Sunspots - Wednesday December 2nd 2020

 Solar flux is 104 and the SSN 46. A=2 and K=2.

2m activity contest - December

Every month, the RSGB organises an activity contest on 2m (UKAC). Most activity is SSB. As usual, I ran 10W for under an hour to the big-wheel omni antenna. The map shows the contacts tonight.

Solar forecast update

There is an update showing the latest solar updates.

See https://www.solen.info/solar/

OFCOM updates

As usual, OFCOM has updated its statistics in its Communications Monthly. See the OFCOM website. 

QSY to 2m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)

At 1850z, I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far, 3 stations have spotted me with the furthermost G4HGI (244km).

UPDATE 1941z:  7 stations have spotted me so far on TX. Nothing spotted on RX yet.

UPDATE 2155z:   9 stations have spotted me on 2m FT8 QRP TX in 4 countries with the furthermost being GI6ATZ (479km).

SAQ Christmas VLF CW transmission cancelled

There was a posting on the SAQ website saying that their Christmas Eve transmission on 17.2kHz CW has been cancelled. See their website. Hopefully better next year. This is often a good time to test your VLF system.

See https://alexander.n.se/the-radio-station-saq-grimeton/saq-transmissions/?lang=en

A very simple PC based receiver for SAQ and VLF is available from SM6LKM. This is simple to install and works very well. I installed it years ago. There may be even better ones around now. You now have more time!

See https://sites.google.com/site/sm6lkm/saqrx/

Looks like there are even better RXs! I have not yet tried this one.

See http://www.dl1dbc.net/SAQ/

10m antenna: Homebase-10

With 10m returning to life, this antenna may "fit the bill" for some people. It featured in Practical Wireless magazine some years ago and there is a page with files about it on my main website. 

For most, the explanations are clear, but if not please let me know so I can make them clearer. It was used for many years at my old QTH.

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

10m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)

In a few moments (it is now 0914z) I hope to go on 10m FT8 QRP with my 2.5W to the indoor loop. For this time in the sunspot cycle conditions are quite promising.

UPDATE 0924z:  10m FT8 gear turned on.

UPDATE 1027z:  Just one spot of a Polish station SP8BZX (1078km) so far on 10m FT8 RX today.

UPDATE 1258z:  As our Internet has been off some of my spots will not have got to PSKreporter. 

UPDATE 1438z: Just 4 stations spotted today with the furthermost NR1DX (7107km) in Florida.

Covid-19 humour - NOT amateur radio

This appeared on WhatsApp earlier. I have no idea where it came from. 

Sunspots - Tuesday December 1st 2020

Solar flux is 109 and the SSN 62. A=8 and K=0.