Sunspots - Monday January 2nd 2023

Solar flux is 153 and the SSN 94. A=14 and K=1. 

Oscar 100 geosynchronous

Activity on the narrowband
transponder of Oscar 100
on New Year's Day afternoon

Well, on a European Sunday, New Year's Day when many are on leave, you would have expected this satellite to be as busy as ever. In fact there was hardly anyone on at 1525z! In my view, this is a pity. It is unlikely we will get a second chance of a piggy back ride.   People have voted with their feet and do not like repeaters in the sky.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ .

WSPR rocks

It is not clear to me how services other than WSPRnet get their WSPR spots. In the past I have always used WSPRnet to see where I am being spotted, but another site that looks (at least) as good is WSPRrocks.  It would appear you can chose different time periods that makes it better than WSPRnet. I have no idea (yet) what spotQ means!

Sugar beet? - NOT amateur radio

We saw these on our walk earlier. We think they are old sugar beet, but I am no expert! 

10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)

As usual, when I am on 8m FT8, my 500mW W5OLF 500mW 10m WSPR TX beacon is on.  It is now 1043z and, so far, no spots. Probably many are still in bed as it is Sunday and New Year's Day.

UPDATE 1327z:   Just spots from SV9 so far today.

UPDATE 1510z:   Doh: it helps if the PA of beacon is switched on too!! So, the SV spots were probably with just microwatts only. I have now turned on the PA.

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.