Sunspots - Thursday October 10th 2019

Solar flux is 67 and the sunspot number 0. A=6 and K=2. Still bouncing along the bottom of the cycle.

2m FT8 RX - the last day (and night)

For most of the last day, I have been monitoring 2m FT8 RX. 28 stations spotted in 5 countries in the last 24 hours..

BREXIT non-deal - NOT amateur radio

At the moment the rest of the world must look at the UK as a right bunch of idiots. It seems highly improbable we will get a deal in the next few days and most must look on us as a bunch of dimwits.  It is hardly surprising as we look like a bunch of turkeys voting for Christmas.

Yes, we want the EU to reform and, yes, the EU is terrified of the institution falling apart if others see us getting a good deal. At the moment I see both the UK Parliament and the UK people deeply split over BREXIT. Healing these wounds could take years. UK politics feels fractured.

At one time we would have compromised. This seems very unlikely.

RSGB Convention

11-13 OCTOBER : RSGB CONVENTION

Kent's Hill Park Training and Conference Centre, Swallow House, Timbold Drive, Kent's Hill Park, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK7 6BZ.

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

2m FT8

Since returning home, I have been on 2m FT8 calling CQ initially (10W to the big-wheel omni).

4 stations spotted me (no QSOs) with best DX being a spot by G7RAU (461km) in Cornwall.

On 2m FT8 RX just 1 G station spotted.

UPDATE 1542z: Now 11 stations in 5 countries spotted on 2m FT8  this afternoon.

UPDATE 2018z: Now 26 stations in 5 countries spotted this afternoon and early evening on 2m FT8 RX.

Thetford - NOT amateur radio

Thetford is about 24 miles away from where we live. It is a mix of old sites, like Thetford Priory shown in the photo, and 1960s houses and shops, a result of Thetford being a London overspill town.

We liked it, although many of the shops are "to let" or charity shops. It felt more like a Sunday than a busy week day.

In 20 years' time what will our high streets look like?

472kHz WSPR overnight

Another good night. Every time I have been on 472kHz WSPR recently (10mW ERP) my QRPP has been spotted up in Norway. Last night it was spotted by 2 stations in Norway.

Stations spotting my 10mW 

472kHz WSPR overnight

Sunspots - Wednesday October 9th 2019

Solar flux is 67 and the SSN 0. A =5 and K=3.

Best DX yet on 70cm SSB in the UKAC

Despite using 10W SSB to the 2m big-wheel, I still managed to reach the Isle of Wight this evening. This is my best DX yet in the RSGB cumulative contest on 70cm.

The map shows the 5 QSOs this evening. I was only on for less than an hour because of my poor voice.

Brennan BB1 radio+ - NOT amateur radio

To me, this looks like a killer device. It allows you to collect loads of audio and access internet radio stations. It even has a TFT screen so you can watch YouTube videos. It looks good too. Prices look competitive too.

See https://www.brennan.co.uk/itemcontent.php/content/newbrennan