Today, the USA is holding its election for president for the next 4 years. The papers in the UK are full of it.
3 Nov 2020
Our green and windmill in autumn - NOT amateur radio
The photo shows our green and windmill in autumn.
DXCC countries
Southgate News has a link to the DXCC entities currently available. Having got QRP DXCC on SSB a quarter of a century ago, I do not actively chase DX, but I know some do.
It is great that we are all different and find so many ways to enjoy our hobby. Some like to chase DX on just a single band or on satellites or VHF.
See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/november/dxcc-report-02-11.htm#.X6ERPruTK00 .
15m FT8 QRP
Since 0805z, I have been on 15m FT8 with 2.5W and the indoor loop antenna. No spots yet today.
UPDATE 1336z: No spots of me yet today on 15m, but 75 stations spotted on RX with the furthermost being KP4JRS (6801km) in Puerto Rico.
Sunspots - Tuesday November 3rd 2020
Typical November day here... wet and dull!!
Solar flux is 82 and the SSN 11. A=3 and K=1.
2 Nov 2020
Should I wait?
Back in the 1970s when scientific calculators first appeared I waited and waited for the next version, that would be better, to appear. In the end I did not buy one!
I feel a bit like this with the IC-705 from ICOM. It well matches my operating style and even without a trade-in I can probably get a decent deal. By the way, XBS Telecom in France is selling these with a 3 year warranty and VAT for 1344 euros! Yaesu are reported to be working on a line of SDR transceivers, but when?
2m FT8 QRP
Since about 1600z, I have been on 2m FT8 with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far spotted by 3 stations today with the furthermost being G7RAU (461km) in Cornwall. Just 1 station copied on RX so far.
10m FT8
It is now 1310z. For the last 30 minutes are so, I have been on 10m FT8 with the poorer indoor loop and 2.5W from the FT817ND. As yet, no spots given or received today.
UPDATE 1526z: Just 1 station in Norway spotted on 10m FT8 RX. No QSOs and nobody has spotted me yet today. In summary so far today? - useless!! At least the rain has stopped and the sun is shining . 😀 Today has been the worst 10m day for me this autumn.
UPDATE 1607z: Probably QRT on 10m FT8 shortly and QSY to 2m FT8. I see some South Americans were being worked from Norway today. I guess this is where high power and big beams high up might count!
Sunspots,solar storms, auroras and cycle 25
Like many amateurs, I am keen to know what is coming. On the Southgate News pages are links to the spaceweather forecasts by Dr Tamatha Skov WX6SWW. For more information look at www.spaceweather.com .