Sunspots - Monday November 22nd 2021

 Solar flux is 79 and the SSN 22.  A=12 and K=3.

472kHz (630m) WSPR RX

After dark, I switched to 472kHz WSPR RX using the coax up to my 2m big-wheel antenna via a ferrite rod ATU and mains earth. It is now 1841z and, so far, 5 unique stations spotted with the furthermost OH1LSQ (1733km). It may be a stupid antenna, but it works!

FY5KE - WSPR pirate?

When I go on 10m WSPR, I am frequently spotted by FY5KE. There was a QRZ.com message earlier in the year to say there had been no FT8 activity so far and if you worked FY5KE on FT8, this would have been a pirate. There was nothing said about WSPR.

The reports I get are usually good, which makes me a bit suspicious.

Is this WSPR monitor genuine?

10m WSPR QRP TX

 As the 10m antenna was free, I decided to go on 10m WSPR TX using the 500mW W5OLF 10m WSPR beacon. Just 3 spots of me (2 EA8s and 1 local G). So far, "the usuals".

6m FT8 (Sunday)?

 After lunch, I may switch to 6m FT8. There is far less activity on 6m at this time of year and most spots are likely to be UK stations probably by tropo or aircraft. I can only use the V2000 vertical on 6m. 

If I go on 6m FT8, I shall go on 10m WSPR TX (500mW) as the 10m antenna will be free.

UPDATE 1440z:  Turned on after lunch. Just 3 Gs spotted on RX and spots of me on TX by 1 G. No Es obvious.

UPDATE 1652z:  5 Gs spotted on 6m FT8 RX this afternoon.

Covid-19 in Singapore - NOT amateur radio

 Whilst I fully appreciate that some cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, I think everyone else has a duty to themselves and to others to get vaccinated. It is only by vaccination that this pandemic will be ended.

As I understand it, in Singapore, those not vaccinated must pay for their own Covid-19 treatment.This seems draconian, but may make those wavering think again and make Singapore safer for all. 

This is a global pandemic and we all have to do our bit. Side effects from the jabs are very very rare and getting Covid-19 can be so much worse. The jab itself is quick and painless and over in seconds. To be honest, I did not feel a thing!

Our son's cat - NOT amateur radio

As my son is away this weekend, I am popping down to feed his playful cat. 

Our view - NOT amateur radio

This is our view at breakfast. The flowers are orchids. 

10m FT8 RX (Sunday)

My gear was turned on at 0752z.  So far 24 stations spotted with the furthermost HS2KYA (9693km).

UPDATE 1006z :  122 stations spotted on RX with 4 in Australia.

UPDATE 1144z : 288 stations spotted on RX. 10m is becoming too easy again. With FT8 it is even easier.  I seem to remember it became too easy in the last solar cycle. I must look for a new challenge that I can manage. 

472kHz (630m) WSPR RX

Once it got dark yesterday evening I QSYed to 472kHz WSPR RX using the coax to my 2m big-wheel via a ferrite rod ATU. In all 16 stations were spotted with the furthermost being EA4GHB (1300km).