Well, that was a non-happening!
One of my plans for now was an E-field probe in a tree for 137kHz and 472kHz RX. We had the tree lopped, but the E-field probe is not up. I replaced my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground, but my 472kHz transverter does not work, so I am restricted to 472kHz RX only.
Maybe next winter, I shall have more luck!
Since 0945z, I have been on 10m FT8 with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop. No spots yet on RX or TX at 1047z.
UPDATE 1840z: No spots all day.
Although ex-President Trump has gone from office, he still seems capable of turning on his (one time) friends. I am amazed that so many voted for him. To those of us outside the USA, he appears to hold grudges.
Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 0. A=15 and K=2. This month, the sunspot count has been dreadful.
It is now 2030z. A few minutes ago I went on to 472kHz WSPR RX. So far G0MRF (139km) and DL1HWK (816km) copied.
UPDATE 2215z: 5 stations spotted this evening with the furthermost being IZ3QQG (1155km). Still using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.
At 1845z, I QSYed to 2m FT8 using 2.5W (FT817ND) and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far, just 1 spot of me by G4TRA (185km).
UPDATE 1858z: 2 stations spotted here on RX. 5 stations have spotted my 2.5W QRP with the furthermost GI6ATZ (479km).
As far as I know, we have been searching the universe for almost 50 years via SETI (search for intelligent life) without success. Much of the decoding is done by volunteers using spare processing power on their PCs.
Based on the estimates of planets, I find this odd. As time goes by the means of looking have improved. By now, I would have expected to get some indications.
Maybe, we are looking in the wrong way? Maybe intelligent life self destructs? Maybe we really are alone? Maybe our whole understanding of the universe is wrong?
If ever we did find intelligent life elsewhere, it could have profound implications for humans.
Thinking of ultra-simple rigs, perhaps consider my FETer. I was surprised how well this worked.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/feter-80m-qrpp-cw-transceiver
In China, the sale of cars, especially petrol cars, has fallen dramatically. Cars in China are far lower in price than in the West.
