Not too much in terms of Sporadic-E but some nice North-South F2 signals to South America and Africa. Solar Flux about 70.
Saturday, October 13, 2018
FT8 signals heard on 28 MHz... Fri 12th Oct 2018
Another day listening to FT8 signals on 28 MHz and it was pretty much the same as previous days...
Not too much in terms of Sporadic-E but some nice North-South F2 signals to South America and Africa. Solar Flux about 70.
Not too much in terms of Sporadic-E but some nice North-South F2 signals to South America and Africa. Solar Flux about 70.
Thursday, October 11, 2018
FT8 signals heard on 28 MHz - Thurs 11th Oct 2018
There was a lot less Sporadic-E from Europe today but there were still some nice DX signals on FT8 on 28 MHz...
3B9FR in Rodriguez Island in the Indian Ocean and VP8LP in the Falkland Islands were heard again.
The lack of Sporadic-E made me wonder if some of these distant signals were via F2 propagation only? I'd have no doubt that many of those distant signals are due to a mix of Sporadic-E for the first hop from Ireland and then F2 for the rest of the way. But is it for all of them? The solar flux is down at 68 which is pretty much rock bottom.
3B9FR in Rodriguez Island in the Indian Ocean and VP8LP in the Falkland Islands were heard again.
The lack of Sporadic-E made me wonder if some of these distant signals were via F2 propagation only? I'd have no doubt that many of those distant signals are due to a mix of Sporadic-E for the first hop from Ireland and then F2 for the rest of the way. But is it for all of them? The solar flux is down at 68 which is pretty much rock bottom.
QRP Labs announce new 10 watt HF amplifier
QRP Labs have just released a new 10 watt amplifier for the HF bands and it looks pretty impressive considering the modest price of $26.
According to the release notes, it can comfortably produce 10 Watts from a 12V supply and will not overheat even on continuous 100% duty-cycle operation.
It has 26dB gain with +/- 1dB gain flatness from 2 to 30MHz. This means that it requires just 25 milliwatts of drive to achieve 10 watts output.
It has lower gain above 30 MHz with a potential output of 4 watts on 50 MHz and 1.7 watts on 70 MHz.
There are no Surface Mount Components (SMD) to solder and a number of small transformers need to be wound.
Key Features:
10W output from 2 to 30MHz, using 12V Supply
Generously-sized heatsink, will not overheat even on continuous 100% duty-cycle modes
2-stage amplifier provides 26dB of gain
Push-pull driver and push-pull finals, for high linearity and low harmonic content
+/- 1dB gain flatness from 2 to 30MHz
4dB down at 6m (50MHz) and 8dB down on 4m (70MHz)
Standard 50-ohm input and output
Through-hole plated PCB, all through-hole components (no Surface Mount Devices)
Standard inexpensive components throughout
Tested for 1 hour at full-power 10W, 100% continuous duty-cycle with no forced air cooling
Tested for 15 minutes at 20W, 100% continuous duty-cycle with no forced air cooling
Tested at 20V supply
Tested into open load, shorted load and various mismatches without instability (oscillation)
http://qrp-labs.com/linear
According to the release notes, it can comfortably produce 10 Watts from a 12V supply and will not overheat even on continuous 100% duty-cycle operation.
It has 26dB gain with +/- 1dB gain flatness from 2 to 30MHz. This means that it requires just 25 milliwatts of drive to achieve 10 watts output.
It has lower gain above 30 MHz with a potential output of 4 watts on 50 MHz and 1.7 watts on 70 MHz.
There are no Surface Mount Components (SMD) to solder and a number of small transformers need to be wound.
Key Features:
10W output from 2 to 30MHz, using 12V Supply
Generously-sized heatsink, will not overheat even on continuous 100% duty-cycle modes
2-stage amplifier provides 26dB of gain
Push-pull driver and push-pull finals, for high linearity and low harmonic content
+/- 1dB gain flatness from 2 to 30MHz
4dB down at 6m (50MHz) and 8dB down on 4m (70MHz)
Standard 50-ohm input and output
Through-hole plated PCB, all through-hole components (no Surface Mount Devices)
Standard inexpensive components throughout
Tested for 1 hour at full-power 10W, 100% continuous duty-cycle with no forced air cooling
Tested for 15 minutes at 20W, 100% continuous duty-cycle with no forced air cooling
Tested at 20V supply
Tested into open load, shorted load and various mismatches without instability (oscillation)
http://qrp-labs.com/linear
 |
| Amplifier with supplied heatsink. |
FT8 signals heard on 28 MHz ... Wed 10th Oct 2018
Wednesday the 10th of October started off with a very quiet 28 MHz band with very little being heard...just one G and DL in the morning.
The afternoon was better though as the European Sporadic-E started up and the DX signals came in from further afield...
Some nice distances but much the same as previous days. One OD5 in Lebanon was heard.
The afternoon was better though as the European Sporadic-E started up and the DX signals came in from further afield...
Some nice distances but much the same as previous days. One OD5 in Lebanon was heard.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
IARU Monitoring System issues September 2018 Newsletter
The newsletter reports that Russian radar is causing interference on the short wave bands again.
The contributor for the IRTS is Michael EI3GYB and he reports many instances of fishermen heard on the 80-metre amateur band.
The full newsletter can be seen here... http://www.iarums-r1.org/iarums/news2018/news1809.pdf
FT8 signals heard on 28 MHz... Tues 9th Oct 2018
Another remarkable day of FT8 signals heard on 28 MHz. It's almost like we were a few years out of solar minimum rather than actually being at the very bottom.
As can be seen from the map below, there were a load of stations in Europe heard via Sporadic-E and this no doubt helped with the F2 signals to further afield.
Highlights....
Two stations heard in South Africa.
A second St.Helena Island station in the form of ZD7GWM was heard.
Lots of South America including Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Falkland Islands.
Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.
The most unusual signal was probably KE8M in Ohio in the USA mainly because it was an East-West path. Perhaps it was a skewed path? Impossible to tell. What was strange was that I was the only person in Europe to hear him.
As can be seen from the map below, there were a load of stations in Europe heard via Sporadic-E and this no doubt helped with the F2 signals to further afield.
Highlights....
Two stations heard in South Africa.
A second St.Helena Island station in the form of ZD7GWM was heard.
Lots of South America including Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Falkland Islands.
Puerto Rico in the Caribbean.
The most unusual signal was probably KE8M in Ohio in the USA mainly because it was an East-West path. Perhaps it was a skewed path? Impossible to tell. What was strange was that I was the only person in Europe to hear him.
Monday, October 8, 2018
FT8 signals heard on 28 MHz... Mon 8th Oct 2018
Just like yesterday, there was plenty of FT8 signals heard on 28 MHz on Monday the 8th of October 2018...
The band seems to have been more or less open all day with lots of Sporadic-E signals from Europe and some F2 signals further south. Interesting to hear 3B9FR on Rodriguez Island in the Indian Ocean as well as ZD7JC on St.Helena and VP8LP on the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. WP3MM in Puerto Rico was also heard.
Pretty amazing conditions considering the solar flux is just 68 and we're at the bottom of the sunspot cycle.
I suspect a lot of this is due to the FT8 digital mode. In the past, I have often heard the band open in October at the solar minimum but I would be just hearing weak cw beacons in Europe and then maybe the occasional DX signal on SSB or CW working back into Europe.
With FT8, everything is different. Everyone is on the one frequency so if the band is open, it's obvious. It's a bit like everyone is congregating around the 'watering hole' of 28.074 MHz as opposed to being spread across the band.
Lots of people might complain about FT8 but it is certainly increasing activity on bands like 28 MHz at solar minimum.
The band seems to have been more or less open all day with lots of Sporadic-E signals from Europe and some F2 signals further south. Interesting to hear 3B9FR on Rodriguez Island in the Indian Ocean as well as ZD7JC on St.Helena and VP8LP on the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. WP3MM in Puerto Rico was also heard.
Pretty amazing conditions considering the solar flux is just 68 and we're at the bottom of the sunspot cycle.
I suspect a lot of this is due to the FT8 digital mode. In the past, I have often heard the band open in October at the solar minimum but I would be just hearing weak cw beacons in Europe and then maybe the occasional DX signal on SSB or CW working back into Europe.
With FT8, everything is different. Everyone is on the one frequency so if the band is open, it's obvious. It's a bit like everyone is congregating around the 'watering hole' of 28.074 MHz as opposed to being spread across the band.
Lots of people might complain about FT8 but it is certainly increasing activity on bands like 28 MHz at solar minimum.
Notice : IRTS 40m Counties Contest - Sun 14th Oct 2018
The next IRTS contest is the 40m Counties which will be held on Sunday the 14th of October 2018 at 12:00 UTC (1pm Irish Summer Time).
The contest will last for two hours and SSB and CW can be used. For more info, go to the IRTS website.
From the IRTS News... The IRTS 40 metres Counties Contest takes place on Sunday next, 14th October. It starts at 12:00 UTC and runs for 2 hours.
There are SSB only and SSB/CW mixed mode sections for both fixed and portable stations. Multipliers are the 32 EI and GI counties as well as overseas DXCC entities.
See the IRTS Contests page at www.irts.ie/contests for the full rules which include permitted frequencies for this event. The Contests page also includes the contest calendar for 2019.
Big opening on FT8 on 28 MHz... 7th Oct 2018
There was a very good opening on 28 MHz on Sunday the 7th of October 2018. Using the FT8 mode, I heard 292 stations in 29 countries...
The signals around Europe were Sporadic-E. The opening to South Africa and South America were probably a mix of Sporadic-E and F2.
As soon as I saw all of those South American stations, I new that conditions were exceptional and was wondering if there might be an aurora later? Sure enough, there was an aurora later in the evening!
I've seen this before.....really good conditions on 10m followed by an aurora. So much for 10 metres being dead at the solar cycle minimum.
The signals around Europe were Sporadic-E. The opening to South Africa and South America were probably a mix of Sporadic-E and F2.
As soon as I saw all of those South American stations, I new that conditions were exceptional and was wondering if there might be an aurora later? Sure enough, there was an aurora later in the evening!
I've seen this before.....really good conditions on 10m followed by an aurora. So much for 10 metres being dead at the solar cycle minimum.
Sunday, October 7, 2018
70 MHz Echolink Gateway now operational in Co.Louth
EI4FMG Echolink
Dundalk Amateur Radio Society operates a 4 metre VHF internet gateway node using the Echolink protocol on 70.350Mhz. The gateway is located at Fieldstown, Monasterboice just north of Drogheda Co.Louth. From this location the gateway provides VHF communications for a large area of the east coast.
CALLSIGN - EI4FMG AUTO ID EVERY 8MINS
ECHOLINK NODE:57006
LOCATION - FIELDSTOWN
METRE ABOVE SEA LEVEL - 122M
TAIT TM8100 RADIO
EI4JR ECHOLINK INTERFACE LOGIC
SIGMA CAT70 @5MAGL
FREQUENCY - TX/RX 70.350Mhz
TX POWER - 15 WATTS
ACCESS - CTCSS 88.5Hz
For more information, go to http://ei7dar.com/ei4fmg
Saturday, October 6, 2018
Guest post : The Galway DMR Repeater by EI5DD
The following article was written by Steve Wright EI5DD and outlines the progress being made in establishing a new DMR repeater in Galway in the west of Ireland.
