Signs of life - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows the path from King's College, Cambridge over the River Cam. It was taken on January 29th. There were already signs of the earth waking up. 

Yesterday, I noticed rooks repairing their nests - soon be spring.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Thursday)

My W5OLF WSPR beacon has been on since just after breakfast. 

UPDATE 1723z:  27 stations spotting me.

6m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

My IC-705 at reduced power (7W) was turned on just after breakfast. So far, at 1000z, 8 English spots of  me.

UPDATE 1730z:  15 English stations spotting me. QRT.

Sunspots - Thursday February 13th

 Solar flux is 166 and the SSN 88. A=16 and K=3.

Quieter than normal? - NOT amateur radio

 

Central Cambridge seemed quieter than normal. 

Perhaps it is our dull weather keeping people away!

6m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)

 

My 5W from the IC-705 has been on since just before breakfast. 15 stations have spotted me by 1336z.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Wednesday)

My QRP beacon was turned on just before breakfast. 15 stations have spotted me by 1333z.  

Sunspots - Wednesday February 12th

 Solar flux is 153 and the SSN 91. A=17 and K=4.

Practical Wireless thinner?

Maybe I have not noticed recently, but Practical Wireless, the UK magazine, seems to be thinner this month. My March 2025 edition came via the post today.

Getting thinner can imply it is trying to ride the storm, but is in trouble. I hope it survives.

8m licence free?

It is definitely worth checking what licence free options exist in your country to TX on 8m. These may be ISM, Part 15 or other. In many places you can legally TX on 8m without a licence. Definitely worth checking.