Sunspots - Monday June 19th 2023

Solar flux is 164 and the SSN 133.  A=10 and K=2.

8m disappointment

Compared with last summer, there would seem to be fewer stations transmitting on 8m. Many who are active know they can be spotted across Europe and far further by F2. It is also true that many may legally operate at 8m without a licence as long as applicable ISM rules are met. In the UK this means 10mW ERP. If this continues (low TX activity) I may go QRT on 8m until the autumn. 

Father's Day - NOT amateur radio

Today was Father's Day in the UK. I was bought a nice bottle of wine by one of my son's as the photo shows. 

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

Although I have been active since this morning, nothing has appeared on PSKreporter. HC02 (1808km) in Portugal says he has spotted me for over 10 minutes.

UPDATE 1658z: Just HC02 (1808km) spotting me today.

10m QRP WSPR (Sunday)

Stations spotting me to 1415z Sunday

Yesterday 10m was dreadful with no spots at all. 

Today is much better with 14 unique stations spotting my 500mW QRP WSPR beacon.  Several of these have copied me very strongly.

UPDATE 1656z: 17 spots so far. The Es seems to have diminished, but I am being spotted by F2.

Sunspots - Sunday June 18th 2023

 Solar flux is 158 and the SSN 110. A=8 and K =2.

Old friend - NOT amateur radio

We have just returned home from near Hereford where we stayed with an old school friend of my wife. The photo shows my wife with one of our hosts.

10m WSPR QRP TX (Saturday)

Since returning home mid afternoon, I have been on 10m QRP WSPR TX. So far, no spots which surprises me. 

Return to 8m FT8 QRP (Saturday)

As you may have realised, I have been away for a few days. 

On my return I have been on 8m FT8 TX on 40.680 with my 2.5W and a low wire dipole. A couple of spots from Spain. I shall go QRT at bedtime. 

Sunspots - Saturday June 17th 2023

Solar flux is 157 and the SSN 120. A=38 and K=2.