10m FT8 RX (Thursday)

Since about 0900z, I have been on 10m FT8 RX. It is now 0944z and so far 99 stations already spotted.

UPDATE 1006z:   149 stations spotted with the furthermost BA7IO (9494km).

UPDATE 1853z:   671 stations spotted today with the furthermost VK6XI (14434km). It would appear that is it for the day. I may try 6m MSK144 on 50.280MHz.

Sunspots - Thursday December 23rd 2021

Solar flux is 140 and the SSN 137.  A=11 and K=1 

630m WSPR RX

After 10m closed I tried 630m WSPR RX using the active loop. Just G0MRF(120km) spotted. QRT soon. 

Operating outside

This photo shows me operating from the car some years ago (2012?). From this location on the coast in Devon I have worked the USA with 10m QRP SSB and AM QRP on several occasions. 

Winter walk - NOT amateur radio

This collage is of our walk around the village earlier. It was bright, cold and frosty. 

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.