JS8CALL

I got an email from Bas PE4BAS who gave me the link for downloading JS8CALL. Now ready for Windows 7 too. I just installed the software. It’s pretty complicated. But I'll just try it. Just do it with trial and error.

I made my first QSO today with US5LOC by using JS8CALL (the rag chew variant of FT8) now it’s possible to make a real QSO instead of full automatic.

The software is still under development.

There was a tropo opening on 2 meter this morning and I worked DJ9YE (photo) with FT8 and I got a -20 dB report with 5 watts and a simple dipole.

Yesterday I was listening to 20 meter and did receive VK9XG (Christmas Island) with CW 529 report. There was a big pile up. I also worked LZ1ZF and LY2PX on 20 m CW.

With WSPR I was spotted by VK7JJ -23 dB on 40 meter with only 500mW. That's 16929 km.

A sunny day

Nice weather today. Temperature 25 C and sunny. I made a bicycle trip to the nearby city of Alkmaar. This city is 764 years old.

This morning I made a QSO with RA9XSL Aleksei from Asiatic Russia with SIM31. 4000 km on 20 meter.

WSPR 40 meter

First I was calling CQ with FT8 on 40 meters this morning. No one answered my CQ calls. Why not? I don't know. My 5 watt signal was heard into the USA this morning. I was heard all over Europe. But no FT8 answer. But I think I know. Most hams runs FT8 automatically and are calling only CQ. Or they search only for DX. That's why I begin to dislike the FT8 mode. I prefer WSPR because now I know the rig does work and antenna is doing well.

Australia on 40 m 5 watts

Though we have now reached the solar minimum I was spotted on 40 meter WSPR with 5 watts into a wire antenna tonight in Tasmania Australia. Distance: 16929 km.