13 Jun 2017
Sunset - NOT amateur radio
Sunspots and 10m - Tuesday June 13th 2017
Solar flux is 75 today and the sunspot number remains zero. A=8 and K=2. There is Es on 10m, but no F2 propagation seen here.
Back on 6m JT65 transceive and 10m WSPR TX
Since breakfast, I have been active as usual on 10n WSPR TX (500mW) and 6m JT65 transceive (1W ERP). On 6m G spots only so far but some early Es on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 0934z: Now some Es on 6m JT65. EA5/G3XGS (1581km) has spotted me. Most 10m WSPR spots have been from Northern Europe so far.
UPDATE 1334z: although I am being widely spotted across Europe on 6m JT65, my own spots of others are not appearing on PSK Reporter Maps. Maybe it has forgotten the tick box for some reason or my internet upload is not working?
UPDATE 0934z: Now some Es on 6m JT65. EA5/G3XGS (1581km) has spotted me. Most 10m WSPR spots have been from Northern Europe so far.
UPDATE 1334z: although I am being widely spotted across Europe on 6m JT65, my own spots of others are not appearing on PSK Reporter Maps. Maybe it has forgotten the tick box for some reason or my internet upload is not working?
12 Jun 2017
Bird table visitor - NOT amateur radio
Wireless charging from roads - NOT amateur radio
To me, this has to be the answer to a carbonless future with regard to road vehicles. Southgate News reports on trials in France and Israel where the road has embedded wireless charging for road vehicles. This means smaller, lighter, batteries in the vehicles, a longer battery life, and greater range.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/june/roads-with-built-in-wireless-charging.htm#.WT5ai7pFzmQ
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/june/roads-with-built-in-wireless-charging.htm#.WT5ai7pFzmQ
Sunspots and 10m - Monday June 12th 2017
Solar flux is 75 today and the sunspot number remains zero. A=17 and K=2. There is Es on 10m and 6m.
10m WSPR (TX) and 6m JT65 (RX)
At the moment I am on the above modes and bands. If WSJT-X V1.7 and PSK Reporter Maps support JT9E, I may give this mode a try on 6m later on 50.290MHz.
UPDATE 1028z: Best DX on 6m JT65 RX is S65KXA (10734km) in Singapore. No Far East (Japan, Korea etc.) spotted today.
UPDATE 1145z: 12 unique 10m WSPR spots of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon today so far.
UPDATE 1720z: After a brief period on JT9E on 6m (nothing) I have returned to 6m JT65 transceive where I have been received across Europe by Es.
UPDATE 1028z: Best DX on 6m JT65 RX is S65KXA (10734km) in Singapore. No Far East (Japan, Korea etc.) spotted today.
UPDATE 1145z: 12 unique 10m WSPR spots of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon today so far.
UPDATE 1720z: After a brief period on JT9E on 6m (nothing) I have returned to 6m JT65 transceive where I have been received across Europe by Es.
11 Jun 2017
Same old stations on 10m WSPR
Unlike 6m JT65 where I frequently spot new stations and get spotted by new stations, in general my 10m 500mW TX beacon signal is received by the same European stations. The level of WSPR activity on 10m is definitely lower than 6m JT65. I only use 10m WSPR TX as this uses a different rig and antenna.
Out of choice, if I had to make one, I'd choose 6m JT65 in the Es season.
Out of choice, if I had to make one, I'd choose 6m JT65 in the Es season.
Hedge cutting - NOT amateur radio
I swept up several wheel barrows of clippings. The photos shows me flicking the cuttings from the top of the hedge onto the grass.
As you can see, that 200 year old windmill really is "next door".
Poor Mrs May - NOT amateur radio
For a start, I was one of the many millions in the UK who did not vote for Mrs May (UK Prime minister) and the Conservatives. It looks like the rich are richer and the poor poorer under her party. This is wrong. If we are to have austerity let us all share the pain. As for a working alliance with the Democratic Unionists (DUP) in Northern Ireland, I am sure this will go down in history as a mistake.
