RX report and grabber info for 14/3/20
Posted by Vernon on March 15, 2020 at 17:07:18.
Re: rx Report
It is great to see reports. There are a lot of beacons out there, but we have only limited knowledge of where (and when) they reach because reporting is limited. Time available is one factor, from oersonal experience, along with an unknown number of beaconeers being blessed with a low noise floor.
Automated recording is a good scientific approach to following changes in activity and propagation, but there is still something neat about hearing a signal live "on the air". EDJ QRT for now and RX report
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on March 01, 2020 at 17:31:45.
Listening for a while down in EM83du.
RY daily around solar noon. EH often daily. Last night 2220 EST, parts of 7P showing up. Don't often hear 7P. SIW slant occasionally (mid-day) Some WSPR seen (mid-day) not in decode mode for now. All close to the watering hole 555 400 ish.
All using a 22m Vert antenna.
Bob
EDJ
Re: More on Low Noise antennas
Posted by Edward Holland on March 02, 2020 at 20:48:47.
In reply to More on Low Noise antennas posted by Ed Holland on February 27, 2020
One more point: After a lot of stumbling around, using a different search engine brought to light the material that Dallas Lankford referenced in his article in the 1990s. From Wireless World, 25 Nov. 1936, the article by F.R.W. Strafford details many approaches and feeder details, the diagrams for which were used by Lankford in his review, ahead of the latter author's adoption of the techniques with more modern components (ferrite cores, coax etc.). In the earlier article, it is revealed that Mr Strafford was employed in the research department for no other than Belling and Lee Ltd., the UK firm offering the "Eliminoise" range of antenna equipment, which had appeared some eighteen months to two years previously.
Once I get the story straightened out, along with a reference timeline, I think it will be possible to construct a reasonable review of the emergence of the low noise methods, with a nod to US and UK developments.
Ed
QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on March 04, 2020 at 18:38:22.
I've been looking for a dedicated 22M RX without spending a lot. I'd like a top end commercial RX but always dread the eventual failure and repairing it. I like something I actually CAN fix.
After consulting with Dave, WA5DJJ I decided to try the QRPLabs QCX CW transceiver as an RX only for 22M. He has the WA5DJJ grabber that uses 12 or so of them and he has had excellent luck with them.
Hans now has stateside stock of the QCX, so I got my kit in 2 days!
Build was routine and after a broken resistor, it worked like a charm.
It now sits on the watering hole and RY is making its daily appearance. I plan to compare to the Yaesu 757GX and see how it stacks up.
For an inexpensive RX for almost any band, the QCX is a deal. If you want to communicate, it makes a great CW xceiver too.
My 2 cents.....
Bob Re: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning (29 Feb)
EDJ
Posted by John Davis on March 04, 2020 at 23:45:30.
In reply to Reminder: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning 0800 California time posted by Jerry Parker on February 29, 2020
Good attendance this week: WA6OWR, WD4PLI, KA7OEI, KI6R, K6FRC, and (online) AEØCQ. Here's the recording. As usual, it is recommended to right-click and save to your local drive; recording may not be available here for more than a few weeks.
websdr_2020-02-29_3927kHz.mp3
Re: QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M
Posted by Edward Holland on March 04, 2020 at 23:48:25.
In reply to QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M posted by WA1EDJ Bob on March 04, 2020
Bob,
That is interesting. I have been wondering about a similar approach myself, on account of being wary of leaving unattended receivers connected to an antenna for extended periods.
This got me wondering about a direct conversion receiver or similar minimalistic RX, or a cheap SDR. I will check out the QRPlabs kit, thank you for drawing it to my attention. The minimalist approach also seems in keeping with the nature of our beacons.
Cheers
Ed
Re: QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on March 05, 2020 at 03:35:02.
In reply to Re: QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M posted by Edward Holland on March 04, 2020
Ed,
I've gotten the QCX set-up side by side with my Yeasu 757GX for comparison. It works every bit as well. I am impressed for a $49 radio. Works very well on 22 m. Instructions are very well done. Hans did a great job. I am seeing some stability issues that are visible on ARGO. But the QCX is not yet in a case and exposed to drafts and temp changes. I do plan to replace the 27 MHz xtal with a TCXO that I got from DigiKey. I've used it on some QRPLabs ProgRock synth modules and it is better than a straight 27 MHz xtal. It is only about $2.50, however is is tiny and will require a microscope to install. I've got that part covered.
