This was one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s greatest projects.
25 Apr 2024
HF propagation
At the moment, we are meant to be on the downward slope of cycle 25, although in the last few days, the solar flux and sunspot number have been very high. Even if sunspot numbers are declining, solar conditions will be good for several years.
One useful tool is https://prop.kc2g.com/ (see map) which shows how good the MUF is across the world.
Echolink
See https://www.echolink.org/ .
8m monitors?
With my 8m station using only a low dipole, I suspect that stations need to be quite strong to be spotted here on FT8. Compared with the better stations with beams and more height, I guess I am probably 10dB down. On FT8 this means they will often spot stations I cannot.
Also, with the same power on 6m (2.5W), I can usually be spotted across England on 6m, whereas I struggle on 8m. One of the issues is there are too few people monitoring on 8m compared with 6m.
Nonetheless, I intend to experiment with 10mW ERP 8m WSPR this Es season as this will (hopefully!) show what is possible with a very simple system.
10mW ERP could be generated by a Raspberry PI, I think. It probably needs additional low pass filters to ensure compliance with IR2030. At this power everyone in the UK could have a go without a TX permit as long as ISM rules are followed. I cannot comment on the rules within the EU or elsewhere.
24 Apr 2024
Low cost QRP SDR transceiver
Just over £193 pays for a 5W all mode SDR transceiver. You pay a little more for shipping. This is a lot less than an equivalent Japanese transceiver.
There is a shake-out coming. Expect the Japanese to be facing stiff competition from low cost manufacturers.
China may not be the source in the future as Chinese wages creep up and costs become higher. Canny manufacturers will be on the look-out for countries that can make things for less.
Once again this is via AliExpress.
23 Apr 2024
Thank you - NOT amateur radio
On my blog is a link to buy me a virtual cup of coffee. This is entirely voluntary.
However, very many thanks to those that have donated. Any money generated will go towards future projects/research.
My wish is that you all have as much fun as I have had on your journey through the hobby. I have particularly enjoyed finding out new things and experimentation.
Two things : The journey is more important than the destination (learn from your mistakes) and you can have lots of fun without spending much.
Pixie transceivers
I have built versions for 80m amd 40m and had QSOs with each. With something this simple there are compromises. The RX, in some cases, lacks selectivity and can be overloaded by strong broadcast stations. Nonetheless they do work and they are hard to beat for the price.
The cheapest I have seen is £1.35, which is less than the price of just 1 part if bought in the UK!
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/8040m-pixie-and-micro80-transceivers .
22 Apr 2024
How do they do it?
Both Ali-Express and the original manufacturer, I presume, make a profit!
I just cannot see how they do it. It is made in the Far East, shipped by air across the planet and easily cloned I am told.
21 Apr 2024
8m ISM WSPR (Sunday)
Shortly, I shall be turning on my 10mW ERP 8m WSPR under ISM rules on 40.680MHz USB dial.
This means my QRPP WSPR will be about 1450Hz higher. I am not really expecting any spots as I have yet to sort out my antenna.
I shall ask locals to check I am getting out.
UPDATE 1436z: No spots.
10m 500uW (0.5mW) WSPR (Sunday)
My QRPP beacon has been re-synced to Internet time, but no spots yet.
UPDATE 1437z: EA8BFK (2880km) has spotted my 500uW 10m WSPR 10 times so far today.