G0LRD 2m FT8 grabber

When monitoring my 2m FT8 signal on the grabber at G0LRD yesterday I noticed several times that the S/N was poor although mostly it was very strong. It turns out that David gets occasional local noise bursts that degrade the S/N.  This grabber is 26km away and very useful.

2m FT8 QRP last evening

The stations that spotted my 2.5W 2m FT8 to the big-wheel last evening are shown on the map. 

Village View - NOT amateur radio

This is a view across Spring Close meadows, Burwell, taken a few years ago. 

Online distance learning

Southgate News has details of an online training course leading to the full UK licence organised by the Bath club.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2021/january/online-distance-learning-course-for-full-exam.htm#.YBmj_fGTLrc

Sunspots - Wednesday February 3rd 2021

Solar flux is 73 and the SSN 12.  A=16 and K=3.

2m activity contest

Contacts this evening
on 2m QRP SSB

This contest called UKAC and organised by the RSGB starts at 2000z.  Unlike many contests, this is a very friendly one. Usually I run 10W and the big-wheel omni antenna and manage about an hour before my voice gives in! Activity levels are high. 

If nothing else, this is a chance to work a few new squares for 2021.

Tonight, activity levels were lower than I ever remember. After 3 QSOs, I gave up.

QSY to 2m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)

 As, for me, 10m has been very quiet now for some hours, I propose to QSY to 2m FT8 QRP using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. As the RSGB cumulative 2m contest is at 2000z, I shall have to use SSB for a while instead. 

UPDATE 1904z:  I QSYed to 2m FT8 at 1855z. So far this evening, 5 stations in 2 countries have spotted my QRP.

OFCOM updates

Every month, OFCOM updates its statistics in its "Communications Monthly". See the OFCOM website for details.

2012 - NOT amateur radio

At the moment it is very mild here unlike in 2012 when it was cold and frosty. 

The photo was taken at nearby Anglesey Abbey on this day in 2012. 

10m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)

About 30 minutes ago I turned on my 10m QRP using 2.5W from the FT817ND to the tiny indoor loop. In all honesty, I was not too hopeful. Already my QRP has been spotted by MM0ZBH (482km) and I have spotted 9 stations mostly in eastern Europe.

UPDATE 1303z: So far today, 11 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop and just the single spot of my 2.5W QRP FT8 TX.