RSPB big garden birdwatch - NOT amateur radio

Just finished the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.  

You have to record the maximum number of each different species seen in any hour. 

In all, 10 different species seen. Those missing, but often seen, include goldfinch, great tit and thrush.

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/

Sunspots - Sunday January 31st 2021

 Solar flux is 74 and the SSN 0. A=2 and K=0. 

2m FT8 QRP (Saturday)

 Shortly, I shall be QSYing to 2m FT8 QRP using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.

UPDATE 1700z:  QSYed at 1651z. 6 stations in 2 countries have spotted my 2.5W QRP FT8.

UPDATE 1740z:  11 stations in 4 countries have spotted me today, so far, on 2m FT8. The furthermost is EI2FG (565km).

Cheer-up time! - NOT amateur radio

 In these odd times, you might enjoy this video.

17m FT8 QRP (Saturday)

It is miserable outside - sleet and cold!!

At the moment I am on 17m FT8 QRP with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop. 66 stations spotted on RX and  6 stations have spotted me on TX already.

UPDATE 1640z:  19 stations have spotted my 17m FT8 QRP today using just 2.5W and my tiny indoor loop. The map shows where I was spotted today.

Sunspots - Saturday January 30th 2021

 Solar flux is 76 and the SSN 0. A=3 and K=1.

2m FT8 QRP (Friday)

At 1835z I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. 7 G spots so far of my 2.5W QRP on TX. 4 spots in 3 countries so far on 2m FT8 RX with the furthermost being DL6YBF (410km).

UPDATE 2220z:  12 stations have spotted me on 2m FT8  TX. Now QRT.

481THz optical beacon

 

One of my Facebook memories today was this photo of my 481THz optical beacon. This was made in 2012 I think. 

I still have it and hope to use it again. It uses a K1EL keyer to produce either CW or QRSS. My first test is likely to be some sort of reflection test, possibly off trees.

It seems I like to experiment at the extreme ends of the spectrum, HI.  Either VLF (sub 9kHz) or optical comms (481THz)!

Winter walk - NOT amateur radio

Stirrings. 

On a winter walk, these aconites are coming into flower. There are a few daffodils on the way, but few out yet.

17m FT8 QRP (Friday)

It is now 1216z.  For a few minutes I have been on 17m FT8 QRP with the FT817ND (2.5W) and the tiny indoor loop. So far today I have spotted 10 stations on RX and 2 stations have spotted me on QRP TX in southern Spain. I am amazed that anyone spots me on 17m with such low power and such a tiny antenna!