Sunspots - Sunday December 19th 2021

 Solar flux is 121 and the SSN 117.  A=4 and K=0. 

2m QRP FT8

At about 1815z, I QSYed to 2m FT8.  I was on TX (2.5W) for about 2 minutes and was spotted by 6 stations. On RX 13 stations spotted, but no "real DX" seen yet. At the moment, I am not seeing any stations at exceptional range. Still using the big-wheel omni antenna. No beams! 

UPDATE 1945z:  52 stations spotted.

UPDATE 2002z:  58 stations spotted with the furthermost F6APE (553km).

UPDATE 2310z: 81 stations spotted at bedtime. RX on overnight (I hope). Several German stations spotted. 

Primrose - NOT amateur radio

In autumn we replace our summer bedding plants with winter flowering primroses to brighten up the garden when it can be dull.  The one in the photo  has drops of rain on it.

Already some are coming out. All being well, they should look good soon. 

Simple regen RX

Many people like simple, but effective, receivers. This design is probably one of the simplest you could make. It works very well.  There are several examples of this, and others, on YouTube.

10m WSPR QRP TX

As FT8 does not appear to work with PSKreporter, I have gone instead on 10m WSPR TX with my W5OLF 500mW beacon. It is now 1315z and, so far, just spots by local G4KPX (14km).

Snowy churchyard - NOT amateur radio

 

This photo was taken on this day in 2009. Obviously we had December snow then.

10m FT8 RX (Saturday)

It is now 1113z and I have been on for about 65 minutes. So far,  no spots have been reported to PSKreporter, which is rubbish as my screen is filled with stations. I shall have to try a total reset.

UPDATE 1150z:  It seems to coincide with Windows wanting to do an upgrade. Don't you just love Windows? Complete reset done. Still no spots. I guess this could be a problem at their end? Anyone else had issues?

Sunspots - Saturday December 18th 2021

Solar flux is 121 and the SSN 119.  A=3 and K=0. 

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).