10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)

At 0752z, I turned on my W5OLF 10m WSPR beacon which runs 500mW as the 10m antenna was not being used. No spots yet today.

UPDATE 0957z: Just G spots from locals G2XV (18km) and G4KPX (14km).

UPDATE 1540z:  Still no DX today on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2100z:  In the end EA8BFK (2880km) copied me. QRT soon.

Norwich last week - NOT amateur radio

This collage shows Norwich last week. This week is far duller. 

17m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop

In the last day 321 stations have been spotted on 17m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop antenna. I am amazed. 

Sunspots - Monday March 28th 2022

Solar flux is 130 and the SSN 97. A=18 and K=4.

17m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop

It is now 1520z. I have just QSYed to 17m FT8 RX from 2m. The antenna is the tiny loop on the shack windowsill. So far (after a few minutes) 22 stations spotted. This antenna really is remarkable. I guess it must be a few dBs down on a "big" antenna.

UPDATE 1628z:  93 stations spotted on 17m FT8 RX this afternoon. Furthermost is YB1HR (11790km).

UPDATE 1735z:   154 stations spotted on 17m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1810z:  179 stations spotted on 17m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1920z:  225 stations spotted.

Getting ready for 8m TX

As I now have the coax for my 40MHz dipole, things are on target.   Assuming I build and erect the antenna this week, I should start on April 2nd as per my permit.  

My aim is to run mostly FT8 near 40.675MHz (audio will be perhaps 1kHz higher) with some CW for some local crossband reports. I intend to use my amateur callsign.

Geosynchronous Oscar 100

Since I last looked, there is not much change. This was European mid afternoon on a weekend, when activity is highest. Still plenty of space.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ .

St George's Norwich - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows St George's Church in Tombland, Norwich that we passed on Friday.  

It is not far from the cathedral. Sadly it was locked. 

2m FT8 RX in the last day

77 stations spotted on FT8 RX in the last day with just the omni big-wheel antenna. 

Did someone say 2m is dead?  Try FT8. I suspect more people are choosing to use FT8, so the rest of the band appears quiet.

The furthermost is F8BON (684km).

10m WSPR QRP TX (Sunday)

 When I am using 2m FT8, the 10m antenna is available. I keep forgetting that I can still go on 10m WSPR TX using my 500mW W5OLF WSPR beacon. This morning, I shall go on 10m WSPR TX. I must remember this when I get active on 8m.

UPDATE 0830z: WSPR TX turned on at 0825z. Just G4KPX (14km) spotting me. 

UPDATE 1500z: 3 unique stations spotting me.