2m FT8 RX (Friday)

As last night, I am on 2m FT8 RX using the omni-directional big-wheel antenna. After about 2 hours, 74 stations were spotted with the furthermost EA1SA (1034km) in northern Spain.  In the last day 188 stations in 10 countries were spotted. As they say, "a bit of a lift on".

See map.

10m FT8 RX (Friday)

At the moment I am on 10m FT8 RX. It is now 0952z and already 66 stations have been spotted with the furthermost 4Z4WD (3595km).

UPDATE 1722z:   231 stations spotted. The furthermost was CX8DSK (11116km).

Solar conditions

Both the solar flux and sunspot number are good today. I know that solar conditions can vary widely, but today the numbers are good. 

I have not seen the latest predictions, but this cycle is definitely not a "non event".

2m FT8 DX

2m FT8 was good last night with 138 stations spotted including several in northern Spain. 

Only using a big-wheel omni antenna!! 

Sunspots - Friday December 17th 2021

Solar flux is 118 and the SSN 127.  A=8 and K=1.

40m FT8 RX

 As it is dark, I have QSYed to 40m FT8 RX using the indoor Wellgood active loop antenna.  It is now 1730z and I have been on for about 10 minutes and already 69 stations spotted.

UPDATE 2002z:   344 stations spotted. Soon to QSY to 2m FT8.

6m MSK144 RX overnight

Overnight I went on 6m MSK144 RX, hoping to catch the tail end if the Geminids meteor shower. I think I was too late or was monitoring on the wrong frequency for Europe as nothing, at all, was copied. I was on 50.260MHz RX. Disappointing.

15m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor active loop

Most of the day I have been on 15m FT8 RX with the Wellgood active loop indoors on the shack window. So far,  547 stations spotted at 1651z.

Furthermost was VK2QV (16898km).

10m QRP WSPR TX

Since this morning I have been on 10m WSPR TX using 500mW. It is now 1625z and, so far, 4 unique stations have spotted me. 

Cambridge college - NOT amateur radio

This was the entrance to one of the Cambridge colleges. I think it was Christ's.