Pixie testing

About 6 years ago, I managed to construct a 40m Pixie kit. Doubt if I could do it now, although perhaps I could with care. 

It must have been tested it at the QTH of G6ALB, although I do not remember this. The photo shows these tests.

Thatched cottages - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows some of the thatched cottages at Lode, about 8km from here.

10m FT8 RX (Sunday)

Stations spotted at 0930z

My current plan is to go on 10m FT8 RX for now and 8m FT8 QRP TX later if F2 to the USA looks promising. I am sure some of the problems are too few monitors over there on 8m as even the best stations were not spotted. 

UPDATE 0851z:   75 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 0955z:  181 stations from all across the world spotted on 10m FT8 RX. It looks again like conditions on 10m are excellent again today.

UPDATE 1354z:  750 stations spotted today on 10 FT8 RX. As 10m is looking very good, I may QSY to 8m FT8 QRP TX later, when there is a chance of being spotted in the USA....if anyone is looking! The most likely time to QSY to 8m QRP FT8 TX is just after 1400z.

Sound advice - NOT amateur radio

Saw this on Facebook yesterday. 

Sound advice for us all. 

Sunspots - Sunday October 2nd 2022

Solar flux is 148 and the SSN 100. A=3 and K=2. 

8m QRP FT8

On 40.680 MHz (first) QRP FT8 hoping for the USA. 10m is excellent.

UPDATE  1944z:   No spots. Now QRT.

Village butchers closing after 150 years - NOT amateur radio

The last independent butcher in our village has closed today. The person who runs it is retiring and nobody is replacing him. 

There are still 3 shops in the village selling meat. After 150 years, this shop will be missed. 

People are eating less meat these days, which can't have helped. At one time I think we had 4 butchers in the village.

He sold very good bacon. 

10m FT8 RX

I am on 10m FT8 RX at the moment.

UPDATE 1114z:  401 stations spotted.

UPDATE 1242z: 586 stations spotted on 10m FT8 RX today (see map). As you can see, 10m is in excellent shape.

Solar data

Early in the month the solar data at https://www.solen.info/solar/ is updated with the latest information. This usually happens on the first or second day of the month.

East Anglian skies - NOT amateur radio

This part of the UK is flat, but we have some great skies.