My 2.5W to the V2000 vertical omni antenna was turned on at about 0755z. So far (at 0806z) 4 English stations spotting me.
UPDATE 1143z: 9 spots of my QRP including one from Germany.
UPDATE 1535z: 13 spots of my QRP 6m FT8 today (see map).
Simple QRP projects, 10m, 8m, 6m, 4m, FT8, 160m, WSPR, LF/MF, sub-9kHz, nanowaves and other random stuff, some not related to amateur radio.
My 2.5W to the V2000 vertical omni antenna was turned on at about 0755z. So far (at 0806z) 4 English stations spotting me.
UPDATE 1143z: 9 spots of my QRP including one from Germany.
My beacon (with the PA off) was turned on at about 0755z. I wonder if I shall be spotted in the USA today with QRPP?
UPDATE 0900z: Just a single spot by EA8BFK (2880km).
My 10mW ERP 630m WSPR (measured) was turned on at about 2020z. So far, just 2E0ILY/KIWI (209km) spotting me.
It is very disappointing to see I am the only UK station sending 630m WSPR according to WSPRnet at present.
Trees are coming into leaf. It felt much warmer today on our walk around the village. It is windier.
As mentioned before, it looks like my 8m dipole antenna system has an intermittent fault. Recently, I decided to concentrate on 8m TX with ISM restrictions, which means 10mW ERP. WSPR gives me the best chance. I doubt 8m FT8 at 10mW ERP would be enough.
A reminder that, certainly in the UK, possibly elsewhere, under ISM rules 8m beaconing is licence free and open to all. A full T&I 8m TX permit costs £50 annually in the UK. With more countries opening the band for real amateur radio research, I keep my fingers crossed that radio amateurs will eventually be granted restricted access with conditions. I have long said that just 5kHz in the ISM band would do.
For 10mW ERP tests the antenna must be reliable.
The actual antenna and coax are not problems, whereas erection is more of an issue as this requires ladder work. I can probably manage OK as the ladder work is quite low, but I get giddy very easily these days so even a short distance off the ground is harder than it once was.
My 10m WSPR beacon, without the PA, is on again. At 0846z, no spots.
This QRPP is really great fun and definitely worth trying in the upcoming Es season. I suspect FT8 would not work.
Solar flux is 201 and the SSN 156. A=9 and K=1.