OFCOM and 900MHz and 1800MHz licence fees

Yet more joy in heaven. £££££ via OFCOM.

See http://ofcom.cmail19.com/t/ViewEmail/i/44C020C8E6C498612540EF23F30FEDED/59D1BD3EA2F08127C67FD2F38AC4859C

6m FT8

A very brief QSO before breakfast  has been followed by lots of Es on 6m FT8 RX. The best spot of my own low ERP signal was from northern Spain. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is currently 7X2TT (1766km) in North Africa.

UPDATE 1905z: In the last day, 40 different countries spotted here on 6m FT8 RX. I have lost count of all the stations spotted by Es today on 6m FT8 RX. Best DX on 6m FT8 RX is EA8EE (3014km) in the Canary Islands.

Sunspots - Friday June 8th 2018

Solar flux is 69 and the sunspot number zero. A=6 and K=1.

10m WSPR TX

This morning, I am again on 10m WSPR TX (500mW, 100% TX, randomised frequencies). Several Es spots already with the best DX EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.

UPDATE 2142z: 20 different stations spotted my little 10m WPR beacon today, mostly by Es.

Rally

9 JUNE 2018 : PORTSMOUTH RADIO RALLY

Milton Village Hall, 182 Milton Road, Southsea, Portsmouth PO4 8PR. Free on-street and disabled parking. Doors open 12.30pm, admission £2, tables £5 (clubs, charities etc free). Any profits will go to RAIBC. Matthew, 0793 615 2846, Matthew.twyman63@btinternet.com.

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

6m FT8 RX

Since returning home, I have been monitoring 6m FT8. Quite a few stations spotted by Es with the best DX currently S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara.

UPDATE 2055z: Best 6m FT RX DX spotted in now D41CV (4518km) in the Cape Verde Islands.

10m WSPR TX

For a few days we have been away from the QTH, so I have not been on the air. Since returning home, I have been on 10m WSPR TX with my beacon (500mW, 100% RX, random frequencies). As well as EU stations spotting me by Es, FY5KE (7110km) has been spotting me in South America. At times these reports have been quite strong. This is probably Es but could be F layer.

OFCOM preparations for WRC19

OFCOM has produced a consultation document on the UK preparations for WRC19. One of the low priority agenda items is the allocation of 50-54MHz to amateurs in Region 1. To be honest they seem more focussed on satellite services and money.

See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/114524/consultation-wrc-19.pdf

Sibling reunion - NOT amateur radio

Since 2002, my wife has got together with her two brothers. We take it in turns to act as hosts. Long may it continue. It is good to meet up on a happy occasion. We always enjoy a nice meal, treating the hosts.

Sunspots - Thursday June 7th 2018

Solar flux is 71 today and the sunspot number remains zero. A=6 and K=2.