After comparing my 2012 E season loggings with those of the 1011 season, I think I can conclude that this year's E season equalled last year's at
this location and perhaps even slightly bettered it, but only slightly. This is my own experience. Other DXers have commented that the season has been much worse this year. SPoradic E conditions are hugely selective though, so comparisons are probably meaningless. If you were to average it out over the whole of Europe and North America I think the overwhelming opinion would be that the 2012 Es season was well down on last year's, which in itself was quite poor also. However, while my personal logbook show a certain "quantity" of loggings, there was certainly far less in the way of "quality". Not one single instance of double hop was experienced.
Looking at it on a month-by-month basis: The season seemed to begin well in May, but then went downhill before the end of the month, leaving June with large gaps of several days with no Es. July wasn't much
better, if at all and August was average - maybe even slightly better than July, but after counting the number of loggings I had
this season I notice that here are only slightly fewer loggings than
during last year's season. There were at least three good, nationwide Spanish
openings this year while I was away and so I probably missed a
fair number of loggings. Last year I was in the fortunate position
of being by the radio virtually all the time and I was conscious of
the fact that I didn't miss any good openings.
As mentioned above, as far as quality goes, this year was definitely down on last
year. Double hop materialised on at least two occasions last season
whereas this year I am not aware of a single instance - unless you
class the Moroccan transmitter at Assa as double hop at 2800+. I
suspect the Es on this occasion hooked up with a tropo extension at
the far end of the path. Maybe that is classed double hop though.
I am always interested to hear other's views, but overall I am satisfied with a
good haul of loggings this year, even if the quality wasn't quite
there.
It was also pleasing to get a lot of different stations this year whereas I had
expected a huge amount of repetition.
By the way, Norway was the only main European country which didn't make it here on Es. My Turkish goal didn't materialise
either, but then Turkey is probably just a tad over the single hop
limit from me. Maybe next year.
Monday, 10 September 2012
Saturday, 8 September 2012
Ster Bandscan, Brittany, September 2012
We took a holiday to Brittany between August 31st and September 8th. We had planned to stay longer and take a trip around the French Alps the following week but our plans were interrupted: We had intended to take our two Rottweilers but we found that there were many difficulties along the way which meant they had to be left at home. Fortunately, we have a very good friend, also a Rottweiler owner, who came to look after them while we were away. True enough, Rottweilers are large, fearsome looking dogs, but ours are very friendly and cuddly. Yes, I said "cuddly". We are daft when it comes to our dogs. They are part of our family and we love them dearly.
We try to take our dogs with us most places, but we find that some people prefer to cross over the road to avoid walking past them, depending on where we are. The locals love them and only want to fuss them, which they really appreciate. When walking in a rough part of Glasgow with them recently we found that people only crossed the road to avoid us. That spoke volumes about the area we were in.
Sadly, after weeks of planning and researching we discovered that Rottweilers were classed as "Category 2 breed: Guard Dogs" in France and thus were not allowed on French camp sites. If it wasn't for a well-known web forum we would not have discovered this information. Well done tripadvisor.com! Their members were exceptionally helpful and pointed us to the appropriate website which explained all the rules concerning Rottweilers in France. Before doing this, we had emailed and phoned various government departments, embassies, European vetinary organisations and Rottweiler clubs, only to be passed around in a loop because they didn't know where Rottweilers were permitted. Our very own government department DEFRA hadn't a clue either. No surprises there.
Arriving at the camp site we promptly set up a simple receiving station, comprising a Sony XDR-F1HD and a Triax FM3, mounted on a telescopic mast at around five to six metres, so that it was above the caravan roof and clear of obstruction to the beach, which looks out over the Bay Of Biscay, just 200 metres away.
Perhaps I shouldn't give a big build-up to this report as nothing much was heard, typical of all my visits to Brittany in fact. We had expected more Spanish DX this time as the Hepburn tropo forecast looked good for this. Instead, we experienced more of a lift to the north, into south-west England. I don't wish to rubbish the DX potential of this location as I am fairly sure that conditions were not as forecast, but I have never experienced much in the way of Spanish DX from this location. Band 2 is fairly quiet at the best of times, but with careful searching and the occasional rise in conditions, it's mostly always been more distant Breton stations which come though. Maybe I have been unlucky. In contrast, I have to say that the French Land's End at the Point Du Raz, some 50 km to the north-west, was dramatically better for Spanish reception, even under apparently flat conditions. Despite this, the Pointe Du Raz does not seem to provide the same proliferation of Spanish signals experienced at the Cornish Land's End. I have been to both Land's Ends several times.
Here is the report, complete with notes to begin with. Unfortunately I lost interest with the note keeping and DXing as nothing much was heard after the 4th.
31-08-12
Poor late evening. A few Spanish transmitters at weak/noisy levels.
01-09-12
Slightly enhanced after sunrise. Some Spanish signals almost noise free. Nothing at RDS levels.
88.2 RNE Radio Clasica, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
88.9 Euskadi Irratia, Bilbao (PVA-BI)
89.5 RNE Radio Nacional Galicia, Xistral (GAL-LU)
90.5 RNE R.5 TN Oviedo, Boal (AST-O)
92.8 RNE R.5 TN Lugo, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
93.2 RNE RNE Radio Nacional Asturias, Boal (AST-O)
93.7 RNE R.5 TN Santiago, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
94.4 RNE R.3, Gamoniteiro (AST-O)
95.2 UNID YL talk 0954 (Likely Onda Cero, Oviedo (AST-O) Heard at Pointe Du Raz)
95.6 UNID Phone in 0956 (Likely Cadena SER, Lugo (GAL-LU) Heard at Pointe Du Raz)
96.3 RNE Radio Clasica, Galicia (GAL-LU)
96.9 RNE R Nacional Cantabria, Lierganes (CNT-S)
98.1 RNE Radio Clasica, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
99.0 RNE R.3, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
99.6 RNE R.3, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
101.7 RNE R Nacional Galicia, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
100.9 UNID News 1002 (Likely Radio Galega, Valga (GAL-PO))
102.5 RNE Radio Nacional Asturias, Gamoniteiro (AST-O)
102.7 esRadio, unlisted site
102.9 RNE R.3, Lierganes (CNT-S)
103.1 RNE Radio Nacional Galicia, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
103.7 Radio Galega, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
104.2 RNE R.3, Xistral (GAL-LU)
104.4 RNE R.5 TN Oviedo, Gamoniteiro (AST-O)
104.8 Likely Radio Galega, Monte Meda (GAL-OU)
105.0 RNE R.5 TN Santander, Lierganes (CNT-S)
01-09-12 Evening: Disappointing. Only Gamoniteiro heard extremely weakly and barely recognisable in the noise. SW England enhanced with North Hessary Tor and Redruth at one bar.
02-09-12 Morning: Rubbish! As 01-09-12 evening.
UK nationals Rowridge and a presumed Haverfordwest received via scatter.
02-09-12 Evening: Spanish? Where? I can't hear any.
03-09-12 Morning: Yawn! Even semi-local French stations are down in strength. SW England with some enhancement though.
03-09-12 Evening: Still no sign of Spain but SW England and The English Midlands coming in well. North Hessary Tor RDSing with two bars.
107.0 Heart, Redruth
95.2 RTE Lyric FM, Clermont Carn
95.2 BBC Radio Cornwall, Caradon Hill
94.3 BBC Radio 4, Wenvoe
92.1 BBC Radio 3, Wenvoe
92.5 BBC Radio 4, North Hessary Tor
90.3 BBC Radio 3, North Hessary Tor
88.1 BBC Radio 2, North Hessary Tor
100.0 Classic FM, North Hessary Tor
102.8 Pirate FM, Redruth
89.7 BBC Radio 2, Redruth
91.9 BBC Radio 3, Redruth
102.2 Pirate FM, Caradon Hill
97.7 BBC Radio 1, North Hessary Tor
99.3 BBC Radio 1, Redruth
99.5 BBC Radio 1, Wenvoe
101.5 Classic FM, Redruth
100.3 Classic FM, Rowridge
89.3 BBC Radio 2, Haverfordwest
93.7 BBC Radio 4, Haverfordwest
97.1 BBC Radio 1, Les Platons
89.6 BBC Radio 2, Les Platons
91.1 BBC Radio 3, Les Platons
88.3 BBC Radio 3, Sutton Coldfield
92.7 BBC Radio 4, Sutton Coldfield
97.9 BBC Radio 1, Sutton Coldfield
100.1 Classic FM, Sutton Coldfield
101.1 Classic FM, Haverfordwest
101.7 Classic FM, Wenvoe
95.5 BBC Somerset, Mendip
94.8 BBC Radio 4, Les Platons
94.3 BBC Radio 4, Wenvoe
93.3 BBC Radio 4, Llangollen
91.5 BBC Radio 3, Haverfordwest
102.5 BBC Radio Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest
107.2 Newstalk 106-108, Mount Leinster
04-09-12 Morning: Southern England enhancement continuing to grow slightly, add ...
