SLOWLY declining solar activity

The slide down from a solar maximum is (usually) slower than the climb from the minimum to the maximum. Very gradually, the sun is going "off the boil" and solar activity is slowly falling away. With each year for several years to come things will get progressively harder on the higher bands. Some are predicting the next maximum may be a "damp squib", so enjoy the conditions while they last. It is quite possible that 10m will never be as good again in the lifetimes of many of us. Certainly 10m is already not as good as a year ago. Although Es is good at any part of the cycle in late spring and summer, F2 DX is best around the peak of solar activity. In the past 6m has supported worldwide DX at times, but I think those days are sadly over.

See http://www.solen.info/solar/ .

Pruning - NOT amateur radio

At the moment, it is unseasonably mild for December here in the UK. Often at this time of the year it is very misty and cold but at the moment it is about 14 deg C and every chance of it getting even warmer. The grass is still growing.  I cut it 2 weeks ago and it could really do with cutting yet again. Normally I stop cutting at the end of October.

Today, in between bursts of total exhaustion (stroke after-effect), I pruned two bushes in the garden. Working outside it felt more like April than December. I also noticed quite a few bulbs pushing through. Unless we get a really cold January we will soon have daffodils in bloom in the garden. Another 2 weeks? The ornamental cherry in the lawn needs a trim. This will have to wait.

More WSPRnet issues

Like many, I monitor WSPRnet to see who I am spotting and who is spotting me.  In my case I often do this from the comfort of the lounge, whilst doing other things.  I notice that WSPRnet is very slow again today. In fact, the last few times I tried it failed to connect at all.

UPDATE 1525z:  WSPRnet seems to be working at the moment with a 472kHz spot of my 5mW ERP by M0LMH (223km) a short while ago. Sadly if WSPRnet is not reliable it rather ruins the "near instant feedback" of WSPR.

UPDATE 1652z:  If WSPRnet really is just done by volunteers for free I am amazed it is as good as it is. I for one just use it and milk it. Like many, as anonymous says below, I'd happily chip in some cash to help provide a reliable service. Not all can afford to do so, but I use WSPRnet each and every day just about. Without WSPRnet, WSPR would not be a quarter as good as it is.

10m winter Es?

With several 10m WSPR spots received from Italy and Germany, I am wondering if this is winter Es? It is the right time of year and the right time of day.  The main Es peak is May, June, July but there is often Es around Dec/Jan too. The peak is smaller, but it does happen. So far, no DX spots from further afield by F2 propagation.

Bargains - really?

Many of the larger dealers are offering special deals in the lead up to Christmas. But, are you really getting a bargain? For example, MLS have the FT1200 at less than £1000 after cash back. Maybe this radio is over-stocked as people prefer the IC7300 or the FT991?

Call me a cynic, but I think we are being offered discounts on radios that have not sold. As they say, "beware of Greeks bearing gifts". If something looks too good there is probably a catch. Of course, if you really want one of the discounted rigs then now is as good a time to buy as any.

See www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/beware-of-greeks-bearing-gifts.html .

No surprises on 472kHz overnight

With the same stations logged on RX and the same stations copying me on TX, there were no surprises on 472kHz (630m) WSPR overnight. We need more active stations on 472kHz WSPR.

Sunspots and 10m - Wed Dec 16th 2015

With a solar flux of 122, sunspot number of 64 (K=1) and 10m propagation expected to be "fair" today, 10m WSPR could be in reasonable shape today.

QSYed to 472kHz WSPR

About an hour ago I QSYed to 472kHz WSPR and went QRT on 10m and 6m. Although both EA5DOM (1525km) and PA3ABK/2 (306km) have been spotted, these did not upload to WSPRnet as my shack PC lost its internet connection. I have rebooted the PC, it has done its updates and seems to have the wi-fi/internet back in service since about 1900z. Let's hope it stays working!

UPDATE 2110z:   All seems to be working on 472kHz WSPR with the internet connection to WSPRnet working from the shack PC. EA5DOM (1525km) is still the best DX on RX (no preamp) and DL-SWL (701km) the best DX on TX (5mW ERP) tonight.

6m WSPR spots of M0ICR (90km)

M0ICR (90km) has just been spotted on 6m WSPR. Good to see someone active! His drift was highish so maybe this was aircraft reflection or maybe it was just his rig stabilising? I think this is aircraft reflection as there is still what seems like Doppler on the signal after 3 spots.

I shall stay on 6m WSPR for an hour or so, then QSY for the evening and night to 630m (472kHz) WSPR and go QRT on 10m and 6m WSPR.

It is very unlikely there will be any 10m WSPR spots from the USA today, sadly.

UPDATE 1706z:   Looking at the trace of M0ICR's signal, it looks like rig drift. There are signs of aircraft reflection too occasionally, but I think it is the tropo signal that is being decoded.

WSPRnet issues?

Several people have mentioned that WSPRnet is suffering of late. Certainly the number of times connecting has been problematic seems to be increasing. Is this because the server is getting too busy? Maybe the server just cannot cope with all the WSPR activity any more? I'd be interested to hear your views.