The QCX would probably be fine with a case even with the xtal on the synth chip.
Dave, WA5DJJ made the case I have with his 3D printer. I've not tried it yet.
I've tried the W8DIZ URX which is a simple SA612 RX with crystal filter and while it is good, the QCX is better and you can't beat it for $49.
I've been looking for a decent RX for 22 m and I am pleased with the QCX.
Any questions, let me know!
Bob Re: QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M
EDJ
Posted by Ed Holland on March 05, 2020 at 14:32:04.
In reply to Re: QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M posted by WA1EDJ Bob on March 05, 2020
Bob,
Great info, thank you for the follow-up. I will certainly give this some consideration.
Not that I need another radio.. I have rather an embarrasment of riches when it comes to comms receivers, but I like their different operating quirks, and try to make use of each one.
Cheers
Ed
Re: QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M
Posted by John Davis on March 05, 2020 at 22:30:10.
In reply to Re: QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M posted by Ed Holland on March 05, 2020
Thanks for that very informative review, Bob. It prompted me to download the manual and give it a good going-over*, and I remain as impressed as always with Hans' design choices ...and even more impressed than usual with the thoroughness of the manual's explanation for the reasoning behind them. In particular, I figured that either external test equipment or else meticulous attention to component tolerances might be required, especially since such a simple phase shift network is employed to achieve single sideband direct detection; but instead, the necessary test gear is built into the device.
The only two negatives I can find are that the synthesizer's close-in phase noise is 6-10 dB higher than it is possible to get from a more advanced local oscillator/PLL arrangement found in good commercial gear, and the ongoing frequency stability issue. The phase noise is not a serious concern for 98% or more of potential users; it's more than good enough for transmitting, and at least equals most average receivers.
But I really do wish that Hans would just go ahead and make the TCXO a standard feature. The ordinary, regular crystal is in such tight proximity with other components that even GPS-locked kits (U3S, for instance) can show significant drift during the two-minute WSPR transmission time slot. The TCXO gives wonderfully steady frequency to EDJ, but having to do it as a retrofit is more than a little problematic for those of us whose hands are starting to have trouble coping with "normal" size components. At only a couple of dollars more than the plain-Jane crystal, making the TCXO a standard feature would turn really good kits into great ones, and still at an attractive price point.
And a final observation: Although the QCX receive section is the topic of the current discussion, I've got to wonder if it wouldn't do fine doubling as a HiFER beacon sometimes, too, since it is already capable of CW and WSPR beaconing internally, and could accept external keying for QRSS. Clearly, 5 watts is serious overkill, even with plenty of attenuation added at the output--but there's no reason the PA necessarily has to operate in Class E. Replacing L4 with a suitable resistor to make it a lossy quasi-Class-D amplifier is an entirely realistic option. At these power levels, high PA efficiency is only an arbitrary and fairly pointless goal in most home HiFER installations.
John
Re: QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M
Posted by Ed Holland on March 06, 2020 at 22:26:25.
In reply to Re: QRPLabs QCX as RX in 22M posted by John Davis on March 05, 2020
I'll take a look at the manual.
PVC is a bit of an unwieldy system, although I have rationlalised power for the keyer and transmitter. In order to select an operating frequency around the watering hole (anywhere in the band actually) I am driving the Vectronics TX unit from a cheap DDS signal generator. This drives the oscillator transistor at the point where an additional crystal could be placed, leaving the option to throw a switch and revert to a crystal at 13558.4 if desired. The ~1.25W TX output is then attenuated to yield the appropriate 4-ish mW for an inverted V dipole.
The QRP Kit would make a lot of sense, and the PA easily adapted for HiFER work. The point about stability is well taken, and it would be preferred to use a TXCO. The draw would be a neat setup and the possibility of including modes such as WSPR.
Food for thought..
Re: rx Report
Posted by John Davis on March 07, 2020 at 20:19:34.
In reply to Re: rx Report posted by Ed Holland on March 01, 2020
Chris wrote:
I suppose you can report how ever you like, weekly report or if you hear any new ones. Season changing soon and so will propagation.
Good points, Chris. Whatever schedule works for the person reporting is fine.
Personally, I try to get to the field (the only place that's practical for me to do any listening, LF or HF, at the current time) two or three times a week when possible, Unfortunately, that wasn't possible for the past two weeks...but even if it had been, the logistics of needing to return to town to have Internet access would make it difficult to do real-time reporting. Instead, I may only do a summary at the end of the session if nothing much out of the ordinary happened, just to give a sense of what currently seems typical. But if there's an instance of remarkable propagation or some new beacon shows up, then I may report a few times in a given day, in hopes of giving others a heads-up. But that's just me.
