2 Apr 2018
Pound jump v. Euro: why? - NOT amateur radio
Mid afternoon the value of the UK Pound suddenly jumped against the Euro. Anyone know why? In the UK this is a public holiday, so it was probably something in the EU.
CQ-DATV 58 mag online
I've mentioned before that lots of magazines are available on the internet. If you prefer you may download copies. Among these is the latest copy of CQ-DATV although back issues are also available at the same site.
See https://issuu.com/cq-datv/docs/cq-datv58
See https://issuu.com/cq-datv/docs/cq-datv58
Labels:
cq-datv
Local weather forecasts - NOT amateur radio
The UK weather Met Office forecasts feature a lot in my "grumpy old man" posts.
Having been on a 20 week U3A course on "Weather and Climate" I know it is hard. But honestly!!
Just an HOUR ago the Met Office reckoned it was dry here all afternoon and evening with a 10% chance of precipitation. Now they are saying light showers all afternoon. Well, actually they probably now say snow or thunder as I've not looked for 10 minutes.😖
Having been on a 20 week U3A course on "Weather and Climate" I know it is hard. But honestly!!
Just an HOUR ago the Met Office reckoned it was dry here all afternoon and evening with a 10% chance of precipitation. Now they are saying light showers all afternoon. Well, actually they probably now say snow or thunder as I've not looked for 10 minutes.😖
Labels:
weather
Now open - NOT amateur radio
Our local museum and windmill reopened yesterday until the end of October. It is very good place to visit and one of the best local museums in the UK, and we live next door! This was the view from our lounge earlier today.
See http://www.burwellmuseum.org.uk/
See http://www.burwellmuseum.org.uk/
Labels:
museum
10m FT8
It appears I am being hopeful!
Since breakfast I have been on 10m FT8, mostly RX. A couple of TX periods calling CQ (2.5W) brought no reports. At the moment, I have not spotted a single station on the band.
UPDATE 1020z: Still nothing.
UPDATE 1120z: F1VEO (594km) in Brittany spotted on 10m FT8 RX at -8dB S/N. So there is some life!
UPDATE 1405z: Now a couple of Gs spotted making 3 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX so far today.
UPDATE 1421z: Real DX! D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Islands now spotted.
UPDATE 1552z: 6 stations spotted so far on 10m FT8 4 Gs, 1 F and 1 D41.
Since breakfast I have been on 10m FT8, mostly RX. A couple of TX periods calling CQ (2.5W) brought no reports. At the moment, I have not spotted a single station on the band.
UPDATE 1020z: Still nothing.
UPDATE 1120z: F1VEO (594km) in Brittany spotted on 10m FT8 RX at -8dB S/N. So there is some life!
UPDATE 1405z: Now a couple of Gs spotted making 3 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX so far today.
UPDATE 1421z: Real DX! D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Islands now spotted.
UPDATE 1552z: 6 stations spotted so far on 10m FT8 4 Gs, 1 F and 1 D41.
Returning migrant birds - NOT amateur radio
It may be snowing in some parts of the UK, but the birds are flying back from Africa. Don't tell them or they might go back!
Every day now it seems, swallows, house martins and sand martins are reported in Devon. Even at Wicken Fen, just a few miles from here, we had a swallow reported last Saturday!
The earliest I have seen an swallow in East Anglia is April 7th. Usually the majority arrive mid April. At least they are being seen again. My heart always lifts seeing the first swallow of the year up here.
One of the memories of my dad is him telling me when he spotted the first returning house martin. He died in 1987.
See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/swallow
Every day now it seems, swallows, house martins and sand martins are reported in Devon. Even at Wicken Fen, just a few miles from here, we had a swallow reported last Saturday!
The earliest I have seen an swallow in East Anglia is April 7th. Usually the majority arrive mid April. At least they are being seen again. My heart always lifts seeing the first swallow of the year up here.
One of the memories of my dad is him telling me when he spotted the first returning house martin. He died in 1987.
See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/swallow
Sunspots - Monday April 2nd 2018
Solar flux is 68 and the sunspot number zero. A=5 and K=2.
