6 Dec 2020
Christmas cheer - NOT amateur radio
Missed again! - CQWW SSB
Many years ago, I used to really enjoy this contest. Working on 10m SSB it was possible to work many stations. Since my voice was adversely affected by my stroke, it has been harder. It is even harder still if you do as I did and totally forgot it was on!
The last weekend in October should have been in my diary. Mind you, on 10m with an indoor loop at this part of the solar cycle it would have been hard work. Maybe next year?
The rules for the 2020 contests (SSB and CW) are attached, even though these have passed.
5 Dec 2020
2m FT8 QRP (Saturday)
At 1845z, I QSYed to 2m FT8 with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. It is now 1852z. Already 5 stations have spotted me.
UPDATE 2245z: 11 stations spotted me this evening with the furthermost being GI6ATZ (479km). Now QRT.
BREXIT brinkmanship - NOT amateur radio
As I write (1030z Saturday) the head of the UK and EU are going to speak on the 'phone and as yet there is no BREXIT trade deal, even though to have one is in everyone's interest.
I suspect there is brinkmanship on both sides. In these last few weeks, I think these children should throw away their toys and behave as grown-ups if this is possible. We all know that is what is best.
Go on, get a mutually good deal that all can sell as a success.
UPDATE 1848z: Talks to continue on Sunday.
OFCOM Spectrum Management Strategy
You will be pleased to know that OFCOM is considering its strategy for the radio spectrum in the years ahead. It is navel gazing about the future. Sorry, "vision". See the OFCOM website.
15m FT8 RX
It is now 0950z. At about 0915z I turned on 15m FT8 RX. So far today, 67 stations in Asia and Europe spotted. Still using the FT817ND and the tiny loop on the shack windowsill.
I find it incredible that some stations are so strong. One Ukrainian station was +2dB S/N even with the tiny loop!
UPDATE 1005z: So far today, 81 stations have been spotted on 15m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1128z: 134 stations spotted so far today on 15m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop and FT817ND in 4 continents.
UPDATE 1838z: 317 stations spotted. Soon QSYing to 2m FT8.
4 Dec 2020
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.
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