 40 m around QRP frequencies
Modes - CW, SSB, Digital
Power - QRP only, 5 watts output or less
Calling - CQ SN (CW) or CQ Snowman (SSB, Digital)
For "Field" positions:
- QSO with all stations
-  the  mandatory  information  in report - RST (RS) / power output /
temperature on working position (Celsius).
For example, 579/5W/minus15C. Any info form and order in report may be used.
For "Home" positions:
- QSO with only "Field" stations claimed
-  in  report  must be sent - RST (RS) / power output / identification
"HOME". For example, 559/3W/HOME
"Home" and "Field" positions may be changed during the game in your opinion.
No contest logs, fill the declaration only  (form on the Club 72 page):
The memorable certificate will be send to all stations. Also special marks for:
- the lowest temperature on the "Field" position
- the unusual original "Field" position
- the original home brew station in the "Field" position
- the greatest number of QSOs in the "Field" position
- the greatest number of QSOs with "Field" stations in the "Home" position
- the lowest power in the "Field" position
- the most absurd comic working position design (for both categories)
Donations or prizes are welcome.
See full rules on the Club 72 page - www.club72.su

Last night on 6m

Well, MSK144 proved productive with EI4DQ (576km) spotted not long ago and HB9Q (794km) spotted earlier. G6GEI (73km) also spotted.

Currently, I am on TX and RX on 50.280MHz MSK144.

First aconites - NOT amateur radio

This winter seems much colder than last. We have yet to see a daffodil out and the snowdrops are later. Yesterday I saw the first aconites out, in a garden not far from us (see above).

We are seeing more birds from Scandinavia like fieldfares, redwings, starlings and waxwings. The latter I have still not seen. Each winter we see some but usually they come as it is very cold in Scandinavia. Seeing lots here often suggests a cold winter.

MSK144 (6m - 50.280MHz)

Since about 1820z I have been on 50.280MHz MSK144 mode (2W). I am hoping to receive stations by tropo, aircraft reflection and maybe MS. Unfortunately I am only vertically polarised on 6m using my V2000 omni antenna.

UPDATE 1840z:  No spots as yet.

UPDATE 1905z: M1BXF/SDR (14km) has just spotted me. I changed the TX to "enabled", F TOL 200, and the TX period to 30secs so the relay changes less often. No spots on RX yet.

UPDATE 1940z: G0LRD (25km) has now spotted me on 50.280MHz MSK144.

UPDATE 2010z: F8ZW (652km) in Alsace, France is the best RX DX so far. Aircraft reflection?

UPDATE 2336z:  For the last hour or so I have been on RX only and intend to stay on RX until after breakfast tomorrow. Maybe I'll catch some random MS in the early hours?

I am surprised how effective this mode is proving. Getting better RX DX by random MS pings would not surprise me now.

RSPB Bird Count this weekend - NOT amateur radio

A reminder to those in the UK that the annual RSPB bird count is this weekend (Jan 28-30th). The idea is very simple: you simply choose any hour Jan 28, 29 or 30th and count the highest number of unique species seen in your chosen spot in that hour. For example: 6 wood pigeons, 2 robins, 4 blackbirds. You can do it in your garden, school, a local park or wherever. I have done this for many years. You just go to the RSPB website and upload your results. RSPB membership is not required. You may be surprised.

Tonight?

I am still thinking about my overnight challenge for tonight. Maybe I'll try a WSJT-X and PSK Reporter Maps supported mode on 6m? Still not sure.

UPDATE 1606z:  Based on G0LRD's comments (see below) I think I'll try MSK144 on 50.280MHz this evening and overnight. Depending on how often the relay would switch I may be RX only.

Growing amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

Our amaryllis is really growing. It might be in flower next week?

Our lounge (where it is) is pretty warm - usually 22-26 deg C most evenings.

The longest stem is 44cms, so it has grown 5cm since yesterday! You can almost watch it growing! Great fun.

10m JT65

A few minutes ago I switched from 2m ISCAT-A RX to 10m JT65. I am currently beaconing sending "B G3XBM JO02". With low 10m activity any reports are welcomed.

Please may sure you have "upload to PSK Reporter Maps" or similar ticked in your JT65 software package, so I can see who is receiving me. I have this ticked so if I get you, check PSK reporter maps.

UPDATE 1212z: Yet again, only G4CJC (73km) in North London has been spotted on 10m JT65 so far today. No-one has spotted me yet on 10m JT65.

UPDATE 1332z: Spotted by David G0LRD (25km) on 10m JT65. No DX as yet on 10m JT65

Sunspots and 10m - Saturday January 28th 2017

Solar flux is 80 today. Sunspot number is 33. A=21 and K=2.

Rally

29 JANUARY 2017 : HORNCASTLE WINTER AMATEUR RADIO RALLY

Horncastle Youth Centre, Willow Close, Cagthorpe, Horncastle LN9 6B

Doors open at 10am and there is free car parking on site. Entry is £2. The venue is all on one level and so is suitable for less able visitors. There will be hot drinks and snacks available including bacon butties. The RSGB bookstall will in attendance.

Details from Tony, G3ZPU on 01507 527 835.
If travelling far, ring first.

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

2m ISCAT-A

At present, I am beaconing in ISCAT-A on 144.370MHz as this is supported in WSJT-X v1.7 and PSK Reporter Maps. The rig relay switches every 5 seconds, which was a surprise to me! Hopefully if I spot anyone this will show on PSK Reporter Maps.