Labels:
sunspots
1 Apr 2018
Hacker? - NOT amateur radio
Odd how some of my blogs suddenly have "amazing" posts and simultaneously I get lots of new comments and they are all just the same with the same links!
The last lot were clearly trying to drum up traffic for a blog. All these comments have now been deleted.
If you see any I missed tell me. I will not have spam comments!! Some people (or bots) really do try.
The last lot were clearly trying to drum up traffic for a blog. All these comments have now been deleted.
If you see any I missed tell me. I will not have spam comments!! Some people (or bots) really do try.
Labels:
hackers
March 2018 solar data awaited
A few days into the month, I usually get the solar data for the last month. It is only the first of the month, so this data is not yet available. In February, there was a very slight improvement although the average is that we are still on the way down to the next solar minimum.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
QSY to 2m FT8
Well, my brief time on 70cm FT8 proved unsuccessful with nothing at all spotted, so I have QSYed to 2m FT8 and met with immediate success. My very brief CQ was copied by 4 stations with F1OIL (185km) as the best DX. In addition, a couple of stations were spotted on RX. I am now RX only on 2m FT8.
UPDATE 1626z: So far this afternoon on 2m FT8 RX, 28 unique stations spotted in 6 countries.
UPDATE 1722z: Now 36 uniques in 6 countries with best RX DX DL0HOL (619km).
UPDATE 1930z: Now 54 uniques in 6 countres, so far on 2n FT8 RX today.
UPDATE 1626z: So far this afternoon on 2m FT8 RX, 28 unique stations spotted in 6 countries.
UPDATE 1722z: Now 36 uniques in 6 countries with best RX DX DL0HOL (619km).
UPDATE 1930z: Now 54 uniques in 6 countres, so far on 2n FT8 RX today.
Lyrids meteor shower
April 22nd sees the Lyrids meteor shower. I shall probably monitor this on either 6m or 2m, although I am unsure which mode to use. Traditionally, MSK144 has been good, but maybe now I should try FT8?
Advice sought!
Advice sought!
Lack of faith - NOT amateur radio
Our local church is now very "happy clappy". My wife got me to go today as it is Easter Sunday.
Although I used to be a regular attender at our church, these days I hardly ever go. In some ways I feel more spiritual, but I now feel no religion "cuts it".
This last 12 months has seen the death of two young sons of friends in very sad circumstances. Life seems cruel.
In many ways I envy the simple faith of many, but I am finding it harder and harder to feel that I fit in. To me, all religions fail to provide me the answers I need.
As I have said many times before, I feel all religions hint at a deeper truth and are, maybe, attempts to come to terms with our finality.
Although I used to be a regular attender at our church, these days I hardly ever go. In some ways I feel more spiritual, but I now feel no religion "cuts it".
This last 12 months has seen the death of two young sons of friends in very sad circumstances. Life seems cruel.
In many ways I envy the simple faith of many, but I am finding it harder and harder to feel that I fit in. To me, all religions fail to provide me the answers I need.
As I have said many times before, I feel all religions hint at a deeper truth and are, maybe, attempts to come to terms with our finality.
Sunspots - Sunday April 1st 2018
Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number 12. A=7 and K=1.
Labels:
sunspots
70cm FT8
This is no April 1st joke.
As an experiment today. I am monitoring 432.174MHz FT8 using my VERTICAL V2000 omni stick antenna. If you want to try TXing on this UHF band, then I am looking! If there is any aircraft scatter and activity, then there is a chance.
Go on, try it.
UPDATE 1310z: No spots so far.
As an experiment today. I am monitoring 432.174MHz FT8 using my VERTICAL V2000 omni stick antenna. If you want to try TXing on this UHF band, then I am looking! If there is any aircraft scatter and activity, then there is a chance.
Go on, try it.
UPDATE 1310z: No spots so far.
31 Mar 2018
630m WSPR RX
As there was clearly no "real" DX on 10m FT8, I have now moved to MF WSPR RX. So far this evening, 3 uniques: 1 Spanish and 2 Norwegians.
UPDATE 2101z: Now 8 uniques spotted.
UPDATE 2101z: Now 8 uniques spotted.
70cm FT8?
