Missed again

It looks like the heavy storms of thunder and lightning have missed us again. At the moment the worst storms are tracking westwards and well to the south of us. I can't say I am sorry.

See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en

Red kite - NOT amateur radio

A sight I thought I would never see - a red kite (bird) flying over our home in East Anglia. At one time this would have been extremely rare, but in the last few months I have seen a little egret and a red kite overhead. 

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/red-kite.

Flowers - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday an old friend was 70. When we called, we had to take a photo of the clematis and roses by her front door. They always have great roses in their front garden.

Solar cycle 25

All the predictions that I have seen point to a peak not better than the last one, and possibly lower. In recent weeks we have seen a slight improvement in solar flux and sunspot numbers. However, do not get your hopes up. The minimum is probably 2019 or 2020 and this may just be a small "blip". On average, expect things to get worse for a few years yet. Of course, the 11 years for a solar cycle is just an average, so we might start the next solar cycle sooner or later.

10m WSPR TX

Since just before breakfast, my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon has been on (100% TX, randomised frequencies). Already several spots by EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.. My current 10m antenna is not brilliant. EA6GF (1428km) spotted me this afternoon.

Sunspots - Thursday May 31st 2018

Solar flux is 74 and the sunspot number 18. A=4 and K=2.

Early 6m success

D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Islands and lots of others have already been spotted this morning on 6m FT8 RX. It is only 0858z!   Could this be the day I spot some transatlantic DX on 6m?

A very early brief CQ call was spotted by 3 Gs. This was before breakfast.

Already 24 stations in 6 countries spotted on 6m FT8.

UPDATE 1732z: So far today on 6m FT8 RX, 88 stations in 16 countries.

82Hz (yes Hertz!) signal received in Tasmania

Edgar, in Moonah, Tasmania, Australia has received the Russian station, located on the Kola Peninsula on 82Hz. I believe this station sends coded messages to submerged Russian nuclear subs. It is a very long way. Mind you, Edgar is not lurking on the sea bed!

Building kit

Only this lunchtime my XYL asked when I was going to build something in my shack. Since my 2013 stroke, I managed to build a Chinese Pixie kit (worked first time) and repair my 472kHz transverter (changed the MOSFET), although things are much harder for me these days.

Actually, I think I need to try to build more: it is good therapy and probably will help me. I have to come to terms with how I am now, but still battle to make the best of things.

I fancy trying a mcHF or uBITX kit, but will this be beyond me now?

Any suggestions for what I should try?

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/stroke

Friedrichshafen reminder

1-3 JUNE 2018 : HAM RADIO SHOW, FRIEDRICHSHAFEN

Messe, Friedrichshafen, Germany. Trade stands, special interest groups and IARU Member Societies all have stands in the main hall. Large flea market. Lectures take place each day, some in English. There will be a large RSGB book stall. www.hamradio-friedrichshafen.de.

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