Sunspots - Saturday June 12th 2021

 Solar flux is 77 and the SSN 13.  A=10 and K=4.

Bee on iris - NOT amateur radio

 

This photo of a bee on an iris was taken this afternoon at nearby Anglesey Abbey.

6m FT8 RX (Friday)

Since about 0830z, I have been on 6m FT8 RX using the FT817ND and faulty V2000 vertical omni antenna. So far (at 0842z) 43 stations spotted today.

UPDATE 0915z:  76 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX. Furthermost is 4X1YS (3595km) in Israel.

UPDATE 1238z: 179 stations so far spotted today on 6m FT8 with the furthermost 5T5PA (3791km) in Mauritania, West Africa.

UPDATE 1703z:   279 stations so far spotted today on 6m FT8 RX. 

UPDATE 2013z:  376 stations spotted so far today on 6m FT8 RX.

Ducks - NOT amateur radio

On our walk yesterday we saw quite a few ducks. This one (I think it was a mallard cross breed) was sleeping with its mate on a river bank. 

My wife took the photo. It was not amused! 

We were looking for some cygnets recently born, but saw none.

Antenna issues

It is like busses, with all issues happening at once! 

Now my big-wheel omni (2m) has developed a high SWR. It probably just wants a good clean as some of the joints may have oxidised. Sadly, I need help these days. I think the coax is still fine. Well I hope so!

Earlier, my V2000 developed issues. Despite trying hard, G3TFX was unable to get the bottom part off. I think a new antenna and coax are called for before the poorer weather sets in. The V2000 must be very old. It was up at the old QTH before going up here for nearly 8 years, so I have had my money's worth.

With some luck, all my antennas will be in good shape again before autumn.

Roses - NOT amateur radio

This collage shows some of the roses seen on our walk yesterday. 

Gilbert and Sullivan

The English have a love affair with G&S comic opera. These were written in Victorian times. 

Until Covid-19 times a local group performed every year in a local barn. I hope this returns next year (2022). It was part of our year. 

6m FT8 in the last day

 In all 844 stations have been spotted on RX with the V2000 vertical omni antenna in the last 24 hours on 6m FT8 RX . The V2000 is faulty and has a high SWR on TX. 

Sunspots - Friday June 11th 2021

 Solar flux is 73 and the SSN 29.  A=4 and K=3.

Visit Ely - NOT amateur radio

Ely is about 12km north from here. 

Recently a free booklet has been produced called, "Visit Ely" promoting Ely as a good base to explore the area. 

The world famous university boat race took place here earlier in the year and it has a wonderful cathedral. It makes a good base.

See www.visitely.org.uk.