10m FT8

Since mid-morning I have been on 10m FT8 RX. So far, just one UK station spotted - G4HZW (208km).

UPDATE 1615z:  Well, unless things change, this will be the first time in several days without Europeans, or further, DX.

UPDATE 1832z:  In about 30 minutes I am moving to 50.280MHz MSK144 RX. No further stations spotted on 10m FT8 today.

630m - waning interest in Europe?

Last night I spotted just 4 unique stations in 3 countries. My own signal (10mW ERP) was only spotted by a couple of stations. Now there could be several reasons such as people using modes other than WSPR. However, it could be that stations on this side of the pond are getting disillusioned and are abandoning the band. They have spotted or been spotted by all the active stations and have decided to look for a new challenge?

I shall keep to 630m WSPR at night for now, although tonight I shall be on 6m MSK144.

Sunspots - Wednesday January 3rd 2018

Solar flux is 70 today. Sunspot number is still zero. A=5 and K=1.

630m

After a brief period on JT9 RX (nothing copied), I have gone on WSPR (10mW ERP,20%).

2m UKAC activity contest

Tonight was the first 2m activity contest. With 5W and an omni antenna I managed to reach South Devon for my best distance yet in these contests (346km). I only stayed on for 45 minutes because of my poor voice.

10m FT8 - Newfoundland

The spotting earlier this week of a station in Newfoundland on 10m FT8 goes to show that this band and mode can bring surprises. Sunspot number is zero and solar flux numbers poor, yet the band still opens up. OK, it is much harder than a few years ago.

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.