6m FT8 RX

As I am out later at my U3A course, I am on 6m FT8 RX only, so I can monitor the band on my phone. I only go on TX on any band when I am at home and can turn things off within a few seconds. I prefer FT8 on HF, 6m and 2m as I can have basic QSOs.

At the moment, no spots.

UPDATE 1038z: A brief 10W 6m FT8 CQ using the V2000 vertical was spotted by one station G0SYP (222km). Otherwise, no spots.

A better session on 160m FT8 RX

Last night was better with far more North Americans spotted plus a couple of Caribbean stations.

Stations spotted on 160m FT8 RX overnight 

with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground

Lundy - NOT amateur radio

Years ago I was fascinated by this island in the Bristol Channel. It has no cars and a turbulent history.

These days it is owned by the Landmark Trust and managed by the National Trust.

At one time it had a black rat problem which decimated some of the bird life. For some years it has been rat free and many of the bird populations have recovered.

See https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/Lundyisland/

2019 70cm activity contests

The results of the 2019 UKAC activity contests have just been published. In the low power section I came 78th out of 155 stations. Considering I was running QRP and a 2m big-wheel omni antenna and always on for less than 40% of the contest time, I am very happy with this. With a beam I am sure a lot better could be achieved.

See https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/vhfresults.pl?Contest=432MHz%20UKAC&year=2019

The home QTH

The photo shows my QTH next to the windmill. You can just make out the V2000 triband vertical antenna on the side of the bungalow. Mind you, you have to know where to look!

CQ100 .io group

If you are a fan of "virtual" ham radio, you may want to join this group. As sunspot count is currently very low, this may appeal to some people who enjoy chatting. Although I have tried "virtual" ham radio, it did not appeal to me. It uses software and the internet to simulate the ionosphere.

Sunspots - Tuesday January 14th 2020

Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 0. A=3 and K=0.

160m FT8 RX

A few minutes ago I QSYed to 160m FT8 RX using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. 57 stations spotted with UA9CGL (3793km) as best DX spotted so far this evening.

View from the London Eye - NOT amateur radio

Years ago we went with our sons and grandsons for a trip on the London Eye. This is the view west on a dull, wet day.

Flybe - NOT amateur radio

As I write there is a danger of Flybe collapsing. This airline is based in Devon and serves many airports around the UK and Europe. I hope this can be avoided.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51089118