Sunspots and 10m - July 17th 2015

Sunspot number has climbed back to 55 (K=2) but 10m propagation is still "poor". Don't expect wonderful F2 conditions on 10m.

UK thunder and lightning

Storms are currently moving up from Hampshire into East Anglia over night. Better stay off the air until these are well out of the way.

UK MP salary - NOT amateur radio

With unbelievably poor timing UK MPs have just been awarded a 10% pay rise taking their BASIC annual salary to around £74k. At the same time nurses and similar are getting rises of 1% or nothing and some benefits are being cut.

Back on 10m and 6m WSPR

I should be back on 10m and 6m WSPR before the weekend although I don't think I have missed too much.

Sunspots and 10m - July 16th 2015

Sunspot number remains at 39 (K=2) and 10m propagation remains "poor" .  Apart from Es we should not expect great things of 10m today.

Sunspots and 10m - July 15th 2015

Sunspot number is 39 today (K=2). 10m propagation is expected to remain "poor".

The next few solar cycles

According to recently published UK forecasts the next few solar cycles will be very poor with abysmal conditions on the higher bands but good LF and MF conditions

See http://www.amateurradio.com/solar-cycle-25-and-beyond/

Looks like many will not see a return to good 
HF conditions in our lifetimes.

Low cost mics

Steve G1KQH  has made me aware of some very good deals on mics for under £10. If you need mics this may be worth investing in.

See http://www.gearbest.com/speakers/pp_193557.html

6m Es

Another day when I was unable to get on 6m WSPR but I don't appear to have missed much. 4X1RF copied OZ,  but apart from that only shortish range Es on the band.

70cm UKAC tonight

A reminder that at 8pm UK clock time is the 70cm leg of the RSGB's 70cm activity contest. Unfortunately I cannot take part tonight but activity is usually good. Usually I can work 200km with 5W and a 5el from home.