Ely Cathedral - NOT amateur radio

We are about 12 miles by road from Ely. Some call the cathedral "the ship of the fens". Ely is a small city built on a hill. The cathedral, like Chartres in France, can be seen for miles around. We have to admit to it being one of our favourites.

Where did it go? - NOT amateur radio

It seems only yesterday I was a teenager. Now I am in my autumn days.

As we get older (I mean old in my case!) it is natural to look back and wonder where those care-free days went. We become more aware of our finality and how short life really is: we blink and we are old.

Advice? Make the most of every moment. We could be dead tomorrow or live to more than 100. Milk life.

6m FT8

Since about 0900z today I have been on 6m FT8 using the V2000 vertical omni antenna. I called CQ initially (10W) but no spots given or received. Now 6m FT8 RX only. In the early morning I guess only Gs are likely to be spotted, unless I get a rare burst of winter Es.

UPDATE 1316z: Still no spots. A recent FT8 CQ call was again spotted by no-one!

UPDATE 1324z: Just a single spot of G8BHX (208km) so far today.

UPDATE 1435z: 3 spots on 6m FT8 RX today with the best being IK6DTB (1529km). The strength (+12dB) makes me wonder of this was aircraft reflection? A 6m FT8 CQ by me shortly after was spotted by no-one.

UPDATE 1617z: And then there was Es.... 8 spots of my CQ calls (10W FT8) with the best being by LY3BRA (1573km). On 6m FT8 RX 19 stations so far spotted with the best DX bing IK6DTB (1539km).

UPDATE 1802z:  At this point 32 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX with best DX OH8JGG (1898km).

160m FT8 overnight - poorest yet

Stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX overnight 

Overnight I was on 160m FT8 although fewer North American stations were spotted than on previous occasions this season. In all, just 10 North Americans, 4 Caribbeans and 3 South Americans spotted on 160m FT8 RX. Although South America and Caribbean totals were not too bad, I was disappointed so few North Americans spotted. Not being a 160m expert I have no idea if this is just conditions or normal. Again I am using my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

UPDATE  0950z: It is interesting to see how things change in the daytime. Only 1 station (an OZ) spotted here in the last hour.

Sunspots - Sunday January 12th 2020

Solar flux is 74 and the SSN 0. A=6 and K=2.

160m FT8

For a couple of hours I have been on 160m FT8 RX. So far 145 stations spotted.

UPDATE 2200z: The first North American was spotted at 2132z.

The future of amateur radio

Many times I have expressed concern that our hobby could just die out as existing amateurs get older and younger generations fail to be interested. I see on Southgate News that the Japanese Amateur Radio League President has used this in his New Year's address.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2020/january/jarl-focus-is-on-younger-generations-and-women.htm

Betelgeuse - NOT amateur radio

Southgate News reports that the famous star Betalgeuse is less intense than it was. At some point in the next million years it could turn into a supernova, although I don't expect to see it!

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2020/january/the-fainting-of-betelgeuse.htm

Reflections - NOT amateur radio

On our walk yesterday we saw the fine sight in the photo. It was a bright, sunny day.

160m FT8 RX overnight

Fewer "real DX" stations copied, but still 628 stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX in the last day. In all, just 10 North Americans and 3 Caribbeans spotted. Still using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground which XYL and neighbours do not even realise is there!

Stations spotted in last day on 160m FT8 RX

6m FT8

At the moment I am on 6m FT8 with the V2000 omni vertical. My earlier 10W CQ call was spotted by no-one and just G4GIR (53km) spotted so far on RX.

UPDATE 1527z: Now 14 stations so far spotted on 6m FT8 RX. Although recent CQs (10W) on 6m FT8 went unanswered, I was copied in northern Italy by IV3VFR (1201km). Perhaps a little winter Es?

UPDATE 1740z: A recent 6m FT8 CQ (10W) resulted in a full QSO with OM5XX and being called by an OE, although he faded before a QSO could be completed.

Sunspots - Saturday January 11th 2020

Solar flux is 73 and the SSN 11. A=7 and K=1.

On 160m FT8 this evening and overnight

This evening and overnight I am on 160m FT8. A recent FT8 CW (10W) was spotted by 41 stations.

