Sunspots - Sunday June 16th 2019

Solar flux is just 66 and the SSN still zero. A=4 and K=2.

The spotless period continues. I expect my favourite source of solar data will be changing its forecast next month.

6m FT8 RX

Good 6m Es this morning with 130 stations spotted in the last 6 hours with the best DX on 6m FT8 RX being UN3GX (5522km) in Kazakhstan. It is only now 0826z.

UPDATE 0924z: Now 188 stations spotted this morning on 6m FT8 RX with best DX A45XR (5794km). Several stations are also being spotted that are not appearing on PSKreporter maps. This could be my internet connection or some other issue.

UPDATE 1457z: 347 stations spotted so far today on 6m FT8 RX. As yet, no super DX on 6m here today.

UPDATE 1733z: 386 stations spotted today so far on 6m FT8 RX. At the moment the Es seems to have dried up.

Rain! - NOT amateur radio

Don't let anyone tell you the UK weather is not changing. This June we have seen more rain in the last week than I can ever remember in June. Our best weather this year was in February! Crazy.

G4ILO referrals

Even though Julian Moss sadly died several years ago, I still get several visitors arriving here via his blog. This pleases me a lot.

See http://blog.g4ilo.com/

Poor propagation

Southgate News reports that we have been without sunspots now for a month.

See http://southgatearc.org/propagation/k7ra/index.htm#.XQU6mfZFy00

WRC 2023

The next WRC is later this year. One thing being discussed is a possible 50-54MHz amateur allocation in Region 1. At WRC 2023, France is expected to push for more aeronautical allocations around, or in, our 2m band.

See http://rsgb.org/main/files/2019/06/PTA19090R1-France_Proposal-on-non-safety-aeronautical-mobile-applications.pdf

Solar cycle 25 predictions

Already, I have mentioned the "expert predictions" for the next cycle. Based purely on my own views (often wrong!) I am beginning to side with the latest NOAA forecast which was published in April. This is forecasting a weak peak 2023-26 (similar to the last one) with the solar minimum between July 2019 and September 2020.

See https://earthsky.org/space/solar-cycle-25-likely-weak-according-to-predictions

Political leaders - NOT amateur radio

In the coming weeks, a few Conservative party members are voting to elect a new leader. As the ruling party, he will also be the new Prime Minister of the UK. On his shoulders will be the BREXIT negotiations.  People are banking on a strong leader who can negotiate strongly with the EU. Otherwise we crash out without agreement.

Politically, the UK is at a critical point.

New rig - still thinking

Even without cash discounts and with 100 euros cashback I can buy Yaesu rigs with the full 3 year warranty and VAT in Europe far cheaper than in the UK. The same price difference applies on other rigs too.

It begs the question why?

Cooked breakfast - NOT amateur radio

When away, I enjoy a cooked breakfast. This week, in Cheshire, was no exception. This was the breakfast at the Bear's Head in Brereton. Some will say it is unhealthy, but it fills you up for the day.