Does anyone know if there is any FT8 activity on 70cm in the EU? On the face of it, it should be similar to 2m, but I don't know if anyone is active.
See https://www.essexham.co.uk/ft8-basics-explained
See https://www.essexham.co.uk/ft8-basics-explained
6m DX in the Es season - which mode?
We are in the run-up to the Es season in the Northern Hemisphere. The best months are May-July although Es can occur at other times too.
Last Es season I kept a watching brief using JT65 and spotted some amazing 6m DX including a whole string of Japanese stations early one morning on 6m. Of course, this was before FT8 appeared on the scene.
This season I am not sure of the mode to try. Probably FT8 as the take-up on this mode has been so great.
Considering I just use a vertical V2000 omni antenna, I was very excited with the results last year.
Last Es season I kept a watching brief using JT65 and spotted some amazing 6m DX including a whole string of Japanese stations early one morning on 6m. Of course, this was before FT8 appeared on the scene.
This season I am not sure of the mode to try. Probably FT8 as the take-up on this mode has been so great.
Considering I just use a vertical V2000 omni antenna, I was very excited with the results last year.
Labels:
6m.es
Our local church - NOT amateur radio
This church dates back over 1000 years to Saxon times although most of the "modern" church dates from the mid 1400s. Whatever you believe, or not, this is a fine building.
It never fails to amaze me how so many fine churches were built long ago when the population was a small fraction of what it is now. These people must have had strong beliefs then or lived in constant fear of evil.
It never fails to amaze me how so many fine churches were built long ago when the population was a small fraction of what it is now. These people must have had strong beliefs then or lived in constant fear of evil.
Labels:
church
What did they expect? - NOT amateur radio
Everyone is entitled to justice, but these people deserve what? If you live by the sword do you die by the sword? They, allegedly, committed some heinous acts. Now they are asking, allegedly, for UK citizenship.
I thought UK citizenship was for people who agreed with, and lived in accordance with, UK values.
Why should the UK tax payer keep certain criminals in gaol at our expense if they, clearly, don't want to be party to the way we live?
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43601925
I thought UK citizenship was for people who agreed with, and lived in accordance with, UK values.
Why should the UK tax payer keep certain criminals in gaol at our expense if they, clearly, don't want to be party to the way we live?
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43601925
Labels:
bbc
GB3PI logic update
As mentioned before, my antenna was used in the early days of GB3PI in the 1970s. GB3PI was the very first UK repeater. In the early days I was a regular user. I don't think I have used a repeater in the last year!
According to Southgate News the logic of this repeater is being updated early in April. Sorry, but repeaters don't "float my boat". To some, especially with internet linking, they are an important part of our hobby.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/new-revolutionary-logic-for-gb3pi.htm#.Wr9nDExFzIU
According to Southgate News the logic of this repeater is being updated early in April. Sorry, but repeaters don't "float my boat". To some, especially with internet linking, they are an important part of our hobby.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/new-revolutionary-logic-for-gb3pi.htm#.Wr9nDExFzIU
Labels:
gb3pi,
southgate news
Return to 10m FT8 RX
This morning I returned to 10m FT8. So far, just a couple of Gs spotted. May, June, July and August should be much better with Es.
UPDATE 1134z: No further 10m FT8 spots here so far.
UPDATE 1353z: DK9WI (505km) spotted.
UPDATE 1134z: No further 10m FT8 spots here so far.
UPDATE 1353z: DK9WI (505km) spotted.
Sunspots - Saturday March 31st 2018
Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number 11. A=5 and K=2.
Labels:
sunspots
HF predictions
There is an online HF prediction program that allows you to input details of the TX gear/location and the RX gear/location and gives you a likelihood the path will be open or not. I have not used this before.
See www.voacap.com
See www.voacap.com
Labels:
voacap
Better amateur radio prices?
Every month I get a newsletter from a French company XBS Telecom. As far as I can see, they sell amateur gear, with guarantees and VAT at far below the UK prices. Certainly worth a look. With Yaesu cashback offers, these are very attractive prices.
