Devon 8 years ago - NOT amateur radio

This photo was taken in 2012 in South Devon. 

Sunspots - Saturday December 5th 2020

Solar flux is 96 and the SSN 38. A=2 and K=0.

2m FT8 RX

15m seems quiet now, so I have QSYed.  Since about 1815z I have been on 2m FT8 RX. So far this evening, just 1 station in Belgium spotted.

UPDATE 1938z:  So far today, 4 stations spotted with furthermost spotted being G7RAU (461km).

UPDATE 1944z:  TX (2.5W to the big-wheel  omni antenna) turned on. 2 stations have spotted me so far.

QCX mini launch

 Steve, G1KQH, has alerted me to this video. Thanks Steve.

Winter, definitely - NOT amateur radio

Just now, I had to go to the local post office to do 3 things (1) post a card, (2) post a parcel, (3) buy some stamps. 

It was cold and wet and there was a big queue outside because of Covid-19. Stamps are expensive these days!

It is definitely winter.

uBITX V6

In recent ẃeeks there was a review in RSGB RadCom of the Indian designed uBITX QRP transceiver kit. 

To those unfamiliar with this, the main PCB is supplied assembled and tested. This is assembled by a women's co-operative in India. The kit consists of putting the assembled PCB in the case and the various wiring harnesses that connect the things up. It was designed by Ashhar Farhan VU2ESE and is a model of a simple but effective design. It is available for $200. I am unsure what happens about VAT and duty.

See https://www.hfsignals.com/index.php/ubitx-v6/

Surprise - NOT amateur radio

We get little snow here these days. When I drew back the curtains this morning I was greeted by this surprise. 

I expect it will have gone by lunchtime. It looks good at the moment.

15m FT8 RX

It is now 0921z.  I am on 15m FT8 RX.  So far, 13 stations spotted on RX. 

UPDATE 0954z:  49 stations so far spotted on 15m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1122z:  126 stations so far spotted with the furthermost being ZS6LKF (9089km).

UPDATE 1527z: 301 stations spotted today on 15m FT8 RX (see map). Not bad with just the tiny indoor loop sitting on the shack windowsill. It is about 0.5m diameter and the wire is about 1mm across.

8m amateur band in Croatia

Southgate News reports that Croatia has given a 1 year permit to 9A6W to operate on the 8m band. Others may follow. It would be great to see others in other countries get permission.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/december/croatia-gets-new-40-mhz-band.htm#.X8lXBmiTLrc

Sunspots - Friday December 4th

 Solar  flux is 103 and the SSN 40. A=3 and K=0.