The Galway DMR Repeater... by Steve Wright, EI5DD (Sept 2018)
After deliberation, it was decided that a good quality Commercial DMR Repeater should be acquired for Galway. It is easy to suggest that ex commercial DMR mobiles could be converted and lashed together with homebrew components but at the end of the day there is nothing to beat the reliability of an item that was purpose and virtually operator proof.
Consideration was given to ex-commercial Motorola Repeaters, but they still retain their value despite long hours of service and being a well-used second-hand model. It should be noted that Waterford have a plentiful supply of these repeaters and have two in service at present but there was a slight reluctance to sell one off to the “Galway Lads” as they would surely have a good use for every item further down the road considering the prolific Southern Ireland Repeater Network currently expanding. There are, in fact, plans to place a third Digital repeater on Mount Leinster by 2019.
The decision to go with Hytera was prompted by John, MI0AAZ, who had a little used Hytera RD 985 UHF repeater for a reasonable price. This Repeater was capable of running 50 watts maximum although it would be more prudent to run it at 40 watts. The repeater had built in cavity filters capable of handling the power passed through them. Aengus, EI4ABB, kindly tuned them without difficulty, and had them ready within the day. The code plug was relatively easy to compile and probably the harder part was ensuring that the internet connection was correct set up within. Unfortunately, to get the internet information correct required adjustment of settings within the wireless router. By working between the two systems it was possible to secure a trouble-free connection. Connection to the Repeater was made to the router by Ethernet cable.
As the 2 metres Digital Gateway is to be co-sited, the same procedure was required for the connection of the Gateway to the Internet. Not an easy task but it all came together with the purchase of the correct router.
Fortunately, an ABS case had been purchased from Arthur, EI7GMB, some time ago. It was a perfect housing for Repeater, Gateway, Pi-Star controller and Power Supply. Everything was securely housed with a cooling fan installed below the GM350 Gateway Radio. Time to apply the power. Everything sprang into life and went through its boot-up process. Connectivity through the internet was perfect and it was possible to adjust parameters on the Gateway via remote access. Once Set-up, the Repeater settings can not be altered remotely unless there is a computer attached. There would never be a need to do so at the best of times although a means of cutting the power and restarting would be necessary should a hang up occur. Unlikely, but possible. To this end a remote access GSM controller was added to cover this eventuality and also a necessary addition to shut down the Repeater at the whim of ComReg should the eventuality arise. All systems were in perfect working order and the soak test began.
After running solidly for one month, the repeater has run trouble free. There is no de-sense on the receive side. Signals passed through have exhibited no distortion and the Bit Error Rates (BER) are zero. Obviously, there are limitations in coverage from the EI5DD QTH but it does give opportunities to observe the effects of reflections or weak signals. Around this time Mark, EI6GUB, obtained a DMR set and has given the Repeater and Gateway plenty of activity. His activity was not confined to Galway, or Ireland, but reached out to England and Scotland where plenty of QSOs were made. In the background it was possible to determine the reliability of communications through the Repeater and Gateway systems.
The Repeater and gateway are now be considered ready for their new site where an excellent service typical of this high spot can be expected. Better still, the Western side of Galway along the Spiddal Road will be enhanced as well as operation from the Aran Islands. Loughrea and Tuam should receive good signals and the roads along the opposite side of the Bay and around the Burren will also benefit.
Where do we go from here? Following the IRTS AGM we had enough to procure a second Repeater. An offer of a second, brand new Hytera RD 985 was snapped up to complete the system. It would be proposed that this be located on a high spot in the middle of Galway or, wherever is most effective, where it would be able to cover huge footprint of the county and perhaps neighbouring counties. As the footprint of the Galway Repeater would overlap with the proposed Repeater, it should be possible to “Roam” between the two much like a cellular phone. This would provide seamless communication whilst driving over distance.
Practicality suggests that there would be minimal fuss installing this Repeater as the operating parameters have already been defined. It would only require a power supply, connection to the internet and appropriate filters, and an antenna to get it on the air. This process should be painless considering the ground work done on our other two systems.
Those on trips abroad will be guaranteed communication back into Galway as will those who have relocated. Operators driving through the Galway area will be given an excellent service as will those resident in the City and County. Of course, it will rely on a little co-operation from our own operators in the form of a welcoming QSO from time to time. Even if the Galway operator appearances are few and far between, there will always be a wealth of activity within the network that may be operated by the press of the PTT via a User Activated Talk Group. Never a moment where it is not possible to connect another DMR operator anywhere in the world.
In conclusion, it the facilities in Galway would be second to none in the digital world. DMR is obviously a proven technology governed by the ETSI standard. It works well for commercials and has “done what it says on the tin”. Judging by the equipment in use, the Hytera RD 985 is reliable and will be trouble free so there will be little need for maintenance. Additionally, the 2m Digital Gateway complements the system and gives the VHF operators another entry into the system. Obviously, there may be firmware upgrades from time to time but his again should pose no problem and would be brief. You are all cordially invited to enjoy and participate this rapidly developing network.
The Server
It was through Steve, EI5DD, and John MI0AAZ, and Dave Randles, M0AUT, that the possibility of the Brandmeister Server for Ireland was negotiated through the Brandmeister management team in Holland. Having secured the go ahead, the next job was to find a home for it. John Ronan kindly consented to establishing it in his IT section located in the Waterford Institute of Technology. The system was established in the Waterford IT in March 2016. Following a running in period, and more familiarity with the system, the Server went live in May 2016. The criteria for operation was to have a minimum of 10 repeaters linked in – we only had 3, 2 Gateways and a number of personal hotspots. Within the year, we have a migration of Scottish Repeaters and several UK repeaters resulting in 20! The migration was down to the fact that the server was running perfectly with minimal down time save for the occasional Firmware and Software updates not to mention that the Sysop was approachable.
