AmateurRadio.com

During my morning FT8 session I was transmitting on my normal morning band of 30m at 60 watts. I have been very pleased with my Endfed antenna at this new location and how it preforms on FT8. Yesterday I was shocked to see that my signal was picked up in Australia at -13dB and a distance of 17472 Km's this is a first for me.
Mike Weir, VE9KK, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Brunswick, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].

Here is this week’s space weather and geophysical report, issued 2019 Nov 04 0117 UTC.

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 28 October – 03 November 2019

Solar activity was very low. Regions 2750 (S28, L=116, class/area = Axx/010 on 01 Nov) and 2751 (N05, L=154, class/area = Bxo/010 on 02 Nov) emerged on the solar disk, where inactive of significant flare activity, and quickly decayed to plage before the end of the reporting period. No Earth-directed CMEs were observed.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit reached very high levels on 28 Oct, high levels on 29-30 Oct, 01-03 Nov, and moderate levels on 31 Oct, in response to recurrent, coronal hole high-speed stream (CH HSS) activity. A peak flux of 58,500 pfu was observed at 28/1755 UTC.

Geomagnetic field activity reached active levels on 31 Oct, unsettled levels on 28-30 Oct, and quiet levels on 01-03 Nov, due to CH HSS effects.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 04 November – 30 November 2019

Solar activity is expected to be at very low levels throughout the outlook period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to reach high levels on 04, 21-30 Nov, with moderate levels on 05-11, 20 Nov, and normal levels on 12-19 Nov, in response to CH HSS influence.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach G1 (Minor) storm levels on 21 Nov, with active levels on 06, 20, 22-24 Nov, due to recurrent CH HSS activity. Quiet to unsettled conditions are anticipated throughout the remainder of the outlook period.

Don’t forget to visit our live space weather and radio propagation web site, at: http://SunSpotWatch.com/

Live Aurora mapping is at http://aurora.sunspotwatch.com/

If you are on Twitter, please follow these two users: 1. https://Twitter.com/NW7US 2. https://Twitter.com/hfradiospacewx

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Be sure to subscribe to our space weather and propagation email group, on Groups.io

https://groups.io/g/propagation-and-space-weather

Spread the word!

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Links of interest:

+ Amazon space weather books: http://g.nw7us.us/fbssw-aSWSC
+ https://Twitter.com/NW7US
+ https://Twitter.com/hfradiospacewx

Space Weather and Ham Radio YouTube Channel News:

I am working on launching a YouTube channel overhaul, that includes series of videos about space weather, radio signal propagation, and more.

Additionally, I am working on improving the educational efforts via the email, Facebook, YouTube, Tumblr, and other activities.

You can help!

Please consider becoming a Patron of these space weather and radio communications services, beginning with the YouTube channel:

https://www.patreon.com/NW7US

The YouTube channel:
https://YouTube.com/NW7US

..

Visit, subscribe: NW7US Radio Communications and Propagation YouTube Channel

Stories you’l find in our November, 2019 edition:

TSM’s 2019 Scanner Radio Buyer’s Guide
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW

For scanner enthusiasts, the digital revolution has changed the VHF/UHF radio spectrum that we monitor. Many public safety agencies worldwide, especially in metropolitan areas, have transitioned from analog to digital communications protocols and are utilizing trunk radio technology. There are also many statewide trunk radio systems that are either operational, being built or planned that use trunking and/or digital modes. In this year’s guide, Larry breaks down the lineup of digital vs analog receivers and asks a few personal questions: What do you want to hear in your area and how much do you want to spend?

TSM Reviews: Elecraft KPA-1500 Linear Amplifier
By Mark Haverstock K8MSH

Solar Cycle expectations may lead you to conclude that, to be heard, you should try raising your voice. That’s exactly what the Elecraft KPA-1500 linear amplifier does—and it does so in style. Mark takes a look at this top-of-the-line amplifier and says, “If your budget allows, the KPA 1500 is an excellent choice–especially if you own an Elecraft K3 or anticipate getting a K4. The seamless integration is well worth the price, and even if you have another brand of radio, you’ll find the KPA-150 to be a winner, as it plays well with all rigs.”

RF Explorer ISM Combo+ Slim, Hand-Held Spectrum Analyzer
By Bob Grove W8JHD

Miniaturization of solid-state receivers and panoramic displays has evolved into more compact, even handheld, spectrum analyzers. Bob takes a look at this latest entry into the signals surveillance market and notes, “This handy handful has the ability to display signal presence over a wide range of frequencies as well as digitally analyze and display a variety of data. Added to this flexibility, the unit can also be used as an RF signal generator for the 2.35-2.55 GHz Wi-Fi band, and it includes an analyzer for this band as well.” Best of all—it’s available for under $300.

The Latent Contester
By Cory GB Sickles WA3UVV

Since the time he first became licensed as a Novice in the early 1970s, Cory has tried to experience many of the various aspects of amateur radio. Some have held his interest, some have come and gone and some really never took hold. Contesting was a sub-interest that fell into the latter category. He would periodically dabble with it in various forms then move on to something else. While he admits to possessing a competitive nature, it had never really emerged in the on-air world of amateur radio. Recently, that changed. He had been invited to sit in on a contest at one of this country’s premier contest stations. Now, he’s hooked.

