DL-SWL reports last night on 630m (472kHz) WSPR

Last night DL-SWL (701km) spotted my 5mW ERP 472kHz WSPR from the earth-electrode "antenna" no less than 12 times, which was quite remarkable. He must have a good system as I was peaking at -25dB S/N at times, although very weak not surprisingly.

Sunspots and 10m - Tues Dec 22nd 2015

Sunspot number is falling and is 38 today (K=3) although solar flux is 122 and the 10m propagation forecast is "fair".  After a reasonable start, 10m WSPR was disappointing yesterday. Surprisingly (for me anyway) I am no longer getting spots most days from the USA on 10m WSPR. Maybe these will return in the late winter and spring? With generally falling solar activity, it is a battle between "normal" 10m conditions and the general fall-off in the solar cycle.

10m and 6m WSPR

As we have grandchildren here, I have chosen WSPR rather than JT9-1 today. I am active on both 10m and 6m WSPR but will return to 630m (472kHz) later.

UPDATE 2300z:  No USA 10m WSPR spots today.

10m F2 (?) WSPR spots

EA8BVP (2986km) has spotted me many times today on 10m WSPR. This is probably single hop F2 and this was the first time this season. FR1GZ (9724km) spotted me once only, so far today. No spots yet from the USA, but these will be later, if at all. EA8/DL9XJ (2981km) has also spotted me on 10m WSPR. It is just possible this is winter Es.  CT1JTQ (1843km was also spotting me on 10m WSPR, so this makes Es a possibility. I think F2 is more likely.

UPDATE 1352z:  All quiet on 6m WSPR so far today.

Sunspots and 10m - Mon Dec 21st 2015

Solar flux is 117 and sunspot number is 33 (K=4) although 10m propagation is forecast to be "poor" today. It is anyone's guess how 10m WSPR will be today.

20m JT9-1 QSOs

As WSPRnet has been "flaky" of late I gave 20m JT9-1 a go, looking for some 2-way QSOs. It seems busier on this mode than I recall, but this may just be conditions. Anyway, I managed 2 QSOs (HA and YO) and according to PSK Reporter my signal was reaching Canada and the USA. Not bad considering my 2.5W and low 20m antenna. A good change. I must use this mode more in 2016.

UPDATE 1622z:  I have returned to 472kHz WSPR for the evening and night with 5mW ERP (20%) TX and RX without a preamp (80%). I still use the earth-electrode "antenna" on 472kHz. F6GEX (590km) was the first station spotted on 472kHz WSPR this evening. Others include DK7FC (669km) and G8HUH (250km) and PA0A (417km).

Anglesey Abbey (NT) Daffodils - NOT amateur radio

Anglesey Abbey Daffodils

There are daffodils, snowdrops, hellebores and more out at Anglesey Abbey (National Trust) which is just a few miles away from us. Some trees are in blossom. Everything is 4-6 weeks ahead of normal. The weather is crazy.

Sunspots and 10m - Sun Dec 20th 2015

Solar flux is 120 today, which is quite respectable. Sunspot number is 44 (K=5) yet 10m propagation is expected to be "fair" today. Early indications on 10m are promising.

Overnight on 630m (472kHz) WSPR

Overnight I was on 472kHz WSPR RX only, with the preamp in circuit. Sadly, no new stations copied. Just the usual stations copied yet again. I am now on 10m and 6m WSPR and I'll return to 630m WSPR at teatime without the preamp, but with TX enabled for 20% of the time (5mW ERP).

10m WSPR this morning

Local G4KPX (14km) and RZ6AOJ (2780km) have both spotted my 10m 500mW WSPR signal already. This early activity gives me some hope that 10m WSPR will be good later too.

UPDATE 1402z:   Sadly, no further 10m WSPR spots this morning and afternoon, so far.  G8VDQ has been spotted several times on 6m WSPR but no-one else.