160m FT8 RX

A few moments ago I QSYed to 160m FT8 RX from 2m FT8. So far, 20 Europeans spotted.

2m FT8

Stations spotted on 2m FT8 until 1317z

In the end I decided to QSY to 2m FT8. An initial 2m FT8 CQ call (10W to the big-wheel omni antenna) was copied by 7 stations in 3 countries with best DX being EI3KD (583km). On 2m FT8 RX I have spotted  6 stations in 4 countries.

UPDATE 1355z: 11 stations in 6 countries spotted so far today on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1810z:  Now 33 stations in 8 countries spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

Overnight on 160m FT8 RX

As before, I gave 160m FT8 RX a go overnight with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

Quite a reasonable night with loads of North Americans, some Caribbeans and South America logged. In terms of numbers, I have seen better, but quite a good night overall. Best DX spotted was LU8DPM (11432km).

Stations spotted overnight on 160m FT8 RX

UPDATE 1200z: Although plenty of DX spotted just before breakfast, nothing copied since. Soon be time to QSY, although I am not sure where to!

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.