If there is one sort of advert I absolutely hate it is one like this designed to whet our curiosity with words like:
"Seniors born before 1969 are snapping up this new benefit"
In my view this is click bate. Without clicking, we feel we might just be missing out, so many will click.
16 Mar 2020
20m FT8 with the tiny (45cm diameter) indoor loop
After sorting out the WSJT-X issue, 35 stations have spotted me so far. Best DX was a spot by N4DJT (4213 miles). 312 stations spotted on 20m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1424z: 451 stations have now spotted my 10W with UA9MA (4630km) being the furthermost to the east. On 20m FT8 RX 420 stations spotted so far.
UPDATE 1904z: Now 103 stations in 4 continents have spotted my 10W today. See map to see who spotted me. On 20m FT8 RX 701 stations have been spotted on FT8 today.
UPDATE 1424z: 451 stations have now spotted my 10W with UA9MA (4630km) being the furthermost to the east. On 20m FT8 RX 420 stations spotted so far.
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| Stations spotting my 10W FT8 to the tiny loop on 20m today |
WSJT-X issue
Just now I switched from 2m FT8 to 20m FT8. I was very puzzled that none of my spots were appearing on PSKreporter. I checked on the "all bands" tab and they were there! For some reason PSKreporter was reporting me as still being on 2m!
After a restart, all was well with plenty of 20m RX and TX spots.
It seems that if you change bands you have to restart the programme or even restart the PC.
If you see rare DX stations reported on 2m, blame me!
After a restart, all was well with plenty of 20m RX and TX spots.
It seems that if you change bands you have to restart the programme or even restart the PC.
If you see rare DX stations reported on 2m, blame me!
Rally cancellations and postponements
Understandably in the current situation quite a few rallies are being cancelled or postponed until later in the year.
See https://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/ for the very latest news.
See https://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/ for the very latest news.
Oscar 100 QRPP experiment with FT8
Southgate News reports on a QRPP FT8 experiment from Brazil on the geosynchronous Oscar 100 satellite. The aim is to get people experimenting with real QRP via the satellite.
See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/march/amsat-brazil-qo-100-experiment.htm#.Xm9HIMiTK00
See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/march/amsat-brazil-qo-100-experiment.htm#.Xm9HIMiTK00
President Trump (allegedly) - NOT amateur radio
Sorry that the quotes may not be clear because of the white background.
These were sent to me. I assume they are true, but I have no way of verifying them. They are all supposed to be said by President Trump.
January 22: “We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China. It’s going to be just fine.”
February 2: “We pretty much shut it down coming in from China.”
February 24: “The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA… Stock Market starting to look very good to me!”
February 25: “CDC and my Administration are doing a GREAT job of handling Coronavirus.”
February 25: “I think that's a problem that’s going to go away… They have studied it. They know very much. In fact, we’re very close to a vaccine.”
February 26: “The 15 (cases in the US) within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero.”
February 26: “We're going very substantially down, not up.”
February 27: “One day it’s like a miracle, it will disappear.”
February 28: “We're ordering a lot of supplies. We're ordering a lot of, uh, elements that frankly we wouldn't be ordering unless it was something like this. But we're ordering a lot of different elements of medical.”
March 2: “You take a solid flu vaccine, you don't think that could have an impact, or much of an impact, on corona?”
March 2: “A lot of things are happening, a lot of very exciting things are happening and they’re happening very rapidly.”
March 4: “If we have thousands or hundreds of thousands of people that get better just by, you know, sitting around and even going to work — some of them go to work, but they get better.”
March 5: “I NEVER said people that are feeling sick should go to work.”
March 5: “The United States… has, as of now, only 129 cases… and 11 deaths. We are working very hard to keep these numbers as low as possible!”
March 6: “I think we’re doing a really good job in this country at keeping it down… a tremendous job at keeping it down.”
March 6: “Anybody right now, and yesterday, anybody that needs a test gets a test. They’re there. And the tests are beautiful…. the tests are all perfect like the letter was perfect. The transcription was perfect. Right? This was not as perfect as that but pretty good.”
March 6: “I like this stuff. I really get it. People are surprised that I understand it… Every one of these doctors said, ‘How do you know so much about this?’ Maybe I have a natural ability. Maybe I should have done that instead of running for president.”
March 6: “I don't need to have the numbers double because of one ship that wasn't our fault.”
March 8: “We have a perfectly coordinated and fine tuned plan at the White House for our attack on CoronaVirus.”
March 9: “This blindsided the world.”
