Last night on 472kHz WSPR RX

Overnight I was on 472kHz WSPR RX, this time on my compromise Marconi vertical. In all, 13 unique stations were spotted. This is fewer than on the earth-electrode "antenna" and not altogether unexpected.

Return to 472kHz WSPR RX

As 10m was dire today, I have already QSYed to 472kHz WSPR RX. Already, quite a few stations spotted. This evening, I am using the "compromise" Marconi vertical, which really is a poor antenna for the band. The following shows the unique stations already spotted.

UPDATE 2047z: So far this evening 8 uniques spotted, although 39 unique stations spotted on 472kHz WSPR RX in the last 2 weeks.

UPDATE 2244z: At the moment I am off whilst the shack PC battery charges. It should be ready about 2300z.

Church blog updated again - NOT amateur radio

Like buses, they come along together!  It was months since the churches blog was updated and now it has been updated twice. This time I have added Chippenham (no, not the one in Wiltshire).

See https://eachurches.blogspot.co.uk/ .

Geomagnetic storm

According to Southgate News we are experiencing a G1 geomagnetic storm, that often leads to good auroras. Maybe this is why 10m FT8 is so bad today so far.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/february/geomagnetic-storm-in-progress.htm#.Woqz1Ux2vIU

OXFAM in deep poo? - NOT amateur radio

The charity OXFAM looks like it is in deep trouble. They seem to have mishandled their operation in Haiti in 2011. It would not surprise me if they lose lots in donations.

If OXFAM people want to use prostitutes this is a private matter and OXFAM should not be involved. The negative publicity is nothing short of a disaster for them.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43107985 .

Granddaughter finding painted pebble - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday I mentioned the craze for hunting painted pebbles hidden around our village.

This is our granddaughter finding one a few days ago.

Mini-whip E-field probe

There is little doubt that I shall have to try one of these on LF and MF and possibly other bands next autumn. I have the time from now until then to find the best spot to mount one. I may buy one from PA0RDT, although I have had success in the past with my own.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/efp

10m FT8 RX

Since just before breakfast, I have been monitoring 10m FT8 again. No spots at all so far this morning. Mind you, this is hardly surprising looking at the solar numbers. It is also quite early. This was posted at 0940z.

UPDATE 1348z: Still no 10m FT8 spots here. Not even a G.

UPDATE 1417z: Just G4CJC (74km) so far today on 10m FT8.

Sunspots - Monday February 19th 2018

Solar flux is 69 and the sunspot number back at zero. A=14 and K=5. Yes, we are back to deteriorating solar conditions.

472kHz WSPR RX last night

17 uniques spotted last night. All EU stations and none from the USA again.

It seems I am destined not to spot USA stations with my earth-electrode "antenna" on 472kHz. This is odd, as I am hearing plenty of EU stations well off the best directions. I would have thought I'd have spotted USA stations as they are off the end of the "loop", so in the best direction.

Perhaps I should revert to my compromise Marconi, which is less good than the earth-electrode "antenna" with most stations. Mind you, the only time this season I have copied the USA on 472kHz was with the Marconi. Honestly, this is a very bad antenna!