10m 500uW WSPR (Friday)

 As I have been away for a few days I have only just returned to QRPP 10m WSPR this afternoon. So far already 68 spots of me by EA8BFK (2880km).

6m F2?

When sunspot numbers and solar flux numbers are high, there is always a chance of the F2 MUF reaching 6m or even higher.  I remember some years ago hearing 6m SSB stations from South Africa and the USA just like locals. At the time I just had a wire dipole.

Shrinkflation - NOT amateur radio

 Instead of putting prices up just make things smaller and hope the consumer does not notice. Yesterday I bought a chocolate bar. In 1996 it was 62.5g. Now it is 51g. This happens with so many things.

Bristol footbridge - NOT amateur radio

This footbridge was erected in 2017. It is in Bristol,UK and is very elegant curving as it crosses the water. 

Sunspots - Friday April 26th

  Solar flux is 167 and the SSN 199. A=3 and K=2.

Clifton Suspension Bridge - NOT amateur radio

 This was one of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s greatest projects.

Wells Cathedral - NOT amateur radio

 

Wells is one of the finest cathedrals in England.

Sunspots - Thursday April 25th

  Solar flux is 199 and the SSN 283. A=4 and K=1.

HF propagation

At the moment, we are meant to be on the downward slope of cycle 25, although in the last few days, the solar flux and sunspot number have been very high. Even if sunspot numbers are declining, solar conditions will be good for several years. 

One useful tool is https://prop.kc2g.com/ (see map) which shows how good the MUF is across the world.

Echolink

Many times I have tried this, but found distant repeaters  as quiet as the local ones. With access from a PC or phone, I guess it is a way to still enjoy the hobby ....as long as someone is there to talk with! There are "non-ionosphere" alternatives like Hamsphere and CQ100. I personally have found these unsatisfying, but you may think differently.

See https://www.echolink.org/ .