89.1 BBC Radio 2, Wrotham
04-09-12 Evening: SW England not so good but Spain returning into the small hours. Chiefly Galicia. Post sunrise: Only Gamoniteiro audible weakly.
100.4 Radio Nacional Galicia, Culluredo (GAL-O)
99.0 RNE R.3, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
98.5 UNID Spanish phone-in 0304
102.8 Radio Nacional Galicia, Monte Meda (GAL-OU)
106.4 Radio Principado De Asturias, Gamiteiro (AST-O)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the holiday progressed we realised we were missing our dogs more and more. So much so that we decided to curtail the holiday and make our way back home! Our plan now was to spend a week in Cornwall with the dogs.
We try to take our dogs with us most places, but we find that some people prefer to cross over the road to avoid walking past them, depending on where we are. The locals love them and only want to fuss them, which they really appreciate. When walking in a rough part of Glasgow with them recently we found that people only crossed the road to avoid us. That spoke volumes about the area we were in.
Sadly, after weeks of planning and researching we discovered that Rottweilers were classed as "Category 2 breed: Guard Dogs" in France and thus were not allowed on French camp sites. If it wasn't for a well-known web forum we would not have discovered this information. Well done tripadvisor.com! Their members were exceptionally helpful and pointed us to the appropriate website which explained all the rules concerning Rottweilers in France. Before doing this, we had emailed and phoned various government departments, embassies, European vetinary organisations and Rottweiler clubs, only to be passed around in a loop because they didn't know where Rottweilers were permitted. Our very own government department DEFRA hadn't a clue either. No surprises there.
Arriving at the camp site we promptly set up a simple receiving station, comprising a Sony XDR-F1HD and a Triax FM3, mounted on a telescopic mast at around five to six metres, so that it was above the caravan roof and clear of obstruction to the beach, which looks out over the Bay Of Biscay, just 200 metres away.
Perhaps I shouldn't give a big build-up to this report as nothing much was heard, typical of all my visits to Brittany in fact. We had expected more Spanish DX this time as the Hepburn tropo forecast looked good for this. Instead, we experienced more of a lift to the north, into south-west England. I don't wish to rubbish the DX potential of this location as I am fairly sure that conditions were not as forecast, but I have never experienced much in the way of Spanish DX from this location. Band 2 is fairly quiet at the best of times, but with careful searching and the occasional rise in conditions, it's mostly always been more distant Breton stations which come though. Maybe I have been unlucky. In contrast, I have to say that the French Land's End at the Point Du Raz, some 50 km to the north-west, was dramatically better for Spanish reception, even under apparently flat conditions. Despite this, the Pointe Du Raz does not seem to provide the same proliferation of Spanish signals experienced at the Cornish Land's End. I have been to both Land's Ends several times.
Here is the report, complete with notes to begin with. Unfortunately I lost interest with the note keeping and DXing as nothing much was heard after the 4th.
31-08-12
Poor late evening. A few Spanish transmitters at weak/noisy levels.
01-09-12
Slightly enhanced after sunrise. Some Spanish signals almost noise free. Nothing at RDS levels.
88.2 RNE Radio Clasica, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
88.9 Euskadi Irratia, Bilbao (PVA-BI)
89.5 RNE Radio Nacional Galicia, Xistral (GAL-LU)
90.5 RNE R.5 TN Oviedo, Boal (AST-O)
92.8 RNE R.5 TN Lugo, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
93.2 RNE RNE Radio Nacional Asturias, Boal (AST-O)
93.7 RNE R.5 TN Santiago, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
94.4 RNE R.3, Gamoniteiro (AST-O)
95.2 UNID YL talk 0954 (Likely Onda Cero, Oviedo (AST-O) Heard at Pointe Du Raz)
95.6 UNID Phone in 0956 (Likely Cadena SER, Lugo (GAL-LU) Heard at Pointe Du Raz)
96.3 RNE Radio Clasica, Galicia (GAL-LU)
96.9 RNE R Nacional Cantabria, Lierganes (CNT-S)
98.1 RNE Radio Clasica, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
99.0 RNE R.3, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
99.6 RNE R.3, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
101.7 RNE R Nacional Galicia, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
100.9 UNID News 1002 (Likely Radio Galega, Valga (GAL-PO))
102.5 RNE Radio Nacional Asturias, Gamoniteiro (AST-O)
102.7 esRadio, unlisted site
102.9 RNE R.3, Lierganes (CNT-S)
103.1 RNE Radio Nacional Galicia, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
103.7 Radio Galega, Monte Paramo (GAL-LU)
104.2 RNE R.3, Xistral (GAL-LU)
104.4 RNE R.5 TN Oviedo, Gamoniteiro (AST-O)
104.8 Likely Radio Galega, Monte Meda (GAL-OU)
105.0 RNE R.5 TN Santander, Lierganes (CNT-S)
01-09-12 Evening: Disappointing. Only Gamoniteiro heard extremely weakly and barely recognisable in the noise. SW England enhanced with North Hessary Tor and Redruth at one bar.
02-09-12 Morning: Rubbish! As 01-09-12 evening.
UK nationals Rowridge and a presumed Haverfordwest received via scatter.
02-09-12 Evening: Spanish? Where? I can't hear any.
03-09-12 Morning: Yawn! Even semi-local French stations are down in strength. SW England with some enhancement though.
03-09-12 Evening: Still no sign of Spain but SW England and The English Midlands coming in well. North Hessary Tor RDSing with two bars.
107.0 Heart, Redruth
95.2 RTE Lyric FM, Clermont Carn
95.2 BBC Radio Cornwall, Caradon Hill
94.3 BBC Radio 4, Wenvoe
92.1 BBC Radio 3, Wenvoe
92.5 BBC Radio 4, North Hessary Tor
90.3 BBC Radio 3, North Hessary Tor
88.1 BBC Radio 2, North Hessary Tor
100.0 Classic FM, North Hessary Tor
102.8 Pirate FM, Redruth
89.7 BBC Radio 2, Redruth
91.9 BBC Radio 3, Redruth
102.2 Pirate FM, Caradon Hill
97.7 BBC Radio 1, North Hessary Tor
99.3 BBC Radio 1, Redruth
99.5 BBC Radio 1, Wenvoe
101.5 Classic FM, Redruth
100.3 Classic FM, Rowridge
89.3 BBC Radio 2, Haverfordwest
93.7 BBC Radio 4, Haverfordwest
97.1 BBC Radio 1, Les Platons
89.6 BBC Radio 2, Les Platons
91.1 BBC Radio 3, Les Platons
88.3 BBC Radio 3, Sutton Coldfield
92.7 BBC Radio 4, Sutton Coldfield
97.9 BBC Radio 1, Sutton Coldfield
100.1 Classic FM, Sutton Coldfield
101.1 Classic FM, Haverfordwest
101.7 Classic FM, Wenvoe
95.5 BBC Somerset, Mendip
94.8 BBC Radio 4, Les Platons
94.3 BBC Radio 4, Wenvoe
93.3 BBC Radio 4, Llangollen
91.5 BBC Radio 3, Haverfordwest
102.5 BBC Radio Pembrokeshire, Haverfordwest
107.2 Newstalk 106-108, Mount Leinster
04-09-12 Morning: Southern England enhancement continuing to grow slightly, add ...
89.1 BBC Radio 2, Wrotham
04-09-12 Evening: SW England not so good but Spain returning into the small hours. Chiefly Galicia. Post sunrise: Only Gamoniteiro audible weakly.
