10m FT8 RX (Saturday)

 In a few moments I hope to go on 10m FT8 RX. Yesterday there was activity, but fewer stations copied. I am not sure if this was just a poorer day?

UPDATE 0919z:  10m FT8 RX turned on. Plenty of stations coming in by F2.  I see Gs are calling VK on 10m. So far, 12 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX with the furthermost RA4AID (3140km).

Cambridge yesterday - NOT amateur radio

This was Trinity College in Cambridge yesterday.  The college is currently closed to visitors. I am not sure if this is related to Covid.

Sunspots - Saturday October 16th 2021

 Solar flux is 84 and the SSN 11.  A=6 and K=2.  We are obviously with the active side facing away from the Earth.

Cambridge punts - NOT amateur radio

For the first time since 2019, I returned to my University of the 3rd Age (U3AC) lectures in Cambridge. I am studying Medieval History, about which I know little! That's what's so nice: learning just for fun. As you can imagine, there is a huge range of courses in Cambridge. It was great to be back.

I had a little time to kill, so I took some photos around Cambridge including this one of the punts being prepared.

10m FT8 RX (Friday)

My system was turned on at 0755z. Just G5LP (137km) spotted so far.

Ely 1845 - NOT amateur radio

This picture was done in 1845. Much has changed, but much is still the same. 

VLF Earth-mode

This was 2012.  6km was spanned below 10kHz through the ground. My stroke got in the way! 

Sunspots - Friday October 15th 2021

 Solar flux is 83 and the SSN 24.  A=7 and K=2.

472kHz ATU

There is a common misconception that 472kHz ATUs have to be big. With low power this is not the case. With my 5W I have had no problems at all with a tapped ferrite rod as the photo shows.  With the outer of a coax this makes a very simple 472kHz station. The 50 ohm connection is very low down and the wire will be much further up the rod.

Typical Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

When thinking of Cambridge people often think of bikes. 

This collage was taken by my wife earlier whilst coming back from her U3AC course.