To be fair, many expected a landslide with the Conservatives winning a big, clear, majority. Instead, we ended up with a hung parliament and Mrs May hanging on by a whisker. Most people rejected her autocratic style.
In some way I feel sorry for her. A week ago she could do no wrong, whereas now she is vilified.
Who knows what the future holds? It will be several years before the dust settles, but beware any party that ignores the people it serves.
Oh, we still await a true charismatic leader in any UK party.
To be fair, many expected a landslide with the Conservatives winning a big, clear, majority. Instead, we ended up with a hung parliament and Mrs May hanging on by a whisker. Most people rejected her autocratic style.
In some way I feel sorry for her. A week ago she could do no wrong, whereas now she is vilified.
Who knows what the future holds? It will be several years before the dust settles, but beware any party that ignores the people it serves.
Oh, we still await a true charismatic leader in any UK party.
New near real time propagation tools
My thanks to Southgate News for bringing this to my attention.
Jim Bacon, G3YLA has a new propagation tool, which is worth linking. Jim does the TV weather in East Anglia, and is a well regarded Es expert.
See http://www.convectiveweather.co.uk/ionosphere/index.php
Jim Bacon, G3YLA has a new propagation tool, which is worth linking. Jim does the TV weather in East Anglia, and is a well regarded Es expert.
See http://www.convectiveweather.co.uk/ionosphere/index.php
That letter Y - NOT amateur radio
Many many years ago I attended Salcombe Boy's Club. This was back in the 1950s when I was still very young. We played indoor sports followed by a brief religious service taken by 2 very kind men.
It is funny how some things stick even 60 years later. One of these was Mr Putt telling us how life was like the letter Y. The Y has two ends at the top, like life: you frequently have to choose a direction to go in. Often there is an easier path and a more difficult one. Often I reflect and wonder what would have happened had I followed a different path in life. This is a theme I have mentioned before.
What if I had gone to a different university or no university at all? What if I had got poor grades at A level? What if I had changed jobs and moved? What if I did that PhD that I turned down? I guess we can never know. Life is filled with such Y moments, but we do not realise it at the time. Perhaps in a multiverse we do take every path, but are only aware of one?
It is funny how some things stick even 60 years later. One of these was Mr Putt telling us how life was like the letter Y. The Y has two ends at the top, like life: you frequently have to choose a direction to go in. Often there is an easier path and a more difficult one. Often I reflect and wonder what would have happened had I followed a different path in life. This is a theme I have mentioned before.
What if I had gone to a different university or no university at all? What if I had got poor grades at A level? What if I had changed jobs and moved? What if I did that PhD that I turned down? I guess we can never know. Life is filled with such Y moments, but we do not realise it at the time. Perhaps in a multiverse we do take every path, but are only aware of one?
QRP and QRP Club
More news from Oleg:
Dear Club 72 members and friends,
Weekly QRP Rendez-Vous Report (June, 11, 2017)
Visitors of the week: UR0ET, US5ERQ, US3EN, UA0SBQ, UF6V/UA1CEX,
R1CAF, HB9BIN/p, DK1HW, OH6NPV, UR5EFD, RV3GM, F8GLE, UY1IF, DJ9DX,
RU3NJC, UA1CEG, R4NX, PA3ALX, DL2DXA/p, R2FAE, OH5LP, RX3PR, OM6TC,
YO6ZH
New Visitors: DJ9DX, YO6ZH - you are welcome!
See full Visitors and Frequenters list on the Club 72 web page
Enjoy some pictures...
see full version of the WQR Report with comments and pictures on the
blog page - http://qrp-club72.blogspot.ru/
See you on te next weekly QRP Rendez-Vous!
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,
Weekly QRP Rendez-Vous Report (June, 11, 2017)
Visitors of the week: UR0ET, US5ERQ, US3EN, UA0SBQ, UF6V/UA1CEX,
R1CAF, HB9BIN/p, DK1HW, OH6NPV, UR5EFD, RV3GM, F8GLE, UY1IF, DJ9DX,
RU3NJC, UA1CEG, R4NX, PA3ALX, DL2DXA/p, R2FAE, OH5LP, RX3PR, OM6TC,
YO6ZH
New Visitors: DJ9DX, YO6ZH - you are welcome!