100.4 Radio Nacional Galicia, Culluredo (GAL-O)
99.0 RNE R.3, Santiago De Compostela (GAL-O)
98.5 UNID Spanish phone-in 0304
102.8 Radio Nacional Galicia, Monte Meda (GAL-OU)
106.4 Radio Principado De Asturias, Gamiteiro (AST-O)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As the holiday progressed we realised we were missing our dogs more and more. So much so that we decided to curtail the holiday and make our way back home! Our plan now was to spend a week in Cornwall with the dogs.
Friday, 24 August 2012
Elitism In The Hobby
Elitism? In Our Hobby? Surely not?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines "Elite" thus:
"noun: a group of people considered to be superior in a particular society or organization: the country’s educated elite"
I prefer The Free Dictionary's definition:
"The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favoured treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources."
I hate elitist attitudes and snobbery of all kinds and it seems it exists in our hobby too. While such attitudes are often considered par for the course in some amateur radio circles, I was surprised to find it tucked away in a little corner of our hobby. Those with common sense will know that there is good and bad in all walks of life, but we are probably all guilty of a little snobbery to some degree. We're all human and have opinions, but when these have a detrimental effect on the hobby and particularly to newcomers, I feel that something needs to be said. We should stand up against bullies and those who feel they are somehow superior to others.
An antipodean DX forum recently made sweeping statements about the SkywavesDX FM forum and its members, pointing some rather unsavoury fingers, accusing the membership of being parochial and making "excessive noise" in forum posts. We may have our niche interests and foibles, but, as polite as the tone of the message seemed when first read, it clearly dug deeply into the running of the group and the personalities of some members, leaving a very bitter taste in the mouth.
The person in question (I am unsure if he is a co-owner or moderator) who made this cruel attack, skilfully worded the post so it came across as a well-meaning message, yet it was highly critical of those lesser mortals who struggled to receive anything 'even half-decent' Snobbery there, perhaps? It also suggested that these novice barbarians were holding back the real enthusiasts. This is not the first time this person has been highly critical of Skywaves.
We have to ask the question, was SkywavesDX really deserving of this assessment? Well, whether it was or not, it was just plain wrong for them to have made such a post in the first instance. People can be so judgmental. He is one of the main faces of that forum, yet he is obviously unable to see the damage he is doing to it. This person has caused such a stir in the world of broadcast DXing lately that he has actually succeeded in deterring newcomers to the hobby and even making those established members give it up and sell their equipment it would seem (there is documented evidence of this) and he actually forced a member to close down his radio blog. This man is only alienating himself. He is highly critical of those who are not in the same privileged position as himself. He actually stated that DXers who didn't have high end receivers and towering aerial arrays should not be taken seriously and should leave the hobby.
The same man even suggested starting a European FM DX forum for beginners so they could receive the correct guidance.
My feelings about this are so strong that I felt that this matter could not be swept under the carpet. Normally one could laugh off such snobbery, but it became clear that this bickering was having quite a detrimental effect on the hobby and some of its aficionados.
Who am I to speak out? Well, I have always been one of those people who speaks his mind and I admit that I don't always do it tactfully. I don't have the 'gift of the gab', but I will shout loudly if I feel something is unfair. Most of us have hobbies of one form or another. Some of us like to follow our local football team, others follow their favourite TV soaps or pop groups. These are all interests, no matter how big or small, but the fact is that they are almost always more fun when you share them with others. Also, there is nothing to be gained from withholding helpful DX tips and useful information and there are huge benefits when you pass these on to others. Sadly, there will always be those highly competitive members who want to keep everything to themselves. Of course, they are perfectly entitled to do so if they wish, but what a shame that is. Personally, I find these people a little obnoxious, but each to their own.
The great thing about our radio hobby is that we all start off on an equal playing field. A good friend and fellow DXer occasionally reminds me that propagation is simply an act of nature over which we have no control. We are at its mercy and there is no telling what it will do and who it will affect next. It can be very localised or it can affect large areas. It has predictable and unpredictable qualities and it these are accessible to all of us. Attaching elitism to any hobby is just ridiculous. Compare to fishing for instance: Do you stand a better chance of getting the big catch if you have a bigger rod and some prime bait? Of course not. That doesn't tell you where the fish are. Even smaller rods can pull in big catches than that guy with the expensive fishing gear. It's just about being in the right place at the right time. Anybody can catch the big one.
One of the greatest gifts in this hobby is the ability to help newcomers and I would urge all those who share our fascinating hobby to do just that: Offer useful tips and guidelines; Share your experiences; Alert others to DX events whenever possible. You can do this individually or in your club or society. Why on earth would anybody in their right mind want to cast certain members of the DX community aside and tell them are not be welcomed if they don't achieve certain minimum distances in their logbooks or they have less than 15 elements on a tower, which must be at a minimum height of 40 metres? (It's true. It's been stated!) There is nothing wrong with trying to raise standards and wanting to do better, but don't leave those less fortunate out in the cold.
So far, I have avoided mentioning names and I really do not wish to 'out' the culprits, but I will mention names if this gross unfairness continues.
The Oxford English Dictionary defines "Elite" thus:
"noun: a group of people considered to be superior in a particular society or organization: the country’s educated elite"
I prefer The Free Dictionary's definition:
"The belief that certain persons or members of certain classes or groups deserve favoured treatment by virtue of their perceived superiority, as in intellect, social status, or financial resources."
I hate elitist attitudes and snobbery of all kinds and it seems it exists in our hobby too. While such attitudes are often considered par for the course in some amateur radio circles, I was surprised to find it tucked away in a little corner of our hobby. Those with common sense will know that there is good and bad in all walks of life, but we are probably all guilty of a little snobbery to some degree. We're all human and have opinions, but when these have a detrimental effect on the hobby and particularly to newcomers, I feel that something needs to be said. We should stand up against bullies and those who feel they are somehow superior to others.
An antipodean DX forum recently made sweeping statements about the SkywavesDX FM forum and its members, pointing some rather unsavoury fingers, accusing the membership of being parochial and making "excessive noise" in forum posts. We may have our niche interests and foibles, but, as polite as the tone of the message seemed when first read, it clearly dug deeply into the running of the group and the personalities of some members, leaving a very bitter taste in the mouth.
The person in question (I am unsure if he is a co-owner or moderator) who made this cruel attack, skilfully worded the post so it came across as a well-meaning message, yet it was highly critical of those lesser mortals who struggled to receive anything 'even half-decent' Snobbery there, perhaps? It also suggested that these novice barbarians were holding back the real enthusiasts. This is not the first time this person has been highly critical of Skywaves.
We have to ask the question, was SkywavesDX really deserving of this assessment? Well, whether it was or not, it was just plain wrong for them to have made such a post in the first instance. People can be so judgmental. He is one of the main faces of that forum, yet he is obviously unable to see the damage he is doing to it. This person has caused such a stir in the world of broadcast DXing lately that he has actually succeeded in deterring newcomers to the hobby and even making those established members give it up and sell their equipment it would seem (there is documented evidence of this) and he actually forced a member to close down his radio blog. This man is only alienating himself. He is highly critical of those who are not in the same privileged position as himself. He actually stated that DXers who didn't have high end receivers and towering aerial arrays should not be taken seriously and should leave the hobby.
The same man even suggested starting a European FM DX forum for beginners so they could receive the correct guidance.
My feelings about this are so strong that I felt that this matter could not be swept under the carpet. Normally one could laugh off such snobbery, but it became clear that this bickering was having quite a detrimental effect on the hobby and some of its aficionados.
Who am I to speak out? Well, I have always been one of those people who speaks his mind and I admit that I don't always do it tactfully. I don't have the 'gift of the gab', but I will shout loudly if I feel something is unfair. Most of us have hobbies of one form or another. Some of us like to follow our local football team, others follow their favourite TV soaps or pop groups. These are all interests, no matter how big or small, but the fact is that they are almost always more fun when you share them with others. Also, there is nothing to be gained from withholding helpful DX tips and useful information and there are huge benefits when you pass these on to others. Sadly, there will always be those highly competitive members who want to keep everything to themselves. Of course, they are perfectly entitled to do so if they wish, but what a shame that is. Personally, I find these people a little obnoxious, but each to their own.