Scanning America
By Dan Veeneman
Iredell County (NC) and Cape May (NJ)

Federal Wavelengths
By Chris Parris
Monitoring Road Trip: Arizona and California

Milcom
By Larry Van Horn N5FPW
DoD Aerial Refueling Frequencies

Utility Planet
By Hugh Stegman
US Coast Guard May Discontinue NAVTEX

Shortwave Utility Logs
By Mike Chace-Ortiz and Hugh Stegman

VHF and Above
By Joe Lynch N6CL
USMA Cadets Contact Alum Aboard ISS

Digitally Speaking
By Cory GB Sickles WA3UVV
Digital Voice Radio Buyer’s Guide

Radio 101
By Ken Reitz KS4ZR
Propagation: Hearing is Believing

The World of Shortwave Listening
By Ken Reitz KS4ZR
A Better Antenna for Better Shortwave Listening

The Shortwave Listener
By Fred Waterer
Radio Tirana; BBC Monthly Programming

Amateur Radio Astronomy
By Stan Nelson KB5VL
Meteor Monitoring Digital TV Carriers on Channel 2

Adventures in Radio Restoration
By Rich Post KB8TAD
The Hallikit HT-40 Transmitter

Antenna Connections
By Dan Farber AC0LW
Do the Math: Numbers Crunching for Radio Enthusiasts

The Spectrum Monitor is available in PDF format which can be read on any desktop, laptop, iPad®, Kindle® Fire, or other device capable of opening a PDF file. Annual subscription is $24. Individual monthly issues are available for $3 each.

Ken Reitz, KS4ZR, is publisher and managing editor of The Spectrum Monitor. Contact him at [email protected].

I am excited to announce the release of my new book: VHF, Summits and More.

This book is about having fun with ham radio, primarily on the VHF/UHF bands. It covers the basics of VHF, with practical tips for getting on the air and “messing around with radios.”  Topics include FM, SSB, repeaters, equipment, band plans, phonetics, portable operating, Summits On The Air (SOTA) activations and more. This book is a compilation of the best articles from the k0nr.com website plus some brand-new material.

The first section explains VHF/UHF concepts via tutorial articles such as “VHF FM Operating Guide,” “Getting Started on 2m SSB” and “How to Work a VHF Contest.” The second section includes blog posts from the k0nr.com website, such as “Choose Your 2m Frequency Wisely,” “VHF Grid Locators,” “Phonetic Alphabets” and “VHF FM: The Utility Mode.” The final section helps the reader understand mountaintop operating, especially Summits On The Air (SOTA) activations, including operating tips and trip reports.

The book is available from Amazon, in paperback and Kindle formats. The normal price for the print version is $22.95, but there is an introductory price of $15.95 through November 18th. The Kindle version is $9.95.

 

 

VHF, Summits and More
by Bob Witte, KØNR

Paperback Version
Kindle Version

 

 

The post New Book: VHF, Summits and More appeared first on The KØNR Radio Site.

Bob Witte, KØNR, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from Colorado, USA. Contact him at [email protected].

My first CB radio

All of us have a story regarding the steps that moved us toward our adventure in Amateur radio. When I was growing up CB radio was in it's hay day and everyone had a citizen band radio either in their car or home or both. At a young age I was around adults that had CB radios and thus it exposed me to the magic of radio. The solar cycle was peaking and the bands were alive and this even more sparked my interest. I thought it was so cool that you could talk to someone over the air waves as opposed to a phone and not a cell phone as they were not even around then. I was almost a teenager and I picked up a Johnson Messenger 6 channel AM CB radio and way back then you needed a licence to operate a citizen band radio. Eventually I did apply for a licence and was given the call XM4240.  When I was young I lived in an apartment building in Toronto but was on the ground floor and that was not good for CB radio. My mom knew someone on the 8th floor and she agreed to me having an antenna on her balcony. So I ran the coax up to the 8th floor and I was good to go. At this point in time I was not interested in DX but to be honest I didn't  even know what it was I was just thrilled to listen CBers chatting and occasionally introducing my voice on the air to see who was there.

