Winter sunshine - NOT amateur radio

This morning was bright and cold so we went for a walk around the village. This is a photo of the winter sun. 

Taller - NOT amateur radio

Our elder grandson is 14 years old now. This photo was taken many years ago when he was very young. 

10m FT8 RX

At 0834z my 10m gear was turned on. At 0850z 87 stations had been spotted. It looks like we could have a good day. 

UPDATE 1157z:  456 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX this morning. Good.

10m FT8 RX at 1419z

UPDATE 1419z:  730 stations spotted. Conditions on 10m FT8 are amazing.

UPDATE 1750z:  1100 stations spotted on RX today. Brilliant. 

How big will the next sunspot peak be?

One thing is certain, experts do not agree! 

In the last few days we have seen quite high solar flux and sunspot numbers for this part of the cycle. Most predictors suggest the next peak will be very similar to the last one.  It could be smaller, but it could be much bigger. Only time will tell.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_cycle_25 .

Sunspots - Wednesday December 22nd 2021

 Solar flux is 137 and the SSN 147.  A=10 and K=3.

30m FT8 RX (Tuesday)

 For a change, I am on 30m FT8 RX. So far, 12 stations spotted, all in Europe.

UPDATE 1525z:  61 spots on 30m FT8 RX so far.

UPDATE 1830z: 104 spots so far.

UPDATE 1947z:  The number of stations spotted remains at 104 suggesting the MUF is lower now. Time to go QRT.

DX DATV experiments

According to the EI7GL blog, some amateurs are proposing to experiment with DATV on 10m and 6m.  Some DX is possible. I presume this is with much reduced bandwidths. 

Being within existing amateur bands, no special permits are needed. In the UK special permits are needed to experiment at 4m or 2m with DATV.

See https://ei7gl.blogspot.com/  .

Historical science - NOT amateur radio

It is hard to believe that some of the most important discoveries in science were made at the old Cavendish labs in this small Cambridge lane. 

10m WSPR TX

As my 10m antenna is free, I am again on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW from the W5OLF beacon. Just spots from local G4KPX (14km) so far. At least I know it is getting out!

Postman and postwoman - NOT amateur radio

This photo appeared as a FB memory today. It shows the grandchildren some years ago delivering Christmas cards. They grow up so fast!