Chippenham Park - NOT amateur radio

We were here earlier in the week with our other grandchildren. Here is a photo of the "London" grandchildren next to 2 frog statues and one of the lakes.

Last year's - NOT amateur radio

Our amaryllis plant from last year has now really started to grow, with a bud appearing yesterday. The photo was taken this morning. Barring disasters, it should be quite big next week. This was a total surprise as we thought it wasn't going to grow! I just love watching these grow.

Aurora?

The BBC was forecasting aurora sightings possible in the north of Scotland tonight and Southgate News talks about a CME event hitting the earth.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/february/sunspot-explodes-hurls-cme-at-earth.htm#.WoVcdkx2vIU

10m FT8 RX

During the day today, I am monitoring 10m FT8 RX. No spots as yet, although I have not been on long.

UPDATE 1606z: Just 2 Gs spotted today so far on 10m FT8. Best DX G0OYQ (177km).

Good night on 472kHz WSPR RX

Last night was the best yet on 472kHz WSPR with 24 unique stations spotted plus one false decode. In all, 4 unique Norwegian stations spotted, but again nothing outside of Europe.

Sunspots - Thursday February 15th 2018

Solar flux is 75 today and the sunspot number is 18. A=3 and K=0.

Now back on 472kHz WSPR RX

A few minutes ago, I returned to 472kHz WSPR RX. The shack PC is again on battery power. I'll recharge the batteries later so I can be on RX throughout the night.

UPDATE 1926z: Plenty of unique spots already this evening. Promising.

UPDATE 2005z: I seem to have got one false decode. The distance, locator, and power look all wrong.

2018-02-14 19:46

DH1WVK

0.475672

-28

0

LR02

200

G3XBM

JO02dg

3596

228

With the grandchildren earlier - NOT amateur radio

Today was "changeover day".  Some went home and some others arrived.

For a period in this mad house they were all here. This picture captures them now - growing up all too fast.

Amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

We have several amaryllis plants this winter including one from last year which was in the garden which seems to be growing again. It is now in the kitchen. There are no buds yet.

The one in the lounge is now doing really well with plenty of flowers on it, as the photo shows.

These are amazing plants and great fun in the winter.

UPDATE 1935z: There appears to be a bud on last year's plant.

70cm UKAC last evening

For the first time in a while, I did not go on 70cms in the activity contest. We had guests and I thought it best not to disturb them. Usually I only stay on for about 30 minutes and I come way down the scores because of my QRP and totally unsuitable antenna (a 2m halo!).