Sunspots and 10m - Thurs July 14th 2016

Solar flux is 94 today. Sunspot number 54 (K=3) but the forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".  I suspect this will be the case now until the autumn. At least there is summertime Es to liven things up from time to time.

Return to 10m WSPR and 6m JT65

Since returning home I have reactivated my 10m WSPR and 6m JT65 transmissions. Not having been home long, I have yet to check how things are going but there was a strong Austrian calling CQ on 6m so there is definitely Es around.

Sunspots and 10m - Wed July 13th 2016

As mentioned, we were away for a couple of nights, so there were no postings yesterday.

Today solar flux is 93 and sunspot number 63 (K=2). The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".
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Away - NOT amateur radio

As you may have guessed, we have been away for a couple of nights so there were no blog updates yesterday. Normal service should soon be resumed.

Alibris UK - NOT amateur radio

"15% everything today only". Yet another offer! They must think we are all totally stupid. Is it 3 a week or more?

6m and 10m - early Es

Both on 6m JT65 and 10m WSPR, I have been receiving early spots from Europeans. This is Es.

UKAC - 70cm leg tomorrow evening

A reminder than the RSGB's 70cm UKAC activity contest is on Tuesday evening this week from 1900-2130z. Last month was very quiet, but usually there is quite a bit of activity. Even with my 5W pep and an omni antenna for 2m I can usually work moderate distances.

Sunspots and 10m - Mon July 11th 2016

Solar flux is 94 and sunspot number 46 (K=3). The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".

Paraguay on 10m WSPR - F2 at last

10m WSPR this evening

ZP4KFX (10277km) in Paraguay has copied my 500mW 10m WSPR this evening several times. I assume this is F2 although it could be Es and F2.

UPDATE 1758z: So far, he has copied me 8 times and as strong as -15dB S/N.

UPDATE 1844z:  So far, ZP4KFX (10277km) has spotted me 23 times on 10m WSPR at up to -8dB S/N. We almost have a pipe!

6m Es all day

Well it is only 1745z but already there have been extensive 6m Es openings right across Europe with my 1W ERP signal being widely reported. So far, I have not been spotted outside of Europe, although I remain ever hopeful!