These were sent to me. I assume they are true, but I have no way of verifying them. They are all supposed to be said by President Trump.
January 22: “We have it totally under control. It’s one person coming in from China. It’s going to be just fine.”
February 2: “We pretty much shut it down coming in from China.”
February 24: “The Coronavirus is very much under control in the USA… Stock Market starting to look very good to me!”
February 25: “CDC and my Administration are doing a GREAT job of handling Coronavirus.”
February 25: “I think that's a problem that’s going to go away… They have studied it. They know very much. In fact, we’re very close to a vaccine.”
February 26: “The 15 (cases in the US) within a couple of days is going to be down to close to zero.”
February 26: “We're going very substantially down, not up.”
February 27: “One day it’s like a miracle, it will disappear.”
February 28: “We're ordering a lot of supplies. We're ordering a lot of, uh, elements that frankly we wouldn't be ordering unless it was something like this. But we're ordering a lot of different elements of medical.”
March 2: “You take a solid flu vaccine, you don't think that could have an impact, or much of an impact, on corona?”
March 2: “A lot of things are happening, a lot of very exciting things are happening and they’re happening very rapidly.”
March 4: “If we have thousands or hundreds of thousands of people that get better just by, you know, sitting around and even going to work — some of them go to work, but they get better.”
March 5: “I NEVER said people that are feeling sick should go to work.”
March 5: “The United States… has, as of now, only 129 cases… and 11 deaths. We are working very hard to keep these numbers as low as possible!”
March 6: “I think we’re doing a really good job in this country at keeping it down… a tremendous job at keeping it down.”
March 6: “Anybody right now, and yesterday, anybody that needs a test gets a test. They’re there. And the tests are beautiful…. the tests are all perfect like the letter was perfect. The transcription was perfect. Right? This was not as perfect as that but pretty good.”
March 6: “I like this stuff. I really get it. People are surprised that I understand it… Every one of these doctors said, ‘How do you know so much about this?’ Maybe I have a natural ability. Maybe I should have done that instead of running for president.”
March 6: “I don't need to have the numbers double because of one ship that wasn't our fault.”
March 8: “We have a perfectly coordinated and fine tuned plan at the White House for our attack on CoronaVirus.”
March 9: “This blindsided the world.”
March 13: "I am declaring a state of emergency"
ARRL HQ
According to Southgate News the ARRL is trying to minimise the risks to its staff by stopping visitors. Someone had better tell the US President.
See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/march/announcement-from-american-radio-relay-league-headquarters.htm#.Xm6O1MiTK00
See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/march/announcement-from-american-radio-relay-league-headquarters.htm#.Xm6O1MiTK00
15 Mar 2020
Lighter evenings - NOT amateur radio
Mid-winter it is dark by 4pm. At the moment it is light to about 6.30pm. In mid summer it is light until about 10.45pm.
This photo shows our windmill right next door shortly before dark.
2m FT8
At about 1730z I QSYed to 2m FT8 from 20m FT8. Still using about 10W to the big-wheel omni.
UPDATE 1744z: So far, 22 stations in 5 countries have already spotted me. I am convinced this is some sort of scatter, not aircraft scatter, as it is so consistent. Polarisation seems less important as I get nearly as many spots with the vertical omni. Best DX is a spot by DF6PW (562km).
UPDATE 1822: Well that was odd! After about 40 minutes I was seeing stations but these were not appearing on PSKreporter. In the end, I restarted the PC and all now seems well. I can only conclude this was some sort of software issue that was cleared by resetting the PC. On RX 2 spots so far in 2 countries with the best DX being GW8ASA (301km). 26 spots of me so far today.
UPDATE 2229z: Now spotted by 31 stations in 5 countries. Going QRT shortly.
UPDATE 1744z: So far, 22 stations in 5 countries have already spotted me. I am convinced this is some sort of scatter, not aircraft scatter, as it is so consistent. Polarisation seems less important as I get nearly as many spots with the vertical omni. Best DX is a spot by DF6PW (562km).
UPDATE 1822: Well that was odd! After about 40 minutes I was seeing stations but these were not appearing on PSKreporter. In the end, I restarted the PC and all now seems well. I can only conclude this was some sort of software issue that was cleared by resetting the PC. On RX 2 spots so far in 2 countries with the best DX being GW8ASA (301km). 26 spots of me so far today.
UPDATE 2229z: Now spotted by 31 stations in 5 countries. Going QRT shortly.
Coronavirus step change - NOT amateur radio
In the last week we have seen a step change in the UK over coronavirus. A week ago we were hardly affected, whereas now we seem to be on a war footing. People seem to have changed.
