New Year's resolutions? - NOT amateur radio

 This made me laugh. 

Solar data

 At the start of the month, there is usually an update of solar data at this site. It is usually my first port of call for solar data. 

As late as yesterday, it was still showing the solar peak as November 2023, which seems early to me, although I am no solar expert!

See https://www.solen.info/solar/ .

8m QRP FT8

First day of 2023 and active on QRP 8m FT8 on 40.680 (TX first). 

UPDATE 1328z:  No spots.

Happy New Year - NOT amateur radio

Last night we saw the new year in with friends. Normally we have grandchildren here, so this was the first time out at New Year for some time. I am not used to late nights!!

Anyway, I really hope 2023 is a good one for everyone. The last year was a tough one for many and I hope this one is better. 

If you are chasing rare DX or DXCC good luck!! 

Unlike previous years, I have not made any special resolutions (other than trying to get rid of a bit of weight!). All the best for the year ahead.

Sunspots - Sunday January 1st 2023

Solar flux is 165 and the SSN 82. A=16 and K=2.

Stamps swap-out - NOT amateur radio

About 10 years ago we bought a load of postage stamps before the price dramatically increased. Most have been used (it was a good move), but a few remain. At the end of January these can no longer be used although the Royal Mail is doing a swap-out service, so old stamps can be changed for new bar-coded ones.

At the moment in the UK Royal Mail workers are having a series of strikes to get a higher wage. Whilst I can understand workers trying to get salaries that keep up with inflation, there is a great danger of long-term damage to their jobs. 

Fewer letters and postcards are being sent these days as people use email instead. They are trying to focus on parcels, but people are finding out there are alternative people who do this at competitive rates that are often cheaper. There is danger people will always use them in future further damaging the Royal Mail's business model, and profits.

See https://www.royalmail.com/sending/barcoded-stamps .

UPDATE 1600z: I have been told by Steve G1KQH that the deadline to use up old stamps has been extended to next July following complaints by customers.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Saturday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon TX was turned on at 0905z.  No spots at 0915z.

UPDATE 1810z:  7 stations spotting me. 

8m QRP FT8 (Saturday)

My QRP 8m FT8 was turned on about 0905z.  As yet, no spots.

UPDATE 1147z: No spots.

New Year resolutions? - NOT amateur radio

Many people start the new year with resolutions to do things differently. At the moment I have not made any plans apart from going on a diet!! 

Plans for today

Yes, I shall test my SDR later!! Also, I intend to go on 10m WSPR QRP TX and 8m QRP FT8.