Respectable night on 472kHz WSPR

Overnight my 10mW ERP was spotted by 7 stations with best DX PA3FNY (330km). On RX my best DX was IW4DXW (1190km).

472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP) overnight

Sunspots - Friday April 19th 2019

Solar flux is 74 and the SSN a respectable (for where we are in the cycle) 24. A=3 and K=1.

Probing? - NOT amateur radio

A few moments ago I had a shock: visits to this blog are way above normal. I can only assume this a mistake or hackers are doing their usual probing.

One last time?

This evening and overnight I am again on 472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP) using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. So far, just a couple of stations spotting me with best DX a spot by M0XDK (80km). Only M0FMT (51km) here so far this evening on 472kHz WSPR RX. I am 20% TX and 80% RX.

Depending on results, this may be my last "outing" on 472kHz until the autumn.

UPDATE 2130z: Well, so far 4 stations spotted here with best DX (who else?) but LA8AV (1035km). The best spot of my QRPP signal is by G0LUJ (278km) in IO83 square.

OFCOM and 5G licences

OFCOM is consulting on possible changes to operator licences at 3.4GHz to bring them into line with the EU.

At last! - NOT amateur radio

Just seen the first swallow (migrant bird) flying over at lunchtime. There may have been some a few days ago, but this was my first positive sighting here. The others were flying away and there was some doubt. The earliest I have seen them here is April 7th.

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/swallow/

Coffee in the garden - NOT amateur radio

As it was warm and sunny this morning we had coffee in the garden for the first time this year. My wife also hung out some washing for the first time this year.

10m FT8

A few moments ago I QSYed from 2m to 10m FT8, calling CQ initially (2.5W) and then RX only. So far, no spots. Mind you, it is only 0850z.

UPDATE 0950z: A couple of spots so far with best DX on 10m FT8 RX being F5OHM (631km) in central France.

UPDATE 1148z: Now 5 stations in 3 countries spotted on 10m FT8 RX this morning with best DX CS7AKZ (1651km).

UPDATE 1322z: 9A7JCY was an amazing +17dB S/N signal - this must be Es!

UPDATE 1516z:  10 stations spotted in 6 countries so far on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1806z:  Now 11 stations in 6 countries today on 10m FT8 RX.

2m FT8 RX

Although it is only 0835z I have already spotted 16 stations in 7 countries in the last 6 hours. It really is amazing.

Shortly, I shall probably QSY to 10m FT8.

Sunspots - Thursday April 18th 2019

Solar flux is 74 and the SSN 11.  A=3 and K=1.