The system has been trouble-free to date and well managed/maintained by John Ronan, EI7IG. By comparison, the UK has had numerous outages. It really is a credit to Ireland. It is a vital requirement to have somebody with the knowledge and dedication running such a system.
Waterford
Waterford have made huge progress with the establishment of two multi-mode Digital Repeaters and propose a third on Mount Leinster in 2019. Such enthusiasm has encouraged many operators to participate in Digital Radio in Cork and Waterford and surrounding areas. John McCarthy, EI8JA, has spent much of his time building and setting up the Digital Repeaters in his area alongside his commitment to the Southern Ireland Analog Repeater Network. The dedication exhibited by John Ronan, EI7IG, has made it possible to connect these projects together and to the rest of the world.
The DMR network will expand and it will probably be down to the efforts of the Southern Ireland Repeater Network. Galway can do little more at this time. It is going to be well served and can only rely on the continuity from other areas such as Mayo or in directions along the Dublin road from neighbouring counties.
Mayo has a Digital Gateway running both DMR and Fusion and this provides a fine link into the system. It has been running for the last year and results are good from it. It does, however, share the antennas for EI3IX’s
Other parts of the country have long standing plans that have not developed much further than discussion. Ronnie, who would have been in a great position, had he made progress at the time. Hopefully his efforts will bear fruit soon. Ronnie did have plans for the Dublin area as well and that would probably encourage an interest from an area well populated with amateurs. Mullingar has a DMR Repeater License but nothing built or active to date. Rumour has it that Dundalk has plans but nothing actually written in stone as yet.
Limerick has fusion but has never exploited its networking capabilities making Fusion a bit of a “dead Duck”. The repeater does, however cover a good area and /M Fusion is possible which is a plus point. A shame that Limerick operators seldom communicate outside of their own group. Donegal’s fusion project is not really a player as such as it is tucked away giving little coverage here in the southern parts of the world.
The Galway Repeater will eventually see a high location and combined with its wires-X should provide an excellent service. This will give everybody an opportunity to network via Wires-X but all is not lost, as Fusion can be accessed via Talk Group 2724 on DMR.
Links...
1) EI5DD website
2) Galway VHF Group
The Galway DMR Repeater... by Steve Wright, EI5DD (Sept 2018)
After deliberation, it was decided that a good quality Commercial DMR Repeater should be acquired for Galway. It is easy to suggest that ex commercial DMR mobiles could be converted and lashed together with homebrew components but at the end of the day there is nothing to beat the reliability of an item that was purpose and virtually operator proof.
Consideration was given to ex-commercial Motorola Repeaters, but they still retain their value despite long hours of service and being a well-used second-hand model. It should be noted that Waterford have a plentiful supply of these repeaters and have two in service at present but there was a slight reluctance to sell one off to the “Galway Lads” as they would surely have a good use for every item further down the road considering the prolific Southern Ireland Repeater Network currently expanding. There are, in fact, plans to place a third Digital repeater on Mount Leinster by 2019.
 |
| The Galway Repeater and Gateway ready for the New Site |
The decision to go with Hytera was prompted by John, MI0AAZ, who had a little used Hytera RD 985 UHF repeater for a reasonable price. This Repeater was capable of running 50 watts maximum although it would be more prudent to run it at 40 watts. The repeater had built in cavity filters capable of handling the power passed through them. Aengus, EI4ABB, kindly tuned them without difficulty, and had them ready within the day. The code plug was relatively easy to compile and probably the harder part was ensuring that the internet connection was correct set up within. Unfortunately, to get the internet information correct required adjustment of settings within the wireless router. By working between the two systems it was possible to secure a trouble-free connection. Connection to the Repeater was made to the router by Ethernet cable.
 |
| Inside the Hytera |
As the 2 metres Digital Gateway is to be co-sited, the same procedure was required for the connection of the Gateway to the Internet. Not an easy task but it all came together with the purchase of the correct router.
Fortunately, an ABS case had been purchased from Arthur, EI7GMB, some time ago. It was a perfect housing for Repeater, Gateway, Pi-Star controller and Power Supply. Everything was securely housed with a cooling fan installed below the GM350 Gateway Radio. Time to apply the power. Everything sprang into life and went through its boot-up process. Connectivity through the internet was perfect and it was possible to adjust parameters on the Gateway via remote access. Once Set-up, the Repeater settings can not be altered remotely unless there is a computer attached. There would never be a need to do so at the best of times although a means of cutting the power and restarting would be necessary should a hang up occur. Unlikely, but possible. To this end a remote access GSM controller was added to cover this eventuality and also a necessary addition to shut down the Repeater at the whim of ComReg should the eventuality arise. All systems were in perfect working order and the soak test began.
 |
| The Galway Multi-mode Gateway |
After running solidly for one month, the repeater has run trouble free. There is no de-sense on the receive side. Signals passed through have exhibited no distortion and the Bit Error Rates (BER) are zero. Obviously, there are limitations in coverage from the EI5DD QTH but it does give opportunities to observe the effects of reflections or weak signals. Around this time Mark, EI6GUB, obtained a DMR set and has given the Repeater and Gateway plenty of activity. His activity was not confined to Galway, or Ireland, but reached out to England and Scotland where plenty of QSOs were made. In the background it was possible to determine the reliability of communications through the Repeater and Gateway systems.
The Repeater and gateway are now be considered ready for their new site where an excellent service typical of this high spot can be expected. Better still, the Western side of Galway along the Spiddal Road will be enhanced as well as operation from the Aran Islands. Loughrea and Tuam should receive good signals and the roads along the opposite side of the Bay and around the Burren will also benefit.