See full Visitors and Frequenters list on the Club 72 web page
Enjoy some pictures...
see full version of the WQR Report with comments and pictures on the
blog page - http://qrp-club72.blogspot.ru/
See you on te next weekly QRP Rendez-Vous!
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.
10m and 6m
As usual, I am on 6m JT65 and 10m WSPR TX. There is Es on both bands.
UPDATE 1700z: A45XR (5796km) in Oman is the best DX on 6m JT65 RX today so far. I am convinced there are far more people now using this mode on 6m. Conditions for Es may be better this year, but I am sure the (great) levels of JT65 6m activity are helping.
UPDATE 2105z: 10m WSPR TX now QRT and RX only on 6m JT65.
UPDATE 1700z: A45XR (5796km) in Oman is the best DX on 6m JT65 RX today so far. I am convinced there are far more people now using this mode on 6m. Conditions for Es may be better this year, but I am sure the (great) levels of JT65 6m activity are helping.
UPDATE 2105z: 10m WSPR TX now QRT and RX only on 6m JT65.
Sunspots and 10m - Sunday June 11th 2017
Solar flux is 74 today. Sunspot number is zero again. A=4 and K=2. There is Es on 10m and 6m, but no signs of F2 propagation DX.
10 Jun 2017
10m WSPR TX
As on previous mornings, I am on 10m WSPR TX (500mW) with my stand-alone WSPR beacon. Plenty of EU spots, but no spots from further afield.
Es better this year?
The impression I am getting is that this Es season is better than the last one. Certainly, I seem to be copying more on 6m JT65 than last year.
What do you think?
What do you think?
Yet more stroke artefacts - NOT amateur radio
Yet another after-effect of my 2013 stroke is that I am less able to see spelling errors. In the past I'd just look at a word and know the spelling was wrong. These days I find it much harder to see these. It is as if my brain is functioning differently.
Also, I drive slower than in the past and worry more in general. Stroke (?), although I am getting older anyway.
Inference is different too, often seeing potential dangers that others miss. What is hard to tell is, "is this real?".
Even nearly 4 years after the stroke, I still have effects - I still feel giddy on my feet, thin liquids are a problem and my voice is poor. I get tired easily too.
Also, I drive slower than in the past and worry more in general. Stroke (?), although I am getting older anyway.
Inference is different too, often seeing potential dangers that others miss. What is hard to tell is, "is this real?".
Even nearly 4 years after the stroke, I still have effects - I still feel giddy on my feet, thin liquids are a problem and my voice is poor. I get tired easily too.
Rallies this Sunday
11 JUNE 2017 : JUNCTION 28 AMATEUR RADIO RALLY
Bowls Hall Alfreton Leisure Centre, Church Street, Alfreton DE55 7BD Contact rally secretary for further details on 01159 307 322
11 JUNE 2017 : EAST SUFFOLK WIRELESS REVIVAL (Ipswich Radio Rally)
NEW VENUE: Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton. IP10 0PW just off the A14. Doors open at 9:30, free car parking, entry fee £2. There will be trade stands, car boot sale, Bring & Buy, Special interests groups, GB4SWR HF station and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site. Contact Kevin, G8MXV,0771 0046 846 www.eswr.org.uk
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Bowls Hall Alfreton Leisure Centre, Church Street, Alfreton DE55 7BD Contact rally secretary for further details on 01159 307 322
11 JUNE 2017 : EAST SUFFOLK WIRELESS REVIVAL (Ipswich Radio Rally)
NEW VENUE: Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton. IP10 0PW just off the A14. Doors open at 9:30, free car parking, entry fee £2. There will be trade stands, car boot sale, Bring & Buy, Special interests groups, GB4SWR HF station and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site. Contact Kevin, G8MXV,0771 0046 846 www.eswr.org.uk
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Sunspots and 10m - Saturday June 10th 2017
Solar flux is 73 today and the sunspot number zero. A=5 and K=1. There is widespread 10m and 6m Es, but no signs here of F2 DX on 10m.
