472kHz tonight

Hopefully, my transverter works. I shall try later.

Whatever happens, I intend to be on 472kHz (630m) this evening. If the transverter works I shall go on TX. Otherwise RX only. 

In both cases, I shall be using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground, that gave good results on 160m FT8.

UPDATE 2044z:  I tried my transverter again and still no sign of any 472kHz output, so I decided to go on 472kHz WSPR RX only. Just LA8AV (1012km) spotted so far. If I was fitter I might be able to fault find. With my health as it is, I think this is beyond me sadly.

UPDATE 2130z:  6 unique stations spotted on 472kHz WSPR RX with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Furthermost is SM6NOC (1056km).

Oil prices up - NOT amateur radio

Before too long we will all be driving cars that are powered by non-polluting energy. We must also ensure that these energy types are also not produced from polluting sources and are sustainable. 

In the end there needs to be a breakthrough in battery technology and energy storage so that fuels like electricity produced by solar and wind can be stored.

For now, oil prices are a bellweather of the economy. Oil prices have doubled in the last few months and fuel at the pumps has gone up in price. I guess this suggests more optimism for the year ahead.

Covid-19 vaccines - NOT amateur radio

 At the moment, the UK is doing quite well on the vaccination of vulnerable people. I think we are 3rd in the world. Much of what we have done in the last year was poor and this is one area where we have done well.

As long as the rates of virus circulating in the world are high, there is a chance of importing a variant that spreads easily, is more deadly and evades vaccines. There is an adage "until the world is vaccinated we are all at risk".

I hope all the world is vaccinated soon.

15m FT8 QRP (Monday)

In a few moments I shall be turning on my 15m FT8 QRP using 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop antenna. 

UPDATE 1112z:  15m FT8 gear now on. 13 stations already spotted on 15m FT8 RX and spotted by SV2BRA (2154km) on QRP 15m FT8 TX.

UPDATE 1152z: 30 stations spotted on 15m FT8 RX and 2 spots of my 2.5W to the indoor loop on TX with the furthermost RZ4HO (3291km).

UPDATE 1449z: 73 stations spotted so far today on 15m FT8. 

Stations spotted
on 15m FT8 today

UPDATE 1803z: 95 stations spotted today on 15m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop. 

Remarkable - the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 160m FT8 RX

As reported last evening, 31 stations across Europe spotted my 2.5W FT8 to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on TX.

Overnight I left it connected on 160m FT8 RX. In all, 328 stations were spotted including very many in N. America as shown on the map. 

UPDATE 1024z: Apart from VE3PJ (5492km) at breakfast time (0722z), all spots now are UK on 160m FT8 RX.

1908 harsh winter - NOT amateur radio

In 1961, my wife's grandmother wrote a letter to the Sheffield Star newspaper about the harsh winter of 1908 in the UK. We don't know how lucky we are and how hard life was. 

Sunspots - Monday February 15th 2021

 Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K=0.

160m FT8 QRP (Sunday)

As an experiment, I am trying my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 160m FT8 using 2.5W. Immediately, stations across Europe were copied on RX. Already spotted strongly in Oxford on 160m FT8 QRP TX. Furthermost on RX is R9GM (3499km) in Perm.

Stations spotted on 160m FT8
so far with the earth-electrode
"antenna" in the ground by 1830z

UPDATE 1830z: Already 102 stations spotted on RX. 1 QSO with a station in Germany and 12 stations have spotted my QRP TX in 4 countries.  My earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground obviously still works effectively. I must try it on 472kHz (630m) probably tomorrow evening, assuming the transverter works!

UPDATE 2225z: So far, 263 stations spotted on RX and 31 stations have spotted me on TX with the furthermost being OE9GHV (869km). Not bad with antenna you cannot even see with just 2.5W from the FT817ND!

The 31 stations spotting my
2.5W to the earth-electrode
"antenna" on TX on
160m FT8 this evening

UPDATE 2227z: For the night I will leave just the RX on and turn off the TX. TX now off.

UAE Mars orbiter - NOT amateur radio

Mars will one day be explored by humans. For now, we have oribiting satellites and robots on the surface. The recent UAE satellite has been put in an orbit around the red planet.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-56060890

2m FT8 QRP (Sunday)

Once again I am on 2m FT8 QRP with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.  So far, spotted on TX by 8 stations with the furthermost GI6ATZ (479km) and one station spotted so far on RX. It is now 1052z. 

If I come on randomly, the chances are high that I will be spotted in EI or GI. This is definitely some sort of scatter, although the randomness makes me think aircraft scatter is unlikely.

