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! 

15m FT8 RX

In a few moments I hope to be on 15m FT8 RX with the indoor Wellgood active loop antenna. Gear turned on at 0924z.

UPDATE 0950z:  73 stations spotted so far.

UPDATE 1333z:   321 stations spotted.

Sunspots - Tuesday December 21st 2021

Solar flux is 123 and the SSN 115.  A=16 and K=2. 

2m FT8 RX in the last day

In the last day, 139 stations were spotted on 2m FT8 with the big-wheel omni antenna. Furthermost was DL2QV (937km). Although most of these would probably be in range by scatter, I think many were tropo.

The future - NOT amateur radio

Whatever we expect the future to be, it is different. Life has a nasty habit of throwing the totally unexpected at us. It seems the only certainty is the future will be different from what we expect.

15m FT8 RX (Monday)

In all, I have probably been on 15m FT8 RX with the Wellgood active loop for about 30 minutes. So far, 54 spots with the furthermost RA0WHE (5565km).

UPDATE 0950z: 57 stations spotted with the furthermost BG0CAB (6149km). Certainly 15m is proving to be a good band at the moment. I expect this time next year 10m will be as good.

UPDATE 1050z:  109 stations spotted with the furthermost E24OYI (9466km).

UPDATE 1526z:  391 stations spotted. Furthermost is 4F3BZ (10632km).

UPDATE 1616z: 424 stations spotted today on 15m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2315z:  444 stations spotted on 15m FT8 RX. Now QRT. 

Pirates: it is all too easy for TX stations (and RX stations) to use false callsigns and locations. When you are copying several stations from the same area, it is much less likely they are all pirates. For example there are lots of South Americans and USA stations on. It is very unlikely that many (if any) are pirates.