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  • [G3XBM] IC-705 firmware updated

    From G3XBM via rec.radio.amateur.moderat@21:1/5 to All on Tue Apr 20 00:50:36 2021
    XPost: rec.radio.amateur.moderated, rec.radio.amateur.space, uk.radio.amateur XPost: free.uk.amateur-radio

    Roger G3XBM's (Mainly) Amateur Radio Blog

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    IC-705 firmware updated

    Posted: 19 Apr 2021 01:34 PM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/04/ic-705-firmware-updated.html


    Following the instructions in "The RadioToday Guide to the IC-705", I have successfully upgraded the firmware from V1.12 to V1.24. All appears to have gone correctly. The next thing is to get a suitable interface cable from
    the rig to the PC and try FT8 and rig control. Some have used cables with ferrite toroids on or isolators to minimise ground loops.
    As you can tell, I am taking things very slowly. With my "brain fog"
    (probably as a result of my 2013 stroke) it is all too easy to make
    mistakes. Jobs that would once have seemed trivial are now quite hard. Even just unpacking the microSD card from the packaging was a challenge!
    UPDATE 2029z: Since doing the firmware update, a couple of new icons have appeared. The SD card is there, but flashing (why?) and there is an
    adjacent red circle. I am sure I shall find out what these are soon! I was
    able to have a 2m FM net OK this evening, but avoided touching anything
    just in case it all went wrong! Investigation needed, HI.

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    Shack video

    Posted: 19 Apr 2021 05:46 AM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/04/shack-video.html



    Some years ago, I did a video about the setup here. Sorry my voice is so
    poor!




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    Nostalgia time again

    Posted: 19 Apr 2021 04:17 AM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/04/nostalgia-time-again.html


    Since the 1960s we have come a very long way. Back then, I thought G4PJ's
    AT5 from Codar was amazing (see photo). This was a valve 160m/80m AM/CW TX putting out about 10-12W. There was a companion RX, the T28, which was dreadful.

    These days, you can buy a whole SDR transceiver covering 160m-70cm with all modes plus Bluetooth, WiFi and GPS in much the same size. Mind you, the
    AT5 was a lot less expensive!
    See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/at5 .

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    10m FT8 RX

    Posted: 19 Apr 2021 06:00 AM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/04/10m-ft8-rx_19.html


    At 1030z, I turned on the FT817ND with the indoor loop on 10m RX. Comparing results with G0LRD, I think this antenna must be several dBs down. I can't
    wait to erect a 10m antenna outside again.
    UPDATE 1236z: No spots.
    UPDATE 1301z: Just G0LRD spotted.

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    Geosynchronous Oscar 100

    Posted: 19 Apr 2021 01:57 AM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/04/geosynchronous-oscar-100.html



    Every few weeks I check activity on the narrowband transponder of this satellite by looking at the web SDR at Goonhilly. The last time I looked
    was just before 0800z on Monday.

    My impression is activity levels are still low. As I have said before, this
    is just a quick view and far from scientific. If I looked a few minutes
    before or after, I might have formed a different view.
    See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ .

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    DXCC entities

    Posted: 19 Apr 2021 12:49 AM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/04/dxcc-entities.html


    Long ago, I stopped chasing DX. If I work some rare country or QTH square
    then great, but I do not chase it as if my life depended on it. There is
    always tomorrow, but if it "gets away" does it really matter? This is just
    a hobby. Personally, I like to see where my QRP signals reach, but each to their own. There are many ways to enjoy our hobby.
    To some working every entity matters. They enjoy the thrill of the chase. I
    see Southgate News has a link about this. Apparently there 209 DXCC
    entities active.
    See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2021/april/dxcc-country-entity-report-19-04.htm#.YH0zZSjYrrc .

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    Sunspots - Monday April 19th 2021

    Posted: 18 Apr 2021 10:40 PM PDT http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/2021/04/sunspots-monday-april-19th-2021.html


    Solar flux is 78 and the SSN 15. A=16 and K=4.

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