As usual, MLS has some deals for the weekend. They have some deals for this weekend, which is a public holiday in the UK on Monday.
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/
26 May 2018
Well, I am sick to death of GDPR - NOT amateur radio
It seems that every other email is about GDPR and even some of these are "dodgy". Yes, we all know data privacy is important, but this is taking political correctness to new heights, or is it depths?
Surely we want just a simple rule that says each person has to give express, clear, permission for any data held about them to be passed on. If data is currently held people cannot pass it on. Simple. No doubt some Brussels bureaucrats have to translate this into 27 languages at our expense too. Jobs for the boys.
GDPR = Great Deal of PRoper crap!
Surely we want just a simple rule that says each person has to give express, clear, permission for any data held about them to be passed on. If data is currently held people cannot pass it on. Simple. No doubt some Brussels bureaucrats have to translate this into 27 languages at our expense too. Jobs for the boys.
GDPR = Great Deal of PRoper crap!
10m WSPR TX
As I have had an antenna free, I have been on 10m WSPR TX in the last few days with some success. Today is no exception. Yet again I am on 10m WSPR TX (500mW, 100%, randomised frequencies).
Most, if not all, spots seem to have been Es. Activity levels seem lower than previous years on WSPR. Perhaps more are using 10m FT8?
UPDATE 1540z: Just a single SWL spot from Italy early this morning so far.
UPDATE 1805z: Now 22 unique spots on 10m WSPR of my 500mW beacon. Suddenly the band came alive!
UPDATE 1845: DK6UG was copying me as strong as +14dB S/N. Classic Es. 23 unique stations copying my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon.
UPDATE 2110z: QRT.
Most, if not all, spots seem to have been Es. Activity levels seem lower than previous years on WSPR. Perhaps more are using 10m FT8?
UPDATE 1540z: Just a single SWL spot from Italy early this morning so far.
UPDATE 1805z: Now 22 unique spots on 10m WSPR of my 500mW beacon. Suddenly the band came alive!
UPDATE 1845: DK6UG was copying me as strong as +14dB S/N. Classic Es. 23 unique stations copying my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon.
UPDATE 2110z: QRT.
UK pound against the Euro - NOT amateur radio
We still await a Brexit deal that respectful of both the UK and the EU. It is in everyone's interest to split amicably.
In the meantime the UK Pound and the Euro are just bumbling along. The exchange rate has hardly changed in some months. Although it fell quite a bit following the Brexit referendum it has been around 1.14 Euros to the UK Pound for some time. It dipped to around 1.12 but seems to have climbed a bit.
Last year I was expecting the Euro to fall in value, but this does not appear to be happening any time soon. Fundamentally, I still think the Euro is under threat.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cx250jmk4e7t/pound-sterling-gbp
In the meantime the UK Pound and the Euro are just bumbling along. The exchange rate has hardly changed in some months. Although it fell quite a bit following the Brexit referendum it has been around 1.14 Euros to the UK Pound for some time. It dipped to around 1.12 but seems to have climbed a bit.
Last year I was expecting the Euro to fall in value, but this does not appear to be happening any time soon. Fundamentally, I still think the Euro is under threat.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cx250jmk4e7t/pound-sterling-gbp
6m FT8 and "super DX"
It is now almost the end of May and I have still to catch "super DX" on 6m FT8. My system allowed me to catch a lot of great 6m DX on JT65 last year. I continue to watch in hope.
The system was turned on before breakfast. A quick 6m FT8 CQ (2.5W) brought spots from as far as Italy by Es, as well as Gs. Since then, I have been on 6m FT8 RX only.
UPDATE 0840z: So far 12 different stations spotted today in 3 countries.
UPDATE 1028z: 21 stations in 5 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1540z: Now 30 stations in 5 countries on 6m FT8 RX today so far.
UPDATE 1814: Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is now 4X4DK (3580km). 5B4AIF (3193km) is the first station I have ever spotted on Cyprus on 6m. Also on again is S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara.
UPDATE 1855z: Now 28 countries (I think) spotted in 3 continents so far today on 6m FT8. I have lost count of the number of stations, but there have been lots!
UPDATE 2110z: QRT.
