As the storm risk seems to have passed, I am again on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW from the W5OLF beacon. At 0956z, no spots of me.
UPDATE 1115z: No spots. Even with fewer stations now using WSPR (compared with FT8), I would have expected some spots by now. This suggests the main Es season is now over. Es will still occur, but far less often.
UPDATE 1500z: Quite a few spots today from HB9TMC (905km). It looks like this was an Es opening, but in a very narrow area.
The 8m QRP FT8 TX was turned on on 40.680 MHz USB dial at 0938z. No spots yet. at 0950z.
As we have thunderstorms at the moment and these could last until well after lunch, everything will remain disconnected until all risks have gone. So, no operation until later.
In this part of the UK we have had almost no rain since March. Today we have rain, thunder and lightning. Let's hope the grass turns green!!
This is the IC-905. I am extremely sceptical. I cannot see them selling that many or making a profit. Maybe it is a lost leader, really they are aiming to make a profit on something similar in the commercial market.
It seems unlikely to be available much before late 2023 and at what price? The price has to be very keen or they risk a total flop.
If I was ICOM, I really would not bother. Mind you, I am not ICOM!
Nice concept, but in this tough world will it make them any money?
My 500mW W5OLF beacon was turned on at 0859z. No spots yet at 1017z.
UPDATE 1103z: Just spotted by HC02 (1808km) in southern Portugal.
Later, I hope to be on 8m TX on 40.680 MHz USB dial FT8 QRP again. Still getting DX spots even with my low ERP in the last few days.
UPDATE 1152z: Gear turned on at 0859z. No spots. I have the feeling there will be none today, although I am ever hopeful!
UPDATE 1520z: EI9KP (649km) has spotted me on 8m QRP FT8.
This is the term used in amateur radio circles for people who have, sadly, died. It must date from the very early days when most people used Morse and Morse keys. The phrase may be over 100 years old.
In the last year or so, two of the people locally that I chatted with every week have become SK. The one thing they had in common was their zest for life.
Both enjoyed finding new things right up until they died. Both are missed, but their vitality lives on.
RIP Ted G4NUA and Ian G3KKD. Ted was keen on PCs and WSPR, and Ian was experimenting with DATV. Ian liked all things ATV. Even to the end he was building 5.6 GHz ATV kit.