XBS Telecom
This EU company seems to offer very good prices with VAT added and good guarantees. I have never used them, so have no experience. If other have, perhaps they could share their experiences here.
It is interesting that many dealers are now offering the ICOM IC7300 with free gifts. It appears that ICOM are resisting dropping the basic unit price.
See https://www.xbstelecom.eu/shop/en/12-ham-radio
It is interesting that many dealers are now offering the ICOM IC7300 with free gifts. It appears that ICOM are resisting dropping the basic unit price.
See https://www.xbstelecom.eu/shop/en/12-ham-radio
20m FT8
A few moments ago I went on 20m FT8 with 10W to the tiny indoor loop.
It is now 1426z and 36 stations spotted on RX and just 1 spot on TX by II0IDR (1442km).
UPDATE 1450z: No other spots of me on TX. When a strong signal appears I can get swamped. I have just moved about 100Hz LF to see if that makes a difference. I always check I am on a clear spot, but this does not always work!
UPDATE 1725z: Now spotted by 18 stations across Europe.
It is now 1426z and 36 stations spotted on RX and just 1 spot on TX by II0IDR (1442km).
UPDATE 1450z: No other spots of me on TX. When a strong signal appears I can get swamped. I have just moved about 100Hz LF to see if that makes a difference. I always check I am on a clear spot, but this does not always work!
UPDATE 1725z: Now spotted by 18 stations across Europe.
Webcams - NOT amateur radio
It seems possible that some of the next few months we will be stuck at home under quarantine. Thank goodness for webcams!
Earlier today my brother was in Devon at Buckfastleigh at the South Devon Railway. He alerted me on WhatsApp so I was able to see him on the platform with his grandson. There are plenty of other webcams around the world. Some are live.
See https://www.earthcam.com/
Earlier today my brother was in Devon at Buckfastleigh at the South Devon Railway. He alerted me on WhatsApp so I was able to see him on the platform with his grandson. There are plenty of other webcams around the world. Some are live.
See https://www.earthcam.com/
New life - NOT amateur radio
14 Mar 2020
Solar flux
For the last few days we have seen solar flux numbers in the sixties. In February, unless I am mistaken, numbers were in the low 70s. Perhaps we have not quite reached the solar minimum yet? We may just be bumbling along the bottom.
More on loops
More recently I have been using a Wonder Wand loop that was a gift many years ago. As described yesterday, this loop uses a different way to match the loop and much thinner wire for the loop. Thicker wire results in better efficiency and sharper tuning. As I recall, my loop of some years ago was surprisingly effective.
For 10m FT8 the loop could be brought to resonance with a small length of coax. This needs to be carefully cut to tune to frequency, but once cut, it should not need further adjustment. A short length of coax acts as a capacitor and should be able to cope with the high voltages at the top of a resonant loop.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/magloop
Pre-theatre meal - NOT amateur radio
Please watch this - NOT amateur radio
Children, in general, are not badly affected, but they can spread the disease. Older people with pre-existing health conditions can become seriously ill and die.
Your help is imperative. Do what you can to slow the spread of the virus. Thank you. Your actions could save lives!
With a vaccine readily available being some way off despite great effort, our best hope is some antiviral treatment that may improve outcomes. From what I have read, the best hope is remdesivir, although I am no expert.
20m FT8
In a short while, I shall go on 20m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna. Results previously have exceeded expectations.
UPDATE 1118z: I have turned on the 20m FT8 (10W). Already 39 stations spotted, but no-one has spotted my yet. I maybe am (unknowingly) co-channel with a strong signal inaudible here. I checked the frequency before TXing.
UPDATE 1230z: Since moving about 200Hz HF I have been spotted by 18 stations! Best DX is a spot of my 10W by N4PSK (4374 miles). On 20m FT8 RX 145 stations have been spotted so far.
UPDATE 1920z: Still being spotted! 111 spots of me today and 7 in the USA.
UPDATE 2129z: 121 spots of me today on 20m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop and 10W as the map shows. Several 2-way QSOs too. Now QRT.
UPDATE 1118z: I have turned on the 20m FT8 (10W). Already 39 stations spotted, but no-one has spotted my yet. I maybe am (unknowingly) co-channel with a strong signal inaudible here. I checked the frequency before TXing.
UPDATE 1230z: Since moving about 200Hz HF I have been spotted by 18 stations! Best DX is a spot of my 10W by N4PSK (4374 miles). On 20m FT8 RX 145 stations have been spotted so far.