6m JT65
This morning, I am again on 6m JT65 receive after a very brief transceive period (1W ERP). Best DX so far are Israel, Jordan JY9FC (3650km) and Bahrain A92GE (5068km).
UPDATE 1022z: Although I see some EU stations are working JAs on 6m this morning, I spotted none today. I guess they have better gear or the propagation was right for them.
UPDATE 1022z: Although I see some EU stations are working JAs on 6m this morning, I spotted none today. I guess they have better gear or the propagation was right for them.
Amateur radio prices
Just now, I received an email from MLS giving details of their "something for the weekend" special offers. Now I appreciate that dealers have to make a profit - after all, this is their business - but I remain amazed by some of the prices. All dealers are similar, so I am not singling out MLS.
For example, one HF antenna sells for £409 when the manufacturing cost is unlikely to be more than £10, especially if made in China. Someone is making a huge profit. Of course, dealers sell for the prices we are prepared to pay. Reasonable is fine, but rip-offs are not. More fool us for playing the game.
In 20 years many dealers will be gone. Those that remain should be those that provide a good service, make reasonable profits and do not rip off their customers. Any dealer that rips off customers deserves to fail.
For example, one HF antenna sells for £409 when the manufacturing cost is unlikely to be more than £10, especially if made in China. Someone is making a huge profit. Of course, dealers sell for the prices we are prepared to pay. Reasonable is fine, but rip-offs are not. More fool us for playing the game.
In 20 years many dealers will be gone. Those that remain should be those that provide a good service, make reasonable profits and do not rip off their customers. Any dealer that rips off customers deserves to fail.
Low cost amateur radio
As many of you know I am a miser who does not like spending money on amateur radio. My ethos has always been to get the most for the least money. If I do spend real money, it is an investment that has to last years. My FT817 is almost 17 years old!
Perhaps this is one reason why I have always liked QRP: gear is low cost to make and every contact gives you a sense of pride, especially if home made. I hope you can take some inspiration from the various projects on my main website.
See http://www.g3xbm.co.uk . Drill down on each page to find all the various projects.
Perhaps this is one reason why I have always liked QRP: gear is low cost to make and every contact gives you a sense of pride, especially if home made. I hope you can take some inspiration from the various projects on my main website.
See http://www.g3xbm.co.uk . Drill down on each page to find all the various projects.
ARRL book about JT65 and JT9
There is an ARRL book on the digital modes JT65 and JT9. These are among my favourite modes and ideally suited to QRP. I have used JT9 on bands up to 10m. I have used JT65 on bands up to 6m.
See http://www.arrl.org/shop/Work-the-World-with-JT65-and-JT9/ .
At the moment there is a special ARRL deal so you get this book free when you buy a new ARRL Handbook.
See http://www.arrl.org/shop/Work-the-World-with-JT65-and-JT9/ .
At the moment there is a special ARRL deal so you get this book free when you buy a new ARRL Handbook.
9 Jun 2017
6m to the USA (again)
JT65 is proving useful for finding brief Es openings on 6m. In the last hour WN5LUF (6886km) in Missouri just appeared and disappeared. Maybe others will appear and maybe not. Earlier in the day a station in New England just came and went on 6m JT65.
Although you might expect 10m WSPR to be better, I seem to get better results on 6m JT65. This could be down to antennas, although there seems to be more activity on 6m JT65 than 10m WSPR.
Although you might expect 10m WSPR to be better, I seem to get better results on 6m JT65. This could be down to antennas, although there seems to be more activity on 6m JT65 than 10m WSPR.
New 6m yagi
Hype!
Although I have copied JA for 3 days on the trot on 6m JT65 I see InnoVAntennas want you to part with lots of money. Here I just have a triband omni vertical fed with lossy CB coax and an FT817.