Larry's recent batch of reports have been tremendously helpful as of today. Not knowing for sure where ABBY's new frequency was before, it would take a miracle for me to run across it by accident. I haven't done so yet, but the odds of tuning my narrow crystal filter to the right spot have now improved greatly. And, even though I have absolutely no chance here of ever copying KAH on its current frequency, it is of some comfort to know that there is at least one place on the continent (even if only barely on it) where the mid-band QRM is just low enough to allow copy.
John
Saturday: PLM again, and more.
Posted by John Davis on March 07, 2020 at 20:47:23.
During the noon hour CST, only NC, 7P and RY were showing at the watering hole. No WV, but AZ was faintly visible and very briefly audible.
Unknown PLM+dash was back again in QRSS3 at 13557.730. TON was visible on 13558.500, and almost audible until shortly after 12:35 PM when the "codar-22 virus" cranked up.
Even K6FRC couldn't overcome that racket today. But surprisingly, JUN made its way through the noise a few times.
A little higher up, WAS ranged from nil copy to very good and back to poor again, all within the interval of one or two letters. A little later, I tuned up to ODX, which was visible at first but not audible. Once I began hearing it, WAS also started coming in reliably, down at the bottom of the crystal filter passband. I spent several minutes on 13566.600 and .900, but no signals ever turned up there.
Will try again later this afternoon.
John
SJ OFF
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on March 08, 2020 at 01:41:45.
I will be turning off SJ on 186.85 kHz for the season at around 8AM local time Monday Re: rx Report
March 8.....
later,Sal, K1RGO
Posted by Chris on March 09, 2020 at 19:30:01.
In reply to Re: rx Report posted by John Davis on March 07, 2020
Hi John,
The frequency appears stable per Larry’’s reports. It is at 13566.600. I was impressed that I have a path to the north east. Timing must have also played a rule when you first had a report hearing ABBY. Longer days ahead for listening.
Chris
Re: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning (29 Feb)
Posted by Clint Turner on March 09, 2020 at 22:06:31.
In reply to Re: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning (29 Feb) posted by John Davis on March 04, 2020
Notes on 29 February, 2020 Lowfer net
Present were:
Jerry, WA6OWR; Ed, KI6R; K6FRC, Paul; Clint, KA7OEI; John, AE0CQ
73,
Clint Re: rx Report
KA7OEI
Posted by Larry on March 09, 2020 at 22:08:08.
In reply to Re: rx Report posted by Chris on March 09, 2020
No new beacons since my last report, but the regular visitors to my rcvr, are, well, regular...every day with impressive s/n. All my reports are "decode by ear". I have noticed that peak signal levels are an hour or so before my sunset, which today is 1857 local (2127 UTC). The winner for consistency and regularity is ODX. Typically I only have to wait 1 or 2 minutes for it to come back up out of the noise floor. It seems to be always there, no matter what time of the day. Often ODX is at the S1 signal meter level. MDS for my rcvr is around -131 dBm. S1 requires around -91 dBm - that's 40 dB above MDS. Astounding, IMO.
March 09, 2020 captured between 2030 and 2130 UTC
Rx report:
ODX 13.566.47
WV 13.554.97
JUN 13.565.20
Larry
7th and 8th March Beacons
Posted by Ed Holland on March 09, 2020 at 23:55:44.
This weekend saw a return to listening/monitoring on LF, MF and HF. HF was not especially fruitful. One regular and consistent visitor was NC, visible for long periods of both days.
Other signals were extremely feint but a clear decode or two of EH came in on 7th March. Other traces appeared, but were not readable beyond attempting ID from the frequency
One exception to this was the unknown narrow FSK signal mentioned by John Davis some weeks ago. With new Spectrum Lab parameters, I was able to see the keying with more clarity, possibly resolving an X, but alas, despite a couple of strong bursts on each day, nothing long enough to make out a complete ident or other letters, either whole or in pieces.
PVC was returned to the air this morning.
73,
Ed
HIfer Frequency
Posted by Vernon on March 10, 2020 at 01:30:53.
Running 8mW from an U3S on 13.555.415 in FSKCW03 mode. Antenna is a full size Windom and ID is VDM. Tx started March 10, 2020 @ 0130z and will be on 24/7.
