Home? - NOT amateur radio

Although I left this part of Devon in 1970, it still feels like home. The photo shows earlier today. 

15m FT8 RX (Friday)

Since about 0930z I have been on 15m FT8 RX using the 10m antenna. At 0948z, 50 stations spotted.

137kHz tests in 2013

This was in 2013 when my QRP signal was spotted 101km away. 

King's, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

 

The photo shows King's, Cambridge.  King's College Chapel is world famous as the home of the famous "Nine Lessons and Carols" each Christmas.

Sunspots - Friday January 28th 2022

Solar flux is 107 and the SSN 85. A=7 and K=2.

70cm FT8

 A few moments ago I turned on 70cm FT8. After an initial QRP TX session (no spots of my 2.5W to the 2m big-wheel omni antenna) I am now RX only.

UPDATE 2104z:   No spots.

Rally news

As far as I know the Lincoln Shortwave Club rally is on this Sunday January 30th, but I suggest you check before travelling any distance.

The Canvey Rally in February has been cancelled I understand.

As always in these uncertain times, it is always worth checking if rallies are cancelled or postponed.

UPDATE 2315z: The Lincoln rally has been cancelled (see Keith's comment below). 

FT8 RX with non-resonant antennas

In the last day, I have been amazed at the results with non-resonant antennas on FT8 RX. May be I shouldn't be. 

On 160m FT8 RX one often has to add attenuation and, as long as the S/N is fine, it will still get results. 

On 15m FT8 RX, I guess my 10m antenna is a few dBs down, but as long as the S/N is sufficient I will still get decodes.

Fungus - NOT amateur radio

 

This was seen growing on a tree some years ago. I cannot remember the month.

15m FT8 RX

At the moment, I am monitoring 15m FT8 RX with the 10m antenna. I have been on for about 10 minutes. At 1010z, 43 stations spotted.

UPDATE 1502z:  684 stations spotted today on 15m FT8  RX.