World of VHF
Tim Kirby GW4VXE has a full column, with news of some excellent 2m transatlantic QSOs and the new repeater on the ISS.
Tim Kirby GW4VXE has a full column, with news of some excellent 2m transatlantic QSOs and the new repeater on the ISS.
Perhaps inspired by the exploits of the D4VHF group making 2m/70cm QSOs from Cape Verde, across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, it is exciting to be able to report that more transatlantic QSOs have been made on 2m.
On August 27th, Cesar Regalado Leon EA8CXN in the Canary Islands made some remarkable contacts on 2m FT8, working NP4BM, WP3DN, WP4G, J69DS, FM5CS and FG8OJ. Miguel Hernandez EA8DEC was also heard across the Atlantic, by NP4BM. Next day on the 28th the path was still open with EA8CXN working or being heard by NP4BM, KP4EIT, WP4JCF, WP3DN, WP4G, FG5GH and FG8OJ. EA8DEC was heard by KP4EIT and FG8OJ. Fernando Borges Dominguez EA8TX also made it across the Atlantic, being heard or worked by NP4BM, KP4EIT, WP3DN and WP4G. Perhaps even more interestingly for us, Alex EB1DJ had a single decode from KP4EIT. This may be the first time that 2m tropo signals from North America have been received in mainland Europe.
It was good to see Tim Fern G4LOH
(Helston) and Dave Edwards G7RAU
(The Lizard) testing the path to the northeastern US and Canada in early September. The propagation maps had looked promising and Tim and Dave were both seen testing with NY2NY and VE1SKY. Sadly, no signals were exchanged on this occasion, but it is surely only a matter of time and effort.
A Crossband Repeater on the International Space Station
It was good to see a recent press release from the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station organisation (ARISS): “The ARISS team is pleased to announce that set up and installation of the first element of our next generation radio system was completed and amateur radio operations with it are now underway. This first element, dubbed the InterOperable Radio System (IORS), was installed in the International Space Station Columbus module. The IORS replaces the Ericsson radio system and packet module that were originally certified for spaceflight on July 26th, 2000.
“Initial operation of the new radio system is in FM cross band repeater mode using an uplink frequency of 145.990MHz with an access tone [CTCSS] of 67Hz and a downlink frequency of 437.800MHz.
System activation was first observed at 0102UTC on September 2nd. Special operations will continue to be announced.
“The IORS was launched from Kennedy Space Center on March 6th, 2020 on board the SpaceX CRS-20 resupply mission. It consists of a special, space-modified JVC Kenwood D710GA transceiver, an ARISS developed multi-voltage power supply and interconnecting cables.
The design, development, fabrication, testing, and launch of the first IORS was an incredible five-year engineering achievement accomplished by the ARISS hardware volunteer team. It will enable new, exciting capabilities for ham radio operators, students, and the general public. Capabilities include a higher power radio, voice repeater, digital packet radio (APRS) capabilities and a Kenwood VC-H1 slow scan television (SSTV) system.
“A second IORS undergoes flight certification and will be launched later for installation in the Russian Service module. This second system enables dual, simultaneous operations, (e.g. voice repeater and APRS packet), providing diverse opportunities for radio amateurs. It also provides on-orbit redundancy to ensure continuous operations in the event of an IORS component failure.
“Next-gen development efforts continue. For the IORS, parts are being procured and a total of ten systems are being fabricated to support flight, additional flight spares, ground testing and astronaut training. Follow-on next generation radio system elements include an L-band repeater uplink capability, currently in development, and a flight Raspberry-Pi, dubbed ARISS-Pi, that is just beginning the design phase. The ARISSPi promises operations autonomy and enhanced SSTV operations.
