Solar flux is 163 and the SSN 0 (I suspect this is an error, although it still shows 0 at 1939z). A=6 and K=0.
17 Dec 2022
16 Dec 2022
8m tomorrow
For some reason, I am now seeing a very high SWR on 8m. I think it is the coax plug to the rig. I have a way of checking this that I shall try tomorrow. If this is successful, and the problem is fixed, I intend to do more QRP FT8 tests at 2.5W and the low dipole.
My 10mW ERP WSPR tests have now (successfully) concluded. 10mW ERP can definitely cover the local area (to at least 17km) on WSPR even with antennas that are not 8m antennas at the RX end. With proper 8m antennas at the RX, who knows what the range would be?
In the car - NOT amateur radio
We have had snow on the ground since last weekend, then it froze. Lovely to look at, but hard to walk on.
OFCOM and drones
OFCOM has been consulting about commercial drones. It is aware that they are getting bigger and better with longer ranges, so it has worked out a licencing regime for those controlling them. See the OFCOM website for details.
OFCOM has also updated the data it holds on us.
Winter Es
Don't ask me why, as I do not know, but there is a small uptick in Es propagation in mid-winter. Do not be too surprised to copy Europeans on 10m and 6m, and possibly 4m too. I think Es can remain good until the end of January (ish). Remember that Es can occur at any time of year but is most common in the northern hemisphere in May, June and July.
FT8 can be good for this as even very short openings are caught and FT8 is well monitored. As you know, Es signals can be very strong.
2m QRP FT8
As my 2m antenna was already connected to the rig, I am on 2m QRP FT8 this morning with 2.5W to the big-wheel omni antenna. Already spotted by 5 stations with the furthermost G4RAA (333km) in Devon.
UPDATE 1139z: 6 stations spotted on RX in 4 countries. My own 2.5W has been spotted in 2 countries (6 stations with the furthermost GI6ATZ (479km) in Northern Ireland.
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10m QRP WSPR TX
2m MSK144 overnight
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