160m FT8 RX

Yet again, 160m FT8 was good. As reported yesterday a VK4 was spotted that I believe was genuine. 15 North Americans, 1 Caribbean and 1 South American were spotted overnight with a total of 449 stations.

At 160m, I think the earth-electrode "antenna" acts as a loop antenna in the ground, although the propagation is by normal means. At higher frequencies the loop get progressively less effective. At 160m I am surprised how well it works. It exceeds expectations.

Overnight on 160m FT8 RX

Lackford Lakes - NOT amateur radio

You'd probably class me as a fair weather bird watcher. Yesterday my wife and I went to Lackford Lakes, Suffolk, which is on the edge of the River Lark. I am sure that with patience a lot could be seen. Sadly, we are not patient. The best we saw were a couple of snipe. On the way home there were a couple of kites overhead.

Cycle 25 predictions

It is a brave person that predicts the size of the next solar cycle peak, when some are still predicting the next minimum in 2023!

Recent data may suggest we are already through the minimum, but this could just be a blip. A recent Nature article suggests a peak for Cycle 25 that is slightly bigger than the last peak. Who knows? As time goes by, no doubt the predictions will get better. After the next peak, they will be 100% accurate! 👍

Sunspots - Monday March 25th 2019

Solar flux is 75 and the SSN 22. A=7 and K=0.

160m FT8 RX

As well loads of Europeans, VK4CMV (16366km) spotted on 160m FT8. At first I dismissed this as a pirate, but see he has been spotted by a couple of Australians and New Zealanders, so probably is genuine. If genuine, this is by far the furthermost I have ever spotted on 160m FT8 or indeed by any mode. The time, I think, looks right.

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.