2 Jun 2021

10m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop antenna and the 10FT8R RX yesterday

In all 158 stations spotted yesterday on 10m FT8 RX. This RX certainly works. 

Antenna fault?

Last evening was the 2m activity contest. I usually use the big-wheel omni antenna and 10W. Last evening the SWR was high. Perhaps after many years I have got some corrosion, or water in the coax. My problem is I cannot do ladder work because of my poor health and depend on other people for detective work. 😢

Sunspots - Wednesday June 2nd 2021

 Solar flux is 75 and the SSN 20. A=3 and K=1.

1 Jun 2021

PI4 decoders

 A lot of beacons now have PI4 sequences. I have no idea how this compares with the more common WSPR digital mode. Looking around for decoders I spotted this from OZ2M.

See https://rudius.net/oz2m/software/pi-rx/ .

8m beacons

On John Desmond EI7GL's blog there is a very useful list of 8m beacons. On his blog are also 5m beacons. I hope John does not mind me copying part of his image here. If there is a problem, I can remove the post.

There is always lots of good stuff on his excellent blog. I see he also reported a recent Australia-Europe opening on 6m.

See https://ei7gl.blogspot.com/p/40-mhz.html.



Many years ago - NOT amateur radio

This photo appeared as a FB memory today. It shows me walking with one of our grandchildren. He is now 13!

Judging by the cow parsley it was at this time of year. 

10m FT8 RX today (Tuesday) with the 10FT8R and the tiny indoor loop

It is now 0855z. I have been on 10m FT8 RX for about 30 minutes and have spotted 11 stations so far using the 4 transistor RX and indoor loop.

UPDATE 1601z  So far today, 98 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX. See map.

The complete crystal replacement?

Thanks for the feedback on the Si5351 as a replacement for crystals. 

It would appear that a low cost micro-controller has to be put alongside the Si5351 synthesiser. I wonder if anyone has a complete solution designed and tested. Also, what about programming?

It would seem that there is a real need for a simple KISS way to replace crystals, so I'd be surprised if someone has not already done this. According to Peter Marks the controller should only be a few dollars. This feedback (that you have to tell the Si5351 the frequency every time) is also what Jay told me.

It looks like a total solution that also replaces the oscillator should be possible for under $10.

Please let me know of any links.

10m FT8 RX yesterday


Stations spotted yesterday

Yesterday I was on 10m FT8 RX with the homemade 10FT8R RX with 4 transistors and the tiny indoor loop antenna. 127 stations spotted. Not bad for something so simple. Details are on the G3XBM website. 

Sunspots - Tuesday June 1st 2021

Solar flux is 82 and the SSN 31. A=3 and K =1.