The great thing about our radio hobby is that we all start off on an equal playing field. A good friend and fellow DXer occasionally reminds me that propagation is simply an act of nature over which we have no control. We are at its mercy and there is no telling what it will do and who it will affect next. It can be very localised or it can affect large areas. It has predictable and unpredictable qualities and it these are accessible to all of us. Attaching elitism to any hobby is just ridiculous. Compare to fishing for instance: Do you stand a better chance of getting the big catch if you have a bigger rod and some prime bait? Of course not. That doesn't tell you where the fish are. Even smaller rods can pull in big catches than that guy with the expensive fishing gear. It's just about being in the right place at the right time. Anybody can catch the big one.
One of the greatest gifts in this hobby is the ability to help newcomers and I would urge all those who share our fascinating hobby to do just that: Offer useful tips and guidelines; Share your experiences; Alert others to DX events whenever possible. You can do this individually or in your club or society. Why on earth would anybody in their right mind want to cast certain members of the DX community aside and tell them are not be welcomed if they don't achieve certain minimum distances in their logbooks or they have less than 15 elements on a tower, which must be at a minimum height of 40 metres? (It's true. It's been stated!) There is nothing wrong with trying to raise standards and wanting to do better, but don't leave those less fortunate out in the cold.
So far, I have avoided mentioning names and I really do not wish to 'out' the culprits, but I will mention names if this gross unfairness continues.
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Tropo > Spain, Brittany, Holland & Belgium Continues
The Hepburn forecast predicted that conditions would move towards Scandinavia in the morning but that didn't happen. Instead, conditions continued into Brittany, although they weren't as good as on the 18th, yet Lierganes was heard briefly and with a very weak signal on 105.0 just after midnight.
I hope it's not too long before I see a return to Breton tropo as this part of France has been lacking here on the east coast. Even Spanish tropo has been more frequent here!
Tropospheric:
107.6 0946 BEL Hit FM, Bornem/Fort (vlg-ant) Jingle ID ands pops 353 km
87.6 0951 F RMC, Le Havre/Harfleur (76) Phone correspondent, as web 406 km **
107.1 0959 F France Bleu 107.1, Paris/Tour Eiffel (75) Phone in, as web 497 km
107.4 1039 G Leisure FM, Coggeshall/Pattiswick (EN-ESX) OM and oldies, as web stream 142 km
** Personal Skegness 'First'
I hope it's not too long before I see a return to Breton tropo as this part of France has been lacking here on the east coast. Even Spanish tropo has been more frequent here!
Tropospheric:
107.6 0946 BEL Hit FM, Bornem/Fort (vlg-ant) Jingle ID ands pops 353 km
87.6 0951 F RMC, Le Havre/Harfleur (76) Phone correspondent, as web 406 km **
107.1 0959 F France Bleu 107.1, Paris/Tour Eiffel (75) Phone in, as web 497 km
107.4 1039 G Leisure FM, Coggeshall/Pattiswick (EN-ESX) OM and oldies, as web stream 142 km
** Personal Skegness 'First'
Tropo > Spain, Brittany, Holland & Belgium
Before moving to the east coast I had expected Spain would be a rarity here, if it was ever going to be received at all. After all, this is the east coast and the sea path goes off in the wrong direction completely. How wrong I was in my assumption!
Today's tropo opening just produced Lierganes on 102.9 & 105.0 - probably the two easiest frequencies. Signals almost peaked noise-free for a time.
Brittany also put in a appearance and even gave results from low powered stations. Here is the full log:
Tropospheric:
105.0 0840 E RNE R.5 TN, Liérganes/Peña Cabarga (CNT-S) Phone-in, as web stream 1128 km
87.9 0848 F France Culture, Parthenay/les Chateliers (79) OM, as web stream 712 km
89.2 0851 F France Culture, Cherbourg-Octeville/Digosville (50) OM as 89.0 413 km
90.6 0852 F France Inter, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) Serious OM, as web stream 675 km
91.0 0853 F France Musique, Alençon/Mont d'Amain (61) Classical music, as 88.7 498 km
91.4 0854 F France Culture, Angers/Rochefort-sur-Loire (49) OM interview, as web 650 km
92.1 0855 F France Musique, Laval-Evron/Mont Rochard (53) Clasical music, as 92.0 550 km
92.2 0855 F France Musique, Tours/Chissay [41] (37) Clasical music, as 92.0 646 km
93.2 0856 F France Inter, Angers/Rochefort-sur-Loire (49) Same serious OM, as others 650 km
93.8 0856 F France Musique, Sens/Gisy-les-Nobles (89) Clasical music, as 92.0 577 km
94.2 0857 F France Culture, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) OMs discussion, as 98.0 675 km
94.6 0857 F France Inter, Chartres/Montlandon (28) Same serious OM, as others 531 km
94.9 0858 G BBC London 94.9, London/Crystal Palace (EN-GTL) Talk, as web 194 km
95.1 0900 F France Inter, Laval-Evron/Mont Rochard (53) ID and news 550 km
98.1 0907 F France Culture, Chartres/Montlandon (28) OM, as 98.0 531 km
102.9 0909 E RNE R.3, Liérganes/Peña Cabarga (CNT-S) Almost noise free 1128 km
100.7 0915 F France Bleu Cotentin, Cherbourg-Octeville/Digosville (50) BLEU.COT RDS on XDR! 413 km
87.8 0927 F Radio Courtoisie, Cherbourg-Octeville (50) OM talking, as web stream 414 km
93.7 0930 F Contact, Montreuil/le Bois-de-Sel 2 (62) Dance music, as web stream 302 km
102.6 0934 F France Bleu Basse Normandie, Caen/Mont Pinçon (14) BLEU.B.N Solid 3 bars! 469 km
101.6 0947 F NRJ, Flers/la Chapelle-Biche (61) Pops and jingle ID 498 km **
99.9 0950 F France Inter, Tours/Chissay [41] (37) YL and OM, as web stream 646 km
105.0 0952 F France Bleu Touraine, Tours/Chissay [41] (37) OM, as web stream 646 km
89.9 1017 F France Musique, Rennes/Saint-Pern (35) Jazz, as web stream 564 km
97.4 1022 F France Musique, Angers/Rochefort-sur-Loire (49) French OM, as web stream 650 km
97.8 1024 F France Culture, Tours/Chissay [41] (37) Definitely Tours. As 8.0 646 km **
106.0 1039 G 106 Jack FM, Chillerton Down (EN-IOW) Jacks World Of Sport 300 km
101.6 1118 F France Bleu Haute Normandie, Neufchâtel-en-Bray/Croixdalle (76) YL, as web 381 km
88.0 1520 G Real Radio, Wrexham-Rhos (WA-WRE) Pops, as web stream. Scatter 225 km
100.9 1523 IRL Today FM, Kippure (wic) Irish sports commentary 443 km
91.3 1538 IRL RTÉ 2 FM, Kippure (wic) Stay with 2FM 443 km
91.8 1539 IRL RTÉ 2 FM, Mount Leinster (car) 90 to 92, 2FM ID 480 km
91.2 1542 F Contact, Abbeville/Behen Blockhaus (80) Dance music, as web stream 358 km
107.4 1915 F Europe 1, Granville/château d'eau (50) Football commentary, as web stream 505 km **
107.0 1916 F Skyrock, Granville/château d'eau (50) Ads and ID 505 km **
87.7 2029 F RCF, Dieppe/la Côte Enragée (76) Choral chants, as web stream 364 km **
87.8 2031 F Décibel, Dinan/Barrière (22) Sombre French song, as web stream 550 km **
91.8 2038 F Fun Radio, Saint-Malo/Dinard (35) Club beats, as web stream 531 km **
92.6 2044 G Radio Verulam, Saint Albans (EN-HTS) ID and song by Starbuck 162 km
90.6 2130 F France Inter, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) Clanking pots and pans, as web 675 km
89.8 2214 F France Musique, Abbeville/Limeux (80) Strange music, as web stream 364 km
96.7 2219 G Heart Hampshire and West Sussex, Crabwood Farm (EN-HPS) Pops, as others 259 km
97.5 2220 G Heart Hampshire and West Sussex, Fort Widley (EN-HPS) Pops, as others 272 km
101.8 2221 F France Bleu Loire Océan, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) Oldies, as web 675 km
87.9 2224 G Ramadan FM, Milton Keynes Prayers, as web stream
95.0 2311 F MFM Radio, Dinan/le Clos Gastel (22) Jennifer Lopez track, as web stream 550 km **
97.5 2314 G Conscious FM, London pirate Jamaican promos & ID **
99.0 2322 F Radio Bonheur, Lannion/Park Crec'h (22) Vocal ID in promo 557 km **
100.6 2327 F France Bleu Picardie, Abbeville/Limeux (80) Euro disco, as web stream 364 km
101.0 2329 F Tendance Ouest, Saint-Lô/les Romains (50) Disco tune, as web stream 456 km **
103.4 2334 F Fun Radio, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) Banging techno, as web stream 675 km **
107.0 2339 G Heart - South West, Redruth (EN-CNW) Heart Club Classics 503 km
107.3 2343 F BFM Business, Brest/Lescaouidic (29) Business talk, as web 629 km **
107.9 2349 F RMC, Audierne/Plouhinec (29) OMs talking and laughing, as web stream 665 km **
** Personal Skegness 'First'
Today's tropo opening just produced Lierganes on 102.9 & 105.0 - probably the two easiest frequencies. Signals almost peaked noise-free for a time.