73, Vernon
Re: HIfer Frequency
Posted by Vernon on March 10, 2020 at 15:25:41.
In reply to HIfer Frequency posted by Vernon ( VE1VDM ) on March 10, 2020
Changed to a TX string of
20m WSPR > 22m WSPR > 22M FSKCW03 on 8 minute frame. Re: HIfer Frequency
All on 555.415 @ 8mW
Posted by Larry on March 10, 2020 at 16:18:14.
In reply to Re: HIfer Frequency posted by Vernon ( VE1VDM ) on March 10, 2020
Vernon,
Could put that in plain language for me? I'm not fluent in digital...
I am hearing something close to VDM freq. but perhaps it's not u...no audible cw only carrier...
Larry Re: HIfer Frequency
VO1FOG
Posted by Vernon on March 10, 2020 at 18:14:50.
In reply to Re: HIfer Frequency posted by Larry on March 10, 2020
Larry send me your email and will reply off list.
Vernon
Re: HIfer Frequency
Posted by Andy G0FTD on March 10, 2020 at 18:40:39.
In reply to Re: HIfer Frequency posted by Vernon ( VE1VDM ) on March 10, 2020
I received VDM quite clearly on 22m this afternoon local time using a Kiwi receiver
in the UK.
Well done Vern.
73 de Andy
Re: HIfer Frequency
Posted by John Davis on March 11, 2020 at 00:38:27.
In reply to Re: HIfer Frequency posted by Vernon ( VE1VDM ) on March 10, 2020
Vernon, if you wouldn't mind, how about posting the explanation of that schedule online, please? I'm a little unclear on that myself. Or, perhaps at least confirm whether you mean one of the following:
1. Two minutes of WSPR on 20 m, followed by two minutes of WSPR on 22 m, then four minutes of slow FSK on 22 m? Or....
2. Two of WSPR on 20, two of WSPR on 22, ? minutes/repetitions of FSK, followed by ? minute(s) off?
Also, how did you calculate compliance with RSS-210 at 8 mW?
Thanks.
RMC considering closing 216 kHz
Posted by Mike Terry on March 11, 2020 at 09:49:46.
FRANCE
5 March 2020
According to the economic magazine Challenges, RMC is considering cutting its transmitter at Roumoules and leaving the long waves and 216 kHz definitively.
Objective: to save money (6 million euros per year).
Christian Ghibaudo on https://mediumwave.info/news.html
Re: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning (7 Mar)
Posted by Clint Turner on March 12, 2020 at 05:12:57.
In reply to Reminder: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning 0800 California time posted by Jerry Parker on March 07, 2020
Notes on 7 March Lowfer net.
Present were:
Jerry, WA6OWR; Dave, WD4PLI; Clint, KA7OEI; John, AE0CQ
73,
Clint Re: HIfer Frequency
KA7OEI
Posted by Vernon on March 11, 2020 at 16:44:00.
In reply to Re: HIfer Frequency posted by John Davis on March 11, 2020
TX schedule of VDM in detail for those who asked..
The whole TX schedule is in a 8 minute time slot that repeats
I have programmed the U3S to TX a 20M WSPR, then a 22m FSKCW03 (VDM ) and then a 22m WSPR.
00.00. - start 20M WSPR
01.52 - end 20M WSPR
01.52 - start FSSKCW03 with ID VDM
03.40 - end FSKCW03
20 second break
04.00 - start 22M WSPR
05.52 - end 22M WSPR
05.52 - start GPS calibration
08.00 - end calibration and start TX sequence again repeating every 8 minutes
As far as power goes it is what my wattmeter says into a 50ohm dummy load...that's all I can do.
Re: RMC considering closing 216 kHz
Posted by Mike Terry on March 12, 2020 at 08:00:20.
In reply to RMC considering closing 216 kHz posted by Mike Terry on March 11, 2020
Updated 12 March 2020:
Hi,
We can seriously consider that RMC will leave 216 kHz from Roumoules.
In order to save 600,000 euro per year (not 6 millions as reported by a
French News magazine).
The date of the closure could be at the end of March.
Christian Ghibaudo (from Monaco).(BDXC list) Rx report 12-Mar-2020
Posted by Larry on March 12, 2020 at 19:19:38.
ODX, JUN, WV all easily decoded by ear 1800 to 1915 UTC
lh
Rx report 12-Mar-2020
Posted by Larry on March 12, 2020 at 19:23:19.