“ARISS is run almost entirely by volunteers, and with the help of generous contributions from ARISS sponsors and individuals. Donations to the ARISS program for next generation hardware developments, operations, education, and administration are welcome — please go to this website to contribute to these efforts": www.ariss.org/donate.html
I saw the press release on the evening of September 2nd and immediately checked
to see when the next pass of the space station would be! The passes were mostly overnight, but I spotted a low pass to the west on the morning of the September 3rd. The pass was very busy with lots of stations trying to use the new repeater, but I was very glad to be able to have a quick QSO with James Preece M0JFP (Chertsey) and heard many other stations.
Signals on 437.800MHz (plus or minus Doppler) are very strong and you should easily be able to hear the downlink on a mobile or handheld. Remember that the downlink could be up to 10kHz higher or lower, depending where the ISS is in relation to you. The uplink frequency of 145.990MHz is much less affected by Doppler shift, so you should not have to adjust this, but don’t forget to set your 67Hz CTCSS tone.
Duplicate QSOs and Transmit/Receive Periods
Tony Collett G4NBS (Cambridge) sent an interesting e-mail with some thoughts about ‘duplicate QSOs’ in digital data modes operating and also on the vexed question of transmit/receive periods. Tony writes, “Firstly, I also have the same ‘rule’ as Malcolm in that while I am more than happy to work anybody, I generally only call a station on 6m FT8 once in a calendar year. It is nice to keep a record of DXCC/Locators worked on a yearly basis to see how years compare but there are several that refuse duplicates from when I returned to 6m in 2017. At one point I thought I had a Tx issue as I failed with so many until I realised they were ‘No Dupe’ stations!!
“Then there are others that only ever call CQ DX, refusing to work ‘local’ countries. But if they never work local countries, it is hardly surprising that they attract attention!
“I’m not sure I fully agree with your thoughts on VHF/UHF openings though. If the path is short lived (as in Es or marginal tropo), then is it better to let somebody else try if you have previously managed a QSO? Yes, if you see them call CQ with no responses, then it is good to probe the path but I wouldn’t say I’d treat each day as a separate event. Difficult one!
“My main gripe is regarding periods though! It’s well publicised that we follow the European MS procedure on 50.313MHz and last year 50.323MHz was used for QSOs outside of our Continent with all Eu Tx on 1st period to work either Stateside or Asia. This year it was apparent that 313 had become the only frequency of choice and in the mornings it was full of the big UK stations transmitting 1st period but beaming East. Not being in the right place to hear JA at the time it became a gamble if you heard an Eu station in the 1st period – is he beaming our way as the previous recommendation or does he only want to work Asia? Do you dare call CQ in the 2nd period looking for single hop Es to Eu or are you going to be ostracised on KST for doing something wrong?
“On 2m FT8 the periods seem to be better understood and honoured thankfully but then along came the recent Perseids with MSK144 on 144.360MHz. OK, once again confusion as to 15 secs or 30 secs. Worse though was that instead of treating 360 as a ‘calling frequency’ the vast majority were using it as a working frequency. It has long been normal on FSK in big showers to call CQ with a working QRG”.
Martin Cox M0GQB wrote too regarding ‘duplicate QSOs’ and says, “I have to agree with your comments about duplicate QSOs. In my opinion, the only time ‘No Dupe’ should be set is during contests and the running of special event stations. Apart from the fact that propagation − especially at VHF/UHF − is an ever-changing phenomenon, each station in the (potential) QSO has no idea whether the set-up at the other station has changed. As an example, in the past few weeks and because I have no permanently-erected antennas, I have used three different antennas. The only way for me to assess their relative performance is to get reports from the same station over several days to try to average out the effect of changing propagation conditions. Because of the limited exchange of information using FT8, the other station doesn’t know that I have changed antennas and might even be using a vertical in place of a horizontal. So, please, don’t set ‘No Dupe’ on!”