Brittany also put in a appearance and even gave results from low powered stations. Here is the full log:
Tropospheric:
105.0 0840 E RNE R.5 TN, Liérganes/Peña Cabarga (CNT-S) Phone-in, as web stream 1128 km
87.9 0848 F France Culture, Parthenay/les Chateliers (79) OM, as web stream 712 km
89.2 0851 F France Culture, Cherbourg-Octeville/Digosville (50) OM as 89.0 413 km
90.6 0852 F France Inter, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) Serious OM, as web stream 675 km
91.0 0853 F France Musique, Alençon/Mont d'Amain (61) Classical music, as 88.7 498 km
91.4 0854 F France Culture, Angers/Rochefort-sur-Loire (49) OM interview, as web 650 km
92.1 0855 F France Musique, Laval-Evron/Mont Rochard (53) Clasical music, as 92.0 550 km
92.2 0855 F France Musique, Tours/Chissay [41] (37) Clasical music, as 92.0 646 km
93.2 0856 F France Inter, Angers/Rochefort-sur-Loire (49) Same serious OM, as others 650 km
93.8 0856 F France Musique, Sens/Gisy-les-Nobles (89) Clasical music, as 92.0 577 km
94.2 0857 F France Culture, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) OMs discussion, as 98.0 675 km
94.6 0857 F France Inter, Chartres/Montlandon (28) Same serious OM, as others 531 km
94.9 0858 G BBC London 94.9, London/Crystal Palace (EN-GTL) Talk, as web 194 km
95.1 0900 F France Inter, Laval-Evron/Mont Rochard (53) ID and news 550 km
98.1 0907 F France Culture, Chartres/Montlandon (28) OM, as 98.0 531 km
102.9 0909 E RNE R.3, Liérganes/Peña Cabarga (CNT-S) Almost noise free 1128 km
100.7 0915 F France Bleu Cotentin, Cherbourg-Octeville/Digosville (50) BLEU.COT RDS on XDR! 413 km
87.8 0927 F Radio Courtoisie, Cherbourg-Octeville (50) OM talking, as web stream 414 km
93.7 0930 F Contact, Montreuil/le Bois-de-Sel 2 (62) Dance music, as web stream 302 km
102.6 0934 F France Bleu Basse Normandie, Caen/Mont Pinçon (14) BLEU.B.N Solid 3 bars! 469 km
101.6 0947 F NRJ, Flers/la Chapelle-Biche (61) Pops and jingle ID 498 km **
99.9 0950 F France Inter, Tours/Chissay [41] (37) YL and OM, as web stream 646 km
105.0 0952 F France Bleu Touraine, Tours/Chissay [41] (37) OM, as web stream 646 km
89.9 1017 F France Musique, Rennes/Saint-Pern (35) Jazz, as web stream 564 km
97.4 1022 F France Musique, Angers/Rochefort-sur-Loire (49) French OM, as web stream 650 km
97.8 1024 F France Culture, Tours/Chissay [41] (37) Definitely Tours. As 8.0 646 km **
106.0 1039 G 106 Jack FM, Chillerton Down (EN-IOW) Jacks World Of Sport 300 km
101.6 1118 F France Bleu Haute Normandie, Neufchâtel-en-Bray/Croixdalle (76) YL, as web 381 km
88.0 1520 G Real Radio, Wrexham-Rhos (WA-WRE) Pops, as web stream. Scatter 225 km
100.9 1523 IRL Today FM, Kippure (wic) Irish sports commentary 443 km
91.3 1538 IRL RTÉ 2 FM, Kippure (wic) Stay with 2FM 443 km
91.8 1539 IRL RTÉ 2 FM, Mount Leinster (car) 90 to 92, 2FM ID 480 km
91.2 1542 F Contact, Abbeville/Behen Blockhaus (80) Dance music, as web stream 358 km
107.4 1915 F Europe 1, Granville/château d'eau (50) Football commentary, as web stream 505 km **
107.0 1916 F Skyrock, Granville/château d'eau (50) Ads and ID 505 km **
87.7 2029 F RCF, Dieppe/la Côte Enragée (76) Choral chants, as web stream 364 km **
87.8 2031 F Décibel, Dinan/Barrière (22) Sombre French song, as web stream 550 km **
91.8 2038 F Fun Radio, Saint-Malo/Dinard (35) Club beats, as web stream 531 km **
92.6 2044 G Radio Verulam, Saint Albans (EN-HTS) ID and song by Starbuck 162 km
90.6 2130 F France Inter, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) Clanking pots and pans, as web 675 km
89.8 2214 F France Musique, Abbeville/Limeux (80) Strange music, as web stream 364 km
96.7 2219 G Heart Hampshire and West Sussex, Crabwood Farm (EN-HPS) Pops, as others 259 km
97.5 2220 G Heart Hampshire and West Sussex, Fort Widley (EN-HPS) Pops, as others 272 km
101.8 2221 F France Bleu Loire Océan, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) Oldies, as web 675 km
87.9 2224 G Ramadan FM, Milton Keynes Prayers, as web stream
95.0 2311 F MFM Radio, Dinan/le Clos Gastel (22) Jennifer Lopez track, as web stream 550 km **
97.5 2314 G Conscious FM, London pirate Jamaican promos & ID **
99.0 2322 F Radio Bonheur, Lannion/Park Crec'h (22) Vocal ID in promo 557 km **
100.6 2327 F France Bleu Picardie, Abbeville/Limeux (80) Euro disco, as web stream 364 km
101.0 2329 F Tendance Ouest, Saint-Lô/les Romains (50) Disco tune, as web stream 456 km **
103.4 2334 F Fun Radio, Nantes/Haute-Goulaine (44) Banging techno, as web stream 675 km **
107.0 2339 G Heart - South West, Redruth (EN-CNW) Heart Club Classics 503 km
107.3 2343 F BFM Business, Brest/Lescaouidic (29) Business talk, as web 629 km **
107.9 2349 F RMC, Audierne/Plouhinec (29) OMs talking and laughing, as web stream 665 km **
** Personal Skegness 'First'
Saturday, 18 August 2012
Welcome To My Blog!
My blog begins on the hottest day of the year so far - Saturday 18th August 2012. It's 32 degrees in the shade and I am trying to keep cool (as opposed to "be cool", which I am almost certainly not).
I am new to the Blogosphere (what an awful word), despite having had the occasional play with Blogger over the last few years. I decided it was time to make a start and capture my life-long hobby in the Blogger time-capsule for all posterity. (Anyway, I'm fed up paying through the nose for having this information hosted elsewhere!)
Some pages will appear before this entry as I will add a few older bits and pieces of radio related information.
While radio is the main concern here I know that other off-topic aspects of people's daily lives tend to appear in their own blogs, so I am sure I will be no different, however, I plan to concentrate mostly on radio matters.
Comments will always be welcome.
Happy reading!
I am new to the Blogosphere (what an awful word), despite having had the occasional play with Blogger over the last few years. I decided it was time to make a start and capture my life-long hobby in the Blogger time-capsule for all posterity. (Anyway, I'm fed up paying through the nose for having this information hosted elsewhere!)
Some pages will appear before this entry as I will add a few older bits and pieces of radio related information.
While radio is the main concern here I know that other off-topic aspects of people's daily lives tend to appear in their own blogs, so I am sure I will be no different, however, I plan to concentrate mostly on radio matters.
