Today's Sun courtesy: http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/

With the sun remaining reasonably quiet over the past several days, a sudden spike in the geomagnetic field on Saturday afternoon saw a number of trans-Pacific spots showing up on 630m WSPR mode.

courtesy: http://wdc.kugi.kyoto-u.ac.jp/

In the predawn hours of Sunday morning, my own system decoded the VK3ELV WSPR beacon, located in south east Australia, 12,992 km from here. From an e-mail exchange, it seems that VK3ELV is using a 'drifting' IC706M2G on 10Mhz with a VK3XDK Transverter into an old HF AMP (2x 2SC2290) modified for 630m. This is running about 130-140 watts output. The antenna is an inverted L about 30 metres high and 1/4 wave long.

courtesy: https://www.google.ca/maps

VK3ELV 630m

Further to my south, the WG2XGP WSPR beacon run by Larry, W7IUV in central Washington, was reported down under by two different VK's on Sunday morning as well ... VK4YB and VK2DDI, both some distance from VK3ELV.

courtesy: https://www.google.ca/maps

It's interesting to note the time difference for these receptions, with Larry's reception being several hours earlier than my own (1304Z), close to my sunrise. As well, the 'spotlight' effect of propagation over such a vast distance is somewhat intriguing. I would have thought that if I should see any VK's on 630m, it would be the closer ones and not the further one, yet it was just the opposite.

Although VK3ELV's signal was right at the edge of WSPR decoding levels (-29db), it would only take a few more db to allow a two-way JT9 digital mode QSO to take place ... maybe something that will be possible in the coming years of solar minimum and much better LF/MF propagation. To be readable on CW would need an equivalent true power output increase of at least 16 times, requiring VK3ELV to run around 2,000 watts output!

Over the years I have seen ZL6QH a number of times on 2200m (QRSS CW mode) but this is my first reception of VK and, hopefully, not my last.

To keep up to date with overnight activities on 630m, visit the excellent site of KB5NJD. John posts a detailed daily summary of events. In addition, you will find some excellent resources to help you get involved in this part of the spectrum ... and remember, you don't need a big backyard or a big antenna to have fun on 630m.
Steve McDonald, VE7SL, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from British Columbia, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].

A detailed look at Icom’s Innovative IC-7300 Transceiver. Complete review of most features and operation plus your questions answered. Recorded live at AmateurLogic Studios March 17th, 2016.

YouTube

George Thomas, W5JDX, is co-host of AmateurLogic.TV, an original amateur radio video program hosted by George Thomas (W5JDX), Tommy Martin (N5ZNO), Peter Berrett (VK3PB), and Emile Diodene (KE5QKR). Contact him at [email protected].

April has arrived with not showers but a snow storm! We have had snow falling and accumulating all day today and it's forecast to snow most of the evening. To me it seems a good time as ever to think about my summer portable operations. A few weeks ago both Julie and I purchased new bikes and these bikes are amazing compared to our old ones. My plan this summer is to utilize my new bike for portable ham radio outings. My first step is to check out some areas in the neighbourhood were I can have my first few radio outings. I was looking for locations that would allow me to concentrate on my portable setup and workout the operational glitches. Each day I go out for a 40 min walk in and around the Lake we live on. These last few days while walking I was paying attention to spots that would be possible portable radio op spots. My criteria was close to home just in case something is forgotten, an easy ride to get there and sites that are easy radio setup and operation. This would allow me to work out the radio "stuff". Here are 3 locations I have scouted out so far......
This spot being right on the lake during a very warm day will have a nice cool breeze. Also if the sky is threatening rain I would have shelter to continue my operations.










This location is nice as it has a large bench to setup on but the weather will have to co-operate as it's out in the open.










Once summer arrives the trees at this spot will provide some nice shade plus it's a nice view to boot.
Mike Weir, VE9KK, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Brunswick, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].

In this episode, Martin M1MRB / W9ICQ is joined by Leslie Butterfield G0CIB, Edmund Spicer M0MNG and Matthew Nassau M0NJX to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin M6BOY rounds up the news in brief, and this episodes feature is  - Renovation Projects

• Hams Pass 100 Years
• UK Government to Sell 750 MHz Spectrum
• Ham Radio Antenna Dispute in Canterbury
• UC Berkeley Elmers Hundreds of Hams
• SBE Urges FCC to Improve MW Noise Environment
• UK Host for YOTA 2017
• 17 June 2016 - QRP Day
• Special Amateur Radio QSL - OE16M

Colin Butler, M6BOY, is the host of the ICQ Podcast, a weekly radio show about Amateur Radio. Contact him at [email protected].

In this episode, Martin M1MRB / W9ICQ is joined by Leslie Butterfield G0CIB, Edmund Spicer M0MNG and Matthew Nassau M0NJX to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin M6BOY rounds up the news in brief, and this episodes feature is  - Renovation Projects

• Hams Pass 100 Years
• UK Government to Sell 750 MHz Spectrum
• Ham Radio Antenna Dispute in Canterbury
• UC Berkeley Elmers Hundreds of Hams
• SBE Urges FCC to Improve MW Noise Environment
• UK Host for YOTA 2017
• 17 June 2016 - QRP Day
• Special Amateur Radio QSL - OE16M

Colin Butler, M6BOY, is the host of the ICQ Podcast, a weekly radio show about Amateur Radio. Contact him at [email protected].

Here is a link to the Radio Artisan's blog....He shares recommendations from the National Amateur Radio Equipment Manufacturers......The link
Mike Weir, VE9KK, is a regular contributor to AmateurRadio.com and writes from New Brunswick, Canada. Contact him at [email protected].

Amateur Radio Weekly is curated by Cale Mooth K4HCK. Sign up free to receive ham radio's most relevant news, projects, technology and events by e-mail each week at http://www.hamweekly.com.