Sunspots - Thursday November 8th 2018

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN still zero. A=10 and K=2. Still very much at solar minimum.

472kHz QSO

As usual, I have QSYed to 472kHz WSPR.

Earlier this evening I saw G4GIR calling CQ on the band using JT9, so I gave him a call. He responded so we had a 2-way QSO on 472kHz using JT9. Unless I am mistaken, this is the first JT9 472kHz QSO I have had in at least 6 years.

Since then, I have largely been on MF WSPR (10mW ERP to the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground).

Main G3XBM website

It is some time since I reminded readers of my main website. This is not updated as often as this blog, but you may find something that "tickles your fancy" as they say. There are plenty of projects to whet your appetite. Some projects were built and a few might inspire you to do something similar. You may just want to browse!

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

Artist - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday, we did a walk (again) at nearby Anglesey Abbey. Leaves are really starting to fall now. This painter was making the most of the weather and light.

Return to 10m FT8

After a quiet night (QRT on all bands), I returned to 10m FT8 RX just now. As yet, no spots.

UPDATE 1005z: Just PA2I (394km) spotted - aircraft? Will today be quieter than yesterday on 10m FT8?

UPDATE 1915z: So far today, 15 stations in 6 countries, all European. Nothing outside Europe here.

Clipped wings - NOT amateur radio

So the Republicans have lost control of the USA House of Representatives in the mid-term elections, meaning President Trump will have more trouble getting controversial stuff passed. Republicans still control the Senate. Personally, I think this is no bad thing that President Trump has a few more issues.

Electrical fault - NOT amateur radio

Last night all the electrics went off. It was only in our house, so my heart sank. Using the switch box (isolators) I managed to isolate the fault to one set of sockets and turned this circuit off, so all other circuits still worked.

The electrician who installed the whole electrics came out early and found the fault in one socket, which he fixed. After 5 years it had got damp (no obvious leaks). This should be covered by the 10 year warranty we took out, otherwise we have to pay up for the callout and repair.

Sunspots - Wednesday November 7th 2018

Solar flux is 68 and the SSN zero. A=10 and K=3.

USA mid-terms - NOT amateur radio

"It is no exaggeration to say that the direction America takes will hinge on these results."

Today, the people of the USA vote in their mid-term elections for some of the Senate seats and all of those in the House of Representatives. It is a brave man who predicts the outcome. 

As an outsider, I see parallels in Trump with a certain European leader of the 1930s. Unbridled power can be dangerous and this is a chance to clip wings somewhat. The leader of the USA may have the best interests of the American people at heart, but unbridled power? Is that what the USA really wants? If it is, we face a much more uncertain future. 

With swings to the right in several countries, we live in dangerous times.  What continues to amaze me is how so many in the USA believe their best interests are served by a very, very rich businessman. 

"Make America great again" … yes please! 

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-46099744 .

OFCOM monthly update

As usual, OFCOM has published its monthly update. I suppose this keeps them busy and is better than having to understand anything that really matters.