The system was turned on before breakfast. A quick 6m FT8 CQ (2.5W) brought spots from as far as Italy by Es, as well as Gs. Since then, I have been on 6m FT8 RX only.
UPDATE 0840z: So far 12 different stations spotted today in 3 countries.
UPDATE 1028z: 21 stations in 5 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1540z: Now 30 stations in 5 countries on 6m FT8 RX today so far.
UPDATE 1814: Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is now 4X4DK (3580km). 5B4AIF (3193km) is the first station I have ever spotted on Cyprus on 6m. Also on again is S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara.
UPDATE 1855z: Now 28 countries (I think) spotted in 3 continents so far today on 6m FT8. I have lost count of the number of stations, but there have been lots!
UPDATE 2110z: QRT.
Friedrichshafen, Germany
This big European rally is fast approaching. Outside of the USA, I think this is the biggest amateur radio showcase in the world. Dates are June 1st-3rd 2018. Like Dayton, this is a chance for the big players to showcase new radios.
25 May 2018
FT8 versus JT65
In the last few months the usage of FT8 is phenomenal. It uses about a third the bandwidth (about 50Hz) of JT65 and a much shorter TX period. In many ways it is an ideal QRP mode, especially in Es conditions.
I think FT8 is not as good as JT65 in terms of very weak signals, but I am no expert. So far, I have not spotted what I would call real DX on 6m, whereas last season I copied lots on 6m JT65. Now, this may be just conditions, so I need a few more months to decide.
It would be interesting to know how serious DXers find FT8. I only use a V2000 vertical, so others probably do better than me. As you know I'm a fair weather DXer. I do not chase DX, but I observe 6m FT8 most days.
FT8 is not a mode for chats. Without auto-sequencing enabled there is very little reaction time. It is a good mode for quick, formulaic exchanges.
See http://www.dx.nl/?p=860
This seems to show FT8 is some 6dB worse than JT65 on weak signals. Maybe this accounts for why I am spotting less real DX? Now, since then FT8 has been improved. Certainly, I shall stick with 6m FT8 this season to see what is spotted.
I think FT8 is not as good as JT65 in terms of very weak signals, but I am no expert. So far, I have not spotted what I would call real DX on 6m, whereas last season I copied lots on 6m JT65. Now, this may be just conditions, so I need a few more months to decide.
It would be interesting to know how serious DXers find FT8. I only use a V2000 vertical, so others probably do better than me. As you know I'm a fair weather DXer. I do not chase DX, but I observe 6m FT8 most days.
FT8 is not a mode for chats. Without auto-sequencing enabled there is very little reaction time. It is a good mode for quick, formulaic exchanges.
See http://www.dx.nl/?p=860
This seems to show FT8 is some 6dB worse than JT65 on weak signals. Maybe this accounts for why I am spotting less real DX? Now, since then FT8 has been improved. Certainly, I shall stick with 6m FT8 this season to see what is spotted.
Hamnet growing
According to a report on Southgate News, the Hamnet amateur network, mostly in Germany, is growing.
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/may/hamnet-amateur-radio-network-is-growing.htm#.WwggIvZFzIU
See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/may/hamnet-amateur-radio-network-is-growing.htm#.WwggIvZFzIU
Old Cars - NOT amateur radio
The owners of these old cars were also staying in our hotel.
Lightning in Europe
At the moment, the lightning is in mainland Europe with nothing shown here in the UK on the lightning maps. I guess the storms over northern France could be an issue in southern counties of the UK later. Definitely worth a look in a few hours time.
Another rally
27 MAY 2018 : DURHAM DISTRICT ARS RADIO RALLY
Bowburn Community Centre, Durham road, Bowburn , Co. Durham DH6 5AT. Doors open from 10.10am to 2.30pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10am. Admittance is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy Sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and licensed bar on site. Michael Wright , G7TWX, 07826 924 192, dadars@gmx.com.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Bowburn Community Centre, Durham road, Bowburn , Co. Durham DH6 5AT. Doors open from 10.10am to 2.30pm with disabled visitors gaining access at 10am. Admittance is £2. There will be a Bring & Buy Sale, trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering and licensed bar on site. Michael Wright , G7TWX, 07826 924 192, dadars@gmx.com.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
10m WSPR TX
Although I have been on since before breakfast (500mW, randomised frequencies, 100% TX) no spots yet today on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1155z: CT2IWW (1383km) is the best DX spot of my little beacon so far today.
