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Roger G3XBM's (Mainly) Amateur Radio Blog

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Dayton, Ohio, USA Hamvention

Posted: 21 May 2021 09:16 AM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/05/dayton-ohio-usa-hamvention.html


The Dayton Hamvention is usually one of the biggest amateur events on the planet. People usually travel there from all over the world. This year,
like last, it is a virtual event sadly. These days will end.
Often, the big manufacturers announce new products here. It is an important date in the diary. If you want to attend virtually, there is a link below.
See https://hamvention.org .
They are already selling tickets for 2022, which hopefully will not be
virtual.



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Microwaves

Posted: 21 May 2021 05:13 AM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/05/microwaves.html


This is one area of our hobby I have not done much with.
I once borrowed a 23cm RX converter and did some tests one night with a homemade 4 el yagi in the room. I also, many years ago, made a 10GHz Gunn oscillator. I had the wrong sort of waveguide and, apart from some very
short range tests, did not take it further. These days you can buy some
very low cost wideband FM modules that all but eliminate the hard microwave bits. See https://www.amazon.co.uk/Aihasd-Wireless-Microwave-microwave-detector/dp/B00VVDFOHO/ref=sr_1_8?crid=3AXH2GP3143S0&dchild=1&keywords=hb100&qid=1621586561&sprefix=hb100%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-8
One of the things that put me off was the test gear. I know some have fabricated homebrew measuring gear, but I found optical gear much easier to design, build and test.
The above link allows you to buy the HB100 units from Amazon within days
for under £5 each. I am sure you will be able to get them cheaper.
Maybe I should have a go at 10GHz wideband FM?
UPDATE 0852z: A very quick look on eBay found these HB100 units on sale for £1.72 each with quite modest postal charges. See https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/143788841984?hash=item217a7b9c00:g:VPEAAOSwY31a1FE~. If you buy more than 1 they are even cheaper!
UPDATE 1214z: I have created a 10GHz webpage. See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/homebrew/10ghz .


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10FT8R active

Posted: 21 May 2021 12:56 PM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/05/10ft8r-active.html


At 0800z, I again turned on my 10m FT8 RX using the homebrewed 10FT8R RX
and the tiny indoor loop. No spots yet.
UPDATE 0826z: So far 1 spot on RX probably by Es - OE3FVU (1189km).
UPDATE 1334z: 25 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX with the 10FT8R RX and the tiny indoor loop.
UPDATE 1424z: Still 25 stations spotted. It would appear this Es opening
has stopped although I noticed a Swedish station a few minutes ago.
UPDATE 1950z: 27 stations spotted today on RX. Now QRT.

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Sunspots - Friday May 21st 2021

Posted: 20 May 2021 11:22 PM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/05/sunspots-friday-may-21st-2021.html


Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 13. A=24 and K=2.

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