Where do we go from here? Following the IRTS AGM we had enough to procure a second Repeater. An offer of a second, brand new Hytera RD 985 was snapped up to complete the system. It would be proposed that this be located on a high spot in the middle of Galway or, wherever is most effective, where it would be able to cover huge footprint of the county and perhaps neighbouring counties. As the footprint of the Galway Repeater would overlap with the proposed Repeater, it should be possible to “Roam” between the two much like a cellular phone. This would provide seamless communication whilst driving over distance.
Practicality suggests that there would be minimal fuss installing this Repeater as the operating parameters have already been defined. It would only require a power supply, connection to the internet and appropriate filters, and an antenna to get it on the air. This process should be painless considering the ground work done on our other two systems.
Those on trips abroad will be guaranteed communication back into Galway as will those who have relocated. Operators driving through the Galway area will be given an excellent service as will those resident in the City and County. Of course, it will rely on a little co-operation from our own operators in the form of a welcoming QSO from time to time. Even if the Galway operator appearances are few and far between, there will always be a wealth of activity within the network that may be operated by the press of the PTT via a User Activated Talk Group. Never a moment where it is not possible to connect another DMR operator anywhere in the world.
In conclusion, it the facilities in Galway would be second to none in the digital world. DMR is obviously a proven technology governed by the ETSI standard. It works well for commercials and has “done what it says on the tin”. Judging by the equipment in use, the Hytera RD 985 is reliable and will be trouble free so there will be little need for maintenance. Additionally, the 2m Digital Gateway complements the system and gives the VHF operators another entry into the system. Obviously, there may be firmware upgrades from time to time but his again should pose no problem and would be brief. You are all cordially invited to enjoy and participate this rapidly developing network.
The Server
It was through Steve, EI5DD, and John MI0AAZ, and Dave Randles, M0AUT, that the possibility of the Brandmeister Server for Ireland was negotiated through the Brandmeister management team in Holland. Having secured the go ahead, the next job was to find a home for it. John Ronan kindly consented to establishing it in his IT section located in the Waterford Institute of Technology. The system was established in the Waterford IT in March 2016. Following a running in period, and more familiarity with the system, the Server went live in May 2016. The criteria for operation was to have a minimum of 10 repeaters linked in – we only had 3, 2 Gateways and a number of personal hotspots. Within the year, we have a migration of Scottish Repeaters and several UK repeaters resulting in 20! The migration was down to the fact that the server was running perfectly with minimal down time save for the occasional Firmware and Software updates not to mention that the Sysop was approachable.
The system has been trouble-free to date and well managed/maintained by John Ronan, EI7IG. By comparison, the UK has had numerous outages. It really is a credit to Ireland. It is a vital requirement to have somebody with the knowledge and dedication running such a system.
Waterford
Waterford have made huge progress with the establishment of two multi-mode Digital Repeaters and propose a third on Mount Leinster in 2019. Such enthusiasm has encouraged many operators to participate in Digital Radio in Cork and Waterford and surrounding areas. John McCarthy, EI8JA, has spent much of his time building and setting up the Digital Repeaters in his area alongside his commitment to the Southern Ireland Analog Repeater Network. The dedication exhibited by John Ronan, EI7IG, has made it possible to connect these projects together and to the rest of the world.
The DMR network will expand and it will probably be down to the efforts of the Southern Ireland Repeater Network. Galway can do little more at this time. It is going to be well served and can only rely on the continuity from other areas such as Mayo or in directions along the Dublin road from neighbouring counties.
Mayo has a Digital Gateway running both DMR and Fusion and this provides a fine link into the system. It has been running for the last year and results are good from it. It does, however, share the antennas for EI3IX’s
Other parts of the country have long standing plans that have not developed much further than discussion. Ronnie, who would have been in a great position, had he made progress at the time. Hopefully his efforts will bear fruit soon. Ronnie did have plans for the Dublin area as well and that would probably encourage an interest from an area well populated with amateurs. Mullingar has a DMR Repeater License but nothing built or active to date. Rumour has it that Dundalk has plans but nothing actually written in stone as yet.
Limerick has fusion but has never exploited its networking capabilities making Fusion a bit of a “dead Duck”. The repeater does, however cover a good area and /M Fusion is possible which is a plus point. A shame that Limerick operators seldom communicate outside of their own group. Donegal’s fusion project is not really a player as such as it is tucked away giving little coverage here in the southern parts of the world.
The Galway Repeater will eventually see a high location and combined with its wires-X should provide an excellent service. This will give everybody an opportunity to network via Wires-X but all is not lost, as Fusion can be accessed via Talk Group 2724 on DMR.
Links...
1) EI5DD website
2) Galway VHF Group
Sporadic-E on 28 MHz... 5th & 6th Oct 2018
After a month messing about on the lower HF bands, I'm back on 28 MHz again. Sure enough, there is still some Sporadic-E about even in October...
The signals were mostly weak but the band was still open. The kind of conditions where most HF operators would declare the 10 metre band dead but those that know the band know better.
The signal from Argentina is pretty typical at this time of year. There are probably F2 conditions between areas like Spain and South America and the weak Sporadic-E conditions allow stations further north to hear the signals.
The signals were mostly weak but the band was still open. The kind of conditions where most HF operators would declare the 10 metre band dead but those that know the band know better.
The signal from Argentina is pretty typical at this time of year. There are probably F2 conditions between areas like Spain and South America and the weak Sporadic-E conditions allow stations further north to hear the signals.
Thursday, October 4, 2018
Four days of FT8 on 40m... End Sept 2018
A week ago, I had a post up about the results of listening to WSPR signals for a week on 40 metres (7 MHz). I repeated the test by spending 4 days listening to FT8 signals on 40 metres and the results were pretty similar.