ODX, JUN, WV all easily decoded by ear 1800 to 1915 UTC
lh
Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020
Posted by Chris KC3GFZ on March 12, 2020 at 20:46:00.
In reply to Rx report 12-Mar-2020 posted by Larry on March 12, 2020
Hey Larry,
I may have to rework my antenna connection for Abby . Sound like it’s not getting out per your recent reports or not a good path to your receiver recently. Will check this tomorrow morning.
RX Report
Posted by Vernon on March 12, 2020 at 23:15:59.
WM @ 2211z
SIW WSPR @ 2244z
Continuous FSKCW on 554.500 @ 2244z
Into FN85ij
Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020
Posted by Larry on March 13, 2020 at 11:55:01.
In reply to Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020 posted by Chris KC3GFZ on March 12, 2020
Hearing it loud this morning, Chris, but at a slightly lower centre freq. 13.566.55 +- .01. Hard to get closer than that because ODX is in the passband and ODX is VERY strong... an real S3 on peaks.
Did you move the antenna already?? Or make any other changes??
Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020
Posted by Chris Kc3gfz on March 13, 2020 at 14:44:58.
In reply to Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020 posted by Larry on March 13, 2020
Hi Larry,
Sonsomething interesting happened... The one rechargeable Aa lithium cell had no voltage reading. Hooked it to charger for a few minutes and gave a good full reading. I was originally using energizer non rechargeable to get long life due to liocation of beacon. They worked great! Put those rechargeable in and having issues. Turns out the rechargeable ones each AA have some sort of charging circuit which is either defective or sensitive maybe to temperature, defective or beacon don like it. Just threw some regular batts in there. It should be back near 13566.60~ Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020
Thanks Larry! Please report if you hear today, it should be good now.
Posted by Chris Kc3gfz on March 13, 2020 at 15:40:20.
In reply to Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020 posted by Chris Kc3gfz on March 13, 2020
Checked it all over. Abby should be around same 13566.60+- and sitting at a bit above 3mw RF power. Still find it interestingly odd how it don’t like those batteries. The brand was amp torrent from amazon. I’ll use them for something else I suppose.
Chris
Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020
Posted by Larry on March 13, 2020 at 19:15:40.
In reply to Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020 posted by Chris Kc3gfz on March 13, 2020
Definitely hearing it, Chris, but not enuf of a peak for me to nail the actual freq., but it looks good. ODX has been so strong all day that it's hard to differentiate...
lh
Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020
Posted by Chris on March 13, 2020 at 20:51:11.
In reply to Re: Rx report 12-Mar-2020 posted by Larry on March 13, 2020
Larry,
I appreciate the update, I only thing that changed since you hearing it was those pesky batteries. The wind has been gusting all day at about 18mph. Antenna wire hanging from tree branch swaying pretty good along with the tree. Let me know if you happen to be able to narrow the frequency down.
Anyway thanks again.
Chris
HiFER Grabber from Sweden
Posted by John Davis on March 14, 2020 at 17:23:06.
Just ran across a grabber from SA6BSS in Sweden:
Looks like he gets EH around this time of day (~ 1700 UTC) on a fairly regular basis, if not too terribly strong, and maybe even 7P trying to sneak in too today. Frequency calibration seems off about 30 Hz, though. I'll have to check in again earlier in the day to see who else he might snag!
Re: HiFER Grabber from Sweden
Posted by Vernon on March 14, 2020 at 18:11:15.
In reply to HiFER Grabber from Sweden posted by John Davis on March 14, 2020
John mine is there as well today/tomorrow
73
Vernon - VE1VDM
Re: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning 0800 California time
Posted by Clint Turner on March 14, 2020 at 18:27:56.
In reply to Reminder: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning 0800 California time posted by Jerry Parker on March 13, 2020
March 14, 2020 Lowfer net
Present were:
Jerry, WA6OWR; Ed, KI6R; Clint, KA7OEI; John, AE0CQ (via email)
73,
Clint Re: HiFER Grabber from Sweden
KA7OEI
Posted by John Davis on March 14, 2020 at 18:59:07.
In reply to Re: HiFER Grabber from Sweden posted by Vernon on March 14, 2020
Cool. Looks like you're seeing NC and WM right now, and almost (but not quite) what may be SIW WSPR. I hope you'll have your grabber up frequently as the season progresses, although I also hope that won't be at the expense of VDM.
