472kHz WSPR

A few moments ago I returned to 472kHz WSPR.  It normally takes about 20 minutes for the transverter crystal to settle and the drift go to zero.

UPDATE 1830z: So far the evening, 3 people have spotted my 10mW ERP MF WSPR signal. All Gs.

Low cost spectrum analyser

This weekend is the MLS Hog Roast.

As part of their usual "something for the weekend" promotion they are showing a low cost spectrum analyser. It is years since I used one at work. OK, this is low cost, but covers 15MHz to 2.7GHz. Of all the test gear I ever used, a spectrum analyser was among the most useful.

10m FT8

Although conditions on the higher HF bands don't exactly look promising, I have returned to 10m FT8 for the daylight hours. As I have only just QSYed, no spots yet. Will I spot anyone at all? Only time will tell.

UPDATE 1400z: Just PD1DL (328km) and G4CJC (74km) spotted. I suspect the PD1 was by aircraft reflection.

Old friends - NOT amateur radio

Some old friends who moved out of our village several years ago are staying with us for a few days. The photo shows us enjoying a meal together last night.

What are they up to? - NOT amateur radio

We live next door to Burwell Museum and windmill. The photo shows 2 volunteers peering down the well. You may well ask why.

Well, they are hauling up the tray at the bottom of the well which catches money thrown into the well over the season, which runs from Easter until late October when the museum is open.

160m FT8 overnight

Although lots of Europeans spotted once again, far fewer North Americans spotted here. In fact only 3 USA stations overnight.

Sunspots - Friday November 30th 2018

Solar flux is 68 and the SSN 0. A =3 and K=0.

MLS Hog Roast

Saturday 1 DECEMBER : ML&S ANNUAL HOG ROAST & OPEN DAY

ML&S Ltd, Wessex House, Drake Ave, Staines TW18 2AP. Sponsored by Yaesu, Icom & Kenwood the store will have its usual extra-low prices, lecture streams and manufacturers on site. Bacon butties for the early birds and a succulent pig in a bun for lunch! Doors open 8am and close at 4pm. For more details, see hamradio.co.uk/hogroast.

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

Special birthday - NOT amateur radio

My wife is 29 days older than me. Last weekend was a special birthday (21 plus quite a few!) surrounded by cards and flowers.

To Norway yet again on 472kHz WSPR

If I am not mistaken, last night was the 5th time I've been spotted in Norway this autumn with my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Yet again LA3EQ (769km) got me. Jan was using the suffix /MW, so I assume he was using a miniwhip. I guess he must have a decent low noise floor.