Don't believe hype. You can enjoy the hobby spending very little.
OK, I agree that a big yagi may help, but I seem to do fine with a very modest station.
See http://www.innovantennas.com/antennas-a-accesories/on-line-shop/view/productdetails/virtuemart_product_id/507/virtuemart_category_id/3.html
If I erected the MONSTER shown on the Southgate News page my neighbours would have a fit! No, you can enjoy the hobby much more modestly. Each to their own, but to me this is not amateur radio.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/june/lfa-3-third-generation-lfa-yagi-make-ja-possible-on-6m.htm#.WTp
If I wanted to talk to the USA and Japan why not use Skype?
Although I have copied JA for 3 days on the trot on 6m JT65 I see InnoVAntennas want you to part with lots of money. Here I just have a triband omni vertical fed with lossy CB coax and an FT817.
Don't believe hype. You can enjoy the hobby spending very little.
OK, I agree that a big yagi may help, but I seem to do fine with a very modest station.
See http://www.innovantennas.com/antennas-a-accesories/on-line-shop/view/productdetails/virtuemart_product_id/507/virtuemart_category_id/3.html
If I erected the MONSTER shown on the Southgate News page my neighbours would have a fit! No, you can enjoy the hobby much more modestly. Each to their own, but to me this is not amateur radio.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/june/lfa-3-third-generation-lfa-yagi-make-ja-possible-on-6m.htm#.WTp
If I wanted to talk to the USA and Japan why not use Skype?
Sunspots and 10m - Friday June 9th 2017
Solar flux is 72 today and the sunspot number 12. A=4 and K=1.
Plenty of 10m Es about, although I have not received any F layer reports of my 500mW 10m WSPR.
Plenty of 10m Es about, although I have not received any F layer reports of my 500mW 10m WSPR.
QRP and QRP Club
More from Oleg:
Dear Club 72 members and friends,
op. Wolf DK1HW became Club 72 member.
His membership certificate # 98. You are welcome Wolf!
Who's next?
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,
op. Wolf DK1HW became Club 72 member.
His membership certificate # 98. You are welcome Wolf!
Who's next?
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.
Back on 6m JT65 (but higher up the segment)
Earlier this morning, I returned to 6m JT65 (transceive - 1W ERP) but I have moved slightly higher to avoid causing local issues. There is a lot of Es and my signal has been widely copied in Europe. Last night Canada was copied on 6m JT65 in the form of VE3DS (5711km). As yet, no Far East stations received on 6m JT65: yesterday it was a bit later that they came through.
UPDATE 1052z: Both Israel and Bahrain spotted on 6m JT65 RX, but nothing from the Far East today. A92GE (5068km) is currently to best RX DX on 6m this morning.
UPDATE 1052z: Both Israel and Bahrain spotted on 6m JT65 RX, but nothing from the Far East today. A92GE (5068km) is currently to best RX DX on 6m this morning.
QRP and QRP Club
More from Oleg:
Dear Club 72 members and friends,
welcome all QRP operators to play the game "Fir'n'Sticks" in Saturday and Sunday. Two periods of 4 hours each. You can play in the Field or/and Home categories. 20 and 40 m around QRP freq's any modes you like. It's not a contest, no points-winners. There are lot of nominations for Field and Home gamers. No contest logs but complete the declaration form only. See exactly rules on the Club 72 web page, please - club72.su
Keep humor sense and enjoy QRP!
72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"
Dear Club 72 members and friends,
welcome all QRP operators to play the game "Fir'n'Sticks" in Saturday and Sunday. Two periods of 4 hours each. You can play in the Field or/and Home categories. 20 and 40 m around QRP freq's any modes you like. It's not a contest, no points-winners. There are lot of nominations for Field and Home gamers. No contest logs but complete the declaration form only. See exactly rules on the Club 72 web page, please - club72.su
Keep humor sense and enjoy QRP!
