40m FT8 RX overnight

Overnight I remained on 40m FT8 RX, despite my very poor, low, antenna. At least this must give others hope! In all, 591 stations spotted on 40m FT8 RX in 5 continents. Best DX was PY2BL (9531km). Even in the last 30 minutes, I am still spotting North America on 40m FT8 RX.

40m FT8 RX spots in last day

UPDATE 1422z: I stayed on 40m FT8 RX today. 665 stations spotted on 40m FT8 RX since I switched to 40m yesterday. This seems to be the main DX band at this part of the solar cycle.

Sunspots - Thursday (yes it definitely is!) March 28th 2019

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 0. A=6 and K=3.

40m FT8 RX

About an hour ago I QSYed to 40m FT8 RX. So far this evening 126 stations spotted on 40m. My antenna is very low and far from ideal for 40m.

UPDATE 2136z: South and North Americans now being spotted on 40m FT8 RX. Best DX is PY2BL (9531km).

UPDATE 2150z:  188 stations spotted this evening on 40m FT8 RX.

Stations spotted so far this 

evening on 40m FT8 RX.

20m FT8 RX

As 10m FT8 was so dire, I QSYed to 20m FT8 RX. So far, in a couple of hours 139 stations in 3 continents spotted.

UPDATE 1939z: 151 stations spotted so far.

10m FT8

Since 0745z, I have been on 10m FT8. Initially I called CQ (2.5W), but after a few minutes I have been 10m FT8 RX only. No spots of my CQ, but surprisingly a couple of stations spotted on RX with best DX F1SCR (435km).

UPDATE 1435z: Just 3 spots today (2 Gs and 1 F) so far.

UPDATE 1445z: As 10m is so poor here today on my setup, I have QSYed to 20m FT8. The antenna is even poorer on 20m, but at least there is some activity

2m FT8 RX

Until breakfast time, I stayed on 2m FT8 RX. In all, 36 stations spotted since early last evening. Some were probably aircraft reflections, but I suspect most were normal "flat band" tropo as I seem to be spotted by some DX stations whenever I call CQ, so this is very unlikely to be aircraft reflections, which would be strong and depend on when the aircraft is/are in the right spot.

Sunspots - Wednesday March 27th 2019

Solar flux is 69 and the sunspot number 0 again. A=6 and K=2.

Sorry for the "senior moment " when I thought today was Thursday - now corrected!

2m FT8

Since just before teatime I have been on 2m FT8. So far 17 stations in 3 countries have been spotted on 2m FT8 RX with best DX DK1VC (503km).

On TX (2.5W FT8 to the big-wheel omni) DK1VC (503km) was among the 19 stations that spotted my QRP 2m FT8 signal in 5 countries.

Stations that spotted my 2.5W 2m FT8 

to the omni antenna this evening so far.

2m FT8 never fails to amaze me.

Microwave Round Table

Many years ago I went along to the microwave round table at Martlesham, Suffolk. It must have been a very long time ago. I see that on the programme for this year are talks about gear for Oscar 100 and how to make a GNUradio based transceiver. My health prevents me going these days. It is too far to drive.

See http://mmrt.homedns.org/

Shed cleaning - NOT amateur radio

As it is spring, our son gave our garden shed a bit of a spring clean. He also trimmed a few overhanging branches. As you can see, he took everything out and washed the floor. It looks much better now. An added bonus is you can now see the floor! 😏