10m WSPR TX beacon

As the 10m antenna is available, I am on 10m WSPR TX using 500mW to the W5OLF beacon. So far today just local spots, but at least I know it is working! 

UPDATE 1425z:  4 unique stations spotting me with the furthermost FR1GZ (9724km). Think I shall QSY to 10m FT8. 

UPDATE 1500z:  QSYed to 10m FT8.

Sunspots - Sunday December 26th 2021

Solar flux is 131 and the SSN 128.  A=7 and K=0.

160m FT8 RX (Saturday)

After 10m closed for DX, I QSYed to 160m FT8 RX with the Wellgood active loop. At 1900z (after about 25 minutes) 54 stations had been spotted with the furthermost YO3APJ (2073km).

136kHz beacon

Whilst looking through some old photos I came across this photo from 2012 of my 136kHz beacon. With just microwatts ERP the signal was copied in the Netherlands. I think my antenna was just a thin wire loop in the garden of about 80m sq. As I recall I was going to use thicker wire to improve the ERP, but never did this.

10m FT8 RX

Early spots

Even though it is Christmas, 10m FT8 RX is running in the background. 148 stations spotted on RX today at 0953z. The furthermost is Western Australia.

UPDATE 1652z:  448 stations spotted today on 10m FT8 RX .

Christmas birthday - NOT amateur radio

After 73 years, I am used to my birthday being a few days before Christmas.  

This is me with some of my presents. I hold an unofficial birthday in June, but keep forgetting!

160m FT8 overnight

Overnight I left my 160m FT8 system running with the Wellgood active loop RX antenna on the shack window. In all, 265 stations were spotted. 

A cold - NOT amateur radio

For the last few days I have had a cold. Now I have given it to my wife!  Just in case it was Omicron Covid-19 we both have done a couple of lateral flow tests that proved negative. It looks like it is a common cold.

It is several years since I have had a streaming nose and sore throat. I am largely recovered.

Let's hope Omicron turns out to be milder and we can all treat it like a common cold seeking medical help only when needed. Life could then go back to (nearly) as it was.

Christmas - NOT amateur radio

Today is celebrated around the world as Christmas Day. 

I am not a strong believer these days, if at all. What I am sure of is all the world's religions are hints at a greater truth. We all need kindness and understanding. 

Whatever you believe, I wish you peace and happiness now and next year.

Sunspots (Christmas Day) - Saturday December 25th 2021

Solar flux is 126 and the SSN 145.  A=5 and K=1. These are quite remarkably high numbers.