Latest Solar Conditions

The latest solar numbers are out and these show the slow fall in solar activity as we run down to the next minimum. Solar conditions, on average, will fall for another couple of years. The next peak may be very poor. This is not certain, but the most optimistic forecast I have seen shows a peak like the last one a few years ago.

See http://www.solen.info/solar/ .

Exhaustion - NOT amateur radio

This morning we went for a walk around the village and tried the new café, Elk, on the way. As we left the café it started to rain. The café was busy and the coffee fine. Being central and near the school, it deserves to do well.

By the time I got home I was totally exhausted, even though the walk was probably only about 1.5 miles. I feel giddy all the time when on my feet. It is impossible to explain my giddiness and exhaustion to others. After 4 years of this I have given up trying: one just has to make the best of things.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/stroke .

OFCOM annual plan

OFCOM is consulting on its annual plan. I have made my views known - more enforcement!

See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/proposed-annual-plan-2018-19?utm_source=updates&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=annual-plan-events

Cheque Book Amateur Radio

When browsing earlier, I chanced on this video. It made me sick.

According to this ham you need a linear, a big ATU, a big SWR bridge and several high cost radios to enjoy the hobby. Total rubbish in my view!!!

In my view, not one of these are needed. Each to their own, and how people choose to spend their disposable income is their decision. However, it is not necessary to spend vast amounts to enjoy amateur radio. For the cost of the income from a few paper-rounds or meals/drinks out with friends you can buy or build a rig capable of spanning the globe with a simple wire antenna. Just don't believe this total crap.

Sunspots - Tuesday January 2nd 2018

Solar flux is 72 today with sunspot number still zero. A=11 and K=2.

10m FT8

I remained on 10m FT8 RX overnight. This morning G0OYQ (177km) and DF7IW (613km) were spotted early on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1040z:  Now OY1DZ (1163km) spotted on 10m FT8.

UPDATE 1524z:  9 unique stations in 6 European countries so far today on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1816z: Well, well, well VP8LP (12772km) has just been spotted on 10m FT8.

UPDATE 1842z: Now PU4YEN (9137km) is coming through.

Near the R.Cam - NOT amateur radio

When most think of the River Cam they think of punts outside Kings in Cambridge. Further downstream it is bleak and wild. Most New Year's Day's we go for a walk and reminisce about the year just ended. Today it was very very muddy on the banks of the Cam near Upware!

Sub-9kHz amateur radio

One of the websites I run is Sub-9kHz Amateur Radio. This is one of the true frontiers and is surprisingly accessible. Most of the software you need is totally free and audio amps work! Layout is not critical.  On RX especially large antennas are not required.

Why not give it a go in 2018? I promise you that you will not be disappointed.

13A UK socket with USB charging and wifi extender

7dayshop is selling a dual 13A 240V UK power socket which has a built in USB charging socket together with a wifi extender. What next?

See https://www.7dayshop.com/products/masterplug-double-electrical-socket-with-wifi-extender-and-usb-port-wh2-922uwr?utm_source=maillist&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20180101

Old Scatterpoint Microwave Newsletters

Thanks to Southgate News I reminded that old copies of Scatterpoint are available online. If you want to read 2017 and 2018 editions you need to join UKuG.

See http://www.microwavers.org/indexs.htm