European Es

As Es propagation in Eastern Europe is looking good today, I am changing my plans. I was going to go on 10m FT8, but instead will try 8m FT8 and 10m WSPR.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .

Sunspots - Wednesday May 24th 2023

Solar flux is 164 and the SSN 154.  A=15 and K=3.

SW interval signals

If you were like me, you will recall the old shortwave interval signals of old. I remember the sound of Radio Moscow and VOA on the shortwave bands. These days, the shortwaves are a lot different with far fewer English language broadcasts.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/sw-interval-signals .

Flowers - NOT amateur radio

 

These were on sale in Cambridge earlier. 

Cambridge store - NOT amateur radio

This was the fruit on sale in Cambridge earlier. M&S is a nice shop, if a bit expensive for some things.

10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

On QRP WSPR with my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon. 

UPDATE 2039z:   Surprisingly, no spots. I checked the timing!! 

8m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

As Es in Europe looks promising, I am on 40.680 MHz WSPR at 2W (DF 1560 Hz, TX 20%).

UPDATE 1436z:  No spots.

UPDATE 2037z:  5 spots by HC02 (1808km). 

Sunspots - Tuesday May 23rd 2023

Solar flux is 155 and the SSN 97. A=15 and K=3.

Not on 8m today

For the first time in several weeks, I have not been active on 8m FT8 or WSPR today.

There are two reasons:

1. There seem fewer people active this Es season. I was expecting more to be on with Es being good and nearing sunspot maximum. I was hoping some would apply for, and be granted, special permission to use 8m for a limited time only to carry out useful research. I was also expecting many to come on with the ISM rules that might apply in their country.

2.  Many stations have "worked" or exchanged reports with the active stations on 8m. Unless new people or countries come on the band, there is little more that can be explored. 

My intentions is to go on 8m FT8 or WSPR when it is good, but not otherwise.

F2 disturbed?

It is interesting that not a single signal has been spotted today from outside Europe on 10m FT8.  At the same time, I have spotted plenty from Europe on 10m FT8, presumably by Es propagation.

I am no expert on HF propagation, but it would seem F2 propagation is upset by poor by solar conditions, but not Es. If Es does suffer, the effect is much smaller.

D2UY in Angola has been a good indicator of propagation. Not seen this station today on 10m FT8.