Comments will always be welcome.
Happy reading!
Monday, 9 July 2012
A Very Flat Bandscan!
What does the FM band sound like in Skegness?
This video shows a scan across band 2 under 'less than flat' conditions and demonstrates how empty the band can be here on Lincolnshire's Lindsey Coast. My FM5 was beaming approximately 150 degrees (slightly south of south-east) which would normally give me the best range of continental signals via scatter. The continental stations listed in the video are usually received much better than this.
Monday, 9 April 2012
Planning Permission / Neighbours
We are not experts in this field but we recently ran into a few problems with our neighbours who were convinced that our FM5 (receive only) aerials were causing interference to their digital TV. They submitted a complaint to the local housing association who then demanded that we take down our aerials. We didn't have planning permission and they even said that this would not have happened had they not received any complaints. They were clearly aware that the aerials had been there for more than a year. This was a great disappointment, not to mention a complete surprise as our neighbours had always been fine with our radio hobby. Suddenly, we felt that we had lost our life-long hobby, so we hurriedly put in an official application for permission to re-erect the aerials. Thankfully, this was granted in under two weeks! The whole experience has taught us a lot about some of the 'dos and donts' of planning permission relating to aerials.
To fill you in with the basics, our accommodation is rented from a housing association. My partner is disabled and we live in a disable-adapted bungalow. We are in the fortunate position of living right on the edge of town, our garden facing the sun and overlooking miles of flat, open countryside in the Fenland region of England. We only have neighbours on one side and, as mentioned above, they never had any problems with the erection of the various aerials we have used over the last 18 months or so.
It is well-known that we live in a poor signal area and there is an ongoing campaign to get a low power digital TV relay for the Skegness area. Loft tiles are notorious for reducing signal levels at VHF frequencies and higher. While our FM5 aerials are receive-only, you can understand how the less technically informed would make an incorrect assumption that our strange-looking aerials and rotators might be a source of interference.
For more than a year, we had two Triax FM5 beams, fitted with Fringe Electronics) pre-amps (which really made the difference to very weak signals, often dragging them out of the noise where they would not have been audible without them!). We also had two other masts for amateur radio use. One had two nine element beams (horizontal and vertical, just as the FM5s) while the other had a three metre beam for 6m. We also used various other aerials from time to time, including a Sandpiper MV10 and a vertical whip for 10m. I never dare bring out the beast - my four element 10m beam. Now THAT would have been a potent aerial for this sunspot cycle. All the aerials used rotators so the neighbours would have been aware that these aerials would turn around from time to time.
During the beginning of the summer E season we were suddenly made aware that our immediate neighbours were getting breakthrough on their home cinema system (not on the TV itself) when using 2m FM! Even when we used one watt of power! We checked the connections and the SWR across the bands and everything was in order. Coax cables were mostly buried underground. Without wishing to sound discourteous, it is generally accepted that most interference issues result from the person who is receiving the interference as opposed to the ham who is transmitting. For the benefit of any reader who is not a radio ham, all hams have to study and pass a series of technical exams which focus on subjects such as aerial theory, operating procedures, circuitry relating to amateur radio which includes basic electronics and transmitter interference - ensuring that they fully understand how to avoid causing interference. Fact: transmitting in the amateur radio bands should not cause interference to other services if it is installed correctly. Most of the time the problems are caused by broken cables in the neighbour's properties, poorly screened television equipment or just cables which are so long that they resonate and act as receiving aerials.
So back to planning matters: Our housing association describe themselves as "very strict but very fair" and they clearly did not have a problem with our aerials. They have known about them ever since we moved here 18 months ago and actually told us they would not have asked us to remove them had there not been a complaint, so they are then forced to investigate and act accordingly. They agreed that we weren't causing a nuisance. They had been doing their research however and knew we were radio hams and even knew our callsigns.
Because of the complaint we were ordered to remove the mast and all aerials and told to apply for planning permission. They said that the aerials would never be allowed on the garden again and that all aerial structures are strictly to be attached to the property, should permission be granted. They must be erected by a CAI approved installer. We later found that a CAI-qualified installer was 'preferred' but not absolutely necessary. It's all about safety which is completely understandable. The installation should be 'safe' and would be inspected after installation.
Now, please note that our housing association is classed as a private landlord. Had this been a council house matter things would have been different and, as we understand it, councils may appear to be more lenient when it comes to granting permission for amateur radio structures. Local councils have to stick to set rules and guidelines. The procedure is longer and can be costly. The private landlord are legally able to make up their own rules and enforce them. Obtaining permission from a housing association may involve a simple phone call or a written letter with detailed photographs and product information, etc. No fees are involved. Permission is usually granted in a month or so (the first application took less than two weeks to be approved) and is given in writing, detailing the relevant conditions.
It is possible to go directly to the council to ask for planning permission even if you live in housing association accommodation. But even if the council grant permission, the housing association can still refuse permissions as they have the final say.
Most hams and radio enthusiasts I know have never applied for any kind of planning permission. It may be more trouble than it is worth if you are only intending to erect a simple aerial or two. Basically, just stick them up and hope that nobody complains. You SHOULD be OK, providing you aren't intending to erect something the size of Belmont. Consider the relevant safety aspects, etc.
It is highly unlikely that permission to erect a general FM band 2 aerial will be refused. This is almost considered as a basic human right since you are paying your licence fees and have the right to be able to receive clear reception of BBC services, etc. It would be unreasonable for a private landlord to refuse this.
Another key point in getting written permission for a rooftop aerial is "start small" and then apply for something bigger. I have now spoken to several planning officers, private and commercial and they all agree on this. Some amateurs suggested to us that we should go straight to the top and ask for a tower system with several aerials, assuming that permission would be granted to use at least 'some' of them. This is not a good idea. The planning officers themselves have told us this.
Our housing association have told us that, should neighbours complain about our aerials, they would ask us to take them down immediately. I explained that this was unfair and that this would result in me having to remove the aerials should one neighbour lodge a complaint. They could not possibly cause interference. I pointed out that it was the job of OFCOM to investigate interference issues and not the housing association. Thankfully, they took this on board and added a clause to their permissions letter explaining certain complaints in the future would need to be passed to OFCOM.
An interesting point to conclude: As many hams know, while private landlords and housing associations can tell you to remove your aerials, only one person has the right to actually demand that you cease your amateur radio transmissions. The housing association cannot do this. Your local council cannot do this. Not even the police can do this. Legally, only a representative from OFCOM has the power to force you to cease transmissions.
To fill you in with the basics, our accommodation is rented from a housing association. My partner is disabled and we live in a disable-adapted bungalow. We are in the fortunate position of living right on the edge of town, our garden facing the sun and overlooking miles of flat, open countryside in the Fenland region of England. We only have neighbours on one side and, as mentioned above, they never had any problems with the erection of the various aerials we have used over the last 18 months or so.
It is well-known that we live in a poor signal area and there is an ongoing campaign to get a low power digital TV relay for the Skegness area. Loft tiles are notorious for reducing signal levels at VHF frequencies and higher. While our FM5 aerials are receive-only, you can understand how the less technically informed would make an incorrect assumption that our strange-looking aerials and rotators might be a source of interference.
For more than a year, we had two Triax FM5 beams, fitted with Fringe Electronics) pre-amps (which really made the difference to very weak signals, often dragging them out of the noise where they would not have been audible without them!). We also had two other masts for amateur radio use. One had two nine element beams (horizontal and vertical, just as the FM5s) while the other had a three metre beam for 6m. We also used various other aerials from time to time, including a Sandpiper MV10 and a vertical whip for 10m. I never dare bring out the beast - my four element 10m beam. Now THAT would have been a potent aerial for this sunspot cycle. All the aerials used rotators so the neighbours would have been aware that these aerials would turn around from time to time.
During the beginning of the summer E season we were suddenly made aware that our immediate neighbours were getting breakthrough on their home cinema system (not on the TV itself) when using 2m FM! Even when we used one watt of power! We checked the connections and the SWR across the bands and everything was in order. Coax cables were mostly buried underground. Without wishing to sound discourteous, it is generally accepted that most interference issues result from the person who is receiving the interference as opposed to the ham who is transmitting. For the benefit of any reader who is not a radio ham, all hams have to study and pass a series of technical exams which focus on subjects such as aerial theory, operating procedures, circuitry relating to amateur radio which includes basic electronics and transmitter interference - ensuring that they fully understand how to avoid causing interference. Fact: transmitting in the amateur radio bands should not cause interference to other services if it is installed correctly. Most of the time the problems are caused by broken cables in the neighbour's properties, poorly screened television equipment or just cables which are so long that they resonate and act as receiving aerials.