[Edit: Capture excerpt below added later in the hour.] RX report and grabber info for 14/3/20
Posted by Vernon on March 15, 2020 at 17:07:18.
Copied on the VE1VDM grabber...NC, XIL, SIW (WSPR), and WM
Grabber on line at 1700z till conditions stop for Sunday March 15
http://www.swharden.com/qrss/plus
Just scroll through the grabbers and you can see a few stations grabbing on 22m
73,
Vernon
Mar 7-8 (The times they were a-changin'.)
Posted by John Davis on March 15, 2020 at 17:48:44.
JH, SJ, EAR, WM and SIW, all (sorta) together at last!
It turned out that the weekend of the Daylight Time transition was going to be the final time this season for all five beacons that I regularly observe to be on the air together. SJ had announced his shutdown plans, WM had begun experiencing more and more vegetative losses over the previous couple of weeks, JH gets swamped by lightning static some nights, and it’s almost mowing season at SIW. Miraculously, QRN levels were low for almost 36 hours last weekend. There was clearly only one thing to do!
Sorry it took do long to assemble and post this. I'd been working earnestly all week on material for the LWCA LOWDOWN, as well as the daily routine stuff that always seems to pile up around deadline time too, for some reason.
John
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: mar7-8.jpg
Re: Mar 7-8 (The times they were a-changin'.)
John,
Thanks for the lowfer captures. Yes, I am seeing buds now on many trees here, which means the juices must be back up out of the root systems. It is also strong storm season, and one of the last ones here has re-arranged the Lowfer antenna support ropes. The top is now a little lower, and off center of the ground plane. I will get that fixed shortly.
Mike N8OOU 73
14/15 March Hifers
Posted by Ed Holland on March 16, 2020 at 18:00:09.
Hi Folks,
PVC was in listening mode for most of the weekend. Saturday showed far more activity than Sunday, with NC, EH booming through at times, along with strong traces for (presumed) XIL. Alas, I have still been unable to read the FSK of this signal. I think a separate Spectrum Lab window could be the answer, zoomed right in on the spot, with a wider window to show more of the watering hole.
EH showed a couple of instances of instantaneous frequency instability on Saturday. At first an issue with the receiver was suspected, but on later examples, the trace of NC was present and quite unaffected.
Sunday was a disappointing day, with very little of any HiFER making it to CA. Traces of NC were about the only signal, and these were rare.
Cheers
Ed
Grabber active
Posted by Vernon on March 16, 2020 at 18:46:34.
I have the grabber on line this afternoon until the band shuts down. Already see NC and XIL.
73
Vernon
SAQ Grimeton cancellations
Posted by Mike Terry on March 17, 2020 at 19:47:40.
SAQ website:
Due to the increasing Coronavirus spread, the board of the Alexander association has decided to postpone the annual meeting on March 25. A new date for the annual meeting will be decided when the situation permits.
The following activities are also suspended for the time being:
Operating manager course 18/3
Continuation course 24/3
Board meeting 25/3
We await a decision on how we will do with further upcoming activities.
// The board of the Alexander SAQ Grimeton Association
https://alexander.n.se/cancelled-annual-meeting/?lang=en
EH Discontinuity/instability
Posted by Ed Holland on March 20, 2020 at 02:36:59.
Hi Folks,
I mentioned in a previous post that I had observed frequency jumps in the signal from EH. See attached for an example from today. I noticed two other events in the screen captures, but nothing so clear and strong. EH is a regular visitor here in CA, and often presents a strong trace on Spectrum Lab
More interesting is that presumed XIL appeared above NC today, the latter experiencing a drop in frequency.
I've been able to do a little extra monitoring this week, as we are in "Shelter In Place" mode to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus. A small silver lining I suppose.
Keep well,
Ed
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: 19-Mar-20x20.jpg
Re: EH Discontinuity/instability
Here's what I copied from N. Texas ... EH on Mar 16, 2020:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qmfWrZTRg9zSwdjSzH_jzvo3jHz7I2hh
The drifting is noticeable.
Re: EH Discontinuity/instability
Posted by John Davis on March 20, 2020 at 18:44:22.
In reply to Re: EH Discontinuity/instability posted by swlem3 on March 20, 2020
The capture of EH on the 16th seems to be its normal startup drift when Sal turns it on after a listening session or other outage.
The jumpiness Ed has observed lately is a frequent, though not everyday, occurrence with EH. I've no idea what causes it.
