QRP rendezvous

A reminder that there is a QRP rendezvous regularly on 14.060MHz CW. See photo. This is not a contest.

OFCOM updates

As usual, OFCOM has updated its Communications Monthly with its latest data. See the OFCOM website for details.

Sunspots - Thursday January 9th 2020

Solar flux is 74 (the highest for some time) and the sunspot number 0. A=6 and K=3.

160m FT8

From now until tomorrow, I shall be on 160m FT8, mostly RX. As usual, I am using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

A recent 10W FT8 CQ was spotted by 12 stations in 4 countries with best DX being HB9BIN (775km).

On 160m FT8 RX 52 stations spotted with best DX (after just a few minutes) being RV0AR (5577km). Nothing from North America as yet this evening on 160m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2230z:  Now 173 stations spotted including 3 in North America.

Snowdrops - NOT amateur radio

Today was rather dull. We went for a 2.3 mile walk around the village. On the way we spotted these snowdrops fully out.

Although we have seen some nearly out, this was the first time we'd seen any fully out this winter. In a few weeks' time they will be everywhere, closely followed by daffodils.

70cm FT8 activity contest tonight

Starting at 1700z tonight (until 2000z) is a 70cm FT8 activity contest. Check 432.174MHz USB dial. I can only receive, but I am already monitoring.

See http://www.ft8activity.eu/index.php/en/

UPDATE 1830z: So far, 5 stations in 4 countries spotted with best DX DG1KDD (472km). I am only using my 2m big-wheel omni antenna. A recent 70cm FT8 CQ to the 2m big-wheel was spotted by no-one.

Stations spotted on 70cm FT8 RX to 1921z

UPDATE 1956z: My 70cm FT8 CQ was answered by G3YDY (64km). No other reports of my TX CQs (10W to the 2m big-wheel omni antenna). The DG station spotted earlier is my furthermost on 70cm FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2011z: Well it seems to me that this 70cm activity "contest" was a success with FT8 activity on the band. I think these stations spotted were flat band tropo and not aircraft reflections as most were weakly on the screen lots of the time.

Water mill - NOT amateur radio

Most months we go for a walk at Anglesey Abbey. It is about 5-7 minutes by car. Every month there is something new to see in the grounds. There are formal gardens and wild parts. Even when busy, it is possible to find quiet spots.

The photo shows the water mill there. In the summer it is busy with visitors, although in mid-winter it is much quieter.

Brennan BB1 receiver - NOT amateur radio

Some time ago, I mentioned that I got a Brennan BB1 receiver as a joint birthday and Christmas present. I am totally impressed.

Mentioned before were the 40000 radio stations from across the world in crystal clear FM quality, ripped CDs and YouTube videos. Sound quality is excellent and it is small. Listening to ABC Classics from Perth, Australia is like listening to Classic FM here in the UK.

As a bonus, all PCs, smart phones and tablets can be used as remote controls, so you can swap from Christmas CDs to radio from Cape Town or change the volume in an instant! This can totally confuse wives!

Granddaughter - NOT amateur radio

Over New Year our son and family came to stay. This is one of our granddaughters at Ickworth House, Suffolk. I think it was January 1st.

2m FT8 (2.5W to the big-wheel)

About 12 minutes ago I QSYed to 2m FT8, using the FT817ND and the big-wheel omni antenna. 3 stations spotted my FT8 CQ with best DX being G4RRA (334km) in Devon. On 2m FT8 RX best DX is DL6YBF (471km) with 4 stations in 3 countries spotted so far this morning.

UPDATE 1238z: Now 15 stations in 4 countries so far spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1625z: 27 stations in 6 countries spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.