2m FT8 RX

Since just before breakfast I have been monitoring 2m FT8 RX again. Already (0900z) 24 unique stations spotted in 6 countries with best DX on RX DK2DTF (644km).

UPDATE 1222z:  Now 37 uniques in 7 countries spotted.

UPDATE 1300z: Now 40 uniques in 8 countries.

UPDATE 1903z: Now 56 uniques in 8 countries in the last 12 hours.

UPDATE 2116z: 59 uniques in 8 countries today on 2m FT8 RX. Now time to go QRT.

Sunspots - Saturday April 14th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number still 13.  A=9 and K=1.

Virus? - NOT amateur radio

Whenever I open the page to add things to my blog currently, my Avast comes up with "threat detected".  I suspect one of the ads on my edit page currently contains some sort of malware. I am pretty sure it is not anything I have placed on the blog. I only hope it is not there on the pages visitors see.

Anyway, it is good discipline to have anti-virus protection on your PC. If you are not protected, I recommend Avast which has good scores and is available free. In the case of Windows Defender, it uses Avast as the virus protection on my own PC.

These days, every PC user must have virus protection. Without it, you are acting irresponsibly and foolishly, endangering others as well as yourself. Get protected now.

House quiet again - NOT amateur radio

Our "London" grandchildren have gone home and the house is quiet again. We have had them since Monday and visitors for over a week, leaving me exhausted. We love having the grandchildren, but they do tire me!

Rallies

15 APRIL 2018 : WEST LONDON RADIO & ELECTRONICS SHOW (Kempton Rally)

Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5AQ. There will be a talk in station and on site car parking is free. Doors open at 10am with disable d visitors gaining access 10 minutes earlier. There will be trade stations, a Bring & Buy and special interest groups. Other attractions are lectures, a raffle and catering on site. Details from Paul, M0CJX on 0845 165 0351, info@radiofairs.co.uk. www.radiofairs.co.uk.


15 APRIL 2018 : YEOVIL ARC QRP CONVENTION

Digby Hall, Sherborne, Dorset DT9 3AA. Doors open 9.30am to 3pm. Admission £3, regrettably only guide dogs can be admitted. There will be traders, a Bring & Buy as well as club stands. A programme of talks will take place, details on the website. Supported by RSGB, RAFARS & BYLARA [http://yeovil-arc.com/QRPconvention.php].


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

2m FT8 RX

So far this morning on 2m FT8 RX 18 unique stations in 6 countries in the last 6 hours.

UPDATE 1422z: Now 26 unique stations in 7 countries today.

UPDATE 2144z: Now 63 unique stations in 7 countries today.

OFCOM auction results published

Now, don't get too excited as it is not good for your heart! I know how much you enjoy news about OFCOM, just like me!

OFCOM has now published the results of its auction of microwave spectrum. Yes, I know you have been anxiously awaiting this with bated breath, but now the wait is over! You can breath again.  😎

See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/264F38AB38B02CEC2540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C

Heathkit HW8 QRP Transceiver

Some years ago, I owned one of these rigs and worked some impressive DX with it. It was a joy to use. I think it was sold when I bought a Yaesu transceiver many years ago. It went back to its original owner.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/hw8

Sunspots (yes real sunspots!) - Friday April 13th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today and the sunspot number is 13 i.e. not zero for a change! A=9 and K=2.

Mildenhall museum again - NOT amateur radio

Another view of our visit to Mildenhall Museum a few days ago with our grandchildren.