QRP

Solar Flares and QRP

July 27, 2013 - Ionospheric radio propagation has a strong connection to space weather. A sudden ionospheric disturbance or shortwave fadeout is observed when the x-rays associated with a solar flare ionize the ionospheric D-region. Enhanced ionization in that region increases the absorption of radio signals passing through it. During the strongest solar x-ray flares, complete absorption of virtually all ionospherically propagated radio signals in the sunlit hemisphere can occur. These solar flares can disrupt HF radio propagation and affect GPS accuracy. (Wikipedia).

X-rays and UV radiation emitted by solar flares can affect Earth's ionosphere and disrupt long-range radio communications. "X-rays are ionizing radiation, that is, they can knock electrons away from their host atoms and molecules. In our upper ionosphere, this ionizing radiation knocks electrons away from oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. These electrons just roam around in our ionosphere, being knocked around by the ionizing radiation from the sun. For this reason, they are called "free electrons," not currently being associated with a host atom. The more free electrons in the ionosphere, the more reflective are the E and F layers, and the higher the maximum usable frequency (MUF). During a solar flare, ionizing radiation increases almost immediately, producing more free electrons in our ionosphere, making the E and F layers even more reflective, and often raising the MUF. This condition quickly improves HF propagation." (by NA5N, via NY4G How do Solar Flares Affect Propagation).

"Therefore, for QRPers, solar flares are often a good thing. From the time of the flare until local sundown, enhanced HF propagation will be present. With higher reflectivity, this means QRP signals get reflected more efficiently for an environment of working longer skip distances (and new DX) than normal. Once the sun goes down ... that is, when the ionosphere above our heads is no longer illuminated by the sun and receiving the solar x-rays, the free electrons recombine with their host atoms, reflectivity and the MUF drops, and we fall back into normal night time propagation. The lack of ionizing radiation and free electrons is why the MUF drops at night, and the higher day time bands shut down. During the day, this ionizing radiation penetrates deep into our ionosphere, causing a layer of free electrons we know as the D-layer. Seldom do our signal bounce off this layer, but penetrates it. Unfortunately, the electron density of the D-layer does eat up (attenuates) some of our signal. At night, solar radiation and ionizing radiation is gone. The E and F layers combine, and with no deep penetrating radiation, the D-layer disappears. Without the attenuation of the D-layer, this is why signals appear stronger and less noisy at night - because they are!" (by NA5N, via NY4G How do Solar Flares Affect Propagation).

Paul Harden, NA5N had written much on the topic, including a helpful PDF entitled HANDIMAN’S GUIDE TO SOLAR ACTIVITY & HF PROPAGATION FOR THE QRPer. This PDF includes a few helpful diagrams:

"Keep an eye on the sun. Solar activity can be advantageous to QRPers if you learn a little bit of the physics and learn to read the "tea leaves." Don't let the news reports of solar flares scare you off the bands." (by NA5N, via NY4G How do Solar Flares Affect Propagation).

Addendum: Paul, NA5N presented a discussion at 2005 "Four Days in May" QRP Symposium at the Dayton Hamfest. This presentation, entitled Solar Activity & HF Propagation, was published in QRP-ARCI, 2005 (pp. 81-85). He offers the following tips:

• "Check the higher bands for openings for several hours following a solar flare, or a ten-flare event, due to the enhanced E/F layer ionization, possibly temporarily raising the MUF" (p. 82).
• "An HF blackout [due to a major flare] seldom lasts more than an hour" (p. 84).
• "Good DX contacts are possible immediately following a solar flare until sundown due to the improved reflectivity (better signal-to-noise ratio for QRP signals) and the higher MUF opening the higher bands – especially during the solar minimum years" (p. 84).
• "HF effects (of a solar flare) are generally only for the duration of the flare event (20-60 minutes) and seldom effect frequencies <10 MHz. The most damaging effects of a solar flare is actually the arrival of the shockwave 2-3 days later, triggering a geomagnetic storm" (p. 85).
• "Often our magnetic field gets very quiet [12–24 hours] following a strong geomagnetic storm. This is an excellent time to work 40–160M due to very low noise levels" (p. 87).
• "Use the current K-Index from WWV or the internet to determine the current geomagnetic conditions. The A-Index is actually yesterday’s geomagnetic condition, and does not represent present conditions" (p. 87).
• "[A solar/geomagnetic storm] is an excellent window for QRPers, right after the flare. As soon as the solar storm ceases, HF noise levels become quiet with an elevated MUF, lasting until sundown. Night time conditions on 80-40M can be excellent. The daytime MUF the next day may be elevated as well" (p. 87).
• "[When] a major geomagnetic storm (K>6) finally subsides (possible duration of 12–24 hours) our magnetic field often becomes very quiet, producing low noise levels on HF. Night time noise levels on 40-80M can be very low (and is therefore another excellent operating time for QRP operation)" (p. 87).

