11 Dec 2022

Sunspots - Sunday December 11th 2022

Solar flux is 142 and the SSN 111. A=8 and K=2. 

10 Dec 2022

Bah humbug - NOT amateur radio

This was the Grand Arcade in Cambridge a few days ago gearing up for Christmas. 

At least, the lights cheer us all up at a dark time of the year. They say Christmas was originally a Pagan festival.

Frosty morning - NOT amateur radio


When I first came to Cambridge in the early 1970s, it was cold and frosty in the winter. Snow, when it occurred, usually lasted for several days. These days, snow is rare and frosts are infrequent. The climate is milder. 

These last few days it has been exceptionally cold. The photo was taken a few days ago outside our bungalow. It is extremely cold (for us) at the moment, although we have escaped most of the snow.

8m QRP FT8 (Saturday)

 Despite being on QRP FT8 most of the day, no spots.

Someone else to do 8m ISM tests locally

Another local ham is to do tests on the 8m ISM bands. 

Once the weather gets better, he is doing some 10mW ERP tests (using his signal generator) to me across the fens. Hopefully I can receive him.  He usually very strong on 2m FM with 25W. I think he erecting an 8m dipole for these tests. Antenna work needs better weather!

10m QRP WSPR TX (Saturday)

It is now 1002z. I am again be on 10m QRP WSPR with 500mW from my W5OLF beacon. 

UPDATE 1023z:  2 spots so far today. It looks as if I am again reaching the Canary Isles.

UPDATE 1512z: 
 10 unique stations have spotted me.

VLF tests 2010


This was 2010 when I did some earth-mode VLF tests out in the Fens. 

Sunspots - Saturday December 10th 2022

Solar flux is 149 and the SSN 116. A=11 and K=2.

9 Dec 2022

Christmas visit - NOT amateur radio

 

My wife's brother and his wife came for lunch. They are staying nearby with one of their sons.

8m QRP FT8 (Friday)

Although I have been on most of the day, no spots on RX or TX.