The graphic above shows the current propagation conditions on the HF and VHF wave bands. It is provided by Paul L Herrman (N0NBH) who has made available a wide range of propagation graphics on his excellent website. Generally, propagation conditions are best when the A index is 15 or lower, and the K index is 3 or lower. Besides causing auroral activity, high geomagnetic field conditions can affect the electrons in the ionosphere, reducing the maximum usable frequency (MUF). Sunspot numbers between about 50 and 150 generally indicate good propagation conditions on the low bands (160 – 40 metres); between 150 and 300 generally indicates good propagation conditions on the higher bands (20 – 10 metres). Radio propagation is complex and an area where radio amateurs can still undertake available research.
I have been interested in radio since I was a small child, becoming licensed as a teenager in 1972 (at the age of 17) with the call sign G8GNI. At that time, it was only the VHF and UHF bands (144MHz and up) that were available to G8 licenses. Living at the bottom of three steep hills, on-the-air activity was very limited, although I made local friends using a modified Pye Cambridge Transmitter and Microwave Modules 2 metre to 10 metre converter and Trio JR310 receiver.
I was a member of the Southgate Radio Club for many years (and with two other teenage amateurs we produced the Club newsletter for around four years until I went to University). Most of my on-air activity was with the Club, always participating in VHF NFD from Dunstable Downs. I remember the all-night on-air vigils, trying to work every station possible and the early morning fry-ups (single frying pan cooking bacon, eggs, fried bread, baked beans simultaneously). And it was always cold (being on the top of the Downs) and always a heavy early morning dew.
I operated /A (alternative premises) from York on and off when I was at University.
I was a member of the Milton Keynes Amateur Radio Society (MKARS) for over ten years (and Treasurer for most of those) and taught the Foundation and Intermediate amateur radio courses for about five years, putting at least 300 people through the Foundation exam. Having moved QTH I have re-joined MKARS and am again their Treasurer.
Together with other members of MKARS I was involved in the ‘Colossus Cipher Event’ in 2007. To celebrate the re-building of Colossus a cipher challenge was proposed whereby three secret German texts would be transmitted and intercepted by the National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park as well as anyone else who could intercept the messages and decode them. See below for the full article published in Monitoring Monthly.
When the 5 wpm Morse test came along, I obtained the call sign M5AEX and enjoyed the opportunity to move down to the HF bands and longer distance contacts. I had the opportunity to take the US amateur exams and now also hold the US Amateur Extra class callsign AC8HT. I have operated from the Isle of Man with the callsign GD8GNI (with my friend GW4SKA) and abroad a couple of times from Malta (with the callsign 9H3AP) and Mallorca (with the callsign EA6/G8GNI).
Over the years my interests have included VHF / UHF operation, amateur satellites, weather satellites, Club contests and construction (especially aerials).
My main interests now are HF and 6 metres, with a mix of SSB, RTTY and other data-modes although I do some VHF / UHF operating from a poor VHF location. I enjoy contests – especially datamodes – DXCC hunting, and awards chasing. And I dabble a little in programming too.
Amateur radio is a hobby. Professionally I am a retired social policy research analyst with an interest in employment, personal finance and government support issues.
There are many famous individuals who are, or were, radio amateurs including: Juan Carlos, King of Spain (EA0JC); King Hussein (JY1); Marlon Brando (FO5GJ); Helen Sharman (GB1MIR); Sir Brian Rix (G2DQU); Masaru Ibuka, Founder of SONY (J3BB); Priscilla Presley (N6YOS); Joe Walsh (WB6ACU); Walter Kronkite (KB2GSD); Chris Tarrant (G0KRH); Fergal Sharkey (G0OAN), to name a few.
There is only one radio amateur who has been canonized as a saint – Maximillian Kolbe – who held the call sign SP3RN. You can read about him here.
I still find radio transmission ‘magical’; there is always something new to learn; and there are always new avenues to explore. If you are reading this and are interested in amateur radio as a hobby please have a look at the website of the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB), the UK umbrella organization for radio amateurs.
