Sunspots - Saturday December 8th 2018

Solar flux is 70 today and the SSN 16. A=10 and K=2.

Yet again, spotted in Norway on 472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP)

Last night was average on 472kHz WSPR with best DX LA2XPA (1310km) spotted on RX. The best DX on 472kHz WSPR TX was (yet again) LA3EQ (769km), with 11 spots of my 10mW ERP in total. This was the first time more people spotted me than I spotted.

Spots of my 10mW ERP 472kHz WSPR last night

Stations spotted overnight here on 472kHz WSPR

Elecraft News - December

Every month I get an email saying the latest Elecraft newsletter is available. Elecraft make some fine QRP radios, although they are expensive here in the UK. In many ways their receivers are very good.

See https://elecraft.com/

QSY to 10m FT8 RX

At about 1025z, I QSYed to 10m. As yet, no spots.

UPDATE 1112z: So far, just a 2 stations spotted: MM0HVU (480km) and 2E0RUS (104km). Aircraft reflection? No EUs and no "real DX", well not so far.

UPDATE 1603z: In all, just 5 stations in 4 countries spotted here today on 10m FT8 RX. See Bas's comments below!

Magnetic loops

It is some years since I built and used magnetic loop antennas on HF. They work remarkably well, although they are narrow band and need frequent retuning unless you are using modes like FT8, WSPR or PSK31 where the activity is all concentrated in one place. I recall using a small wire loop in the bedroom and getting WSPR spots from Japan with 20m QRP.

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

I see Southgate News has a link to a video on magnetic loops.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/december/magnetic-loop-antenna-current-and-voltage-distribution.htm#.XApJVvZ2u00

Last night on topband

Last night, I was on 160m FT8 RX. Overnight 7 North Americans and 1 Caribbean station spotted as well as loads of Europeans. Shortly, I hope to try 10m FT8.

As before, using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground on 160m. Best DX to the west on 160m FT8 RX last night was KC9FFV (7612km) in Texas, USA.

Sunspots - Friday December 7th 2018

Solar flux is 69 today and the SSN 17. A=5 and K=1.

Are we coming out of the solar minimum? Only time will tell. Solar flux is still low,  but the SSN seems to be improving. As they say, "one swallow does not make a summer".  Maybe in a year from now things will be clearer.

Prize - NOT amateur radio

We heard today that our 9 year old grandson was one of 4 chosen to win a prize to be on the front of a Christmas brochure for his school.

For a 9 year old it is amazing. We had to check with his dad to make sure he did it! Yes, he did!

This is far better than his grandparents could do!

Now on 160m FT8

My recent 160m FT8 CQ (2.5W) was spotted by 2 Belgians and by G3TXL (360km) in Devon. On 160m FT8 RX 3 stations in 3 countries spotted so far today.

As usual, I am using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. I am pretty sure this acts like a loop on 160m.

UPDATE 1602z: Now 11 stations in 4 countries spotted today on 160m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2150z: WU1ITU (4831km) was first spotted at 2040z. Again, lots of Europeans with best DX to the east RW6PA (3462km) in Chechnya.

Last night on 472kHz

Last night was not at all bad on 472kHz WSPR As well as GM, Jan LA3EQ (769km) spotted me 3 times. I have lost count now of the spots from Norway on 472kHz (630m) WSPR this season. Most times I go on MF I seem to get spotted in Norway.