10m 500mW WSPR TX (Saturday)

Since mid-morning I have been on 10m WSPR TX. At 1417z, I have been spotted by 9 stations across Europe. These were spotted by 8 stations. 

Saturday plans

Later, I shall be on 10m QRP WSPR TX and 6m QRP FT8. I have not yet checked Es conditions in Europe. 

I might have a go at mending my 8m dipole and coax.

Sunspots - Saturday July 29th 2023

 Solar flux is 168 and the SSN 148. A=6 and K=3.

European Es - on the way down?

 Although today was quite a good Es day, I sense we are at the start of the decline. As we progress through August, we can expect fewer Es openings. Es will still occur, but we can expect fewer openings and less intense than in recent months.

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

6m QRP FT8 (Friday)

Since I got home about an hour ago, I have been on 6m QRP FT8 with 2.5W and the V2000 vertical omni antenna. 32 unique spots so far. These look like FT8 in the main.

UPDATE 2044z:  45 stations have spotted me today on 6m FT8 QRP. See photo. These look like Es.

Crowded train - NOT amateur radio

We came back home by train from Liverpool. EMR run a direct train via Ely. After Nottingham they take 2 coaches off so it is just 2 carriages! As we got on in Liverpool we had good seats all the way.

These are my moans:

• On a Friday, keep on extra coaches.
• Ensure everyone has a seat especially at the start of school holidays.
• The full journey takes over 5 hours yet there was a trolley service just once at the start of the journey.
• It was late as there were too many on the train. I shall claim a refund.
• Announcements were made. Yet again, they were inaudible.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Friday)

Since coming home about 30 minutes ago, I have been on 500mW 10m WSPR TX. 5 unique stations spotting me.

UPDATE 2107z:  14 stations have spotted my 10m QRP WSPR TX.

Rallies this weekend

The following rallies are due to take place this weekend. Check first before travelling any distance.

Sunday July 30th - New Black Country Radio Rally, Bloxwich, Walsall, WS3 2DA. 

Sunday July 30th - Wiltshire Radio and Car Boot Sale, Kington Langley, SN15 5NJ. 

For neither do I have contact details. 

Enjoying ice-cream - NOT amateur radio

This was me yesterday at Parkgate near Liverpool. It overlooks the Dee Estuary which is now silted up so the sea is a long way away! Wales is in the distance. It's good for birds. 

Plans for today

As we are home later I hope to be on 10m QRP WSPR TX and 6m QRP FT8 this afternoon. We have enjoyed our few days with our friend near Liverpool.