On 160m FT8 RX WU1ITU (4831km) was the first stateside station spotted this evening. So far this evening, 317 stations spotted on 160m FT8.

Spring coming - NOT amateur radio

Although we are still in the depths of winter, spring is in the air. Everywhere you look you can sense new life springing up. Today we saw the first daffodils fully out (see photo).

Aconites - NOT amateur radio

As the sun was shining we went for a walk around Anglesey Abbey. These aconites were the first seen this season.

FT991A review on Youtube

This video is on YouTube.  Since the summer I have owned and used the Yaesu FT991A transceiver, although I have only used it QRP.  For my sort of operating it is fine , although I get virtually the same results on my FT817ND at 2.5W.

160m FT8 overnight

Not the best, but still plenty of stations spotted in North America and the Caribbean.

Stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX overnight 

Sunspots - Friday January 10th 2020

Solar flux is 74 and the SSN 14. A=12 and K =2. Are we passing the minimum?

160m FT8 RX

A few moments ago I QSYed to 160m FT8 RX from 2m FT8. So far, 20 Europeans spotted.

2m FT8

Stations spotted on 2m FT8 until 1317z

In the end I decided to QSY to 2m FT8. An initial 2m FT8 CQ call (10W to the big-wheel omni antenna) was copied by 7 stations in 3 countries with best DX being EI3KD (583km). On 2m FT8 RX I have spotted  6 stations in 4 countries.

UPDATE 1355z: 11 stations in 6 countries spotted so far today on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1810z:  Now 33 stations in 8 countries spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

Overnight on 160m FT8 RX

As before, I gave 160m FT8 RX a go overnight with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

Quite a reasonable night with loads of North Americans, some Caribbeans and South America logged. In terms of numbers, I have seen better, but quite a good night overall. Best DX spotted was LU8DPM (11432km).

Stations spotted overnight on 160m FT8 RX

UPDATE 1200z: Although plenty of DX spotted just before breakfast, nothing copied since. Soon be time to QSY, although I am not sure where to!

QRP rendezvous

A reminder that there is a QRP rendezvous regularly on 14.060MHz CW. See photo. This is not a contest.

OFCOM updates

As usual, OFCOM has updated its Communications Monthly with its latest data. See the OFCOM website for details.

Sunspots - Thursday January 9th 2020

Solar flux is 74 (the highest for some time) and the sunspot number 0. A=6 and K=3.

160m FT8

From now until tomorrow, I shall be on 160m FT8, mostly RX. As usual, I am using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

A recent 10W FT8 CQ was spotted by 12 stations in 4 countries with best DX being HB9BIN (775km).

On 160m FT8 RX 52 stations spotted with best DX (after just a few minutes) being RV0AR (5577km). Nothing from North America as yet this evening on 160m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2230z:  Now 173 stations spotted including 3 in North America.

Snowdrops - NOT amateur radio

Today was rather dull. We went for a 2.3 mile walk around the village. On the way we spotted these snowdrops fully out.

Although we have seen some nearly out, this was the first time we'd seen any fully out this winter. In a few weeks' time they will be everywhere, closely followed by daffodils.

70cm FT8 activity contest tonight

Starting at 1700z tonight (until 2000z) is a 70cm FT8 activity contest. Check 432.174MHz USB dial. I can only receive, but I am already monitoring.

See http://www.ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/

UPDATE 1830z: So far, 5 stations in 4 countries spotted with best DX DG1KDD (472km). I am only using my 2m big-wheel omni antenna. A recent 70cm FT8 CQ to the 2m big-wheel was spotted by no-one.

Stations spotted on 70cm FT8 RX to 1921z

UPDATE 1956z: My 70cm FT8 CQ was answered by G3YDY (64km). No other reports of my TX CQs (10W to the 2m big-wheel omni antenna). The DG station spotted earlier is my furthermost on 70cm FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2011z: Well it seems to me that this 70cm activity "contest" was a success with FT8 activity on the band. I think these stations spotted were flat band tropo and not aircraft reflections as most were weakly on the screen lots of the time.

Water mill - NOT amateur radio

Most months we go for a walk at Anglesey Abbey. It is about 5-7 minutes by car. Every month there is something new to see in the grounds. There are formal gardens and wild parts. Even when busy, it is possible to find quiet spots.