UPDATE 1306z: Several QSOs already on 2m FT8.

UPDATE 1418z: 19 spots of my QRP so far today on 2m FT8. 

The USA - NOT amateur radio

Ex-president Trump has been cleared of impeachment. This is not too surprising as the senate would have needed a 2/3rds majority.

What I sincerely hope is that the USA can move on peacefully. Judging by the votes, he clearly has a large following in the USA, although I very much doubt most of those would have wanted the violence that erupted.

As a beacon of democracy, the violence that erupted some weeks ago was ugly and self-destructive. Now is a time to heal.

Earth-electrode "antenna" replaced

Yesterday, I replaced the wire that I used successfully on 472kHz WSPR TX with a very low ERP. 

It was also used successfully on 160m and 80m.

As yet, it has still to be tested. 

UPDATE 0940z:  Tested on 160m and 80m.  Still high VSWR. Totally puzzled.

UPDATE 1538z: I cleaned the contacts at the far end and the VSWR remained high on 80m. With the auto ATU it matches on 160m. I have not tried 630m, which needs the transverter. My conclusion is that over the years tree roots have grown and effectively shorted out across the "loop" in the ground rendering this "antenna" no longer useful. I may try 160m WSPR or FT8 tonight, but may remove it tomorrow.

Me 1968 - NOT amateur radio

When I was a teenager I still had hair. This was a photo of me back in 1968. Some changes. 😉

These days I am bald and quite a bit heavier! 

Sunspots - Sunday February 14th 2021

 Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 0. A=13 and K=2.

Hare Park Chippenham - NOT amateur radio

 

Last week at Hare Park Chippenham. Notice the cow.

CDARC (Cambridge) talk

Last evening, the Cambridge radio club had another Zoom talk, this time on the monitoring station at Baldock. 

This time, we also had a viewer in Russia! On previous times we have been watched in Canada and Northern Ireland. In all, 29 people attended.

Zoom has exceeded my expectations. Attendance is at least as good as a face-to-face meetings. At least with Zoom, the whole world can watch!

2m FT8 QRP (Saturday)

 At 0945z, when we went for a walk, I went on 2m FT8 RX. Since getting back, I have been on TX too with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.

It is now 1145z and I have been copied on TX by 7 stations in 2 countries with the furthermost being GI6ATZ (479km). On RX, 20 stations spotted in 4 countries.

South Africa - NOT amateur radio

Doing a walk around the village in the biting wind it is hard to think of the sunny weather in South Africa some years ago. 

This was a very good holiday with such a variety of scenery. In places it was like Scotland and others the Mediterranean. In other places scrub. 

The photo shows False Bay near Cape Town, which is a fine city. 

Not quite sure what we were expecting. We saw "the big five" wild animals, but the sheer variety of scenery was such a surprise. It really is "a world in one country". If you get a chance to go there in the future do go as you are very unlikely to be disappointed.

It is not a place I would wish to live in, but for a holiday it was wonderful. Certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Nanowaves

As you will have seen, after a very long break, I took my first tentative steps back into optical communications yesterday. 

Before my stroke, I enjoyed going out in the field to see how far I could cover, especially over the horizon using QRSS (very slow CW) with PC decoders. 

Much greater distances would have been possible, then my health got in the way. 😕 

All the gear was home made. This was one of the attractions: all the gear was simple, including the test gear. 

This is a field of experimentation open to everyone. You may find some ideas on my main website.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/optical

Sunspots - Saturday February 13th 2021

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

2m FT8 QRP (Friday)

At about 1845z I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far, my 2m FT8  QRP has been spotted by 8 stations with the furthermost being GI6ATZ (479km). It is now 1904z.

UPDATE 2120z:  13 stations have spotted my QRP TX this evening. Now QRP.

2021 481THz tests

It is about 7 years since I last tried anything on 481THz (red light). 

So, today I dug out my optical beacon TX and RX and tried some tests across the house. Although I could find the RX, my TX beacon took some finding! This is mains powered. I eventually found it in a cupboard and did some tests. 

Tonight after dark, I shall try bouncing the signal off the windmill.

The last test I tried was in early 2014, but I was too wobbly.

Small steps.

UPDATE 2200z:  I tried "windmill bounce" and "tree bounce" on CW at 10 wpm but it was too easy! Signals were very strong. One thing is clear: I am much more wobbly than I was 7-8 years ago. I'd like to try much greater obstructed paths with QRSS, but wonder if I am up to it these days.