The charts are for roughly 24 hours from noon to noon. Antenna used... Doublet which is a full wave on 40m. Only 4-7m above the ground though.
The first obvious difference is the sheer number of stations using FT8 compared to WSPR.
The charts are for roughly 24 hours from noon to noon. Antenna used... Doublet which is a full wave on 40m. Only 4-7m above the ground though.
The first obvious difference is the sheer number of stations using FT8 compared to WSPR.
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
South Africa to consider using 54-68 MHz for digital broadcasting??
The news item went on to say that..."South Africa may be opening the door to DRM+ Broadcasting in low-band VHF 54-68 MHz ".
However, if you read of the material in more depth then it looks as if the South African government are exploring ways of replacing analogue FM radio with digital versions.
The directive says: "In the Very High Frequency (VHF) bands I & II, the standard Digital Radio Mondiale Plus (DRM +) is considered to be a candidate standard that can co-locate and co-exist with existing frequency modulation (FM) analogue technologies.
In the VHF band Ill, the standards Digital Audio Broadcasting Plus (DAB +), Terrestrial Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (T -DMB) and Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting for Terrestrial Sound Broadcasting (ISDB -TSB) are considered candidate technologies for the introduction of DSB in the band after the Analogue Switch -Off (ASO) of terrestrial analogue television services
ACKNOWLEDGING that the licensing approach in VHF Band Ill can be commenced as soon as possible as there is already an ITU co- ordinated DSB radio frequency allocation of 16 MHz (214 -230 MHz) incorporated in the National Radio Frequency Plan (NRFP), 2013 as may be amended from time to time. The ICASA Terrestrial Broadcasting Frequency Plan is an allotment plan that provides for two (2) multiplexes for each of the nine provinces;"
Comment..... It looks as if the DAB+ option on 214-230 MHz is much more likely. Other countries are using it and that will make receivers cheaper.
If South Africa went down the road of DRM+ on 54-68 MHz then it's likely that radios would be more expensive. It would also close off the possibility of a small allocation for radio amateurs at 60 MHz.
Something to be watched but unlikely.
Links...
1) PDF https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/41928_gon995.pdf
Monday, October 1, 2018
DMR registrations in Ireland at the end of Sept 2018
The number of EI stations registering for Digital Mobile Radio numbers continues to grow with an average of 12 per quarter so far in 2018. The chart below shows that 136 DMR numbers had been allocated as of the end of September 2018.
Out of those 136 numbers, 5 were clubs and 12 EI calls had two numbers so the total number is something like 119 individuals.
Looking at the island of Ireland overall, it is perhaps a little suprising to see how many DMR numbers are allocated in Northern Ireland by comparison.
The 410 from Northern Ireland can be broken down as follows...
GI* = 138
MI* = 213
2I* = 59
Buried in those figures are full, novice and foundation licences. Some may have two numbers and some may have upgraded from a foundation to a novice call in the last three years. If we use the EI numbers as a guide then that 410 in the north could actually mean something like 350 individuals.
That gives a ball park figure of about 470 individuals with DMR numbers on the island of Ireland.
The big difference in numbers between Northern Ireland the the Republic may possibly be accounted for by the following reasons...
1) One year ahead... Digital Radio and DMR started in Northern Ireland about a year ahead of the rest of the island. The big surge in numbers in EI in the first two months of 2017 mirror a similar surge in GI a year earlier.
2) Licence for beginners... It's a lot easier to get a licence in the north of Ireland with the option of a foundation and novice licence. In the Republic, the only option is to sit a test and get the full licence.
Links...
1) http://ham-digital.org/dmr-userreg.php
Out of those 136 numbers, 5 were clubs and 12 EI calls had two numbers so the total number is something like 119 individuals.
Looking at the island of Ireland overall, it is perhaps a little suprising to see how many DMR numbers are allocated in Northern Ireland by comparison.
GI* = 138
MI* = 213
2I* = 59
Buried in those figures are full, novice and foundation licences. Some may have two numbers and some may have upgraded from a foundation to a novice call in the last three years. If we use the EI numbers as a guide then that 410 in the north could actually mean something like 350 individuals.
That gives a ball park figure of about 470 individuals with DMR numbers on the island of Ireland.
The big difference in numbers between Northern Ireland the the Republic may possibly be accounted for by the following reasons...
1) One year ahead... Digital Radio and DMR started in Northern Ireland about a year ahead of the rest of the island. The big surge in numbers in EI in the first two months of 2017 mirror a similar surge in GI a year earlier.
2) Licence for beginners... It's a lot easier to get a licence in the north of Ireland with the option of a foundation and novice licence. In the Republic, the only option is to sit a test and get the full licence.
Links...
1) http://ham-digital.org/dmr-userreg.php
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Comreg: Proposed Strategy for Managing the Radio Spectrum - 2019 to 2021
The following item was in the IRTS radio news recently (9th Sept 2018)...
Spectrum Strategy 2019-2021
IRTS responded to ComReg's draft Radio Spectrum Management Strategy 2019 to 2021 contained in document ComReg 18/74, which was published on 3 August 2018. The response deadline was rather short, 31 August which unfortunately made it impracticable to seek members' comments. Members will recall that it was the last spectrum strategy which provided the Irish amateur service with new opportunities in the range 30 - 70.5 MHz. The IRTS response for 2019 to 2021 includes a request for access to sub 8.3 kHz spectrum as well as spectrum above 50 GHz. Additionally some 5 MHz issues are addressed.
Concerning ITU WRC-19, IRTS has reflected the IARU position on various agenda items of interest to the amateur service (including 50-54 MHz) and has asked to be involved in national preparations for this major ITU event. Lastly IRTS requested clarification on text relating to radio astronomy experiments at the LOFAR site at Birr Castle. The full text of the IRTS submission to ComReg can be downloaded from the IRTS section of the downloads page on the Society's website. The URL is www.irts.ie/downloads
There is a fair bit in it so I had a closer look at the Comreg document and the IRTS response. I noted the following items...