As my ERP is low, I am only really hopeful of tropo and aircraft reflections. MS pings would be a bonus!

UPDATE 2038z: As I did not like the FT817 relay clicking every few seconds, I am now on 2m ISCAT-A RX only.

UPDATE 2315z:  Nothing received so far.

UPDATE 28.1.17 1030z: ISCAT seems not to be listed in PSK Reporter Maps any more.

EU frequencies for ISCAT and FSK441?

This evening and overnight I was (am?) planning to try ISCAT or FSK441 on 2m. Despite Googling for 5 minutes I failed to find an answer. So, can someone please tell me?

I plan to beacon sending "B G3XBM JO02" if this is allowed, so results show on PSK Reporter Maps. My ERP is low at around 8W so I am only really looking for tropo and aircraft reflections. Any MS results would be surprising!

WSPR on PSK Reporter Maps

This is something I have not used. Apparently PSK Reporter Maps can be used to plot WSPR spots. PSK Reporter can, in fact, be used with very many modes. I use it for JT65 but I may try ISCSAT on 2m tonight sending a beacon message like "B G3XBM JO02" if this is supported.

Famous Five books (for adults) - NOT amateur radio

In several places recently I have come across "Famous Five" books designed for adults. Depending where you buy these, the prices are from about £2.99 to £8.99. They are cheapest on Amazon. As a child, I enjoyed the Enid Blyton "Famous Five" books. The adult books have really made me laugh. I might buy some.

See https://www.amazon.co.uk/Five-Brexit-Island-Blyton-Grown/dp/178648384X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid

So called "facts" - NOT amateur radio

Recently I have seen adverts on Facebook about famous people who are reported to have died. All these turn out to be untrue. Apparently it is called "clickbait" designed to make you click the link, no doubt to then try to download something nasty to your computer. I have "shared" news items in all good faith only to find out later that they are not factually correct. In this age of "post-truth" news, one has to be very careful. Do not take things at face value!

See http://www.snopes.com/category/facts/

Back on 10m JT65

After quite a decent outing on 2m WSPR last night and overnight, I returned to 10m JT65 at 0817z. No spots as yet on 10m JT65, but things have been very quiet of late.

My old work colleague Ted G4NUA erected a 20m dipole a few weeks back (to replace a half sized G5RV) and seems to be going "great guns" on 20m JT65. I just looked at his log for the last day and he is being spotted all over the place. Since erecting his 20m dipole, the difference is remarkable. I have told him that he will be able to work the world now with QRP.

UPDATE 1345z: G0OYQ (177km) has been spotted on 10m JT65.

Sunspots and 10m - Friday January 27th 2017

Solar flux is 82 today and the sunspot number has fallen to 31. A=13 and K=4.

Return to 2m WSPR

I have returned to 2m WSPR from 10m JT65. 10m JT65 was disappointing again today. I have tuned the FT817 to 144.488980 which should put the rig on 144.489MHz USB when stabilised. This could take some while though!

UPDATE 2038z:  2E0DWP (203km) just spotted. G8LDJ (112km) spotted 7 times so far. Nobody has yet spotted me on 2m WSPR.

UPDATE 2100z: G6AVK (78km) and G8TTI (186km) have now spotted me on 2m WSPR.

UPDATE 2246z: G8OFA (189km) has now spotted me on 2m WSPR. I'll stay on 2m WSPR overnight. Despite 2m WSPR not being recommended, I seem to be managing pretty well with 2W and my big-wheel.

Amaryllis growing - NOT amateur radio

Our amaryllis plant is growing at a rate of about 1cm a day. Although not in flower yet, it soon will be. We planted this a few weeks ago.

Sunspots and 10m - Thursday January 26th 2017

Solar flux is 85 today (not bad) and sunspot number 46.  A=6 and K=2.

10m JT65

Slightly earlier than usual I have QSYed to 10m JT65. My XYL had to go out at 0900z, so I did the QSY at around 0740z. As yet, no 10m spots, although it is very early on 10m. I have not yet checked solar conditions, although a lot depends people being active on 10m. Of late, solar conditions have been quite reasonable, but activity levels dire.

UPDATE 1108z: Yet again, G4CJC (73km) has been spotted on 10m JT65. So far, this is the only spot on 10m JT65.

2m WSPR frequency stability

Most users (including me!) have real issues with accurately getting to, and staying on, frequency with 2m WSPR. The WSPR slot is just 200Hz wide and the short-term and long-term rig drift can be a real problem. With WSJT-X v1.7 one can see most stations drifting wildly.

Last night I was greatly helped by David G0LRD who uses a GPS stabilised frequency reference, so he knows his frequency very accurately. He is also very strong with me, so I could see his signal clearly. All I had to do was net my rig so I was reporting to WSPRnet his correct frequency on RX. I did this late last night. My rig had to be set 20Hz low (144.488980MHz) to get G0LRD as close as possible. Of course, during the night I drifted off again, but in the short-term I knew I was on the correct window in the 2m band.

Longer term, the answer is a more accurate, and stable, frequency reference. Ideally this would be a GPS locked source. An accurate TCXO would be an affordable second best.

I was very grateful to G0LRD last night.  Incidentally, David put up my 2m antenna some time ago. Kindness itself - thank you David!

I've now QSYed to 10m JT65 for the day.

Return to 2m WSPR

As 10m JT65 proved dire today,  have returned to 2m WSPR for a second evening (144.489MHz USB dial, 2W) using the big-wheel horizontal omni antenna.

Early evening 2m WSPR spots tonight