This chatroom is often used to set up skeds etc. When I tried to log in earlier it came back with a 404 error and said, "not found". This may be just a temporary glitch. I hope this is just temporary as I normally post news of my 8m tests here as well as my blog.
See http://www.on4kst.com/chat/start.php .
UPDATE 1740z: All working again - thankfully.
It is pleasing to say that this book is on target to be completed by the end of May.
My intention is to collect all my projects into a freely downloadable PDF book. I shall add the link on this blog and send it to the major radio magazines. I want this to be freely available so you can share my fun. It is a scrapbook as it is full of ideas that I am sure can be improved by experimentation.
Nothing would give me more pleasure than if someone took my projects further.
The reason for the free PDF is to avoid the copyright issues that might arise with a printed book. Also it means I can add additions and corrections easily at any time.
As my 10m antenna is free, I am again on 10m WSPR with the W5OLF 500mW TX beacon. It is now 0842z and, so far, no spots yet .
UPDATE 0923z: Still no spots.
UPDATE 1611z: 4 unique stations have spotted me with the furthermost FR1GZ (9724km).
Yesterday was hopeless with no stations spotting me and no stations spotted.
As May goes on, Es should get better and more common. With my QRP, I am not expecting great things, but most active 8m stations in Europe should be in range at some time. There are also a number of stations monitoring , if not able to TX.
At the moment (0828z) I am on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 TX.
My usual pattern is TX FT8 in the first period around 1950Hz audio for about 30 minutes, then go on just RX for about 30 minutes, then QRT whilst the rig cools, then repeat.
UPDATE 0926z: No spots given or received yet. Currently RX only.
UPDATE 1030z: Currently QRT as the rig cools. Back on FT8 TX (40.680 MHz USB dial) at 1100z. No spots still today.
UPDATE 1550z: Back on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 TX. My earlier attempts on 8m FT8 TX and RX have been unsuccessful today. I hope I catch some Es at teatime. It often peaks around noon and teatime - no idea why.
UPDATE 1748z: It looks like today will pass without any 8m spots. Currently RX only.
The flowers and new growth were seen on walks recently.
The Camb-Hams group is in Scotland again on the Isle of Skye (EU-008) until May 6th. They are being widely worked on VHF.
With 500mW from the W5OLF beacon, I am on 10m WSPR TX. No spots yet.
UPDATE 1523z: 6 unique stations have spotted me so far today. This looks like a mix of Es and single hop F2 propagation.