UPDATE 1920z: Still being spotted! 111 spots of me today and 7 in the USA.
Meal out - NOT amateur radio
13 Mar 2020
Amazon and amateur radio
Amazon is a bit like the UK yeast spread Marmite: you either love it or hate it!
My wife and I really try to support local, village businesses. As our son tells us, without our trade they will just go. The local butcher does amazing bacon and the local bakers great soft rolls and pasties.
I digress. What I was going to say was that Amazon does a great range of amateur radio products and books. With Amazon Prime you can order these for next day delivery.
Our shopping habits are changing and many choose to order from the armchair and get them delivered to the door the next day. OK, we cannot browse as we can in a real shop, but returns are easy and painless.
I was saddened by our local chemist: last year my wife just wanted some nail scissors. Nothing fancy, just simple nail scissors. She was told they had no stock and were not getting any! She went on Amazon, ordered them and they were delivered promptly, for less money! If local businesses are to survive they have to stock common items at sensible prices. Many people will pay a little more to shop locally.
See https://www.amazon.co.uk/
My wife and I really try to support local, village businesses. As our son tells us, without our trade they will just go. The local butcher does amazing bacon and the local bakers great soft rolls and pasties.
I digress. What I was going to say was that Amazon does a great range of amateur radio products and books. With Amazon Prime you can order these for next day delivery.
Our shopping habits are changing and many choose to order from the armchair and get them delivered to the door the next day. OK, we cannot browse as we can in a real shop, but returns are easy and painless.
I was saddened by our local chemist: last year my wife just wanted some nail scissors. Nothing fancy, just simple nail scissors. She was told they had no stock and were not getting any! She went on Amazon, ordered them and they were delivered promptly, for less money! If local businesses are to survive they have to stock common items at sensible prices. Many people will pay a little more to shop locally.
See https://www.amazon.co.uk/
Indoor loop matching
The wire used in the loop is about 1mm diameter and the loop diameter about 45cm across. It just sits on my shack windowsill. It works far better than I ever expected.
As I mentioned before, if you cannot use an outside antenna and you enjoy modes that don't require lots of retuning, consider a loop!
2m FT8
A few moments ago I went on 2m FT8 again. As usual, I am using 10W to the big-wheel omni antenna. On 2m FT8 RX 2 stations in 2 countries spotted and on TX I have been spotted by 7 stations in 2 countries so far.
UPDATE 1028z: Now spotted by 11 stations in 4 countries with best DX a spot by EI3KD (583km) in or near Cork. One QSO so far with M0NPT (125km). On 2m FT8 RX, 3 stations in 3 countries spotted so far.
UPDATE 1128z: Now 6 stations in 4 countries spotted on 2m FT8 RX today so far.
UPDATE 1242z: Now 15 stations in 6 countries spotting my 10W 2m FT8 TX today so far.
UPDATE 1540z: Now spotted by 22 stations in 6 countries on 2m FT8 TX (10W) as the map shows.
UPDATE 2323z: Now QRT. In all 36 stations in 7 countries spotted my 10W FT8 on 2m today.
UPDATE 1028z: Now spotted by 11 stations in 4 countries with best DX a spot by EI3KD (583km) in or near Cork. One QSO so far with M0NPT (125km). On 2m FT8 RX, 3 stations in 3 countries spotted so far.
UPDATE 1128z: Now 6 stations in 4 countries spotted on 2m FT8 RX today so far.
UPDATE 1242z: Now 15 stations in 6 countries spotting my 10W 2m FT8 TX today so far.
UPDATE 2323z: Now QRT. In all 36 stations in 7 countries spotted my 10W FT8 on 2m today.
OFCOM
OFCOM has details of the release of additional 5G spectrum on its website. See the OFCOM website for more details.
Chestnut tree - NOT amateur radio
12 Mar 2020
That crash - NOT amateur radio
Anyone looking at the stock markets, oil prices and currencies in the UK will realise this was a very bad day.
Clearly people are spooked by the Coronavirus and how it is being dealt with. A year from now we will, hopefully, look back at this time in amazement. I think the biggest thing is the uncertainty: nothing quite like this has ever happened in our lifetimes and we are all grappling with uncertainties. The virus seems more easy to catch than flu. At the moment we have no immunity.
With luck and good hygiene, these very bad times will pass and things will recover. In the meantime, batten down the hatches!
Clearly people are spooked by the Coronavirus and how it is being dealt with. A year from now we will, hopefully, look back at this time in amazement. I think the biggest thing is the uncertainty: nothing quite like this has ever happened in our lifetimes and we are all grappling with uncertainties. The virus seems more easy to catch than flu. At the moment we have no immunity.
