Another good session on 472kHz WSPR TX

In all, my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground was spotted by 23 stations including 2 in Norway last evening and overnight. There were fewer spots from Norway than the last time I was on the band. I still do not understand why I am getting so many more spots this season when nothing has changed.

Stations spotting me overnight on
472kHz WSPR (10mW ERP)

UPDATE 1508z: I decided to stick on 472kHz WSPR today.

Sunspots - Wednesday December 18th 2019

Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 0 still. A=2 and K=2.  In a word - crap.

Red-legged partridge - NOT amateur radio

These handsome birds were introduced into the UK from continental Europe. They can become quite tame. We see them in our garden quite often. Quite often a number are seen together. I think they are after an easy meal!

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

472kHz WSPR TX (10mW ERP)

At about 1850z I QSYed to 472kHz WSPR TX. So far, a couple of G spots.

UPDATE 1917z:  Already I have received 9 unique spots with PA0EBC (433km) as best DX.

UPDATE 2130z: 15 stations so far spotted with best DX SWLJO43 (660km). The map shows the stations that have spotted me so far tonight (to 2140z).

UPDATE 2125z: 19 stations have spotted me this evening. For reasons I do not understand (unless it is simply conditions) I seem to be doing better this winter than last despite making absolutely no changes to my system! I am running the same transverter, the same ERP, the same earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. If anything, with root growth I would have expected worse results.

More Christmas cheer - NOT amateur radio

The crib was the central feature of the candlelit carol service at our local church on Sunday last.

I am not very religious these days, but there is something "outside time" about being in a church dating from Saxon times knowing that simple folk have done much the same of hundreds of years.

Christmas cheer - NOT amateur radio

Apart from Christmas, this can be a dark and gloomy time of year. In January we have the promise of lighter nights ahead, but as we head towards the shortest day things feel bleak. On the way back from the candlelit carol service on Sunday there was one house determined to cheer us up!

OFCOM strategic priorities

OFCOM has published its responses on strategic priorities. See the OFCOM website.

New forecast for solar cycle 25

A panel of NOAA and NASA experts has issued a new forecast for cycle 25.

See https://www.swpc.noaa.gov/news/solar-cycle-25-forecast-update

2m FT8

As usual during the day I am on 2m FT8.  Initially I called CQ (2.5W) and was spotted by 7 stations with best DX EI2FG (565km). On 2m FT8 RX just one G spotted so far. Using the big-wheel omni antenna still.

UPDATE 1049z:  Now 4 stations in 3 countries spotted with best DX spotted DL6YBF (471km).

UPDATE 1343z:  Now 9 stations in 4 countries spotted this morning in 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1806z:  10 stations in 4 countries spotted on 2m FT8 RX today.

Deep solar minimum

According to Southgate News which carries a piece from Space Weather, this sunspot minimum is officially "deep" with very few spots this year. This minimum could go on until next April! At the moment experts think the next cycle could peak in 2025 with a similar peak to the last one - low, but still a peak.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2019/december/sunspots-break-a-space-age-record.htm#.XfiiKOiTLnE