Return to 160m FT8

A few moments ago I returned to 160m FT8. My 2.5W CQ was spotted by M0BEW (194km). As before, I am using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. No doubt the EU DX will appear after dark.

UPDATE 1530z:  Best DX so far is RW3LL (2049km).

UPDATE 2212z: WU1ITU (4831km) is currently the best DX. This station was first copied at 2124z.

Club 72

Just got this from Oleg:

"Dear Club 72 members and friends,
today Club 72 is 9'th Birthday! Club was born in January 14, 2010.
Thanks ALL for gathering and friendship! The best wishes for ALL you!"

Overnight on 160m FT8 RX

Quite a good night with lots of North Americans spotted with best DX KY7M (8369km) in New Mexico. Again, this was using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

Stations spotted on 160m FT8 overnight.

Sunspots - Monday January 14th 2019

Solar flux is 69 today and the SSN is 0. A=3 and K=2.

QSY to 472kHz WSPR RX

As 10m has closed for the day (well here at least), I have QSYed at 1655z to 472kHz (630m) WSPR for the evening. I may well switch to 160m FT8 RX later, if I remember! G1GKN (99km) immediately spotted.

UPDATE 1733z: Best DX spotted so far is PA0MLC (394km).

UPDATE 1849z: Now 4 different stations spotted with best DX F1AFJ (607km).

UPDATE 1912z: LA8AV (1035km) spotted as the best DX this evening.

UPDATE 2128z: Best DX spotted this evening on 472kHz WSPR RX is LA2XPA (1310km).

Maybe THIS year?

Looking back over 2018 I see I failed in at least one project aim!  I actually bought the e-field probe, but it has still to be erected. Maybe next season?

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

Twat - NOT amateur radio

This car was probably stolen and the driver high on drugs?

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-derbyshire-46851036 .

Clunch building - NOT amateur radio

Not far from us is a small cottage with a clunch outhouse. This outhouse cracked very badly last summer. They pulled it down and are now rebuilding it with the original clunch stones. By the way clunch is a kind of chalk. I think the window is new.

Orchids - NOT amateur radio

My wife has a gift with orchids. We have had most many years and one now for 7 years. The secret is not to over-water. Most seem to thrive on a thimbleful a week.

When is Es'hail2 satellite operational?

At least one local ATV enthusiast is gearing up for Es'hail2, the geosynchronous Qatari satellite that has linear amateur radio transponders for ATV and modes like SSB/CW. Already the beacon is being received well. What I am not sure about is when it will be ready for use. I should check their website. I am pretty sure there will be an internet feed so one can see what is coming through. I think there are SDR receivers being set up at Goonhilly Down in Cornwall, UK.

The prospects of QSOs any time between Brazil, India, Europe and even Thailand are amazing. Even more so are the prospects of ATV exchanges at these distances on microwave frequencies with fixed antennas.