Ripe for renovation? - NOT amateur radio

On our pre-Christmas lunch walk earlier, we saw this old Volkswagen. I think they enjoy restoring old Volkswagens at this place.

Overnight on 160m FT8 RX

Not the best of nights. 5 North Americans and 1 South American spotted as well as lots of Europeans.

Stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX with the 

earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground overnight

2m FT8

Whilst doing other things, I am monitoring 2m FT8 RX (saddo). Already 4 stations in 3 countries spotted with best DX being DF6PW (633km).

Happy Christmas - NOT amateur radio

Whatever your beliefs, or none, Christmas is a time for kindness and sharing. I hope you get some! From me, a very happy Christmas and may 2019 bring you success and good fortune.

Sunspots - Tuesday December 25th 2018 (Christmas Day)

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 0.  A=4 and K=1.

Amateur VLF

Recently, there have been up to 4 stations active around 8.27kHz VLF. This is the excellent spectrogram at Paul Nicholson's station in Todmorden, UK. Such levels of activity are rare.

Names leaked too soon? - NOT amateur radio

Yet again, the gutter press has released the names of 2 people questioned by police in connection with the shutdown of Gatwick Airport by drone flights.

It is my firm belief that no names should be released at all until people are found guilty. Mud sticks and many an innocent person has had his/her life ruined by being named when they are innocent or not even charged.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-46675612 .

SAQ VLF transmission missed

Earlier today there was a CW transmission from SAQ on 17.2kHz. This uses an alternator TX and broadcasts heritage transmissions a few times a year. Years ago, I received a QSL card from SAQ for one of their transmissions. If, like me, you missed today's transmission you may like to look at this video of today's transmission.

See https://youtu.be/shqi43EV07c .

Now on topband

As 10m FT8 was flat today, I have QSYed to 160m FT8 RX with the earth-electrode "antenna". No spots yet, although I have only QSYed a few minutes ago and it is still light here.

UPDATE 1600z: Already 35 stations in 15 countries spotted on 160m FT8 with best DX RU4I (3202km).

UPDATE 1716z: The map shows the stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX so far today in the last few hours.

UPDATE 2034z: WU1ITU (4831km) was first copied on 160m FT8 RX at 2028z.

Iris - NOT amateur radio

This may have been on before, but it is a nice picture of a lovely flower seen at nearby Anglesey Abbey recently. Hope you enjoy it now, and possibly before!

Yes, it was on before last week!!

Sorry, but I really am losing it! My excuse is I post to so many places that I forget which - well that is my excuse. Truth is I cannot remember!