6 Apr 2019
Sunspots - Saturday April 6th 2019
Solar flux is 72 today, but the sunspot number is again 0. A=14 and K=3
5 Apr 2019
472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP)
OK, I am a masochist! Overnight I am again on 472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground). Within a few minutes I have been spotted by 3 stations and spotted 1. I doubt there will be many more!
UPDATE 1927z: Now 4 stations spotting me with best DX PA0O (440km).
UPDATE 1927z: Now 4 stations spotting me with best DX PA0O (440km).
Tan House - NOT amateur radio
This is probably the loveliest house and garden in our village. Before we came to the village it was the home of the Right Honourable Sir Francis Pym who was UK Foreign Secretary at some point.
I remember seeing him in his office at the Houses of Parliament and was surprised to see a model cruise missile on his desk. In person, he was a very approachable person, although politically we were poles apart.
6m FT8 - soon
With the Es season just a few weeks away, I shall have to start monitoring 6m FT8 again. Last year a surprising array of countries and continents was spotted.
Last year I just sat the RX on 50.313MHz USB. Unless the frequencies have changed, I shall do the same this year, probably starting next week.
It means the HF antenna is free for 10m WSPR, or 10m SSB or CW QSOs.
Last year I just sat the RX on 50.313MHz USB. Unless the frequencies have changed, I shall do the same this year, probably starting next week.
It means the HF antenna is free for 10m WSPR, or 10m SSB or CW QSOs.
10m FT8
For about 15 minutes I have been on 10m FT8 calling CQ (2.5W) initially, then RX only. Guess what? No spots given or received.
UPDATE 1019z: Still no spots, although I see that a couple of Gs were spotted earlier that did not get uploaded to PSKreporter, perhaps as a result of losing internet connection?
UPDATE 1242z: Just a single G spot so far - G8UBJ (108km).
UPDATE 1609z: Just 3 Gs spotted all day on 10m FT8.
UPDATE 1908z: Real DX at last! VP8LP (12773km) spotted on 10m FT8 earlier.
UPDATE 1019z: Still no spots, although I see that a couple of Gs were spotted earlier that did not get uploaded to PSKreporter, perhaps as a result of losing internet connection?
UPDATE 1242z: Just a single G spot so far - G8UBJ (108km).
UPDATE 1609z: Just 3 Gs spotted all day on 10m FT8.
UPDATE 1908z: Real DX at last! VP8LP (12773km) spotted on 10m FT8 earlier.
472kHz WSPR overnight
I was going to give up on 472kHz now the "season" is drawing to a close, but I weakened and went on 472kHz WSPR overnight. Again, more spotted me than I spotted. suggesting some are leaving the band now.
 |
472kHz WSPR here in the last day on
the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
|
Hackers back - NOT amateur radio
Usually early in the month visits to my blogs suddenly shoot up. It would be good to think people were suddenly interested in my blogs and this accounts for why I have already had more visitors than all day yesterday.
Sadly this not the case, and, like many bloggers, I get the occasional "probe" by hackers looking for vulnerabilities so some malicious code can be installed to steal bank details or similar from vulnerable people who click the links. Hopefully they will decide to look elsewhere soon.
I change passwords regularly to avoid these issues, but if you suddenly see odd things, you know why. As a rule never ever click links if you are unsure where it takes you. Hover over the link to see what the URL is. If it is odd, go away.
Sadly this not the case, and, like many bloggers, I get the occasional "probe" by hackers looking for vulnerabilities so some malicious code can be installed to steal bank details or similar from vulnerable people who click the links. Hopefully they will decide to look elsewhere soon.
I change passwords regularly to avoid these issues, but if you suddenly see odd things, you know why. As a rule never ever click links if you are unsure where it takes you. Hover over the link to see what the URL is. If it is odd, go away.
4 Apr 2019
Return to 472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP)
As usual, I am on 472kHz WSPR with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Within a few minutes of switch-on a couple of stations were spotting me. I have not spotted anyone else as yet.
