Neighbour's garden - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows the flowers in a neighbouring garden.

Easing lockdowns - NOT amateur radio

In many countries, citizens have had various extents of lockdowns with severe restrictions on business activity and people being asked to "social distance".  In some cultures where there is a lot of hugging and kissing, this is especially hard.

Whilst keeping social distancing measures in place, some countries are trying to relax lockdown measures. This is very very hard.

Naturally, people want things to return to normal, but at the same time governments are worried about things getting out of control again and Covid-19 really taking hold and spreading widely again. Governments are also worried about the economic harm.

Things are really hard and we are all feeling our way trying to steer a course which is best for all. I do not have the answers.

Antennas

Homebase-10 10m antenna

As I speak it is raining here for the first time in about a month!

What was going to say was as the better weather is now with us (at least in the UK) thoughts may turn to antennas, especially outside antennas.

You may like to look at the antenna page on my main website. Dig deeper and there are lots of ideas.

The Homebase-10 antenna for 10m is simple to make and, with the Es season just starting, now is a good time to make and erect one.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas

That view - NOT amateur radio

As a young child, growing up by the sea in Salcombe, Devon, I had no idea how lucky I was.

From my classroom, I could see the sea reflecting the sun on the ceiling, although it took me years to realise what this was!  Out of the window we could see the estuary and the boats and a view up South Pool Creek (see photo).

We just took it all for granted. As young children we just assumed everybody has something similar. To us, it was the normal.

I remember just before leaving the junior school walking all over town doing some sort of project. Imagine this today! Firstly the school would have to do a risk assessment, then get the parents written permission.  It just would not happen!

Early start on 10m FT8

As I was up early, the 10m FT8 gear has already been turned on at about 0715z. This is far earlier than normal. So far, just G4KPX (13km) spotting my 2.5W to the tiny loop in the shack. Unsurprisingly, no RX spots yet.

UPDATE 0742z:  Now M1BXF (13km) also spotting me. No Es seen yet!

UPDATE 0958z:   Now 4 Spanish , 1 UK and 1 Danish station spotted this morning on 10m FT8 RX with the indoor loop antenna. No more spots of me.

UPDATE 1200z:  Much more extensive Es. I have now been spotted by 10 stations with most being in southern Europe.  On 10m FT8 RX, 23 stations in 5 countries spotted so far today.

UPDATE 1335z: Now 24 stations spotted with 11 stations spotting my 2.5W to the indoor loop. The map shows where I have been on spotted so far today on 10m FT8.

UPDATE 1808z: 3 South Americans spotted so far today. This could be pure F2 or Es plus F2.

UPDATE 2119z :  QRT.

Sunspots - Tuesday April 28th

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 12. A=7 and K=3.

Lilac - NOT amateur radio

Several years ago, one of our neighbours lilac trees blew down onto our path. We all thought that was it, so they gota new lilac and planted it a few metres from the old tree. What happened? The old tree sprouted again! We can now enjoy 3 lilac trees as the photo shows.

Disaster - NOT amateur radio

We had pasta for lunch, prepared by me. All was fine until the last minute when I accidentally tipped a whole jar of mixed herbs on it! It tasted, well, "herby".  I scraped a lot off, but it rather spoilt things. After the event we can laugh.

10m FT8

Yet again I am on 10m FT8 with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop. So far today just being spotted by locals and just 1 G spotted on RX.

UPDATE 1300z:  4 spots so far with a couple of spots from Spain. 1 QSO (in the village!) and 11 spots on RX.

UPDATE 1840z: Just 5 spots of me today and 13 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX. 1 QSO and he was in the village!

UPDATE 1935z: QRT.

Sunspots - Monday April 27th 2020

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 14.  A=6 and K=2.  Better sunspot numbers.