UPDATE 1246z: Best DX spot now was from EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.
UPDATE 1155z: CT2IWW (1383km) is the best DX spot of my little beacon so far today.
UPDATE 1246z: Best DX spot now was from EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.
6m FT8 - very quiet so far
Although I have been on 6m FT8 since before breakfast, all is very quiet so far with just a couple of Gs spotted and no Es here yet. I did go on TX very early (just one spot with 2.5W to my V2000 vertical stick).
UPDATE 1327z: Plenty of spots now. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX today is D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Is.
UPDATE 1640z: So far today, 30 different stations in 5 countries and 2 continents spotted on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1950z: 43 different stations in 6 countries and 2 continents today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1327z: Plenty of spots now. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX today is D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Is.
UPDATE 1640z: So far today, 30 different stations in 5 countries and 2 continents spotted on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1950z: 43 different stations in 6 countries and 2 continents today on 6m FT8 RX.
Remarkable sunspots - Friday May 25th 2018
Solar flux is 73 and the sunspot number a remarkable 39 so late in the solar cycle, A=4 and K=2.
24 May 2018
Rally (well actually a flea market)
26 MAY 2018 : RADARS FLEA MARKET INDOOR SALE
St Vincent de Paul's, Caldershaw Road, off Edenfield Road (A680), Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. Doors open to the public at 10:30am with disabled visitors gaining access 15 minutes earlier. Admission is £2.50 with those under 12 years free. £5 per pitch (for traders with own tables) or £10 for a pitch with table provided. Bring & Buy as well as commercial traders and amateur radio sellers. Refreshments available including bacon and sausage butties. Robert, M0NVQ rally@radars.me.uk or m0nvq@outlook.com, 0777 811 3333.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
St Vincent de Paul's, Caldershaw Road, off Edenfield Road (A680), Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7QR. Doors open to the public at 10:30am with disabled visitors gaining access 15 minutes earlier. Admission is £2.50 with those under 12 years free. £5 per pitch (for traders with own tables) or £10 for a pitch with table provided. Bring & Buy as well as commercial traders and amateur radio sellers. Refreshments available including bacon and sausage butties. Robert, M0NVQ rally@radars.me.uk or m0nvq@outlook.com, 0777 811 3333.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Back on 6m FT8 RX
As the threat from storms is not a concern this evening, I have returned to 6m FT8 RX. There are lots of stations from Spain and Portugal. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is EA8EE (3014km).
UPDATE 1856z: So far, 27 unique stations in 7 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2014z: Not that many new stations and the storms could hit us overnight, so time to go QRT I think. Maybe on tomorrow, but this will depend how close the storms get.
UPDATE 1856z: So far, 27 unique stations in 7 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2014z: Not that many new stations and the storms could hit us overnight, so time to go QRT I think. Maybe on tomorrow, but this will depend how close the storms get.
Thunderstorm risk
As I was out for much of the day (see previous post) I turned off the rigs and disconnected things. After tea, I checked the lightning map and decided the storms were too far away to be a worry.
UPDATE 2125z: It looks like those thunderstorms are moving this way. At this rate, they will be hereabouts in the early hours. Rigs, PSU, PC and antennas are disconnected "just in case".
UPDATE 2125z: It looks like those thunderstorms are moving this way. At this rate, they will be hereabouts in the early hours. Rigs, PSU, PC and antennas are disconnected "just in case".
Best ever - NOT amateur radio
10m WSPR TX
After the very encouraging results yesterday, I am again on 10m WSPR (100% TX, randomised frequency, 500mW). I have been on since before breakfast, but no spots received as yet.
6m FT8
After a brief CQ call (2.5W) before breakfast (3 G spots) I have been RX ever since. So far, 4 Gs spotted plus one Lithuanian which was my best DX - LY8O (1686km).
Sunspots (lots!) - Thursday May 24th 2018
Solar flux is 72 today and the sunspot number 30, which is the highest in a long while. A=9 and K=2.