There are two other instabilities which afflict EH at various times. One of these is its usual downward drift when summer temperatures arrive. The other (which I haven't seen for a while, fortunately) basically turns the EH FSK to random noise. I believe I recall Sal saying that was associated with a 10 meter beacon.
As for NC, Ed, what you're seeing is akin to the return of the swallows to Capistrano, except in the opposite direction. It has begun its annual migration southward as temperatures warm up in North Carolina. On a hot summer day, it will frequently collide with EH, and sometimes either or both of them end up as low as SIW's slant-mode frequency for a time in mid-afternoon.
Re: EH Discontinuity/instability
Posted by Ed Holland on March 21, 2020 at 02:47:45.
In reply to Re: EH Discontinuity/instability posted by John Davis on March 20, 2020
Hi John,
Thanks for the background. I have certainly seen NC do its dance across the band in previous seasons, and also EH moving around. Of the latter, it is only recently that I picked up the abrupt changes.
All this is something to accompany the work from home that has now visited the radio desk.
Cheers,
Ed
Friday 19th HiFERs
Posted by Ed Holland on March 21, 2020 at 03:03:21.
Interesting day today. NC, (XIL) and EH observed during various periods. However, a long standing inquisitive itch was scratched regarding the use of Spectrum Lab.
I have often wondered on the possibility and interest in tracking the signal strength of a beacon during the day, as a prelude to studying propagation in a more objective manner. With that I went back and did the unthinkable, and read the manual for Spectrum Lab. Indeed, it has quite versatile means to record data, plot as a function of time and even export the data to a file. It is possible to set "watch" listings for several parameters, and the experiment today was to set "peak" recording for a small band of frequencies over some 100 Hz in order to capture the level of beacon NC. There is also a function to record a noise parameter in parallel. Indeed, for any FFT data, a multiple parameter watch list could be set up e.g. to track the signal levels of several beacons.
I'm going to be playing with this more over the next few days and weeks. What to record, frequency windows, averaging etc. all need some experimentation in order to get recordings which could be useful e.g. in looking at diurnal variation of propagation. However I think it represents a useful and interesting tool for beacon listening work.
Cheers
Ed
Yesterdays Hifers
Posted by Andy G0FTD on March 21, 2020 at 08:23:42.
Propagation was the best I've seen it so far.
EH was still visible here in the UK to 2200 UTC, some 4/5 hours after sunset
and also on the SA6BBS grabber in Sweden.
I'm not sure if it's as well known on this group, but there is also another way
of viewing grabbers on http://yak.net:7899/index0.html
The difference here is that they are ANIMATED !
Index0 is the current days grabs.
Or if you want to go back to yesterday then it becomes index1.html etc etc.
The archive goes back 7 days.
Known grabbers that come on 22m, permanent or occasional are -
SA6BSS
G0FTD
G4JVF
WA5DJJ
OK1FCX
GW4SYI
VE1VDM
N8NJ
Warning, the website is very graphics intensive, so it could be pretty slow in loading
for some systems, or on low speed connections.
73 de Andy
Re: Yesterdays Hifers
Posted by Andy G0FTD on March 21, 2020 at 08:46:31.
In reply to Yesterdays Hifers posted by Andy G0FTD on March 21, 2020
Ooops, forgot KL7L and W4HBK are another two occasional 22m grabbers.
Grabber Active Mar 23rd
Posted by Vernon on March 21, 2020 at 17:29:06.
Grabber active today.
JT9 on 630M overnight
Posted by John Bruce McCreath on March 23, 2020 at 14:08:53.
Stations logged were, in order of reception, KF8MY, N8CGY, WB3AVN, VE3CIQ, WV3C, K9KFR, WB4JWM, W3TS, K4AEJK, KB8U, KF8MY, K7PO, W1XP, and W3XY.
I used a PA0RDT mini-whip into a TS-440S, and WSJT-X v1.1 r3496 in my old WinXP PC. Not state of the art,
but it gets the job done!
73, J.B., VE3EAR NDB MOG 404 kHz back on
Posted by jim vm on March 24, 2020 at 17:25:48.
I just heard NDB MOG 404.0 kHz back on the air. Montague, CA.
3/24/20 @ 1030 pst.
73 jim vm Re: NDB MOG 404 kHz back on
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on March 25, 2020 at 12:02:41.
