Solar minimum

So the experts disagree! This sounds like BREXIT. One prediction thinks the solar minimum could further deepen. Another thinks we are already past!

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/april/solar-minimum-will-be-long-and-deep-experts-predict.htm#.XLCd5PZFy00

6m FT8 RX surprise

Today, I am on 6m FT8 RX on 50.313MHz.

I was quite expecting to spot no-one at all. Instead, 6 Gs spotted so far. My antenna is the V2000 vertical omni with low cost (lossy!) CB cable.

UPDATE 1415z: So far today 17 stations in 3 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX with best DX HB9SHD (761km).

UPDATE 1846z: 22 stations in 3 countries spotted today on 6m FT8 RX. Far better than I was expecting. The photo shows the stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX with the V2000 vertical omni antenna.

Spring garden - NOT amateur radio

Our back garden is probably at its best in spring with blossom and fresh green leaves as the picture shows. Blossom is ephemeral: it lasts a few weeks and then is gone.

Sunspots - Friday April 12th 2019

Solar flux is 79 and the SSN 13. A=7 and K=1.

6m FT8

This evening is the 6m leg of the RSGB organised activity contest. So I QSYed from 10m FT8 RX to 6m SSB. With my vertical antenna, I heard nothing at all in the short time I was on, so I QSYed to 50.313MHz FT8 RX. It must be nearly a 9 months since I was on this mode on 6m. Although I shall remain on all night and tomorrow, it is quite possible nothing will be spotted.

UPDATE 2037z: Although not uploaded to PSKreporter (don't ask me why) I see that G4FKA (207km) has been spotted. I am calling him, but doubt this station will copy me. G4FKA is now on PSKreporter.

UPDATE 2117z: Now 6m FT8 RX only.

Lancasters - NOT amateur radio

In WW2 my dad (he died in 1987) was a flight engineer in a Pathfinder Squadron flying Lancasters. He rarely wanted to talk about his war, but looking back he must have been so brave and so scared.

Today my wife took our younger son and one of our grandsons to see the Lancaster, and other planes, at Duxford. The photo shows 3 generations: my dad, our son, and one of our grandsons.

UK Rallies this Sunday

Sunday 14 APRIL : WEST LONDON RADIO & ELECTRONICS SHOW (Kempton Rally)

Kempton Park Racecourse, Staines Road East, Sunbury on Thames, TW16 5AQ. A talk-in station will be on air. Car parking is free and doors open at 10am with df disabled visitors gaining access 10 minutes earlier. There will be trade stands and a Bring & Buy as well as special interest groups and lectures. Catering is available on site. More details from Paul, M0CJX on 08451 650 351, info@radiofairs.co.uk. www.radiofairs.co.uk.


Sunday 14 APRIL : HACK GREEN BUNKER RALLY

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker, French Lane, Hack Green, Nr Nantwich, Baddington, Cheshire CW5 8AL. Sale of electronic equipment, amateur gear, components, military radio items and vehicle spares. Doors open 10am, there will be refreshments available onsite. Contact 01270 623 353, coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk www.hackgreen.co.uk.


Sunday 14 APRIL : RIPON RADIO RALLY

Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon, HG4 2PT. Doors open 10am. Refreshments will be available on site. Information and table booking form on the website www.ripon.org.uk Contact rally@ripon.org.uk for further information.


A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Return to 10m FT8

A few minutes ago I returned to 10m FT8, calling CQ (2.5W) initially, then RX only. No spots!

UPDATE 1157z: 9 stations in 6 EU countries spotted so far today on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1437z: 10m FT8 RX springs back to life! So far today, 53 stations spotted including 3 South Americans . There was also a 6W (Senegal) that did not get uploaded to PSKreporter. Certainly the best day here this year already.

UPDATE 1619z: Now 57 stations spotted today on 10m FT8 RX. 10m seems to be returning to life. The photo shows the stations spotted so far today on 10m FT8 RX (to 1619z). Not sure if the South Americans are F2 or F2+Es. There was reasonable Es in the right direction at the time.

Sunspots - Thursday April 11th 2019

Solar flux is 77 and the SSN 13. A=14 and K=3.

Night off

For the first time in several days, I was not on last night. We have family here , so they take priority. Usually I go on 160m FT8 RX or 630m WSPR transceive evenings and overnight. Shortly, I shall be on 10m FT8.