My first SSB CB radio

For about 8 years my CB radio endeavours took a back seat to school and then working for a living. Once married I began to rediscover my radio wonders, I purchased a SSB CB radio for the car. My new wife and I took a vacation from Ontario to the Maritimes with the SSB CB radio installed in the car. During the evenings I was in the car trying my hand at DX and at that time DX was working the U.S. states from Canada. One evening to my thrill I was able to work many states and I even had a pile up of U.S. states that wanted to work me from the Maritimes!! At this point in time I was hooked on DX and it began my ham radio adventure.
I now  had a full time job and was working on a family but my Amateur radio thrill was still very much alive. I was able to get a part-time job at an Amateur radio store that just opened up in my town. This was great exposure and allowed me time to study for my exams which I took and passed. My wife and I were renting a house in the country at the time and I was able to put up an R6 vertical antenna and through part time amateur radio job I got a great deal on an Icom 735 radio. I was fascinated with CW after learning it for my basic licence, I wanted to keep my learning curve alive

My pre-amp mic

regarding CW. I figured I worked very very hard to learn it I did not want to loose it and having said that our kids came along and ham radio took a second seat to family life. It was off and one with ham radio as the kids did there growing and maturing. Once the kids were in high school the amateur radio magnetic kicked in again! My CW was very rusty and needed to be brushed up on but I was determined to not loose this great "language" I acquired!!  From this point in time it has been an adventure and has brought me to the point were I am now with radio. It was the magic of CB radio that caught my interest and it started my adventure towards ham radio........what was your trigger toward ham radio......shortwave radio, listening to your dad on his ham radio or scanners...........do share how you received the spark for ham radio?

The Icom 735

Mike Weir, VE9KK, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Brunswick, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].

Episode 24 of TX Factor is a Hamfest 2019 special, reporting on some of the eye-catching products and services on display at this year’s event in Newark, UK.

We investigate the current state of HF propagation, celebrate 50 years of UK’s Nevada Radio, Mike tries out a few solder stations, and Bob goes all soft over the VMARS vintage AM radios. And to cap it all, we take a look at the latest rig from Yaesu.

As always, there’s a chance to win a great bundle of prizes from our UK sponsors, ML&S and the RSGB.

We hope you enjoy the show!

txfactor.co.uk

Nick Bennett 2EØFGQ co-hosts TX Factor with Bob McCreadie GØFGX and Mike Marsh G1IAR. Contact the team at [email protected]

Saturday, November 9th, as well as the following Saturday (16th), will see the annual running of the Bruce Kelley 1929 QSO Party, otherwise known as the '1929 BK'.


Only transmitters that are 'era-appropriate' are allowed to be used. More specifically, transmitters must employ tubes that were available in 1929 or earlier, and transmitters must be self-excited. No crystals allowed! Crystals were new and largely unaffordable for most hams back in the depression days.

The year of 1929 marked a real turning point in amateur radio as governments finally cracked-down on things such as frequency stability, out of band operations and re-alignment of call districts. In short, hams were henceforth required to behave themselves and to clean up their signals and methods of operation.

courtesy: http://www.arrl.org/

Although the new rules did a lot to improve things when it came to 'signal purity', there was still a long way to go ... but the wheels of improvement had been officially set in motion. The next decade would see monumental changes in both transmitter and receiver architecture, as engineers along with some particularly gifted amateurs, strove to unlock the challenges of this relatively new technology.

If you tune across the CW bands during these two upcoming Saturday nights, you will have the rare opportunity to hear exactly what the bands would have sounded like back in the very early '30s'.

For the most part you will hear single-tube Hartley, Colpitts or TNT oscillators along with a few two-tube MOPAs thrown in. Many of them will suffer the same problems encountered by the boys of '29 ... chirp, drift, buzzy notes and frequency instability from antennas swaying in the wind.

The MOPAs will sound much better but some surprisingly nice-sounding signals can be heard coming from properly tuned and optimised single-tube oscillators. I recall being blown away by the lovely sounding signal I heard from such a rig when first tuning into the BK activity several years ago, only to learn that it was a self-excited Hartley using 1/4" copper tubing for the oscillator tank circuit!

The '29 watering-hole on 80m will be around 3550-3580 kilocycles (be careful not to confuse this with kilohertz!) while the early afternoon to post-sunset 40m activity will be found from 7100-7125 kc. There may even be a few on the very low end of 160m. Although many of these transmitter styles were used on 20m and higher, the BK rule-makers have wisely decided not to inflict these sounds on the present ham populace as it would likely keep the 'Official Observers' busy for several days writing pink-slips.

Like last year, I will set up my Hull Hartley (160, 80, 40m), as I haven't used it much since building the MOPA a few years ago. If it's very windy (almost assured), the Hartley will really sound like 1929!

My  Hull Hartley

You can learn more about amateur radio happenings leading up to and following the 1929 crackdown in my earlier series of 'Why '29' blogs here:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Those wishing to put something together for next year's event can find everything needed here:

Introduction To Building ... '29-Style

Building '29-Style - Part 1

Building '29-Style - Part 2

Heck, there may even be time to throw something together for this year if you have a few parts and an older tube or two ... the '27' comes to mind and is readily found in many junk boxes. Maybe you know an old-timer or two with lots of parts that could help you out. Your transmitter does not need to look pretty nor need it use period-correct components or coils ... it's just the tube that needs to be correct ... 27's are dirt cheap and easy to find. A simple Hartley '27' oscillator will get you enough wattage to have plenty of fun!

Let's hope for good conditions for this event as the last few years have been adversely affected by geomagnetic storming. Poor propagation or not, I guarantee there will be plenty of  '29ers busy calling 'CQ AWA' on the low bands.

Complete BK details are available here.
Steve McDonald, VE7SL, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from British Columbia, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].