In reply to NDB MOG 404 kHz back on posted by jim vm on March 24, 2020
Thanks for the heads up Jim. MOG came through here (EN52ta, NE IL) all night. LSB offset is -1052 Hz with a cycle time of 8.03 sec.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: Yesterdays Hifers
Posted by Ed Holland on March 25, 2020 at 21:45:10.
In reply to Yesterdays Hifers posted by Andy G0FTD on March 21, 2020
Hi Andy,
That is interesting to see HiFERs reaching the UK and Sweden. If you don't mind sharing, whereabouts are you located (I am from the UK, living in California)?
Very interesting also that the paths Eastward stay open after dark.
Here on the West Coast (San Francisco Bay Area) Hifers routinely vanish at or within an hour after dark. With most of them far to my West, they and the path between us sees changing conditions ahead of sun-down here.
Cheers
Ed
Turkmenistan 279 kHz
Posted by Mike Terry on March 28, 2020 at 11:31:10.
Turkmen Radio 1 Watan still uses this frequency, recently probably transmitter testing has interrupted broadcasting. The current situation is not known.
RMC 216 kHz
Posted by Mike Terry on March 28, 2020 at 15:54:51.
The transmitter is owned by Monaco and is in France. Its been off air for some hours. There are rumours its about to closedown.
Re: RMC 216 kHz has closed down
Posted by Mike Terry on March 28, 2020 at 16:37:20.
In reply to RMC 216 kHz posted by Mike Terry on March 28, 2020
Sad news - RMC on 216 kHz has closed down, confirmed by the station manager just now to my friend who lives in the south of France.
21 March, 2020 Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning
Posted by Clint Turner on March 28, 2020 at 17:20:10.
21 March, 2020 Lowfer net
Present were:
WA6OWR, Jerry; W6NIR, Rick; Dave, WD4PLI; KA7OEI, Clint; Mike, N8OOU; John, AE0CQ
73,
Clint 252 KHz
KA7OEI
Posted by Mike Terry on March 29, 2020 at 08:38:19.
With increasingly few longwave stations in Europe its crazy that Algeria and Ireland share 252 KHz. Algeria blocks out Ireland over much of the UK at night.
Lowfer JH
Posted by John hamer on March 29, 2020 at 17:12:50.
I will shut down lowfer JH this afternoon. Thank you for all the reports and help. I look forward to next fall.
Re: Lowfer JH
Posted by John Davis on March 29, 2020 at 17:33:53.
In reply to Lowfer JH posted by John hamer on March 29, 2020
Thanks for letting us know, John, but I'll sure miss having JH as a target ...that is, assuming we ever have another night this spring that is simultaneously (a) dry enough to get to the farm, and (b) noise-free enough to hear anything once I get there, Alas, such nights have dwindled rapidly over the past three weeks.
Re: Yesterdays Hifers
Posted by Andy G0FTD on March 29, 2020 at 21:43:38.
In reply to Re: Yesterdays Hifers posted by Ed Holland on March 25, 2020
Hi Ed,
sorry not looked at this message board for a week.
I'm in Whitstable,Kent.
>Here on the West Coast (San Francisco Bay Area) Hifers routinely vanish
>at or within an hour after dark.
There's been a few nights where the band has been open well beyond sunset, so
it's a miracle that the few milliwatts made it here at all, let alone beyond
sunset.
I've had quite an education with this Hifer stuff, and it's been great.
73 de Andy
Hifier Abby
Posted by Chris on March 29, 2020 at 22:10:40.
Hello all,
I made some changes to beacon. The frequency is at 13566.70. I placed it into a new enclosure and antenna moved to other side of tree it was hanging from. Tree crew took som trees surrounding it. Thanks goes to Larry VO1FOG for helping me keep tabs on Abby as I made changes the past week.
Chris
Promising Morning Monday 30 Mar.
Posted by John Davis on March 30, 2020 at 18:27:01.
NC, XIL, SIW slant, EH, RY, MTI, WM, WV, ABBY on 13566.753 kHz, FRC and WAS all put in appearances before noon CDT... although some were only briefly audible. More details plus screen shots later today.
Re: Promising Morning Monday 30 Mar.
Posted by Chris on March 30, 2020 at 18:46:49.
In reply to Promising Morning Monday 30 Mar. posted by John Davis on March 30, 2020
Nice catches John. I moved Abby there yesterday. I replaced the gimmick cap (twisted insulated) wires for a variable one in hopes I can keep frequency more stable. I also put it in a more solid outdoor enclosure.
Chris
potrzebie