The 6m Band
Peter Taylor G8BCG (Liskeard) just missed the last column but worked some nice DX during during July and August including a very nice EME QSO with ZL7DX on Peter’s moonset on July 20th. July 25th saw some nice signals from Columbia, Ecuador and Venezuela in the late evening. Next day saw a good opening in the afternoon to the US East Coast and Mid-West. Peter was heard in VE7 but didn’t have the chance to make a contact. Peter took part in the UK Six Metre Group’s Summer Marathon. His totals were a little down on last year with 2273 QSOs, 702 squares, best DX 19068km (EME). Peter’s DXCC count for the year on the band is 129 with three alltime new ones.
Tony G4NBS has a high noise level on the band but despite the challenges has worked some nice DX. He says that
his best day was July 13th when he just called anyone that was interesting and was amazed to find at the end of the day he had made 133 QSOs in 91 locators and 25 DXCC! Tony caught an unusual and interesting evening opening to Japan working JA8WKE (QN02) at 2241 with another five stations worked with the last, JA7QVI (QM08), at 2328. Other nice DX was UN7LAP, UN9L (MO13) and UN3M (LO61) on July 25th with UN3GX (MN83) on July 28th.
Jef Van Raepenbusch ON8NT (Aalter) had a busy month with the highlights being TA1D/3 (KM39), Z30A (KN11), SV3SPD (KM08), EA8JK (IL18) and 4O5JD (JN92), all on FT8. Jef runs 10W to a V-2000.
Kevin Hewitt ZB2GI had another good month with over 90 QSOs made on FT8 using an IC-7300 and whip antenna and counterpoise stuck out of the window!
Phil Oakley G0BVD (Great Torrington) lists plenty of contacts despite a slightly quieter month, highlights being OD5KU and T77C
The 4m Band
Jef ON8NT worked G8HGN (JO01) on 4m FT8 on August 2nd.
The 2m Band
Tony G4NBS sent an interesting log, which I’ve had to edit a little for reasons of space! The Low Power contest on August 1st enabled Tony to work F8FKJ/P (JN28) and F4VPC (IN87) on SSB. During the FT8 activity on August 5th, Tony worked 33 QSOs in 14 locators. The best DX was DB9VE (JN39). Other highlights through the month on FT8 were DK3EE (JO41), OZ1CX (JO45), OZ2ND (JO46), GW1JFV (IO71), F8ZW (JN38), EA1SA (IN83), LA9AKA (JP20), DJ9MS (JO54), DL3TW (JO44), GM0HTT (IO89), OV3T, OZ4TT, OZ2LIN (JO46), OZ5AGJ (JO47), LA3BO (JO59), LA3YNA (JO48), SK6QA (JO58), SM6MUY (JO67), GM0HLV (IO88), EI6GF (IO62) and DG4KLK (JO41). CW and SSB weren’t neglected with GM4ODA/P (IO99) worked on CW and GM4YXI and GM0HTT on SSB. Tony says that MS wasn’t very good for him owing to the noise level to the east so he concentrated to the south with some nice contacts into EA/CT. CT1CAK (IN50) was a new DXCC with CT1HIX (IN52) and CT7ABA (IN60) also worked.
Tony caught the tropo in early September with the best day being September 11th, and the best DX being EC1A (IN73) with EA1SA (IN83), SF6F (JO67), SM7DIT (JO65) and DF5VAE (JO64) also worked.
Highlights of Jef ON8NT’s log were EI3KD (IO51), G4ALY (IO70), F6GLQ (IN98) and G0RQL (IO70). Jef runs 25W to a 5-element log periodic.
Keith Watkins G8IXN (Redruth) and I can always work each other on 2m FT8 over a 200+km path. Keith suggested we try a simplex D-STAR contact on 2m. We both used verticals. Keith used his IC-9700 at around 25W and I used my ICE92 handheld at 5W. My signal broke up somewhat to Keith, but he was a very solid signal here. We wonder who else has tried simplex D-STAR over a fair distance?
Pete Walker G4RRM (Crewe) caught the tropo on September 11th and was delighted to work EA2XR (IN83) on FT8. Pete was running 20W or so to a V-2000 vertical.