UPDATE 2120z: So far this evening I have been spotted by 5 stations with best DX a spot by PA0O (440km). I have spotted 3 stations with best DX LA8AV (1035km).
UPDATE 2120z: So far this evening I have been spotted by 5 stations with best DX a spot by PA0O (440km). I have spotted 3 stations with best DX LA8AV (1035km).
BREXIT - NOT amateur radio
However you voted in the 2016 referendum on leaving the EU we can all agree on something. The last few years have been very badly handled by the UK and EU politicians.
In the UK, surely we should have agreed our position (across all shades of opinion) before triggering Article 50 to signal our intention to leave the EU. In my view, the UK Prime Minister has lost a great deal of credibility over BREXIT. Yes, she has a hard job, but she should learn to listen!
Surely the EU would realise the Irish border would be a sticking point and they should have done far more to assuage fears over being trapped in the EU for years and years. Clearly there is an element of sour grapes and punishment involved. Mind you, I can well understand that the EU is frustrated with the UK.
No, overall I am not at all impressed.
In the UK, surely we should have agreed our position (across all shades of opinion) before triggering Article 50 to signal our intention to leave the EU. In my view, the UK Prime Minister has lost a great deal of credibility over BREXIT. Yes, she has a hard job, but she should learn to listen!
Surely the EU would realise the Irish border would be a sticking point and they should have done far more to assuage fears over being trapped in the EU for years and years. Clearly there is an element of sour grapes and punishment involved. Mind you, I can well understand that the EU is frustrated with the UK.
No, overall I am not at all impressed.
Rallies
Saturday 6 APRIL : GMDX CONVENTION
Afternoon lectures on DX and technical subjects, in the evening the DX Dinner. www.gmdx.org.uk.
Sunday 7 APRIL : CAMBRIDGE REPEATER GROUP RALLY
Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Car parking is free. Doors open 9.30am for public entry and 7.30am for traders. Entry is £2. There will be a talk in station. You will see traders a Bring & Buy and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site - the burger van has been booked. Contact Lawrence M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email rally2019@cambridgerepeaters.n
Sunday 7 APRIL : YEOVIL ARC 35th QRP CONVENTION
Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open 9.30am to 3pm, admission is £3. The event is supported by the RSGB, RAFARSand BYLARA. There will be club stands as well as new and 2nd hand stalls. Two talks are scheduled during the day; A Remarkable Very Young Lady Radio Amateur and An Introduction of Mag Loops. Regrettably only Guide Dogs can be admitted. Refreshments will be available on site. Bob Harris, G8UED wjh069@gmail.com or secretary@yeovil-arc.com [http:// Yeovil-arc.com].
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
Afternoon lectures on DX and technical subjects, in the evening the DX Dinner. www.gmdx.org.uk.
Sunday 7 APRIL : CAMBRIDGE REPEATER GROUP RALLY
Foxton Village Hall, Hardman Road, Foxton, Cambridge CB22 6RN. Car parking is free. Doors open 9.30am for public entry and 7.30am for traders. Entry is £2. There will be a talk in station. You will see traders a Bring & Buy and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site - the burger van has been booked. Contact Lawrence M0LCM on 07941 972 724, email rally2019@cambridgerepeaters.n
Sunday 7 APRIL : YEOVIL ARC 35th QRP CONVENTION
Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open 9.30am to 3pm, admission is £3. The event is supported by the RSGB, RAFARSand BYLARA. There will be club stands as well as new and 2nd hand stalls. Two talks are scheduled during the day; A Remarkable Very Young Lady Radio Amateur and An Introduction of Mag Loops. Regrettably only Guide Dogs can be admitted. Refreshments will be available on site. Bob Harris, G8UED wjh069@gmail.com or secretary@yeovil-arc.com [http:// Yeovil-arc.com].
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rall
160m FT8 RX overnight
When I went to bed the internet was off. I have no idea how long it was off in the night, so what follows will not include stations spotted that were not uploaded to PSKreporter maps.