The photo shows the water mill there. In the summer it is busy with visitors, although in mid-winter it is much quieter.

Brennan BB1 receiver - NOT amateur radio

Some time ago, I mentioned that I got a Brennan BB1 receiver as a joint birthday and Christmas present. I am totally impressed.

Mentioned before were the 40000 radio stations from across the world in crystal clear FM quality, ripped CDs and YouTube videos. Sound quality is excellent and it is small. Listening to ABC Classics from Perth, Australia is like listening to Classic FM here in the UK.

As a bonus, all PCs, smart phones and tablets can be used as remote controls, so you can swap from Christmas CDs to radio from Cape Town or change the volume in an instant! This can totally confuse wives!

Granddaughter - NOT amateur radio

Over New Year our son and family came to stay. This is one of our granddaughters at Ickworth House, Suffolk. I think it was January 1st.

2m FT8 (2.5W to the big-wheel)

About 12 minutes ago I QSYed to 2m FT8, using the FT817ND and the big-wheel omni antenna. 3 stations spotted my FT8 CQ with best DX being G4RRA (334km) in Devon. On 2m FT8 RX best DX is DL6YBF (471km) with 4 stations in 3 countries spotted so far this morning.

UPDATE 1238z: Now 15 stations in 4 countries so far spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1625z: 27 stations in 6 countries spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

10m antenna

Since my Par antenna started giving a very high VSWR, I have been looking for a 10m antenna for the next cycle and for Es. Being considered are CB verticals of various types, wire dipoles and my Homebase-10, which is basically a wire halo. I used the latter at my old QTH very successfully, although I cannot get it as high at this location. Verticals tend to pick up more local noise but are good omnidirectional antennas. Dipoles are not so good off their ends. In all cases I need help with erection, sadly.

There is a video showing the Homebase-10 erected at the old QTH. The video is actually about a 500kHz antenna, but shows the 10m antenna pretty well. There are other videos on the G3XBM channel.

472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP) - more success

Overnight I was on 472kHz WSPR TX using my usual 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. It is still on now. In all, spots from 19 stations including 30 from Norway. Best DX was a single spot by LA8AV (1035km). 29 spots by Jan!

Stations spotting me in the last 

12 hours on 472kHz WSPR TX

Sunspots - Wednesday January 8th 2020

Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 0. A=5 and K=2.

2m activity contest (UKAC)

This evening was the 2m activity contest organised by the RSGB. Although the contest runs for 2.5 hours, I managed 48 minutes before my voice shouted "stop!!" In all 10 QSOs were had with best DX G4RUL/P on the south coast. I was running 10W to the big-wheel omni.

Stations worked on 2m SSB this evening

Back on 472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP)

This evening I went on 472kHz WSPR again using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Already a couple of stations spotting me.

UPDATE 2200z: 12 stations spotting me and already 3 spots by Jan LA3EQ (769km).

Granddaughter and swans - NOT amateur radio

At the weekend we went to Mildenhall in the hope of going to the museum. Sadly it was closed so we went by the river to see the swans and Canada geese.

160m FT8 RX overnight

Again, a decent night on 160m FT8 with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. I lost count of North Americans spotted - over 50, plus 1 South American in Ecuador, 4 Caribbean, plus Africans, Asians and Europeans. In all, 486 stations spotted.

Stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX in the last 24 hours

Lenticular clouds? - NOT amateur radio

Returning home a few hours ago I spotted what seemed to be lenticular clouds below the normal rain clouds. Lenticular clouds are usually associated with mountains.

In the past I have seen them (Yorkshire Dales and Portugal), but never around here where even small hills are rare!

The photo I took hardly did justice to what I saw. If not lenticular clouds, they looked very similar. I am no cloud expert, so am happy to be told what they were. Weather was about 7 degrees C and dry.

OFCOM priorities

OFCOM has published its priorities for the year ahead. Well I guess it beats playing marbles or colouring in!!

You can tell, I am not impressed with OFCOM ever since I had personal dealings with them some years ago. At the time they were totally hopeless.  From what I can tell, they have not improved. These are my personal views and others are free to hold different views.

See their website for more details.