6m WSPR - this morning

6m was very quiet this morning with just reports from local G4IKZ (18km).   Let's hope things improve  after lunch.

Just spots from G4IKZ on 6m WSPR this morning - very quiet.

UPDATE 1240z:   Still just G4IKZ spotting me on 6m WSPR. All very quiet today.

Sunspots

Sunspot count today is 93 and 20-30MHz propagation just "normal". Although 10m Es is still likely, we will be lucky to see F2 propagation on 10m, but N-S F2 is possible. Yesterday was very good on 10m with VK5 spotted here mid-morning.

I definitely think we are on the slide now.

6m WSPR - but so little activity

At 1044z, I returned to 6m WSPR but when I turned it on there were just 4 stations on TX in the entire world transmitting on 6m: this is pathetically few.  I hope more people join me soon. So far just local G4IKZ (18km) spotting me. There needs to be a scattering of stations to spot any Es.

As I write this, there are now 7 TX stations plus 3 on RX on 6m.

On the WSPR RX screen there are no wispy traces suggesting weak Es or GDX - nothing currently,

Logbook (found by G1KQH)

Steve G1KQH has been finding things again.

Found this excellent Logbook:  http://www.ngenlog.com/

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNrI_sENS7o

73 Steve
http://www.g1kqh.talktalk.net/

Early close again tonight on 10m WSPR

Tonight is the last night my shack is being used as a bedroom. Hopefully I shall be able to operate beyond 1745z tomorrow if I want to. I am also unable to come on for the UKAC session on 2m this evening for the same reason: my shack is  a bedroom for the third night.

10m WSPR unique spots until QRT at teatime

These last few days have been exceedingly fatiguing (stroke).  Not sure if this just a bad week or whether it is extra tiring having the little ones around: although I enjoy having them it is at least twice as tiring for me: I worry about them but am too feeble to sort out things. This makes me feel SO tired.  We'll see if I feel less tired when they go home.

10m in good shape today - Aug 5th 14

10m has been in good shape since I first switched on around 0844z this morning with Eu wide Es and even a spot of VK5MR (16144km) at 0920z this morning. Mind you, the VK was running 20W, which is a lot on WSPR. The VK5 was near Adelaide.

10m unique WSPR spots so far today

Sunspot count today is 111 (quite reasonable) and 20-30MHz propagation supposed to be "good". We have already seen F2 propagation.

Kent Electronics Antennas

Sam Jewell G4DDK's blog recently mentioned http://www.wa5vjb.com/index.html which has some excellent PCB antennas mainly for microwave bands. If I was serious about microwaves I think I'd be buying some antennas from Texas!

MRI scan results

A week ago I had another MRI scan to see how my brain bleed is repairing.  Today I had to go back to get the results. I was extremely relieved to hear all is repaired, my boys will not inherit the problem and all is well.

My relief was visible. This had been a real worry to my wife and I.  I dreaded further brain surgery, fearing some long-term damage might be done.   I have now been "signed off" by the neurosurgeons and should not need to see them in their clinic again.

My main problems remaining are swallow of some liquids, giddiness when walking, some stomach discomfort and profound fatigue: most days the least physical exertion totally exhausts me. I find it hard to describe just how tired I feel most of my waking day.  All these remaining issues should improve, but this could be a long time. Apparently the neurosurgeon told the DLVA in June that I am fit to drive, although their OK could take months to reach me.  A few months ago there was no way I could have driven, but now I feel ready to do so. It will be good to drive the car again.

Today has been an emotional day. I am profoundly grateful it is drawing to a close.

JT65 and JT9-1

These 2-way digital modes which require me to be in the shack, are on hold until I get my shack back properly which will not be before Wednesday PM. With grandchildren around, they take priority. At least I can set WSPR going in the shack in the daytime and check progress on WSPRnet.org in the lounge from time to time.

10m - Es very quiet today

Since returning from Addenbrooke's hospital mid morning where I went to get the results of a recent MRI scan (all was fine), I have been on 10m WSPR.  Apart from a single weakish spot from CT1JTQ (1843km) at 1136z, it has been very quiet with no Es, no F2 and no GDX evident here on 10m WSPR.

Sunspot count today is 156 and 20-30MHz propagation only "fair". 10m F2 is doubtful today.

UPDATE 1612z: CT1JTQ  has been the only station copying me all day. So far he has copied me 7 times.  I copied absolutely no-one all day (so far): no GDX, no locals, No Es and no F2 propagation. It seems a very poor day on 10m. Before too long I shall have to go QRT because of my granddaughter sleeping in the shack. On again in the morning.

UPDATE 1820z:  EA5CYA (1376km) was spotted at around 1804z on 10m WSPR running 200mW.