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.

Just looking - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows our son with his son looking at one of the oldest houses in the village. 

WSJT-X v2.3.0

Today the released version of WSJT-X V2.3.0 was made available. Previously just release candidates were available.

With Windows 10 I had all sorts of issues as it tried to block the download in case it harmed the PC. I said "keep" and "install anyway".  Only then could I go ahead.

Sunspots - Tuesday February 2nd 2021

 Solar flux is 74 and the SSN 0. A=5 and K=4.

2m FT8 QRP (Monday)

It is now 1827z. A few moments ago I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP running 2.5W to the big-wheel omni antenna. Already 8 spots of my QRP TX and 2 stations spotted here on RX after about 10 minutes.

UPDATE 1910z:  15 stations have spotted me on TX and 8 stations spotted on RX.