1 Oct 2014

Quiet start on 10m WSPR this afternoon, so far.

This afternoon has been very quiet, so far, on 10m WSPR. Yes, it could rapidly change but this afternoon so far it is just G0LRD,  G0VQH,  G4IKZ (all locals) plus G8JNJ/A (184km). So far, no DX this afternoon seen here.

After the last week or so, you get to expect W's to be pounding through.  Guess you can never take 10m for granted. Maybe this is a blackout and normal 10m propagation will return soon?

UPDATE 1415z:  OZ7IT (853km) spotted at 1354z.  Some life about on 10m WSPR  this afternoon, but no DX to the USA in evidence as yet, here.

UPDATE 1520z:  Firstly DK6UG (633km) was spotting me and now I am spotting K3NAL (5930km).  If it was a blackout it has ended as 10m is now waking up. 4X1RF (3519km) is a massive -2dB S/N signal with 5W.

UPDATE 1550z: Now being spotted weakly by French listener F59706 (560km). This probably Es but could be F2 backscatter.

UPDATE 1630z:   Looking at WSPRnet, I don't think there is a massive difference in results between G0LRD and me. He is doing better with his antenna, but tends to spot, and be spotted, by similar stations. G4IKZ on the other hand seems to get better results. He is using 5W and a Moxon antenna which has gain in some directions. This may give him an edge whenthe beam is pointing the right way. Nick's ERP will be nearly 20W in the best directions. He also has a gain on RX of 4-5dB in the best direction and probably a lower noise floor, because of his directionality.

UPDATE 1718z: 4X1RF has spotted me 14 times today so far. No further USA stations spotted or spotting me, so far, today.

UPDATE 1722z:  The brief appearance of K3NAL earlier underlines the usefulness of WSPR in "sniffing out" short lived openings on bands like 10m. This will prove even more useful in the quieter solar years ahead.

UPDATE 2035z:  Nothing from the USA for hours and hours. Just locals. 10m has been disappointing today.

UPDATE 2100z:   Now QRT on all bands.

No comments: