Swallows - NOT amateur radio

From my Facebook memories of 8 years ago, I see I saw a returning swallow in Devon on March 24th.. In some countries, these are known as barn swallows. I usually see the first over here in East Anglia from April 7th, although it is usually a few weeks later before they are commonly seen. Swifts are rare here before the end of April.

10m FT8

At about 0915z, I went QRT on 630m WSPR and QSYed to 10m FT8 RX. Later in the day I may try a few CQ calls.

If it is like yesterday, I am unlikely to spot much. Anyway I am on 10m FT8 RX should you want to try to be spotted. It might be interesting to find out how successful some Gs are. Can I spot you?

UPDATE 1320z: Quite a surprise! Already 8 stations spotted in 5 countries. Are we seeing some signs of Es?

UPDATE 1744z: 12 stations in 7 countries spotted so far today on 10m FT8 RX. All Europeans, but better than of late. Soon be time to QSY. Probably to 160m FT8 RX.

472kHz WSPR overnight

For the first time this "season" I was spotted by more stations than stations that I managed to spot. Usually I spot more than spot me. My best spot was by Finbar EI0CF (602km).

472kHz WSPR overnight

People's vote march - NOT amateur radio

Although we may argue about just how many attended the London march yesterday, there were a lot. In the end, I suspect the UK parliament may take over BREXIT and a compromise, acceptable to a majority, will be worked out. We are in odd times. I hope that rifts can be mended.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-47678763 .

Meaningful vote (take 3) - NOT amateur radio

It is rumoured that the UK Prime Minister, Mrs May, will try for a 3rd time, to get her BREXIT deal approved by the UK parliament.

Most in the UK are sick to death of her "flogging a dead horse".  In the end people will lose faith in her and tell her to listen rather than continue with a deal that will only get approved if people see no other alternative.  Personally, I think she will resign within 14 days.

In recent days she has managed to alienate people who voted "leave" and "remain" in the 2016 referendum. If there was a real leader in the wings I'd say go, but we seem bereft of decent leaders.

Ducks - NOT amateur radio

On a walk around the village yesterday we spotted these 2 ducks sleeping next to a car. I suspect they were just "chilling out" whilst they waited to be fed in someone's garden. Pretty sure these are semi-domesticated mallards. They certainly are a long way from wild mallards!

Sunspots - Sunday March 24th 2019

Solar flux is 79 today and the sunspot number 27. A=1 and K=0.

G3RJV (SK) - Mr QRP

Yesterday I received my Spring 2019 copy of SPRAT, the excellent GQRP quarterly magazine.

On the cover was a picture of G3RJV with fellow QRPers G3MFJ and G3VTT. This was taken in a care home and George G3RJV looked frail and thin, a shadow of his old self. The magazine was obviously prepared before he died.

G3RJV was an inspiration to me and many others. RIP George. We shall miss you, but carry on with QRP. You were a beacon to many of us.

472kHz WSPR

A few minutes ago I QSYed to 472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP, 20% TX, 80% RX). Even though the transverter crystal is still settling, I have already received a spot from G8LCO (58km).

Nest building time - NOT amateur radio

We get lots of pigeons these days. Earlier, I noticed a pair busy building a nest in our garden. This one is gathering twigs.