Early QRP Adventures

(This post is still being edited) - Mobility problems make it difficult for many radio amateurs - people would otherwise prefer to be a more active - to accomplish activities, such as portable QRP operations. Most hams would grab QRP gear and go to the field without a "second thought." For others, such as the disabled, portable operation takes more forethought. In this blog entry, I hope to document ideas for hams who would like to experiment with portable / QRP operations but are unable due to physical limitations. The concerns of these hams are quite different from typical QRPers. This blog explores some practical, yet unique solutions, that have enabled me to get out and enjoy some QRPing. Ill refer to low-power portable operation as "QRP" for simplicity. Perhaps these ideas will inspire others to do the same. 

I've never really been a serious summit-seeker, I've. always enjoyed a leisurely walks or hikes. As a kid, I would often go for walks with my dad in the rolling hills near our home. Those were memorable excursions. Dad shared insights about the local geography and history as we walked along nearby trails. Southeastern Massachusetts is rich with deciduous and pine trees, fresh water springs and the valleys usually lead to cranberry bogs, rivers or streams. My father would talk about the old Star Mill located near our home and we'd discuss history of Grand Sachems Massasoit and Metacomet (called "King Philip" by the English) of the Wampanoag Confederacy and their interactions with the nearby Plymouth Plantation Settlement. 

As I grew older, I dabbled with backpack adventures - making short journeys in Europe as a young adult and later across North America. I fondly remember day-long trail hikes near Multnomah Falls (Columbia River Gorge near Portland, OR) and cross-country skiing near Mount Hood. I enjoyed walks in various Ohio parks, navigating the rocky coastline of "Two Lights State Park" on Cape Elizabeth, Maine and hikes on trails near the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area in Oak Ridge, NJ.

It's been a long time since I've been able to hike and even longer since I've brought ham gear along for the trip. Working 144MHz SSB on a hilltop near my home in New England was a great pastime for a teen (SOTA would have been cool to use back then!) A favorite spot was the Firetower in my home town of Middleboro, MA. One could see the Blue Hills - just shy of Boston (35 to 45 miles away) - on a clear day! That's where my interest in hiking-QRP ops started.

I've always had some sort of portable / EMCOMM gear on hand - of various incarnation - that usually "doubled" as QRP gear. My first rig was a Yaesu FT270 all mode two meter portable. Several decades have since passed and I'm still fascinated. I wasn't active on the ham bands for quit a while. All that changed in 2011 during a Ham-cation to St. Croix, USVI.

Ergonomic QRPing

Like many things in life, there's a "catch" with my QRPing these days. Physical limitations now prevent me from tossing on a backpack and heading out for a hike. There are plenty beautiful places to visit near Wahingon, DC that remind me of the rich beauty, history and terrain that I shared with my Dad as a kid. Unfortunately I'm often unable to make a long hike even itch lightweight radio gear. So how can one "make the most" of QRPing without hiking distances or wearing a backpack? What are some ergonomic features and "creature comforts" that will "make the best" of things?

Here's the deal: one day, out of the blue, a disk in my lower back herniated. The long journey toward stability is another topic. Safe to write the way I live life and what I can accomplish changed drastically. Shuttle forward to Field Dy 2013. I set-up a Coleman screened-in canopy in my back yard so I could comfortably operated 1B/QRP (this was the first FD in recent years that my club decided not to sponsor FD). I took it nice and easy setting up; I felt good. Unfortunately, my back "went out" the morning of FD and I was knocked down. As in "unable to walk with unrelenting pain" kind of "down." (NB: Several weeks have since passed and mobility is still limited and I've not been able to drive or work.)

My recuperation progressed very slowly. A touch of cabin fever slowly crept in and I really wanted to get outside to enjoy the nice weather. By the Fourth of July, I was bored "out of my mind" of watching Netflix reruns and Wimbledon. Indeed, "I'd rather be DXing" but I couldn't even sit in a chair, so getting down to the shack was impossible. A walk along a local county park to play with my KX3 was certainly "out of the question," so I needed alternatives. 

Well, I looked out the window into the back yard and made saw an answer. It was time to get back out to the screened in canopy. If I must remain flat on my back to recouperate, why not spend some time of that time outside and enjoy ham radio?!

Unique Solutions

Most blogs about QRP ops focus on high efficiency light-weight antennas, rechargeable batteries, SOTA spotting, etc. All of these topics are valuable, yet they really don't address some fundamental challenges faced by a person with age-related challenges, physical limitations or chronic pain. 

