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Topic: Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay (Read 237 times) previous topic - next topic
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Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay
Today I setup a portable antenna and with only 10 watts, made contacts with China (1), Japan (5), New Zealand (1), Argentina (1), Uruguay (1), Canada (2) and USA (12).  10 watts on 10 meters running FT8.  You gotta love being close to the ocean with the 10 meter band opening up  :D

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay
Reply #1 –
That’s pretty cool John. I’m studying for my Technician license. Would you be open to showing me your portable station?
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay
Reply #2 –
Quote from: JohnR  - 
Today I setup a portable antenna and with only 10 watts, made contacts with China (1), Japan (5), New Zealand (1), Argentina (1), Uruguay (1), Canada (2) and USA (12).  10 watts on 10 meters running FT8.  You gotta love being close to the ocean with the 10 meter band opening up  :D

I have heard of FT8 but have never known anyone using it, that's a lot of long-distance DX with only 10 watts and a portable antenna.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay
Reply #3 –
What is FT8?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay
Reply #5 –
Quote from: WhiteElk  - 
That’s pretty cool John. I’m studying for my Technician license. Would you be open to showing me your portable station?

Absolutely I would... I haven't been a ham all that long, but when I studied for the exam, I did so with an online course.  The technician took no time at all to get a passing grade on the test exams, so I then upped my game and studied for the general.  Within 2 weeks I was ready and took both exams on the same day.  A month later I took the amateur extra and passed too.  To be honest, the only reason I took the amateur extra was to prove to myself that I could do it.  There really isn't much difference between it and a general.  Anyway, you should definitely consider going for the general.  I do use VHF/UHF but HF is soooo much more fun  :)

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
I have heard of FT8 but have never known anyone using it, that's a lot of long-distance DX with only 10 watts and a portable antenna.

Larry

Two things are allowing for QRP (reduced power) and DX (long distance) with FT8...
1. FT8 was designed for weak signal.
2. Solar cycle 25 is turning out to be a real kick-a$$ cycle.

FYI - The sun follows an 11 year cycle and we are now coming up on the good part of the cycle for ham radio.  If anyone is interested, the Space Weather Woman  Dr. Tamitha Skov is an expert in the field.  Her video "Does the Sun's Magnetic Field Flip?" talks about the 11 year cycle.

- John


Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶
Re: Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay
Reply #7 –
Interesting.  I'd like to look at your set up as some point.  I took the tech and general exams in 2019 after I discovered at Quartzsite the code test.  Passed the Extra there last year.   Online testing is ongoing; you can find study guides or  online/in-person test sessions at  HamStudy.Org. Online testing has really taken off in the last couple of years which makes it much easier.  I am a volunteer examiner for our local radio club; we've recently started doing in-person testing electronically.  PM me for more info if you are interested.
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay
Reply #8 –
Quote from: JohnR  - 
Today I setup a portable antenna and with only 10 watts, made contacts with China (1), Japan (5), New Zealand (1), Argentina (1), Uruguay (1), Canada (2) and USA (12).  10 watts on 10 meters running FT8.  You gotta love being close to the ocean with the 10 meter band opening up  :D

- John

Sunspots are probably allowing a 10 W to reach out to Asia
2000 MB
 
Re: Good day for ham radio at Morro Bay
Reply #9 –
I have had good luck using a Multiband End Fed Half Wave EFHW Antenna out the back window up into a tree and ICOM 7300.  The built in sound card makes digital very easy.
1997 TK