Thunder - QRT

We have just had thunder, so I decided to go QRT and disconnect everything. I may go on again later after the storm passes through. At the moment the storms look quite widespread and we have heavy rain.

See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en .

UPDATE 1405z: The storms seem to have passed, although I'm not sure about what is happening just west of here. Maybe I'll give it another hour and maybe go on the air again? At the moment, the sun is shining. 😕

Rally this Sunday

20 AUGUST 2017 : RUGBY ATS ANNUAL RADIO RALLY
Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, Rugby, CV23 9PY Doors open from 10am to 4pm and admission is £3. Sellers can gain access from 8am. There will be a car boot area. Catering is available on site. Details from Tony, G0OLS on 0775 968 4411 or by email to rally@rugbyats.co.uk. www.rugbyats.co.uk
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

6m FT8 RX

Apart from a very brief transceive period before breakfast (no spots) I have been RX only on 6m FT8. SK0TM (1156km) is currently the best so far on RX. Es I presume.

UPDATE 0940z: Nothing since 0718z.

UPDATE 1002z: Now Spain being spotted on 6m FT8 RX. Es, I assume, is back. I am sure that FT8 is catching brief openings that otherwise might be missed.

UPDATE 1124z: Balearic Is and Italy spotted now. Es, but perhaps 6m FT8 is allowing brief openings to be used now? Or is this just a good Es season?

UPDATE 1700z: After the storms I turned on the kit again. At the moment 9 countries spotted on 6m.

10m WSPR TX (500mW)

Since just before breakfast I have had my 10m WSPR beacon running 500mW. CT7AEZ (1618km) has spotted me, much to my surprise, very early. Obviously, we are still seeing Es.

UPDATE 0940z: Nothing since 0924z.

UPDATE 1006z: Now being spotted by EA1KV (1304km) as well.

UPDATE 1806z: With only 2 unique spots today, the 10m Es seems to have been confined to Iberia (Spain and Portugal).

Sunspots - Friday August 18thy 2017

Solar flux is 76 today and the sunspot number 30. A=29 and K=3.

Old statues - NOT amateur radio

It is rare for me to agree with Donald.  On most things I personally detest the man.

I personally think statues of the past should be left, even if we dislike them and what they stood for.  These are of the past, and times, and views, change. Destroying these (whether in Syria, Afghanistan, USA or UK) serves no long-term good. If we destroy everything we do not agree with today, we are making a judgment. Personally, I think every age should have a chance to make up its own mind.

Racism, bigotry and a lack of tolerance is always wrong.

My views, and I respect the right of others to disagree with me.

Earth Electrode Antennas

For some years, I have used earth-electrode antennas of the lower bands such as VLF/LF/MF. I have also tried these on 160m and 80m with less success. I have never claimed they work wonders, but if you are stuck for an antenna on the lower bands it will enable you to get out. On the lower bands you may be surprised how well this "antenna" works.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/earth-electrode-antennas

PW and RadioUser sold

According to Southgate News PW and RadioUser magazines have been sold to a new owner.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2017/august/new-owner-for-pw.htm#.WZVkQLpFzIU

6m FT8 RX

With 7 countries and 2 continents spotted already, this is another good Es day on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2032z: 21 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX in the last day. Good Es.

10m WSPR TX (500mW)

Much to my surprise, I see I have had 4 unique 10m WSPR spots already this morning with my best DX report being from IK1NET (981km). So, yet again, there is good, early Es on 10m.

UPDATE 2110z: 6 unique spots of my 10m 500mW WSPR beacon in the last day. Soon be time to go QRT.