With luck and good hygiene, these very bad times will pass and things will recover. In the meantime, batten down the hatches!
6m UKAC
Tonight is the March leg of the 6m activity contest starting at 2000z.
The only antenna for the band is my V2000 vertical omni. I'll try with 10W and see how it goes. Usually less than an hour on air is enough for my poor voice in the 2m UKAC.
See https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?year=2020&contest=6mukac
UPDATE 2114z: Never again!! With my vertical antenna it was very noisy and only 2 signals were heard and not one worked! With my 6m set-up, this is one contest I am happy to ignore.
The only antenna for the band is my V2000 vertical omni. I'll try with 10W and see how it goes. Usually less than an hour on air is enough for my poor voice in the 2m UKAC.
See https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?year=2020&contest=6mukac
UPDATE 2114z: Never again!! With my vertical antenna it was very noisy and only 2 signals were heard and not one worked! With my 6m set-up, this is one contest I am happy to ignore.
Amateur radio and coronavirus cancellations
In the months ahead, we can expect more amateur events to be postponed or cancelled. At the moment (as far as I know) Dayton and Friedrichshafen are still on. If these were cancelled it would be a huge thing.
Rally cancelled
As the Coronavirus bites, I think we can expect more rallies to be cancelled in the weeks ahead.
Sunday 15 MARCH : CANCELLED 35th WYTHALL RADIO CLUB HAMFEST.
Sunday 15 MARCH : CANCELLED 35th WYTHALL RADIO CLUB HAMFEST.
Red-legged partridge - NOT amateur radio
10m news
As many will already know, I am not a great fan of Tony's 10m Band Report on Southgate News. To me, it would be more useful if it showed just DX worked from the UK or Western Europe. OK, it shows stations active, but can give the impression the band is busy. Yes, the propagation is there more often than we might think, but at this part of the solar cycle it can be much harder to find.
UPDATE 2136z: See my short article about 10m on p32 of the RSGB April RadCom.
UPDATE 2136z: See my short article about 10m on p32 of the RSGB April RadCom.
Canute? - NOT amateur radio
The recent (partial) travel ban from Europe reminds me of King Canute who thought he could command the sea (if I recall my history correctly). Does President Trump not know that Coronavirus is already in the USA and spreading? The UK (excluded from the ban) has more cases than some countries he has banned!
20m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop
I have not been on 20m FT8 very long, but my 10W has already been spotted in 2 countries and I have spotted 13 stations. One issue I find is a lack of reports if I am on the same frequency as a much stronger station. A small change of frequency (100-200Hz) normally solves the problem.
UPDATE 1020z: Now 31 stations (all European) copied so far today on 20m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1147z: Now 48 spots of my 10W 20m FT8 with the best being a spot by J69DS (6840km). On 20m FT8 RX now 119 spots including Japan, the Caribbean and the USA.
UPDATE 1352z: Now 69 stations have spotted my tiny signal today on 20m FT8. On 20m FT8 RX 230 stations spotted so far today.
UPDATE 1620z: 108 spots of my 10W so far today on 20m FT8 TX with the tiny indoor loop. On RX 327 stations spotted so far.
UPDATE 1910z: 110 stations have spotted me today and 500 stations were spotted me today on 20m FT8.
UPDATE 2116z: QRT now after my best outing yet on 20m FT8 with the tiny loop. Quite remarkable!
UPDATE 1020z: Now 31 stations (all European) copied so far today on 20m FT8 RX.
 |
| Stations spotting my 10W 20m FT8 TX today |
UPDATE 1910z: 110 stations have spotted me today and 500 stations were spotted me today on 20m FT8.
UPDATE 2116z: QRT now after my best outing yet on 20m FT8 with the tiny loop. Quite remarkable!
11 Mar 2020
70cm FT8 contest this evening
A few moments ago I remembered that tonight is the March 70cm FT8 contest. USB 432.174MHz is where to look. As I have no 70cm horizontal antennas I am using my 2m big-wheel antenna.
UPDATE 1926z: My signal has been spotted by G4WSZ (12km) and G3YDY (64km). On RX the best DX spotted is PA3BGQ (272km). G3YDY worked.
UPDATE 1930z: ON4QJ (347km) now spotted. This is the most 70cm FT8 activity I have ever seen. Again, it shows how effective FT8 can be.
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| 70cm FT8 RX |
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| 70cm FT8 TX |
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