In all, 180 stations spotted here (and reported to PSKreporter) which included 5 North Americans with best DX KC5FFV (7612km) in Texas. No doubt there would have been others too. The Texan was spotted in the middle of the night.
In all, 180 stations spotted here (and reported to PSKreporter) which included 5 North Americans with best DX KC5FFV (7612km) in Texas. No doubt there would have been others too. The Texan was spotted in the middle of the night.
 |
Stations spotted here on 160m FT8 overnight with
the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
|
10m FT8
Shortly, I shall QSY to 10m FT8.
In the end yesterday on 10m FT8 I spotted 4 stations in 3 countries. Interestingly, the CT and EA were working "real" DX (VP8 and ZS) that I could not copy here. This is obviously some F2 propagation further south. OK, my 10m antenna could be better, so I could probably spot more with a better antenna.
UPDATE 0906z: Have been on 10m FT8 for about 15 minutes. Guess what? No spots!
UPDATE 0937z: Real DX (not)! G1NHG (5km) spotted. Well, I am grateful to spot anyone.
UPDATE 1115z: IU0MBJ (1471km) spotted. Es?
UPDATE 1306z: F5OHM (631km) spotted.
UPDATE 1450z: DL5XL (563km) spotted.
In the end yesterday on 10m FT8 I spotted 4 stations in 3 countries. Interestingly, the CT and EA were working "real" DX (VP8 and ZS) that I could not copy here. This is obviously some F2 propagation further south. OK, my 10m antenna could be better, so I could probably spot more with a better antenna.
UPDATE 0906z: Have been on 10m FT8 for about 15 minutes. Guess what? No spots!
UPDATE 0937z: Real DX (not)! G1NHG (5km) spotted. Well, I am grateful to spot anyone.
UPDATE 1115z: IU0MBJ (1471km) spotted. Es?
UPDATE 1306z: F5OHM (631km) spotted.
UPDATE 1450z: DL5XL (563km) spotted.
3 Apr 2019
160m FT8 RX
For about the last 25 minutes I have been on 160m FT8 RX. Yet again, there are loads of Europeans. It will be interesting to see what comes in from "over the pond" tonight on the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. The last time I tried a few nights ago, a surprising number were spotted.
UPDATE 2131z: So far, 136 stations spotted this evening with best DX on 160m FT8 RX being R8CA (3788km) in Asiatic Russia.
UPDATE 2131z: So far, 136 stations spotted this evening with best DX on 160m FT8 RX being R8CA (3788km) in Asiatic Russia.
Brunei - NOT amateur radio
When it comes to relationships all I think that matters is that the partners are happy in the relationship, so I was shocked that Brunei has introduced seemingly medieval laws that take us back many centuries. Perhaps in the 1300s, but in the 21st century? Barbaric comes to mind. Brunei - bad press? Their fault.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47769964
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-47769964
Malicious Adverts - NOT amateur radio
OK, grumpy old man time again!
Have you noticed how many ads say things like, "seniors in XYZ are astounded by SUCH AND SUCH hearing aids" or "never pay for TV ever again" or "do you know that SUCH AND SUCH bank has put aside £40B for PPI claims".
This sort of pernicious advert makes me wild. I don't know about you, but I think they all should be banned. They are meant to convince you that you are in a stupid minority. In actual fact it is just another marketing angle. Ignore them all!
Rant over. I feel better now! 😏
Have you noticed how many ads say things like, "seniors in XYZ are astounded by SUCH AND SUCH hearing aids" or "never pay for TV ever again" or "do you know that SUCH AND SUCH bank has put aside £40B for PPI claims".
This sort of pernicious advert makes me wild. I don't know about you, but I think they all should be banned. They are meant to convince you that you are in a stupid minority. In actual fact it is just another marketing angle. Ignore them all!