So back to planning matters: Our housing association describe themselves as "very strict but very fair" and they clearly did not have a problem with our aerials. They have known about them ever since we moved here 18 months ago and actually told us they would not have asked us to remove them had there not been a complaint, so they are then forced to investigate and act accordingly. They agreed that we weren't causing a nuisance. They had been doing their research however and knew we were radio hams and even knew our callsigns.
Because of the complaint we were ordered to remove the mast and all aerials and told to apply for planning permission. They said that the aerials would never be allowed on the garden again and that all aerial structures are strictly to be attached to the property, should permission be granted. They must be erected by a CAI approved installer. We later found that a CAI-qualified installer was 'preferred' but not absolutely necessary. It's all about safety which is completely understandable. The installation should be 'safe' and would be inspected after installation.
Now, please note that our housing association is classed as a private landlord. Had this been a council house matter things would have been different and, as we understand it, councils may appear to be more lenient when it comes to granting permission for amateur radio structures. Local councils have to stick to set rules and guidelines. The procedure is longer and can be costly. The private landlord are legally able to make up their own rules and enforce them. Obtaining permission from a housing association may involve a simple phone call or a written letter with detailed photographs and product information, etc. No fees are involved. Permission is usually granted in a month or so (the first application took less than two weeks to be approved) and is given in writing, detailing the relevant conditions.
It is possible to go directly to the council to ask for planning permission even if you live in housing association accommodation. But even if the council grant permission, the housing association can still refuse permissions as they have the final say.
Most hams and radio enthusiasts I know have never applied for any kind of planning permission. It may be more trouble than it is worth if you are only intending to erect a simple aerial or two. Basically, just stick them up and hope that nobody complains. You SHOULD be OK, providing you aren't intending to erect something the size of Belmont. Consider the relevant safety aspects, etc.
It is highly unlikely that permission to erect a general FM band 2 aerial will be refused. This is almost considered as a basic human right since you are paying your licence fees and have the right to be able to receive clear reception of BBC services, etc. It would be unreasonable for a private landlord to refuse this.
Another key point in getting written permission for a rooftop aerial is "start small" and then apply for something bigger. I have now spoken to several planning officers, private and commercial and they all agree on this. Some amateurs suggested to us that we should go straight to the top and ask for a tower system with several aerials, assuming that permission would be granted to use at least 'some' of them. This is not a good idea. The planning officers themselves have told us this.
Our housing association have told us that, should neighbours complain about our aerials, they would ask us to take them down immediately. I explained that this was unfair and that this would result in me having to remove the aerials should one neighbour lodge a complaint. They could not possibly cause interference. I pointed out that it was the job of OFCOM to investigate interference issues and not the housing association. Thankfully, they took this on board and added a clause to their permissions letter explaining certain complaints in the future would need to be passed to OFCOM.
An interesting point to conclude: As many hams know, while private landlords and housing associations can tell you to remove your aerials, only one person has the right to actually demand that you cease your amateur radio transmissions. The housing association cannot do this. Your local council cannot do this. Not even the police can do this. Legally, only a representative from OFCOM has the power to force you to cease transmissions.
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
I Am Not A Proper DXer!
Sorry - it's another grumble. Looking through some old emails on various radio groups I have been surprised to see how much criticism some DXers receive regarding the way they enjoy the radio hobby. Much of this is technology related though, which suggests that some enthusiasts are reluctant to change with the times. As a DXer, it's bad enough being singled out as a weirdo because you have a niche hobby, but you would expect that we hobbyists would all get on well together. This is not always the case, for now we have divided ourselves up into even smaller, "nichier" (is there such a word?) little communities. We share a common interest, so what's the problem?
I have always considered myself to be a traditionalist, but if new technological innovations come along which are going to help me get more DX, then I am all ears. I can grumble about things as much as the next person, but I accept that we all have our preferences and we will all differ to some degree. So what are the main issues? Some examples:
There are those who prefer to 'listen' to their DX for several minutes while others just want to log something and quickly move on to the next signal. I was accused of being a "List Logger";
Some people like to DX with their broadband SDR receivers and record an entire band so we can play it back and catch everything on every frequency, while others say this is cheating and would rather have a big knob in their face! (Yes, I did say that) and listen to only one frequency;
Some of us radio creatures like to monitor DX Clusters so we can see where the activity is and 'chase' accordingly. Some complain that this is cheating too!
I can't win! If I go by these moaning minnies then I am a "greedy, cheating list logger"! Some DXers obviously find this is wrong, but I think I can see their point. I would stop short of calling it cheating though. That is not fair. It is sad that a few DXers are happy to fall out about these issues since they see one way is right while the other is wrong. I have been criticized several times myself because I use an SDR receiver, then, blow me, somebody had a go at me for "list-logging" the other day as if that is the worst sin possible. Sorry, but if I catch a clear identification then I may log that stations and I am then ready to move on to the next frequency in search of something else. I have little interest in listening to the programme, but I know some people do and that is absolutely fine with me. Exactly what is wrong with "list logging" anyway, if you catch a positive identification?
Consider radio amateurs: "Radio Sport" has become a big part of the amateur radio community, resulting in things like the "Contest" and 'Field Day'. The purpose of which is to collect points while logging as many countries or grid squares as possible along the way. This is effectively the same thing - list logging, if you want to call it that. It's all a bit of fun and I would say "each to their own". For me, the radio ham contest gives me the opportunity to add new countries to my logbook without having to wait in a long queue for other hams to finish their chinwag. I can use 2m for a good old conversation.
As for the new breed of radio, the SDR (or Software Defined Radio), this has simply enable me to DX to my full potential. Before the days of SDR I would be able to listen to (or record - shock, horror!) one single frequency in the hope I would hear something new and exciting. I never used to think my location was a particularly good DX location, never once hearing anything from the North American west coast or from the Canadian Prairies on medium wave - these are considered the more difficult DX targets in the UK. The moment I got a Perseus SDR receiver I was able to record ALL the medium wave frequencies overnight and play them ALL back the following day, studying station identifications at the top of the hours I recorded. Once I was in this exciting new position to be able to listen to every frequency throughout the night, I missed nothing. If the exotic DX was there I would have it. As it happened, I DID receive many exotic west coast US and Canadian stations, not to mention the Canadian Prairies AND the Canadian North West Territories, plus the impossible ... ALASKA several times! So, whether you consider this cheating or not, I was suddenly able to realise the full DX potential of my location and my logbook grew in size proportionally.
Even the use of the "DX Cluster" has become a bone of contention to some. We can now see where the action is, thanks to radio enthusiasts reporting their DX 'as it happens' and seeing this display in lists or global maps online. We can then jump in and follow the action ourselves. No we cannot - we are cheating! Really? OK, I see this could take out an element of chance for some, but each to their own.
So, would I like to return to the dark ages and go back to single frequency monitoring with a tuning knob? NO! Will I continue to dash around the bands like there's no tomorrow before a propagation event finishes? YES! Will I continue to use DX clusters so I can see where the propagation is? YES! It's simple: For me, if it increases the size of my logbook then I will do it. Call me a List Logger if you like, but if you like to do the opposite then that's fine with me. There's no accounting for our tastes so let's just enjoy and stop being over critical of others.
The great thing about this hobby is that we can choose how we want to go about it: We can use as much or as little power as we like, as long as it is within legal guidelines; We can choose our receivers and our aerials as we can afford them; We can listen when we want, how we want and where we want; We can share our experiences with others or keep them to ourselves; It can be a full-time hobby or an occasional pastime. Neither is particularly "wrong" as such, though it is so nice when we can all share our experiences together. Whichever way you look at it, it's an engaging hobby. We should learn to accept each others preferences without falling out. Sadly, we are all human too. Where do you stand with this?