72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"
8 Jun 2017
6m JT65 QSY
Some locals have complained that my beacon mode "B G3XBM JO02" transmissions are causing some local issues, so I have QSYed a little further up the band when not looking for 2-way contacts.
I use beacon mode so that I can look on PSK reporter maps to see where I am reaching. I do not use this beacon unattended. At the same time, I do not want to cause anyone problems. At the moment, I am RX only on 6m JT65.
I use beacon mode so that I can look on PSK reporter maps to see where I am reaching. I do not use this beacon unattended. At the same time, I do not want to cause anyone problems. At the moment, I am RX only on 6m JT65.
Rally this Saturday in N.Ireland
10 JUNE 2017 : ANTRIM & DARS BRING & BUY SURPLUS SALE
Muckamore Community Centre, Ballycraigy Road, Antrim, Co.Antrim , BT41 2DH. Doors open 12.30 to 5pm with sellers gaining access from 12 noon. Entry is £2 for buyers and a table charge for sellers is £5. Refreshments available to purchase and a raffle will be drawn.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Muckamore Community Centre, Ballycraigy Road, Antrim, Co.Antrim , BT41 2DH. Doors open 12.30 to 5pm with sellers gaining access from 12 noon. Entry is £2 for buyers and a table charge for sellers is £5. Refreshments available to purchase and a raffle will be drawn.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Japan (again) and South Korea on 6m JT65 this morning
For the third morning in a row Japan was again coming in on 6m JT65. Today there were 10 Japanese stations copied! Also a couple of South Koreans. Amazing conditions for a VHF band! All this was around 0830-1000z.
There was also a spot of C3NY/UM0NGN, but I was not sure if this was Andorra or Turkmenistan!
The best DX on 6m JT65 RX was 9495km - quite an incredible distance for a VHF band.
There was also a spot of C3NY/UM0NGN, but I was not sure if this was Andorra or Turkmenistan!
The best DX on 6m JT65 RX was 9495km - quite an incredible distance for a VHF band.
Broadband interference?
If you were thinking of complaining to OFCOM about broadband noise you may want to think again.
See http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2017/06/ofcom-finds-no-evidence-claims-interference-vdsl-broadband.html
The fact that our HF noise floor is gradually getting worse is of little concern to OFCOM. Only money matters sadly. In the UK the amateur radio service is unimportant.
See http://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2017/06/ofcom-finds-no-evidence-claims-interference-vdsl-broadband.html
The fact that our HF noise floor is gradually getting worse is of little concern to OFCOM. Only money matters sadly. In the UK the amateur radio service is unimportant.
6m JT65
This morning I am again on 6m JT65 transceive (currently in beacon mode) running 1W ERP. There is already Es on the band, with spots on RX and TX from all over Europe.
No Japanese stations copied here on 6m JT65 today. Last night, 6m opened to the USA with 8 unique USA stations spotted on 6m JT65. Japanese stations were spotted on 6m JT65 both yesterday and the day before.
No Japanese stations copied here on 6m JT65 today. Last night, 6m opened to the USA with 8 unique USA stations spotted on 6m JT65. Japanese stations were spotted on 6m JT65 both yesterday and the day before.
10m WSPR
Yesterday was quite productive on 10m WSPR TX with 42 unique spots in the last day (see photo).
Sunspots and 10m - Thursday June 8th 2017
Already there is Es on 10m and 6m. No 10m F2 seen here on 10m yesterday.
Today, the solar flux is 74 and the sunspot number 13. A=4 and K=0.
Today, the solar flux is 74 and the sunspot number 13. A=4 and K=0.
UK General Election today: VOTE - NOT amateur radio
This is your chance to back the candidate of your choice. Whatever your political persuasion, I urge you to use your vote. Voting is private, so only you know the person for whom you voted.
7 Jun 2017
General Election in the UK tomorrow - NOT amateur radio
Whatever your political views you have a democratic right to vote for the candidate of your choice. A vote not used is just wasted. Use it, please.
Even if your choice does not get elected, it tells the others of your support.
Even if your choice does not get elected, it tells the others of your support.
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