• [G3XBM] 6m FT8 (Sunday)?

    From G3XBM via rec.radio.amateur.moderat@21:1/5 to All on Sun Nov 21 09:33:59 2021
    XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated, uk.radio.amateur, free.uk.amateur-radio

    Roger G3XBM's (Mainly) Amateur Radio Blog

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    6m FT8 (Sunday)?

    Posted: 21 Nov 2021 04:08 AM PST http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/11/6m-ft8-sunday.html


    After lunch, I may switch to 6m FT8. There is far less activity on 6m at
    this time of year and most spots are likely to be UK stations probably by
    tropo or aircraft. I can only use the V2000 vertical on 6m.
    If I go on 6m FT8, I shall go on 10m WSPR TX (500mW) as the 10m antenna
    will be free.

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    10m FT8 RX (Sunday)

    Posted: 21 Nov 2021 03:45 AM PST http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/11/10m-ft8-rx-sunday_21.html


    My gear was turned on at 0752z. So far 24 stations spotted with the furthermost HS2KYA (9693km).
    UPDATE 1006z : 122 stations spotted on RX with 4 in Australia.
    UPDATE 1144z : 288 stations spotted on RX. 10m is becoming too easy again.
    With FT8 it is even easier. I seem to remember it became too easy in the
    last solar cycle. I must look for a new challenge I can manage.

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    472kHz (630m) WSPR RX

    Posted: 21 Nov 2021 03:09 AM PST http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/11/472khz-wspr-rx_21.html



    Once it got dark yesterday evening I QSYed to 472kHz WSPR RX using the coax
    to my 2m big-wheel via a ferrite rod ATU. In all 16 stations were spotted
    with the furthermost being EA4GHB (1300km).


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    8m USA permits

    Posted: 20 Nov 2021 10:53 PM PST http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/11/8m-usa-permits.html


    Already 7 stations in the USA have received experimental permits to operate
    at 8m. Come the next main Es season we could see even more approved and on
    the air.
    I do hope they all operate FT8 and within a single RX window for them all.
    This will make monitoring so much easier.
    In the last Es season the first USA station approved was copied in the UK.
    With 7 operational, things (and chances) can only get better. All that
    would be needed is a wire dipole and WSJT-X tuned so all the USA stations
    come in on FT8. Just leave the RX on and see what pops up. Of course, FT8
    with a shared allocation would be good for all beacons, not just at 8m.
    This way, all beacons within the particular FT8 "window" could be monitored 24/7.
    It is just possible that the F2 MUF limit could peak briefly such that
    distant stations on 8m could be copied. All this is new and exciting. We
    just do not know.
    All the USA stations have been given permits in the ISM band. In the
    future, this could be a most interesting amateur allocation. Never mind transatlantic: they are going to have great fun in the next main Es season. There is a small Es peak around New Year. I wonder if there will be some Es within the USA at the turn of the year?
    See https://ei7gl.blogspot.com/ . On John's blog there are more details
    about these USA stations.
    UPDATE 0650z: I gather the first experimental licence has been issued in Canada to a VE7.

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    Sunspots - Sunday November 21st 2021

    Posted: 20 Nov 2021 10:05 PM PST http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/11/sunspots-sunday-november-21st-2021.html


    Solar flux is 80 and the SSN 22. A=10 and K=3.

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