OFCOM

Gosh! How exciting.

See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/B242DC6C6238010C2540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C

EU sour grapes? - NOT amateur radio

Although I voted to remain a member, I detect a note of "sour grapes" on the part of the EU. Do I detect a note of bitterness that the UK will no longer pay some of the budget?

It seems perfectly reasonable to me that the UK wants the same policy to apply to all people who wish to live and work in the UK irrespective of the nation they come from.

It also seems quite reasonable that we would want to start work on trade deals whilst we are in the transition period.

No, I am beginning to detect an air of "sour grapes" on the part of the EU. In the end I think the EU will regret this.

All we really wanted was more control over who lives and works here on this small island. We will still trade with EU nations and others as we choose.

Sub 9kHz amateur radio

Although far from perfect, I try to keep up with the latest news about amateur radio below 9kHz. Quite a lot is happening.

Surprisingly, large antennas are not needed for receive and all the software you need is free.

This is one of the true frontiers in our hobby and access is easier and far less expensive than you might think. A perfectly fine RX setup can be made for a few cups of coffee in a café.

Most activity is just below 8.3kHz, which remains unallocated in many countries.

See https://sites.google.com/site/sub9khz/

Help with nests - NOT amateur radio

One of the joys of an English spring is seeing the world "come alive" again with fresh green leaves, blossom and birds singing. We can help birds by making sure they have a variety of things for nest building in our gardens. OK, it is only February, but the signs are there.

See https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/homesforwildlife/b/gardeningforwildlife/archive/2018/01/26/helping-birds-build-a-happy-home.aspx#utm_source=notesonnature&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=feb18

Bill Bryson books - NOT amateur radio

If you like travel books try Bill Bryson. There is a laugh on every page. They are light-hearted and he is very perceptive. He has a dry sense of humour that appeals to my small brain.

It is probably 20 years since I read, "Notes from a Small Island" (about the UK) and I have certainly forgotten it.  So, I ordered a copy from Amazon for 1p plus postage. It came today (hardback) and I have already started it.  These books are so funny.

Hackers again? - NOT amateur radio

Well, I know my blog has not suddenly attracted loads of new genuine visitors today and I note the very high visitor numbers from Ukraine. It seems more than a little co-incidental. Bots or hackers most probably doing the regular trawl.

Sun in the trees - NOT amateur radio

As the sun was shining, we visited Brandon Country Park this morning. As it is winter the trees are bare so you can see more. Not much life stirring yet.

10m FT8 RX

Since breakfast, I have been on 10m FT8 RX. As yet, no spots.

UPDATE 1347z: Just a single spot late this morning of EI7HDB (478km) which I reckon was aircraft reflection.

UPDATE 1616z: Apart from local G4AWP (19km) no other new 10m spots today. Dire!

UPDATE 1912z: Well, although not uploaded to PSK Reporter Maps I spotted PU4ISA (GG89) in Brazil.

630m last night

In the end I just remained on until the shack PC's battery went flat. This was just after 0300z. The batteries last a long time! 

On WSPR G3XIZ, G8HUH and 2E0ILY were copied and G3XDV copied on OPERA. If I am honest, I was disappointed.

Sunspots - Thursday February 1st 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number 13. A=6 and K=0.