2m FT8 QRP scatter article

 One of my articles is in the latest RadCom magazine. It is about 2m scatter with simple QRP stations made possible by FT8. 

2m FT8 QRP (Friday)

Probably I will go on 2m FT8 using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna after breakfast before trying an HF band later.

UPDATE 0719z: 2m FT8 QRP turned on.

UPDATE 0918z: 6 stations have spotted me today with the furthermost being DL0GX (461km).

Stations spotting my 2m
FT8 QRP so far today

UPDATE 1420z: 10 stations have spotted my 2.5W QRP on TX and I have spotted  25 stations on RX.

Sunspots - Friday February 19th 2021

Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 12 suggesting the more active side of the Sun has come into view. A=4 and K=1. Let us hope we see a few more sunspots in the days ahead. 

2m FT8 QRP (Thursday)

At 1913z, I QSYed to 2m FT8 using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far, 2 (local) stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 2300z : QRT. As on previous evenings, lots of spots of my QRP with the furthermost being GI6ATZ (479km). 

Days without sunspots

Last month we had quite hopeful signs on the sunspot count for cycle 25. Currently we have had many days without spots. 

I see that Southgate News has some details of spotless days broken down by years. I have no idea what the current view is of the size of sunspot peak for cycle 25.

Spotless Days

Current Stretch: 14 days 

2021 total: 31 days (63%)

2020 total: 208 days (57%)

2019 total: 281 days (77%)

2018 total: 221 days (61%)

2017 total: 104 days (28%)

2016 total: 32 days (9%)

2015 total: 0 days (0%)

2014 total: 1 day (<1%)

2013 total: 0 days (0%)

2012 total: 0 days (0%)

2011 total: 2 days (<1%)

2010 total: 51 days (14%)

2009 total: 260 days (71%)

2008 total: 268 days (73%)

2007 total: 152 days (42%)

2006 total: 70 days (19%)

Walk yesterday - NOT amateur radio

The collage shows more of our walk yesterday. 

Just afterwards it rained! We just hit a gap when it was not dull and raining.

More on the walk yesterday - NOT amateur radio

On our walk yesterday we saw lots of snowdrops and aconites. 

15m FT8 QRP (Thursday)

Most of the morning I've been on 15m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna and 2.5W. So far, 5 stations have spotted me and 110 stations spotted on RX. 

Sunspots - Thursday February 18th 2021

 Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 0. A=8 and K=2. 

2m FT8 QRP (Wednesday)

At 1900z I QSYed to 2m FT8 using the usual 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far, 5 stations have spotted me and I have spotted nobody.

UPDATE 1930z: 7 stations have spotted me so far and the furthermost is GI6ATZ (479km) again. I have spotted 2 stations.

UPDATE 2312z: QRT.