Sunspots - Monday May 14th 2018

Solar flux is 70 and the sunspot number 12. A=8 and K=2.

6m REAL DX

Today has been brilliant on 6m FT8. Stations from all over western Europe, North Africa and the Canaries have been spotted, some very strongly. This looks like Es. What I am now looking for is some real DX.

Last year, in June, Japan was spotted on 6m JT65 as well as the USA, South America, Africa and the Carribean. With so many stations active on 6m FT8 this season, this is clearly the mode to try.

My 6m system is pretty basic! Just a V2000 vertical omni and the FT817.

I see that EA8YV has been copied today in Michigan, USA on 6m FT8.

Success on VLF

Riccardo IW4DXW's EbNaut transmissions from Italy on VLF (8270.003Hz) have been decoded in Germany.

Heathkit today

When I was young (a long time ago!) Heathkits were the things to aspire to. I started out in radio with an electronics workshop from Heathkit one Christmas.

Heathkit is trying to make a comeback, but the kits so far have not exactly impressed me. This is a tough market to crack especially with cheap kits and assembled products available from China. A few years ago I bought a 40m CW transceiver kit from China (the Pixie) that was less, with free postage too,  than just one of the parts if bought in the UK. I liked Heathkits and hope the company succeeds.  I have my doubts though.

See https://shop.heathkit.com/shop

See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/elwk

Beacons on FT8?

With FT8 becoming so popular, I am surprised beacons on HF and VHF don't include this weak signal mode. Perhaps some already do and I have not heard of them! If you are aware of any, please let me know.

Bowcombe Creek - NOT amateur radio

We did a short walk here last week. It is a delightful spot, not far from Kingsbridge. Even when the tide is out it is beautiful. The tide turned as we were there and started to come in.

6m FT8 RX Es

6m FT8 RX at 0902z today

Since breakfast, I have been monitoring 6m FT8. There is clear evidence of Es, especially from Spain, but all over.

Best RX DX is EA8YV (2983km). in the Canary Is.

UPDATE 0902z: Already 60 unique stations spotted in 14 countries spotted today on 6m FT8!

UPDATE 1424z: 112 uniques in 15 countries so far today on 6m FT8. Quite amazing.

UPDATE 1915z: Best DX today on 6m FT8 is EA8JK (3022km).

Little Egrets - NOT amateur radio

Until the late 1980s little egrets (a sort of heron) were rare in England. With climate change (please tell Mr Chump) their range has extended further north and they are now quite common here.

My guess is cattle egrets will be next.

This little egret was spotted in Devon, although I have seen one fly over my house here in East Anglia. 30 years ago, such a sight would have seemed impossible.

Sunspots - Sunday May 13th 2018

Solar flux is 69 and the sunspot number 11. A=12 and K=4.

At least Es is now good!

MLS weekend deals

Most weekends MLS has special offers and this weekend is no exception. They have, I see, a dual band 6m/4m Moxon beam.

See https://www.hamradio.co.uk