Phil G0BVD caught some activity during the September 2m contest on September 5/6th with the highlights being GD8EXI, GM3S, GM3HAM/P and GD0TFG/P. GM0HBK (IO77) and G1GEY (IO94) were worked on September 10th when conditions were good to the North. Phil also enjoyed contacts with MW6BWA/P who was activating SOTA summits.
The 70cm Band
Tony G4NBS has some nice QSOs in his log, mostly on FT8. Highlights include OZ7MHZ (JO44), OZ1AXL, OZ1MJN & OZ2ND (JO46), OZ1IEP (JO55), OZ1SKY (JO56), OZ9AEG (JO57), SM6CEN (JO67) OZ1IEP, OZ7MHZ, LA3FV (JO59) and SK6QA (JO58). Tony used the ON4KST chat to arrange a QSO with LA0BY (JO59) for a rather marginal QSO taking 15 minutes to complete − at 1083kms for the best of the month. GM4ODA/P (IO99) was a new square for Tony on SSB.
On September 11th, Tony saw decodes from LY2WR (KO14) and SP1MVG (JO74) while he was away from the radio. Happily, he was able to work SP1NEN later in the evening. DL7APV (JO62) was seen with an incredible signal for long periods.
Jef ON8NT found some good activity during the August UK Activity contest with highlights being G4CLA (IO92), G0XDI (IO91) and G3TBK/P (IO93).
Satellites
Kevin ZB2GI and John King ZB2JK operated ZB2LGT (Europa Point Lighthouse) on August 22/23. John operated on AO-91 and AO-92, working EA5WA (IM99), EA3AGB (JN00), EA1PA (IN71), DL6IAN (JN49), EB7A (IM87) and DG9MA (JN58). Simon Evans G6AHX (Twyning) writes, “I have been playing with the satellite function on my IC-9700 with the 2m & 70cm beams. On Sept 7th I did a pass of SO-50 working EI3FW, G0ABI, SA2KNG and Peter 2M0SQL who recognised me and welcomed me back to the satellites. The software on the IC-9700 turns out to be great for working the FM satellites with its AFC function. Now I have to master the SSB satellites with it. So far I have worked EI3FW through RS44 but there’s a lot more to learn and do!”’
Graham Jones G3VKV (Cheltenham) tried the ISS crossband repeater on September 5th and worked EB1AO. Graham said that he needed to get on early when the satellite was low on the horizon before it became too busy over mainland Europe. He says it should be possible to work Newfoundland on a suitable pass.
Patrick Stoddard WD9EWK (Phoenix) writes and starts with some interesting details regarding the new installation on the ISS, “The TM-D710G on the ISS has been engineered to avoid overheating. For the crossband voice repeater, the radio will transmit at 5W. The radio also has a packet/ APRS digipeater mode, and will transmit at 10W in that mode. For two-way contacts it will operate at 25W.
“Another new TM-D710G and power supply is planned for the Russian ISS segment.
“In recent weeks, the AO-92 satellite has been slipping into safe mode. It appears that its batteries are not holding enough voltage to keep the FM repeater operational, and the satellite has not been able to stay in L/V mode for more than a couple of hours. AMSAT’s Fox-1 satellites will switch to safe mode when the battery voltage drops below 3.6V. If there are no other issues while in safe mode, the FM repeater resumes operation once the satellite sees the battery voltage above that threshold − usually when it is back in sunlight. We hope that things will improve as we move into Fall and winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and that the satellite doesn’t suffer an early demise”.
DATV
Graham G3VKV says that he has now completed TV reception on all eight bands between 145MHz and 24GHz with Dave
G4FRE. From 145MHz to 10GHz they were able to exchange pictures between their home stations in Cheltenham and Malvern respectively. 24GHz did require Dave to go portable into open ground though! Graham used a 450mm dish pointing through the shack window on the 1.2cm band.
That’s it for this month. Thank you for all the varied input and please keep it coming.