Friday, September 28, 2018
One week of WSPR signals on 40 metres
For the last week, I have monitored the WSPR frequency on 7 MHz and I heard the following...
The antenna was an 80m doublet (full size dipole on 40m) only 4-7m above ground level. Plenty of wire but nothing special.
The Solar Flux has been in the high 60's which is pretty close to rock bottom.
The map shows plenty of signals from Europe and the Eastern half of the USA which is to be expected. 431 stations in total were heard in one week.
The key points for me were...
1) Hardly any signals from the Western USA and none from Japan. The more northerly path to these areas seemed closed.
2) Just one from South America. Would have expected more. Null in the antenna???
3) Signals from Australia and New Zealand are always interesting.
2018-09-27 07:36 ZL4JW RE44iw EI7GL IO51tu 7.040111 50 -24
2018-09-22 06:58 VK7DIK QE38cu EI7GL IO51tu 7.04014 5 -20
2018-09-28 07:36 VK3MI QF22ne EI7GL IO51tu 7.040146 5 -10
The ZL station was running 50w while the VK stations were running 5 watts. They were all heard near my sunrise which leads me to believe that they may have actually been long path?
4) These were the stations that were using less than 100 milliwatts with DL3MXG and DL2ODY on 1 mW!
2018-09-26 11:20 DL3MXG NO51 EI7GL IO51tu 7.040049 0.001 -27
2018-09-25 05:48 DL2ODY JO71 EI7GL IO51tu 7.040093 0.001 -18
2018-09-21 18:24 F5WK JN18hp EI7GL IO51tu 7.04017 0.005 -23
2018-09-21 21:22 KD2NFC FN20 EI7GL IO51tu 7.040057 0.01 -12
2018-09-24 10:32 G0MKB IO83rl EI7GL IO51tu 7.039992 0.01 -18
2018-09-21 18:24 DL5SFB JN48om EI7GL IO51tu 7.040048 0.01 -25
2018-09-22 11:42 F1EYG JN18ar EI7GL IO51tu 7.040082 0.01 -27
2018-09-25 07:22 DJ7PRM JO30ns EI7GL IO51tu 7.040065 0.01 -28
2018-09-26 13:28 M0KTM IO91 EI7GL IO51tu 7.040153 0.02 -26
2018-09-22 14:48 ON7EN JO21ba EI7GL IO51tu 7.040035 0.05 -23
2018-09-26 11:52 G8WVW IO81vu EI7GL IO51tu 7.040134 0.05 -23
I think I'll spend a week now listening on 40m FT8 and see how it compares.
The antenna was an 80m doublet (full size dipole on 40m) only 4-7m above ground level. Plenty of wire but nothing special.
The Solar Flux has been in the high 60's which is pretty close to rock bottom.
The map shows plenty of signals from Europe and the Eastern half of the USA which is to be expected. 431 stations in total were heard in one week.
The key points for me were...
1) Hardly any signals from the Western USA and none from Japan. The more northerly path to these areas seemed closed.
2) Just one from South America. Would have expected more. Null in the antenna???
3) Signals from Australia and New Zealand are always interesting.
2018-09-27 07:36 ZL4JW RE44iw EI7GL IO51tu 7.040111 50 -24
2018-09-22 06:58 VK7DIK QE38cu EI7GL IO51tu 7.04014 5 -20
2018-09-28 07:36 VK3MI QF22ne EI7GL IO51tu 7.040146 5 -10
The ZL station was running 50w while the VK stations were running 5 watts. They were all heard near my sunrise which leads me to believe that they may have actually been long path?
4) These were the stations that were using less than 100 milliwatts with DL3MXG and DL2ODY on 1 mW!
2018-09-26 11:20 DL3MXG NO51 EI7GL IO51tu 7.040049 0.001 -27
2018-09-25 05:48 DL2ODY JO71 EI7GL IO51tu 7.040093 0.001 -18
2018-09-21 18:24 F5WK JN18hp EI7GL IO51tu 7.04017 0.005 -23
2018-09-21 21:22 KD2NFC FN20 EI7GL IO51tu 7.040057 0.01 -12
2018-09-24 10:32 G0MKB IO83rl EI7GL IO51tu 7.039992 0.01 -18
2018-09-21 18:24 DL5SFB JN48om EI7GL IO51tu 7.040048 0.01 -25
2018-09-22 11:42 F1EYG JN18ar EI7GL IO51tu 7.040082 0.01 -27
2018-09-25 07:22 DJ7PRM JO30ns EI7GL IO51tu 7.040065 0.01 -28
2018-09-26 13:28 M0KTM IO91 EI7GL IO51tu 7.040153 0.02 -26
2018-09-22 14:48 ON7EN JO21ba EI7GL IO51tu 7.040035 0.05 -23
2018-09-26 11:52 G8WVW IO81vu EI7GL IO51tu 7.040134 0.05 -23
I think I'll spend a week now listening on 40m FT8 and see how it compares.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018
G3SMT works Cape Verde Islands to set new 144 MHz Tropo record
Back on the 5th of August 2018, Mark Turner EI3KD worked D4Z in the Cape Verde Islands off the coast of Africa to set a new IARU Region 1 tropo record on 144 MHz. Now less than two months later, that record has been broken again.
On Tuesday the 25th of September 2018, the marine duct from the Cape Verde Islands expended as far north as the British and Irish Isles again.
At 21:10, EI3KD managed to repeat his record distance by working D4Z on cw for a second time, a distance of 4163 kms.