Rant over. I feel better now! 😏
East Cambs Net
East Cambs Net - 144.575MHz vertical FM (in the all mode section). This will in future meet at 7.30pm UK clock time on Wednesdays. Discussions on various subjects (nothing too technical!) rarely go beyond 30 minutes. Newcomers are ALWAYS welcome. Feel free to call in if you are in the area.
Margaret are you grieving.... NOT amateur radio
As one gets older thoughts turn to human mortality. All of us dies - this is more certain than BREXIT day.
One poem, spoken to a young child, that hits me is by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a metaphysical poet. You may know it. We are on this earth for a very short time really. Deep down, our mortality hits us in the pit of our stomachs. Are we really just dust?
See https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44400/spring-and-fall
One poem, spoken to a young child, that hits me is by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a metaphysical poet. You may know it. We are on this earth for a very short time really. Deep down, our mortality hits us in the pit of our stomachs. Are we really just dust?
See https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44400/spring-and-fall
10m FT8
Although I am not sure why I bother, I have just (1033z) QSYed to 10m FT8. Yesterday was dire with just one UK station spotted. Today would be hard-pressed to be worse! At first I called CQ (2.5W), although I am now RX only. Guess what? No spots!
UPDATE 1447z: Well 10m FT8 RX is on a par with yesterday! So far, just 1 G spotted and no-one else. This was G0OYQ (177km).
UPDATE 1635z: Es? EB5GC (1593km) just spotted.
UPDATE 1447z: Well 10m FT8 RX is on a par with yesterday! So far, just 1 G spotted and no-one else. This was G0OYQ (177km).
UPDATE 1635z: Es? EB5GC (1593km) just spotted.
472kHz WSPR overnight
472kHz is definitely going "off the boil". Yet again, more stations copied me than I copied. Earlier in the "season" I always copied more stations than copied me.
 |
| 472kHz WSPR overnight |
Clunch outhouse - NOT amateur radio
2 Apr 2019
2m UKAC activity contest this evening
At 1900z (8pm UK local time) is the 2m activity contest. I usually take part with 5W and my omni antenna for about an hour. It is not essential to send in a contest log, but it is a fun contest and activity levels are usually high.
UPDATE 2028z: In all, 10 QSOs in 50 minutes (see above).
Return to 472kHz WSPR
Of late, 472kHz WSPR has not been at its best, but it has to be better than 10m FT8 today! So, about 30 minutes ago I returned to MF WSPR. Already I have spotted others and I have been spotted.
Blossom - NOT amateur radio
Oscar 100 - still very quiet
Just a few moments ago there was an OE6 calling CQ via the satellite and getting absolutely no response. At most there were perhaps 3 SSB signals. There was one PA on Hellscreiber, so you could read the callsign and QTH locator by looking at the waterfall.
By now, with more people building gear, I was expecting it to be very busy. If anything, I suspect there are fewer users than a few weeks ago.
OK, this is a weekday. Perhaps people are tired of working the same people and telling them about their dishes and LNB? Maybe the challenge was getting that first QSO and now the interest is waning? Maybe just talking through a geosynchronous satellite is no challenge? Perhaps every QSO is just like another?
Perhaps this is all too premature. Having DX QSOs and local QSOs with no QSB at any time day or night takes some getting used to?
OK, this is a weekday. Perhaps people are tired of working the same people and telling them about their dishes and LNB? Maybe the challenge was getting that first QSO and now the interest is waning? Maybe just talking through a geosynchronous satellite is no challenge? Perhaps every QSO is just like another?
Perhaps this is all too premature. Having DX QSOs and local QSOs with no QSB at any time day or night takes some getting used to?
Lightning
At this time of year and in the summer, I regularly check on the possibility of nearby storms. If there is a chance of danger, I disconnect antennas and power sockets "just in case". Years ago one of my work colleagues house, on a very ordinary housing estate, was struck by lightning and he suffered great damage. Ever since, I have been a bit paranoid. OK a direct strike is rare, but power surges can and do occur.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en
See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en
Heron - NOT amateur radio
See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/grey-heron/
10m FT8
At about 0925z I QSYed (ever hopeful!) to 10m FT8. Initially I called CQ (2.5W), but now I am RX only. So far no spots on RX or TX.