See https://www.xbstelecom.eu/shop/en/12-ham-radio
See https://www.xbstelecom.eu/shop/en/12-ham-radio
Labels:
xbs telecom
Spectrum pollution
There is little doubt that the noise floor is increasing at LF, MF, HF and VHF. This is especially acute in towns, but even in my village you can see it is getting progressively worse. With the likelihood that electric cars will become more commonplace, things could get even worse with wireless charging.
Southgate News has a link to Don Beattie's paper all about this.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/the-threats-to-radiocommunication.htm#.Wr5g0ExFzIU
Southgate News has a link to Don Beattie's paper all about this.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/the-threats-to-radiocommunication.htm#.Wr5g0ExFzIU
Labels:
southgate news
30 Mar 2018
QSY to 472kHz WSPR RX
About 10 minutes ago I went QRT on 28MHz and QSYed to 472kHz WSPR RX. As yet, nothing spotted.
UPDATE 2050z: 6 uniques on this band so far this evening. I shall stay on until bedtime. Still using the earth-electrode "antenna".
UPDATE 2050z: 6 uniques on this band so far this evening. I shall stay on until bedtime. Still using the earth-electrode "antenna".
Eating out - NOT amateur radio
For the second time this month we ate out at a local Italian restaurant which has excellent service and a good fixed price menu. Honestly, I could not fault anything. Both my wife and I had the 3 course set menu and the photo shows her dessert (panna cotta).
Painted stones - NOT amateur radio
I have mentioned these before.
All around our village, people hide painted stones of all shapes, sizes and patterns.
We found one earlier this week (shown in the photo) and it has since been re-hidden in a new spot. Kids love it. My wife and I are just overgrown kids! The idea is to send a photo to a dedicated group and re-hide.
All around our village, people hide painted stones of all shapes, sizes and patterns.
We found one earlier this week (shown in the photo) and it has since been re-hidden in a new spot. Kids love it. My wife and I are just overgrown kids! The idea is to send a photo to a dedicated group and re-hide.
Labels:
stones
10m FT8 RX again today
OK, I am a sucker! Today I am again monitoring 10m FT8 RX. So far, just G4HZW (210km) spotted. Yesterday, 3 stations were spotted, all Europeans.
UPDATE 1442z: So far today 5 different G stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX, but no EU stations and no "real" DX.
UPDATE 1716z: EA1AKS (1037km) spotted.
UPDATE 1442z: So far today 5 different G stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX, but no EU stations and no "real" DX.
UPDATE 1716z: EA1AKS (1037km) spotted.
Sunspots - Friday March 30th 2018
Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number 0. A=4 and K=1
Labels:
sunspots
SDR (Software Defined Radio) book
This is fairly recent book by Andrew Barron ZL3DW. I got my copy recently from the RSGB book shop. Having no experience with SDRs I find the book fascinating. Clearly SDRs are the future.
Labels:
sdr
QRP News from Oleg
Oleg RX3G reports:
"Dear Club 72 members and friends,
600 kB of 3 pages, download -
http://club72.su/vestnik/qv5. pdf
enjoy reading # 5 issue of the "Vestnik" (March, 2018). Use Google or
other translator to read Russian texts. In the issue:
- QRP Rendez-Vous results
- QRP-X results list
- Sofa regen RX
- 455 kHz oscillator on ceres
- QRP Marathon "Look I the Horizon"
Thanks Igor R2AJA and Sergey RW3DF for assistance!
72! Oleg RX3G / 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,
600 kB of 3 pages, download -
http://club72.su/vestnik/qv5.
enjoy reading # 5 issue of the "Vestnik" (March, 2018). Use Google or
other translator to read Russian texts. In the issue:
- QRP Rendez-Vous results
- QRP-X results list
- Sofa regen RX
- 455 kHz oscillator on ceres
- QRP Marathon "Look I the Horizon"
Thanks Igor R2AJA and Sergey RW3DF for assistance!
72! Oleg RX3G / 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."
29 Mar 2018
Return to 472kHz WSPR RX
After a day on 10m FT8 RX I have now returned to 630m (472kHz) WSPR RX. On 10m I also spotted an OZ early afternoon that did not get uploaded to PSKreporter.