Let's face it. These days, comfortable seating is far more important than the overall weight of a backpack. And an "easy-to-carry" battery pack is more important than using the best rechargeable lithium ion AA cell. As you may imagine, ergonomic factors are more important to me than overall weight or the perfect antenna. So, I've pulled together some creative ideas to build a safe and comfortable QRP experience that's close to home.

Please kep in mind: most of the items described below were selected from my EmComm gear and household. These items were specifically selected for my QRP experience to reduce physical stress, prevent further injury and get me on the air. And to keep me comfortable - if you've ER had serious bak woes, you'll understand that staying still in a comfortable position is imperative.

Seating and Posture

Start with the basics. Given your situation, what do you require to create a good, ergonomic operating position? For me, reducing stress on my lower back and staying comfortable is a top priority. Therefore, my QRP set-up is built around ergonomic seating.

 I discovered a handy strap system by "Nada-Chair," a few years ago, so I gave it a whirl. This device improves posture when working for extended periods of time at a desk. 

When traveling, I bring a "Sit Pouch" (also by Nada Chair) for supportive seating if none is available. The Sit Pouch is a combination back support and waist pack with support straps for the knees to create good posture. It includes a built-in pad that unfolds and is used as a seat. Extra foam and wide cushions of this item offer maximum comfort for longer sitting periods. The pack outfitted with a large back pocket will hold a KX3 and a Heil Headset-Boom microphone. There are also two smaller pouches and an insulated drink holder that also zips shut to protect items, such as a mobile phone, batteries, cables or small radio gear.

Longer operations require more substantial seating than a Nada Chair product. I've always liked the "feel" of zero-gravity chairs, but reviews of top-brand lounges are "mixed." There have been numerous complaints about mechanical failures of the top-brand (more expensive) chairs. It seems the method used to attach the lounge to the frame has a high failure rate.

After reading several reviews, I decided to test the Faulkner Malibu Style lounge (see left). This design uses a high-tension elastic cord system that provides flexible support. These cords attach the lounge material to the frame and can be easily replaced if something breaks or wears out. The manufacturer states this lounge has "ergonomically contoured armrests ... and an easy-to-use lever lock system [that] lets you select [a preferred] reclining position." A pocket pouch attaches to the side of the chair and a recliner towel with pockets keeps everything nicely protected. Hopefully, these accessories will reduce the number of times I need to bend and reach for radio gear or creature comforts!

It's important for everyone to take stretch breaks to prevent muscle strain. A picnic blanket with water resistant fabric on one side and nylon on the reverse (ground) side is another helpful addition. Just unfold and voila! The blanket offers a comfortable space to stretch-out on the ground. A "camp pillow" and yoga strap always stays with my QRP gear. The strap has multiple uses, as does the pillow, such as strapping gear or helping one stretch muscles.

Mini Ops Desk

Some of the Faulkner chairs are made for a user to add small "serving trays" that attach to the arms of the chair. It's unclear if these trays will attach to the Malibu model. Ideally, attaching one or two trays to the chair will provide easy access to my KX3. The rig is integrated with an iPad, both of which are stabilized by an iPad holder.

Sometimes, it's helpful to have another surface for writing, sending CW with a bug-keyer or logging contacts. A Brookstone Lapdesk is a convenient resource. It's lightweight, versitile, and handy.

Environment

• Battery Powered Fan
• Insect Repelant
• Screened Cannopy

Portable Pain Management

• FIR Infrared Heat Back Brace
• TENS Unit (battery operated)
• Water bottles

Safetly Moving your Gear

So, now that all this gear is assembled, it's important to consider moving it. I have pelican cases or some items and still have an Expedition radio packpack. But remember, I'm unable to wear a backpack and lifting heavy items is a definite "no-no." One item that is used around the house - for moving groceries, carrying an EmComm "go kit," pulling gardening items, etc. - is the Foldable Beach Wagon by Frontgate.

The rugged wagon replaces extra trips hauling gear or lifting items that are too heavy. The wagon folds compactly to store in a car or closet. The wagon is outfitted with rugged wheels, it’s perfect for maneuvering over sand, down a trail, or across a field.

• Durable, powder coated steel frame with heavy-gauge nylon fabric
• Side mesh pocket provides additional storage
• Insulated, removable cooler with padded 40" carry strap (14"L x 14"W x 6"D)
• Folds to a mere 12" sq. x 34"H
• 100 lb. carrying capacity
• Rugged 10" dia. plastic wheel
• Storage bag protects wagon during storage