15m FT8 QRP (Friday)

This morning I am again on 15m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna and 2.5W. So far lots of stations spotted on RX and EA8BFK (2882km) has spotted me on TX. 

UPDATE 1400z: 63 stations spotted on RX and 5 stations have spotted my 2.5W QRP  on TX.

Spots of me on 15m FT8
TX with 2.5W and the
 indoor tiny loop at 1535z

UPDATE 1555z: Already had several spots of my QRP from the USA, with 9 spots of me on TX in all.  Amazing. On 15m FT8 RX, 113 spots so far.

126 years ago - NOT amateur radio

This photo shows where I come from in South Devon 126 years ago. What was rocks then is now sand. If it can come this fast (why?) I guess it can go as fast. 

Historic 481THz tests (2012-13)

One of my Facebook memories today was of my optical tests many years ago before my stroke.

Sunrise - NOT amateur radio

We were treated to a nice sunrise this morning. 

Kent snow - NOT amateur radio

Our son sent us this photo of the snow near Canterbury yesterday. It looks quite picturesque. Our son and his children have been sledging.

Sunspots - Friday February 12th 2021

 Solar flux is 76 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K=1.

2m FT8 QRP (Thursday)

At 1842z I QSYed to 2m FT8 with the usual 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. At 1850z, I have been spotted by 6 stations on TX, although no stations yet spotted on RX here.

UPDATE 1935z:  1 station spotted on RX and 9 spots of my QRP on TX with the furthermost again being EI2FG (565km). The latter is every day.

Rallies cancelled

As we are still in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, a couple more rallies have been cancelled. The ones just cancelled are the Ballymena ARC rally on Feb 13th and the Harwell Radio and Electronics Rally in Didcot on February 14th.

See http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/ .

More on our walk - NOT amateur radio

 

This collage summarises our walk today around the village. It was cold and sunny. 

Most of the snow has gone, although there are still patches in the shade.

Winter walk - NOT amateur radio

As the pavements were mostly clear of ice and snow and it was sunny, we did a nice walk around the village. It was good to be out, but I feel so giddy. 

15m FT8 QRP (Thursday)

 In a few moments time, I intend to switch on my 2.5W QRP  to the indoor loop.

UPDATE 1037z:  Gear turned on and 4 stations spotted on RX and 1 spot of me already on QRP TX - EA8BFK (2881km).

4m transverter

One of my Facebook memories today was this photo of my QRP 4m transverter designed and made in 2011. I have not been on 4m for a very long time.

The band is being covered on far more commercial transceivers now and there are far more countries on the band. It is ideal for summer Es.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/4m_tvtr

G0KSC website update

As you may know, I like simple and small antennas that do not need towers and rotators. These have the advantage of being neighbour friendly.

Luckily we are all different which is one of the joys of our hobby. To many, big antennas help with DXing or EME. Each to their own.

The G0KSC website has been updated and this has a lot about antennas.

See www.g0ksc.co.uk

Reflections - NOT amateur radio

This is not one of my photos! It appeared on 365project earlier. It is a great shot which is why I am sharing it.  

I do 365 every day. Each day you post a photo, however mundane, and it is great fun. Looking back it is interesting to see how much the grandchildren have changed over the years. I have been doing it for 8 years. Some use it to show how good they are at photography, whereas to me, and many, it is just a visual diary. There is no way I would win prizes for great photos! Many of mine are very boring! What I am saying is there is no need to be a good photographer: this is for you. Others can enjoy your photos if you want or you can keep them private. You can join for free or pay $19.99 a year if you want more albums and privacy.

See https://365project.org/g3xbm/365 for my photos. 

See www.365project.org to join.

Sunspots - Thursday February 11th 2021

 Solar flux is 74 and the SSN 0. A=3 and K=1. 

Rant time - NOT amateur radio

Have you noticed that some things get worse over time? 

My wife has a coat that she got many years ago, so she decided to buy a new one. It is thinner and has fewer pockets. She recently bought me some new pants - they are thinner and shorter. A new National Trust bag has fewer pockets. I could go on and on....

You can see what happens. The buyer tries to get the best "bang per buck" and has a fixed price. He asks the supplier to keep the price down so accepts some compromises to hold the price, hoping the consumer won't care. 

Result? Thinner, poorer, material, fewer pockets. Basically poorer.

Rant over.

Snowy walk - NOT amateur radio

Just now we went for a walk. The forecast was full sun, so it snowed! 

Recently seen flowers - NOT amateur radio

Already, the nights are getting shorter and there is a promise of spring, although we are still in the depths of winter. My wife took these pictures a few days ago.