So far, G4GIR, G8GPO and DH5RAE (995km) spotted on 472kHz WSPR this evening.
UPDATE 2106z: 6 uniques with best DX LA2XPA (1310km).
So far, G4GIR, G8GPO and DH5RAE (995km) spotted on 472kHz WSPR this evening.
UPDATE 2106z: 6 uniques with best DX LA2XPA (1310km).
Ickworth (N.T.) lambs - NOT amateur radio
Most years around now, we visit nearby Ickworth to see the new lambs. This year, things are later, but this morning we went. Daffodils there are largely not out, but there were plenty of lambs.
Labels:
lambs
Banks - NOT amateur radio
Allegedly, Barclays Bank is to pay $2billion to settle a US fraud case.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43585546 .
Now, I am no financial expert, but I get sickened by tales of banks not behaving. I am sure Barclays is no worse than many others, but at the height of the financial crisis we bailed out many banks and probably saved the financial sector from total melt-down with taxpayers money. The least we can expect is that our banks are "whiter than white". Meanwhile, the rich get richer and nurses get no pay rises for years. To quote a famous UK politician, " we are all in this together". Oh yes? Oh no we are definitely not.
33 minutes and 3 people (2 overseas) later, I managed to contact Barclays over a query that should have been made clear in a letter I got sent. As far as I am concerned, banks have got worse in the last 40 years. Their customer service is generally crap.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43585546 .
Now, I am no financial expert, but I get sickened by tales of banks not behaving. I am sure Barclays is no worse than many others, but at the height of the financial crisis we bailed out many banks and probably saved the financial sector from total melt-down with taxpayers money. The least we can expect is that our banks are "whiter than white". Meanwhile, the rich get richer and nurses get no pay rises for years. To quote a famous UK politician, " we are all in this together". Oh yes? Oh no we are definitely not.
33 minutes and 3 people (2 overseas) later, I managed to contact Barclays over a query that should have been made clear in a letter I got sent. As far as I am concerned, banks have got worse in the last 40 years. Their customer service is generally crap.
Labels:
banks
OFCOM and diversity
OFCOM has just published its diversity plan until 2022.
I quote (the words are their's):
These are to:
I quote (the words are their's):
These are to:
- build a diverse and inclusive workforce to better reflect the UK population we serve;
- ensure diversity and inclusion are central to our work practices and culture so everyone understands, supports and is accountable for diversity; and
- ensure the different needs and interests of all individuals are considered when carrying out our regulatory work.
Whilst diversity and inclusivity are important, I don't need OFCOM to write a darn plan!!! Instead just employ more one-legged green people to get on with enforcement, PLEASE.
Labels:
ofcom
10m FT8
For a change I am trying 10m FT8. Although I am not expecting much I shall be on RX all day living in hope!
UPDATE 1300z: G4HZW (210km) spotted.
UPDATE 1706z: No further 10m FT8 spots.
UPDATE 1720z: F5RD (681km) spotted.
UPDATE 1300z: G4HZW (210km) spotted.
UPDATE 1706z: No further 10m FT8 spots.
UPDATE 1720z: F5RD (681km) spotted.
ISWL?
When I was first interested in amateur radio and shortwave listening the International Shortwave League (ISWL) was a strong and important organisation. I left at the end of the 1960s when I was a poor student but re-joined years later. I wrote quite a few articles for their monthly journal "Monitor" and submitted reports most months. Some years ago I left again as it was no longer for me.
At the end, when I left, I think there was just a core membership of a few hundred. When I left, I heard nothing - no sadness I was leaving, no thanks for being an active member - nothing. This surprised me.
I wonder how the ISWL is today? Unless they have managed to attract and keep a lot of new, younger, members I suspect this is now, mainly, an OAP club of dying old men. This would be sad as it was once vibrant and very international.
At the end, when I left, I think there was just a core membership of a few hundred. When I left, I heard nothing - no sadness I was leaving, no thanks for being an active member - nothing. This surprised me.
I wonder how the ISWL is today? Unless they have managed to attract and keep a lot of new, younger, members I suspect this is now, mainly, an OAP club of dying old men. This would be sad as it was once vibrant and very international.
Labels:
iswl
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