23cm activity contest this evening

My first test on 23cms TX will be tonight. I have only got the 2 element test antenna and 2W PEP, so I hope I can copy (and work?) any locals that may be on, otherwise I shall have to set up some skeds. 

All is set up. In the past my only (ever) outing on 23cms was on RX only with a borrowed converter and homemade 4 el yagi. Like then (1970s?), everything is indoors firing through the shack window.

These tests are all in the shack. Later this year I hope to try some /P on 23cms.

See https://www.rsgbcc.org/cgi-bin/contest_rules.pl?year=2023&contest=uhfukac .

Surprise visitor - NOT amateur radio

We often get Muntjac deer in our garden, but rarely see them. Imagine my surprise when pulling back the curtains! 

Amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

We have 3 on the go at the moment. This is the first one in flower. 

8m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

My QRP 8m FT8 was switched on at 1025z. I am on 40.680 MHz with an audio offset of about 1950 Hz. I am TXing first. No spots.

UPDATE 1820z:  No spots all day. Disappointing.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Tuesday)

My 500mW WSPR beacon was turned on at 1025z. So far, no spots.

UPDATE  1255z: 7 unique stations have spotted me today. Furthermost is FR5ZX (9740km).

UPDATE 1822z:  19 unique stations spotting my QRP.

Plans for the day (Tuesday)

 Today, I plan the following:

• 8m QRP FT8
• 10m QRP WSPR TX
• 23cm local tests ( I think tonight is the 23cm activity contest).

Inside my head! - NOT amateur radio

This photo dates from 2011 when I took part in some brain research at Cambridge University. 

Sunspots - Tuesday January 17th 2023

 Solar flux is 228 and the SSN 186. A=14 and K=1.

PF8 Manual - NOT amateur radio

Many will remember this famous transceiver from the 1980s. It was made famous by featuring in the TV series "The Professionals". A copy of the PF8 service manual is available here.

Magdelene College, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

 

This is the entrance to Magdelene College, Cambridge looking toward the famous Pepys Library.

Cambridge has many fine buildings.