Sunspots - Friday January 26th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number still zero. A=10 and K=2.

Mag-mount 136kHz E-field probe picture

This is a photo of the E-field probe used some years ago to receive my very low ERP 136kHz QRSS3 signal on the far side of Cambridge (20km?).  It was mounted in the middle of the car roof.  As you see, the whip was very small!

UPDATE 1550z: Well, I found the EFP in a drawer, but the coil and cap in the drain had been removed years ago. If I want to resurrect this, I shall have to rebuild this part. A nice small project over the spring or summer.

QSYed to 630m WSPR RX

At about 1915z I QSYed to MF. Using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground, a preamp into the FT817, the shack PC on batteries, I have the best chances. Already many countries have been spotted.

UPDATE 2212z: After a break so the shack PC batteries could be fully charged before the overnight period, everything is now ON for the overnight run on 630m WSPR RX. Noise floor is as low as I can get it with this setup.

Yet more excuses to NOT do real work?

"Ofcom has today published a further statement regarding the regulations for the award of spectrum in the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz bands.

Today’s statement sets out our decision to make further statutory instruments related to the spectrum award, following publication on Wednesday 24 January of the regulations that will apply for the award process.

The two statutory instruments are: the Limitation Order, which limits the number of licences to be awarded for the two spectrum bands; and the Register Amendment Regulations, which allow Ofcom to publish certain information regarding the licences awarded under the auction regulations.

The two statutory instruments will come into force on 1 February 2018."

Life is such fun at OFCOM. Do they ever do anything that does not involve money?

Hackers back? - NOT amateur radio

In the last hour or so blog visits have more than doubled.

Now, a naïve person might say this corresponds with the East Coast USA waking up and these people really enjoy the blog. Sadly, I think this explanation is incorrect and I suspect people/machines with very different intentions are peeking around again. I expect numbers will return to normal again in a few days.

Maybe the thought police have detected the word "Trump"?

Trump-May meeting in Davos - NOT amateur radio

So the UK wants a trade deal with the USA after it leaves the EU and Mrs May (UK PM) is to meet President Trump, aka the genius.

Now, neither is exactly my image of a good, charismatic leader. Sadly I cannot think of any, anywhere. Where are the men and women who are truly interested in the common good?  Please may someone really good step forward as the world badly needs you.

My personal views, which others may totally disagree with. In free countries you are entitled to hold vastly differing views. Basically, the lack of real leaders is troublesome.  Trump, Putin, May? - let history judge.

Cynical me? Surely not.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42819405 .

Rally

27 JANUARY 2018 : HORNCASTLE RADIO RALLY

Banovallum School, Mareham Road Entrance LN9 6DA. Entry £2. All on one level and all indoors, with all the usual attractions including bacon butties. Free car parking on site. Traders contact 01507 527835 for details. Tony, G3ZPU on01507 527 835 or email tony.nightingale@yahoo.co.uk.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

10m FT8 RX

Although I have been on this band and mode for about 15 minutes, no spots yet, although I am not surprised. Unless we see some winter Es, it is unlikely I'll spot anything until later this afternoon. Even that is hopeful!

UPDATE 1125z: Well surprise! F5RD (681km) has been spotted. Winter Es or aircraft?

UPDATE 1305z:  No further 10m FT8 spots thus far today.

UPDATE 1634z: Just a couple of G stations spotted, presumably off aircraft.

Sunspots - Thursday January 25th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number is still zero. A=8 and K=3.

Success on 630m WSPR RX with earth-electrode "antenna"

Last night I was on 630m WSPR RX using my earth-electrode "antenna" with a preamp and the shack PC on battery power. It was my best night yet with 23 unique stations spotted. This haul included 4 different Spanish stations and 2 different Norwegians.