I have always considered myself to be a traditionalist, but if new technological innovations come along which are going to help me get more DX, then I am all ears. I can grumble about things as much as the next person, but I accept that we all have our preferences and we will all differ to some degree. So what are the main issues? Some examples:
There are those who prefer to 'listen' to their DX for several minutes while others just want to log something and quickly move on to the next signal. I was accused of being a "List Logger";
Some people like to DX with their broadband SDR receivers and record an entire band so we can play it back and catch everything on every frequency, while others say this is cheating and would rather have a big knob in their face! (Yes, I did say that) and listen to only one frequency;
Some of us radio creatures like to monitor DX Clusters so we can see where the activity is and 'chase' accordingly. Some complain that this is cheating too!
I can't win! If I go by these moaning minnies then I am a "greedy, cheating list logger"! Some DXers obviously find this is wrong, but I think I can see their point. I would stop short of calling it cheating though. That is not fair. It is sad that a few DXers are happy to fall out about these issues since they see one way is right while the other is wrong. I have been criticized several times myself because I use an SDR receiver, then, blow me, somebody had a go at me for "list-logging" the other day as if that is the worst sin possible. Sorry, but if I catch a clear identification then I may log that stations and I am then ready to move on to the next frequency in search of something else. I have little interest in listening to the programme, but I know some people do and that is absolutely fine with me. Exactly what is wrong with "list logging" anyway, if you catch a positive identification?
Consider radio amateurs: "Radio Sport" has become a big part of the amateur radio community, resulting in things like the "Contest" and 'Field Day'. The purpose of which is to collect points while logging as many countries or grid squares as possible along the way. This is effectively the same thing - list logging, if you want to call it that. It's all a bit of fun and I would say "each to their own". For me, the radio ham contest gives me the opportunity to add new countries to my logbook without having to wait in a long queue for other hams to finish their chinwag. I can use 2m for a good old conversation.
As for the new breed of radio, the SDR (or Software Defined Radio), this has simply enable me to DX to my full potential. Before the days of SDR I would be able to listen to (or record - shock, horror!) one single frequency in the hope I would hear something new and exciting. I never used to think my location was a particularly good DX location, never once hearing anything from the North American west coast or from the Canadian Prairies on medium wave - these are considered the more difficult DX targets in the UK. The moment I got a Perseus SDR receiver I was able to record ALL the medium wave frequencies overnight and play them ALL back the following day, studying station identifications at the top of the hours I recorded. Once I was in this exciting new position to be able to listen to every frequency throughout the night, I missed nothing. If the exotic DX was there I would have it. As it happened, I DID receive many exotic west coast US and Canadian stations, not to mention the Canadian Prairies AND the Canadian North West Territories, plus the impossible ... ALASKA several times! So, whether you consider this cheating or not, I was suddenly able to realise the full DX potential of my location and my logbook grew in size proportionally.
Even the use of the "DX Cluster" has become a bone of contention to some. We can now see where the action is, thanks to radio enthusiasts reporting their DX 'as it happens' and seeing this display in lists or global maps online. We can then jump in and follow the action ourselves. No we cannot - we are cheating! Really? OK, I see this could take out an element of chance for some, but each to their own.
So, would I like to return to the dark ages and go back to single frequency monitoring with a tuning knob? NO! Will I continue to dash around the bands like there's no tomorrow before a propagation event finishes? YES! Will I continue to use DX clusters so I can see where the propagation is? YES! It's simple: For me, if it increases the size of my logbook then I will do it. Call me a List Logger if you like, but if you like to do the opposite then that's fine with me. There's no accounting for our tastes so let's just enjoy and stop being over critical of others.
The great thing about this hobby is that we can choose how we want to go about it: We can use as much or as little power as we like, as long as it is within legal guidelines; We can choose our receivers and our aerials as we can afford them; We can listen when we want, how we want and where we want; We can share our experiences with others or keep them to ourselves; It can be a full-time hobby or an occasional pastime. Neither is particularly "wrong" as such, though it is so nice when we can all share our experiences together. Whichever way you look at it, it's an engaging hobby. We should learn to accept each others preferences without falling out. Sadly, we are all human too. Where do you stand with this?
Friday, 6 May 2011
Normanby Top DX Trip
My first 'proper' DX trip of the year took place today, concentrating on the 2m amateur band.
This time I was not alone. Accompanying me were Jane, M6VVP (my other half) and Victor MM6ECO, a friend who was on holiday from Scotland. evening.
It was good to meet Victor for the first time and I know he also enjoyed the visit to the Friskney & East Lincolnshire Communications Club on the previous Tuesday. We were also privaleged to be allowed to use the club callsign "MX0LFC/P" for our trip. Click here to visit FELCC
So, three intrepid DXers travelled from Skegness to the highest point in Lincolnshire: Normanby Top - the highest part of the Lincolnshire Wolds at 551ft (168m) above sea level.
This time I was not alone. Accompanying me were Jane, M6VVP (my other half) and Victor MM6ECO, a friend who was on holiday from Scotland. evening.
It was good to meet Victor for the first time and I know he also enjoyed the visit to the Friskney & East Lincolnshire Communications Club on the previous Tuesday. We were also privaleged to be allowed to use the club callsign "MX0LFC/P" for our trip. Click here to visit FELCC
So, three intrepid DXers travelled from Skegness to the highest point in Lincolnshire: Normanby Top - the highest part of the Lincolnshire Wolds at 551ft (168m) above sea level.
"Wolds Top", as it was formerly known, lies approximately five miles north of the town of Market Rasen and approximately 20 miles north-east of Lincoln. The summit is marked with an Ordnance Survey triangulation station, which was erected in July 1999 as part of the Ordnance Survey national GPS system. This hill is also home to a National Air Traffic Control station - the giant 'golf ball' at the top.
Although this hill is far from being of mountainous proportions, it enjoys stunning views over all points of Lincolnshire and beyond. The Humber Bridge can also be seen on a clear day. Sadly, our visit coincided with warm, humid weather - ideal in some ways, but the humidity was apparent in the air, making the distance quite hazy. Indeed we were lucky to avoid some heavy downpours which were apparent to the west and north of us.
Equipment in use was an Icom IC7000 mobile transceiver and a Cushcraft VRX2 colinear. The colinear was approximately 15 feet above the ground.
The log below includes most of the QSOs. A few additional ones were lost due to QSB, etc. Conditions were below average so no exceptional distances were achieved, our furthest contact being from Oldbury in the West Midlands. We enjoyed four hours of non-stop DXing and good old nattering, each of us taking it in turns.
Thank you to all those who responded to our calls. We look forward to working you again in the future.
73
John
G1VVP
Call Name QTH In Out Power M1AIU/P Gareth, Bourne, Lincs 5/1 5/5 G4FPO Ken, Selby, N Yorks 5/1 5/3 G0MZZ Tony, Leeds 5/1 5/1 M1AKT/M Dave, Barnsley, S Yorks 5/3 5/5 2E0WJC Bill, Pudsey, Leeds 5/5 5/9 2E0GLE Graham, Grantham, Lincs 5/1 5/2 M0GUU Arthur, Sleaford, Lincs 5/1 5/1 G7CNM/P Dave, Lincoln 5/1 5/1 G0CEG Peter, Lincoln 5/9 5/9 + G0UAN Nige, Winston, N Lincs 5/9 5/9 +10 G0IOR John, Scartho, NE Lincs 5/7 "+" G7ZRT Ron, Boston 5/6 5/9 +50 2E0EEY Chris, Leeds 5/2 5/9 G4NPS Jim, Grimsby, NE Lincs 5/7 ? G1HCI Richard, Grimsby, NE Lincs 5/7 ? M3LFY Terry, Bawtry, S Yorks 57 ? ? G0JJR David, Sheffield 5/9 5/9 + G6LCS John, Tideswell, Derbys 5/1 ? 2.5W G6LCS John, Tideswell, Derbys 5/4 ? 25W M3NRQ/P Paul, Sheffield 5/1 ? M0TCP Keith, Oldbury, W Mids 5/1 5/1 MR0MFP Chris, Sutton On Sea, Lincs 5/1 5/6 M0KIS Alan, Sleaford, Lincs 5/6 ? M0ODV Rob, Hull 5/4 5/7 M3VXT Craig, Chesterfield, Derbys 5/5 5/7 G6ZBO Mike, Nottingham 5/1 5/9 G1PPP Jim, East Stockwith, Lincs 5/9 ?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)