23 May 2018
Interesting blog
If you are like me, you are always keen to find interesting reading material on the net. Today, came across a blog I had not seen before. It is about interesting things, many of which I am sure readers will enjoy.
See http://tikalon.com/blog/blog.php .
See http://tikalon.com/blog/blog.php .
6m FT8 RX
After a very brief CQ call before breakfast at 2.5W (yes, you guessed - a couple of Gs spotted me!) I have been of 6m FT8 RX since.
At the moment we seem to have Es to Iberia and North Africa. Best DX spot is 7X2TT (1766km).
UPDATE 1120z: 57 uniques in 7 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX today.
UPDATE 1312z: Best 6m FT8 RX DX today is currently S01WS (3043km).
UPDATE 1920z: I doubt much more will be spotted on 6m FT8 today. The map shows the spots so far today.
At the moment we seem to have Es to Iberia and North Africa. Best DX spot is 7X2TT (1766km).
UPDATE 1120z: 57 uniques in 7 countries so far on 6m FT8 RX today.
UPDATE 1312z: Best 6m FT8 RX DX today is currently S01WS (3043km).
Early success on 10m WSPR TX today
Just before breakfast I turned on the 500mW 10m WSPR beacon and this has already been spotted by 5 different stations today. Best TX DX is EA1FAQ (1249km).
UPDATE 1123z: So far today, 6 unique spots in 4 countries of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon.
UPDATE 1317z: 147 spots today, so far, of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon. I guess most of these were Es. One report from Germany by DF4UE (758km) was +6dB S/N - i.e. remarkably strong.
UPDATE 1352z: Best spot of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon is by EA8BFK (2880km).
UPDATE 1719z: 282 spots of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon today, with 15 unique stations.
UPDATE 1924z: 283 spots today of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon. Still 15 uniques. Soon be time to go QRT.
UPDATE 1123z: So far today, 6 unique spots in 4 countries of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon.
UPDATE 1317z: 147 spots today, so far, of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon. I guess most of these were Es. One report from Germany by DF4UE (758km) was +6dB S/N - i.e. remarkably strong.
UPDATE 1352z: Best spot of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon is by EA8BFK (2880km).
 |
| Unique spots of my 500mW WSPR beacon so far today. |
UPDATE 1924z: 283 spots today of my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon. Still 15 uniques. Soon be time to go QRT.
Lupins - NOT amateur radio
22 May 2018
"This will take a while"
They are not kidding!
After updating the shack PC this morning (90 minutes) I got a message this evening saying the main PC (Windows 10) had an important update. Nearly 2 hours later the update was complete.
Windows 10 worked fine before and, as far as I can tell, these darn updates are all to do with features I am not interested in.
Call me a cynic but just why are such changes necessary? Perhaps it is just another opportunity for Microsoft to keep an eye our every move? Maybe I am being unduly harsh, but if Windows 10 is so great just why do I have to watch paint dry for almost 2 hours as yet another update is done. This is a pretty new machine, so updates could take much longer on a older PC.
It is clear to me why some call Windows "Windoze".
After updating the shack PC this morning (90 minutes) I got a message this evening saying the main PC (Windows 10) had an important update. Nearly 2 hours later the update was complete.
Windows 10 worked fine before and, as far as I can tell, these darn updates are all to do with features I am not interested in.
Call me a cynic but just why are such changes necessary? Perhaps it is just another opportunity for Microsoft to keep an eye our every move? Maybe I am being unduly harsh, but if Windows 10 is so great just why do I have to watch paint dry for almost 2 hours as yet another update is done. This is a pretty new machine, so updates could take much longer on a older PC.
It is clear to me why some call Windows "Windoze".
Begonias - NOT amateur radio
There are a few more to do tomorrow.
Last year my wife bought busy lizzies by mistake. They also looked good.
Unicorn-2A PocketQube satellite
Southgate News has a piece of a future small satellite from Scotland. It is due for launch Q3 this year.
