Ely Cathedral - NOT amateur radio

A few days ago we went for a walk around Ely. The cathedral (see photo) was still locked. It is a very fine building.

Sunspots - Tuesday June 9th 2020

Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 17.  A=4 and K=1.

IC-705 unboxing

As my Japanese is non-existent, I just had to watch the pictures, but it looks like the IC-705 is now on sale in Japan. According to ICOM Japan the IC-705 will be on sale in Japan from mid-June, with international markets following type approvals.

See https://www.icomjapan.com/news/2707/

Poppies - NOT amateur radio

One of the joys of our "lockdown" walks is just seeing the beauty all around us. It is surprising just what you see with your eyes open.

Incidentally, we had a real surprise about an hour ago when a Muntjac deer bounded across the road into a neighbour's garden, but I digress.

The poppies in the photo were on the lane side on our walk yesterday. In June, they are probably at their best.

Promoting amateur radio

From time to time we get a chance to promote our amateur radio hobby at other events. The RSGB has published some notes to help us do the right thing.

See https://rsgb.org/main/clubs/media-guide-for-affiliated-societies/

6m FT8

As usual I am on 6m FT8 with 10W and the V2000 vertical omni.

My own signal is being spotted across Europe with the best DX spot being by OD5ET (3463km). Quite a bit of 6m Es. Best DX here on 6m FT8 RX is 4X4DK (3580km).

No-one has called me yet and no QSOs yet. I guess people are working stronger stations!

UPDATE 1425z:  Several QSOs had now on 6m FT8. Best DX spotted on 6m FT8 RX here is A92HK (5064km) in Bahrain. Many of the bigger stations (with far better antennas than I have!) are calling or working the USA.

UPDATE 2045z:   QRT.

10m WSPR TX (500mW to the indoor loop)

At about 0930z I turned on my 10m WSPR TX beacon. So far, just spots by G4KPX (14km) with no Es spots yet.

UPDATE 1422z:  Now spotted by 3 different stations with 2 being by Es.

UPDATE 1904z: Now spotted by 3 stations so far today. Earlier I thought it was 5 stations, but some of these were last evening!

UPDATE 2048z:  QRT.

Vancouver BC - NOT amateur radio

Vancouver BC

Many years ago we were in Vancouver in western Canada (see photo). It is a grand city.

Sunspots - Monday June 8th 2020

Solar flux is 73 and the SSN 16.  A=9 and K=2.

Strange weather - NOT amateur radiio

We had a lovely April and May, but June has been mixed. We mostly avoided rain on our walk this morning but is a real "sunshine and showers" day today, more typical of the UK in April.