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  • [G3XBM] 70cm (432MHz)

    From G3XBM via rec.radio.amateur.moderat@21:1/5 to All on Wed Oct 13 01:26:15 2021
    XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated, uk.radio.amateur, free.uk.amateur-radio

    Roger G3XBM's (Mainly) Amateur Radio Blog

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    70cm (432MHz)

    Posted: 12 Oct 2021 01:23 PM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/10/70cm-432mhz.html


    This is a band that seems to have sadly gone out of favour. This evening is
    the October leg of the 70cm activity contest organised by the RSGB (UKAC). Activity on SSB can be quite good and people are friendly. It starts at
    1900z and lasts for 2.5 hours. Even if you just come on for the fun, I can recommend it. I only managed 3 QSOs with 5W and the 2m big-wheel omni
    antenna (see map).

    Unlike lower VHF bands, brief tropo lifts in certain specific directions
    can be quite common. I suspect aircraft scatter is also more effective than
    on 2m. It is a pity more stations are not active as it is an interesting
    band. Antennas look like TV antennas and interference (QRN) is usually much less of an issue.
    See
    https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/70cm-operation .

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    481THz

    Posted: 12 Oct 2021 01:40 AM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/10/481thz.html


    Since my stroke in 2013, I have been too wobbly for field work, which is a pity. Some months ago I promised myself that I'd try some experiments at
    home. The first thing I could try is "windmill bounce" using the nearby windmill as a reflector with the TX in the kitchen and the RX in the lounge
    or even down the street.

    For the uninitiated, 481THz is red light. I have homemade gear.
    See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/optical-nanowaves/over-the-horizon .

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    10m FT8 RX (Tuesday)

    Posted: 12 Oct 2021 08:43 AM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/10/10m-ft8-rx-tuesday.html


    It is now 0755z and I shall shortly go on 10m FT8 RX. If it is like recent days, l can expect mostly Europeans and African stations before lunch with
    the Americas later in the day. UPDATE 0840z: The RX was turned on at
    0804z. So far, no spots.
    UPDATE 1002z: 4 European stations spotted so far on RX with the furthermost IZ7NLJ (1770km).
    UPDATE 1232z: 64 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX. All stations were is
    Europe apart from 1 in the Canary Is..
    UPDATE 1353z: 83 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX. Nothing from the
    Americas yet today.
    UPDATE 1543z: 104 stations spotted. Just a few South Americans spotted.

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    My new QRP radio

    Posted: 11 Oct 2021 11:28 PM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/10/my-new-qrp-radio.html



    A photo of my next QRP radio?


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    Sunspots - Tuesday October 12th 2021

    Posted: 11 Oct 2021 10:52 PM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/10/sunspots-tuesday-october-12th-2021.html


    Solar flux is 89 and the SSN 35. A=13 and K=5.

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