See https://amsat-uk.org/2018/05/01/unicorn-2a-pocketqube-satellite/
See https://amsat-uk.org/2018/05/01/unicorn-2a-pocketqube-satellite/
10m WSPR TX
As yesterday, I am on 10m WSPR TX only (500mW, 100%, frequency randomised). Already I have been spotted in Italy by IU7DZZ (973km) several times, whereas yesterday I got no spots at all! On 10m I am using my stand-alone W5OLF WSPR beacon. Apart from syncing the time, this does not need a PC at all. Even this could be done with a radio.
UPDATE 1025z: Now spotted by EA1FAQ (1249km).
UPDATE 1521z: So far today, 13 unique spots of my 500mW WSPR beacon on 10m.
UPDATE 1616z: Now 20 different stations spotting my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon today.
UPDATE 1025z: Now spotted by EA1FAQ (1249km).
UPDATE 1521z: So far today, 13 unique spots of my 500mW WSPR beacon on 10m.
6m FT8 RX
What a difference! Already lots of 6m Es with many southern Europeans (13 countries already spotted by 0830z) on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 0922z: 60 different stations in 15 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX so far today.
UPDATE 1100z: Now 19 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 with best DX S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara.
UPDATE 1230z: Well over 100 unique stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX. So many that I have lost count! 22 countries and 2 continents so far today.
UPDATE 1630z: Apart from N.W.Africa and Israel no great DX spotted on 6m FT8 yet this season.
UPDATE 1722z: Best 6m FT8 RX DX now 4Z1RZ (3567km). Now 29 countries in 3 continents spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 0922z: 60 different stations in 15 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX so far today.
UPDATE 1100z: Now 19 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 with best DX S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara.
UPDATE 1230z: Well over 100 unique stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX. So many that I have lost count! 22 countries and 2 continents so far today.
UPDATE 1630z: Apart from N.W.Africa and Israel no great DX spotted on 6m FT8 yet this season.
UPDATE 1722z: Best 6m FT8 RX DX now 4Z1RZ (3567km). Now 29 countries in 3 continents spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.
Windoze - zzz - 10
Let me start by saying I have used Windows 10 for a long time with no issues.
Today, my shack PC said it needed more disk space to do an essential update, so I added an external drive when doing this. My shack PC has a 32GB SSD. It is really only used for syncing to internet time and to run OPERA and WSJT-X software.
Now, if Windows 10 is so brilliant why does it take 90 minutes to install updates?!
Thankfully, as far as I can tell, everything I use still works.
Today, my shack PC said it needed more disk space to do an essential update, so I added an external drive when doing this. My shack PC has a 32GB SSD. It is really only used for syncing to internet time and to run OPERA and WSJT-X software.
Now, if Windows 10 is so brilliant why does it take 90 minutes to install updates?!
Thankfully, as far as I can tell, everything I use still works.
21 May 2018
"London" grandchildren - NOT amateur radio
Es (sporadic E)
Es tends to be very specific. Sometimes Es is there strongly in one place, but absent just a few miles away. Today may be such a day.
As yet, no spots of my 10m TX 500mW WSPR beacon and only G stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX. Elsewhere it might be very different. Maybe things will be better later or tomorrow? I shall be on both bands for several hours yet .
As yet, no spots of my 10m TX 500mW WSPR beacon and only G stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX. Elsewhere it might be very different. Maybe things will be better later or tomorrow? I shall be on both bands for several hours yet .
10m WSPR TX
I'd forgotten that whilst on 6m FT8 I can use a different antenna on 10m WSPR. On 10m WSPR I am 100% TX, but with randomised frequencies. I am using 500mW from my little WSPR beacon made by W5OLF.
UPDATE 1836z: No 10m WSPR spots of my beacon as yet. I have the feeling today is going to end with no spots of my little 10m WSPR beacon.
UPDATE 2030z: Well, I am about to go QRT with not a single report on 10m WSPR today!
UPDATE 1836z: No 10m WSPR spots of my beacon as yet. I have the feeling today is going to end with no spots of my little 10m WSPR beacon.
UPDATE 2030z: Well, I am about to go QRT with not a single report on 10m WSPR today!
HF Loops
HF loops are ideal in some applications. They can work surprisingly well, but are narrow band if efficient. They are ideal with QRP as quite high voltages can otherwise be created. I have used these on several bands. They can easily be made too.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/magloop .
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