At approx 21:46, GW0KZG in IO71LW in the west of Wales worked D4Z to extend the record to approx 4270 kms. It turned out to be one of the shortest held records however,
At approx 21:47, Peter Torrry G3SMT worked D4Z (HK76MU) to set a new IARU 144 MHz Region 1 record of 4431 kms. Peter's locator square is IO82KV.
DX-Cluster spots - 25th Sept 2018...
GW0KZG 144300.0 D4Z 22:12 25 Sep IO71LW HK76MU still 519 cal Cape Verde
G3SMT 144300.0 D4Z 21:46 25 Sep IO82KV HK76MU Cape Verde
GW0KZG 144300.0 D4Z 21:45 25 Sep IO71LW HK76MU 539 tks QSO Cape Verde
G7RAU 144300.0 D4Z 21:42 25 Sep IN79JX HK76MU 599+ cq, gl Cape Verde
G7RAU 144300.0 D4Z 21:18 25 Sep IN79JX HK76MU 559! wow! Cape Verde
EI3KD 144300.0 D4Z 21:11 25 Sep IO51VW HK76MU tnx! 589 cq Cape Verde
D41CV was also worked on FT8...
M0BUL-@ 144174.0 D41CV 22:28 25 Sep tnx Cape Verde
GW0KZG 144174.0 D41CV 22:27 25 Sep IO71LWHK76TC H-10,/-04 Tn Cape Verde
EI3KD 144174.0 D41CV 22:22 25 Sep IO51VW HK76MU oops call :) Cape Verde
G7RAU 144174.0 D41CV 22:19 25 Sep IN79JX HK76MU +03 FT8 GL! Cape Verde
This is the tropo prediction map for the path at the time...
It's probably likely that the record will be extended again at some stage in the future with perhaps a contact to Northern Ireland or Scotland.
Just to illustrate just how far the G3SMT - D44Z contact was, this is the equivalent distance across the Atlantic from the south-west coast of Ireland.
Links...
1) F5LEN Tropo prediction map
2) ON4KST Chat
3) Post on D4C website
On Tuesday the 25th of September 2018, the marine duct from the Cape Verde Islands expended as far north as the British and Irish Isles again.
At 21:10, EI3KD managed to repeat his record distance by working D4Z on cw for a second time, a distance of 4163 kms.
At approx 21:46, GW0KZG in IO71LW in the west of Wales worked D4Z to extend the record to approx 4270 kms. It turned out to be one of the shortest held records however,
At approx 21:47, Peter Torrry G3SMT worked D4Z (HK76MU) to set a new IARU 144 MHz Region 1 record of 4431 kms. Peter's locator square is IO82KV.
DX-Cluster spots - 25th Sept 2018...
GW0KZG 144300.0 D4Z 22:12 25 Sep IO71LW HK76MU still 519 cal Cape Verde
G3SMT 144300.0 D4Z 21:46 25 Sep IO82KV HK76MU Cape Verde
GW0KZG 144300.0 D4Z 21:45 25 Sep IO71LW HK76MU 539 tks QSO Cape Verde
G7RAU 144300.0 D4Z 21:42 25 Sep IN79JX HK76MU 599+ cq, gl Cape Verde
G7RAU 144300.0 D4Z 21:18 25 Sep IN79JX HK76MU 559! wow! Cape Verde
EI3KD 144300.0 D4Z 21:11 25 Sep IO51VW HK76MU tnx! 589 cq Cape Verde
D41CV was also worked on FT8...
M0BUL-@ 144174.0 D41CV 22:28 25 Sep tnx Cape Verde
GW0KZG 144174.0 D41CV 22:27 25 Sep IO71LW
EI3KD 144174.0 D41CV 22:22 25 Sep IO51VW HK76MU oops call :) Cape Verde
G7RAU 144174.0 D41CV 22:19 25 Sep IN79JX HK76MU +03 FT8 GL! Cape Verde
This is the tropo prediction map for the path at the time...
 |
| Source : F5LEN |
It's probably likely that the record will be extended again at some stage in the future with perhaps a contact to Northern Ireland or Scotland.
Just to illustrate just how far the G3SMT - D44Z contact was, this is the equivalent distance across the Atlantic from the south-west coast of Ireland.
Links...
1) F5LEN Tropo prediction map
2) ON4KST Chat
3) Post on D4C website
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Results of the Irish DMR activity net... Mon 24th Sept 2018
The Irish DMR activity net kicked off on Talk Group 2722 on Monday the 24th of Sept 2018 with 18 callsigns active. After the roll call for the 32 Irish counties, there was a brief QSO between various parties on the net.
It should be interesting to see who is actually using this new digital mode in Ireland as the weeks go by and where exactly the pockets of activity are.
The map above shows the activity levels from the 24th and the list of calls as compiled by Steve, EI5DD can be seen below....
Monday, September 24, 2018
Results of the IRTS Autumn 2m & 70cms Counties Contest
The Irish Radio Transmitters Society 2m & 70cms Counties Contest was held on the 9th of September 2018 and the results show that there was a reasonable amount of activity. While it was pretty quiet down here in Cork on the south coast, it seems to have been busier further up the country.
On 2 metres (144-145 MHz), there were 25 contest logs submitted which showed 455 QSOs from 26 counties. The missing counties were Cavan, Donegal, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Monaghan. In 2017, there were 18 contest logs submitted from 26 counties.
For the 70 cms contest (432-434 MHz), 19 contest logs were submitted which showed 107 contacts from 19 counties. This was the first year of an Autumn 70cms leg so there are no results from 2017. The missing counties on 70 cms were Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Clare, Donegal, Fermanagh, Galway, Kerry, Laois, Leitrim, Monaghan, Tyrone and Westmeath.
The full results from both contests can be found at www.irts.ie/results
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