Sunspots - Sunday February 21st 2021

Solar flux is 76 and the SSN still 12. A=20 and K=4.

472kHz (630m) RX

At about 2000z, I QSYed to 472kHz RX. At first I tried FSW4W, but so far only WSPR has been received. Just F5WK (364km) spotted. Using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

UPDATE 2122z:  4 stations spotted on WSPR with the furthermost being F5WK in IN99.

20m FT8 QRP (Saturday)

About an hour ago I went on 20m FT8 with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop. So far, 136 stations spotted on RX. On TX 8 stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 1900z:  11 stations have spotted me on QRP 20m FT8 TX.  On RX 232 stations spotted.

UPDATE 2052z: QRT.  QSYed to 630m RX.

Sprung? - NOT amateur radio

This winter has felt very long. This is partly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and it has been colder than it has been for some years. At last there are glimpses of spring such as the daffodils on our green in flower at last   We could still have bad weather ahead but at least we have hope. 

Illegal contracts? - NOT amateur radio

As reported by the BBC, according to the high court, Matt Hancock acted illegally by not disclosing contracts within 30 days of when these were let during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

He has an unenviable task leading the health of the nation during a pandemic. Nonetheless, it is vital that he upholds transparency at all times such as this so the public can have maximum confidence.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56125462

Sunspots - Saturday February 20th 2021

 Solar flux is 73 and the SSN 12. A=17 and K=3.

More grandson at Hare Park - NOT amateur radio

 

The collage shows more of our grandson at Hare Park, Chippenham, near Cambridge.

Carry cage for IC-705

MLS (and perhaps others) are advertising a carry cage for the ICOM IC-705 portable rig.  At £139.95 it seems expensive. It has a handle and may be ideal for those that want to use the IC-705 out portable. 

This was featured in the latest "something for the weekend" email.

20m FT8 QRP (Friday)

At about 1630z, I QSYed to 20m FT8 using the tiny indoor loop and 2.5W.  Up to this time I was on 2m FT8 QRP.  After 5 minutes, 17 stations spotted on RX, but nobody has yet spotted me on TX.

UPDATE 1812z: 85 stations spotted on RX with just 1 station spotting my QRP on TX.

UPDATE 2115z: 148 stations spotted on RX and 3 stations have spotted me on TX since just before teatime. I shall be going QRT later.

Grandson - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows one of our grandchildren today at Hare Park, Chippenham near Cambridge.