Sunspots - Saturday April 2nd 2022

 Solar flux is 147 and the SSN 109.  A=17 and K=4.

8m dipole erected

The 8m dipole is erected, so tests can start tomorrow. In the past this would have been trivial work for me. Now it is major work. 

The SWR is good, but the dipole is not at full height as I am wobbly on ladders these days. Hopefully, my son can help over the weekend.

I am told all FT8 activity is on 40.680 MHz USB dial, so I shall QSY there over the weekend.

10m FT8 RX

 Since mid-afternoon I have been on 10m FT8 RX. It is again at full height since attaching my 8m dipole.

UPDATE 1955z:  73 stations spotted today. I suspect that is it.

OFCOM updates

Early each month OFCOM updates the data it holds. See the OFCOM website for details. It is even available in Welsh if you are desperate.

Operating Pedestrian Portable

Even though it has been snowing here today, better weather is coming after what has seemed a very long and dark winter. One of the fun ways to enjoy our hobby is pedestrian portable from  some nice location. Quite a few people enjoy Summits on the Air (SOTA) or Parks on the Air (POTA).

There is a good choice of rigs these days. I would definitely recommend using a counterpoise as this can make a lot of difference. If there is a chance of people walking nearby, watch the trip hazard! Often the rig and antenna can be oriented to get the best signal.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/other-amateur-radio/pedestrian-portable .

Ely Cathedral - NOT amateur radio

Ely cathedral is very very old. There has been a religious building here for well over 1000 years. Ely cathedral can be seen from miles away, much like the cathedral at Chartres in France.

Ely - NOT amateur radio

The BBC weather app was forecasting full sun yesterday for today, so we decided to go to Ely this morning. It snowed!! ☹️ The photo shows the view of the River Ouse. 

Lundy - NOT amateur radio

As a child I was fascinated by this isolated island out in the Bristol Channel. It is about 4km long and quite narrow. This is the view from near Hartland in Devon. It is owned by the National Trust and managed by the Landmark Trust. There are cottages to hire if you want to stay. As far as I know there are no cars allowed.

See https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/lundyisland/ .

10m FT8 RX (Friday)

This afternoon, I hope to re-erect the 10m antenna, when the 8m dipole is erected. At the moment, it remains mostly on the ground! I hope to be on 10m FT8 RX shortly. 

Sunspots - Friday April 1st 2022

 Solar flux is 149 and the SSN 84.  A=27 and K=3.