Yesterday on 8m FT8 TX

As the first day back after a week on holiday, I went on 8m FT8 TX on 40.680 MHz USB dial. 

The 3 countries in which my QRP was spotted are shown on the map. 

Sunspots - Saturday May 28th 2022

Solar flux is 114 and the SSN 69.  A=17 and K=5.

OFCOM updates

 As usual, OFCOM has updated the statistics it holds. See the OFCOM website for details. 

Bougainvillea - NOT amateur radio

 

This is probably one of the last photos of my break in Corfu.  It shows a bougainvillea in the garden of our hotel. 

W5OLF SK?

My fears are growing. I have written to Jay twice and not had a response. 

He may just be on a long vacation, but I have heard no news. In the past Jay has been very helpful to me and I owe him a lot. 

If he is around and reading this, please be assured that I wish him well.

Has anyone had any news please?

10m QRP WSPR TX

Now that I am home again, I am on 10m WSPR with 500mW from the W5OLF WSPR beacon. Several F2 spots, but none that look like Es.

8m FT8 TX

As I am now home again, I hope to be on 8m TX on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 after breakfast. I have not been on 8m for a week. 

UPDATE 0902z:  Been on 8m FT8 QRP TX for about 45  minutes, but now RX only on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8. Spotted by EI9KP (649km). Nobody spotted on RX.

UPDATE 2117z: My 8m FT8 QRP signal was spotted by stations in Portugal, Spain and Eire today, and I spotted 1 G station on RX.

Sunspots - Friday May 27th 2022

Solar flux is 123 and the SSN 87.  A=4 and K=1.

Not a monarchist, but... - NOT amateur radio

In my bones I am not a monarchist. 

Personally, I find rank and status simply because of who you are, or your ancestors were, is totally wrong. Having said all that, I cannot think who a UK president could be. Nobody springs to mind who is liked by many and has integrity. Most politicians fall at the first fence as many are in it for personal gain and are born liars.

Queen Elizabeth of the UK has been monarch for most of my life. I cannot remember anyone else. By comparison, her son Charles has a lot of respect to gain.

No, Queen Elizabeth is not perfect, but during her long reign she has commanded respect.

See https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-61585182 .

Corfu chilling - NOT amateur radio

On our last day in Corfu, we did a bit of shopping then cool drinks and people watching. 

It is meant to reach 32 degrees C later. 

It feels very hot and sunny already.

Weatherwise it has been perfect. It was just not a long enough break!