The peak summer Es "season" is only a few weeks away. Bands like 10m and 6m should provide Europeans most days. Often DX from much further way also comes in too. My theory is this is often some sort of chordal hop Es or Es linking with F2 further south. Certainly May-September can prove very productive on 10m and 6m at any point in the solar cycle.
UPDATE 1304z: No spots so far.
UPDATE 1652z: Just one G spotted on 10m all day. G0KUC (87km) is the only spot all day. I guess for now, people are, by and large, looking elsewhere. Another month and they will all be back for the Es fun! Back to 630m WSPR shortly.
The peak summer Es "season" is only a few weeks away. Bands like 10m and 6m should provide Europeans most days. Often DX from much further way also comes in too. My theory is this is often some sort of chordal hop Es or Es linking with F2 further south. Certainly May-September can prove very productive on 10m and 6m at any point in the solar cycle.
UPDATE 1304z: No spots so far.
UPDATE 1652z: Just one G spotted on 10m all day. G0KUC (87km) is the only spot all day. I guess for now, people are, by and large, looking elsewhere. Another month and they will all be back for the Es fun! Back to 630m WSPR shortly.
160m FT8 RX overnight
So 160m FT8 RX is still crossing the Atlantic. Last night, 10 North Americans and 1 Caribbean station spotted out of the 350 stations using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground with best DX spotted being KI5BLU (7636km) in Texas.
 |
| 160m FT8 RX here overnight |
Solar data published
The solar data I follow has been updated for March 2019. This particular source is still predicting that we have just passed the solar minimum. Certainly sunspots have returned this month and they we only missing for a few days. At the last minimum we were spotless for months. This is promising, although I have fingers, arms and legs crossed! As said before, it is several months after the event that we can be sure.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
For the latest forecast showing the upward trend is at http://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
For the latest forecast showing the upward trend is at http://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png
1 Apr 2019
160m FT8
As 10m FT8 was so poor, I QSYed to 160m FT8 a few hours ago, calling CQ initially but RX only for most of the time. No spots of my CQ (2.5W), but plenty of Europeans spotted on RX. As before, using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. I shall be on 160m FT8 RX until after breakfast.
UPDATE 2004z: 153 stations spotted tonight so far on 160m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2130z: 212 stations spotted so far this evening on 160m FT8 RX. Best DX is RO9O (5145km).
UPDATE 2004z: 153 stations spotted tonight so far on 160m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 2130z: 212 stations spotted so far this evening on 160m FT8 RX. Best DX is RO9O (5145km).
Horse chestnut trees - NOT amateur radio
Springtime - NOT amateur radio
Unless I am mistaken, next weekend is the US Masters golf from Augusta, Georgia, USA. They always seem to have plenty of colourful flowers for the TV cameras. Another year gone - where did it fly?
Awaiting updated solar data
My favourite place for solar data has yet to be updated fully. This usually happens in the first few days of the month. I am interested to see it they are still forecasting that we have actually passed through the minimum or still have some way to go. There were some tentative signs earlier last month, although these could just have been blips.
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
See http://www.solen.info/solar/
10m FT8
All night I stayed on 10m FT8.Only 1 spot of me (yesterday evening) by G4CJC (74km) 20 hours ago. This morning the only spot so far is of 2E0VDS (30km).
UPDATE 1738z: Totally dire! Nothing further here at all on 10m FT8 since the 2E0 around breakfast. This is one of the worst ever days here on 10m FT8. Soon be time to QSY, probably 160m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1738z: Totally dire! Nothing further here at all on 10m FT8 since the 2E0 around breakfast. This is one of the worst ever days here on 10m FT8. Soon be time to QSY, probably 160m FT8 RX.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
