8m QRP yesterday

Stations spotting
my 2.5W FT8
on 8m yesterday 

Since getting back on 8m FT8 2 days ago, I have been spotted by stations in 5 countries on QRP FT8. Yesterday it was Portugal, Eire and England.  

Most 8m FT8 activity is on 40.680 MHz USB dial. We need more monitors please!

If you can get limited access to the 8m band - suggest the ISM frequencies - from your national PTT. Just 5 kHz at 40.680 MHz would be a start. Maybe ask for just a year to experiment and research around sunspot maximum? WSPR and FT8 only?

Sunspots - Friday August 11th 2023

Solar flux is 156 and the SSN 83. A=7 and K=2.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Thursday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon was turned on at about 0630z. Just spots from local G4KPX (14km) so far. 

RHS Bridgewater - NOT amateur radio

This was RHS Bridgewater in July. This is located near Manchester. Despite being open for about 2 years, it looks mature.

Thursday plans

My expectation is to go on 10m QRP WSPR TX and 8m QRP FT8. I am hopeful of some Es propagation. 

VLF tests in 2011

Before my 2013 stroke I enjoyed experimenting at the extremes of the spectrum. This was a test I did at around 17 kHz through the ground. 

Sunspots - Thursday August 10th 2023

 Solar flux is 153 and the SSN 103. A=7 and K=2.

70cm FT8 activity contest (Wednesday)

Stations spotted on 70cm FT8  tonight

Tonight was the UKAC activity contest on 70cm FT8. I had one QSO, but spent most of the time on RX. 30 stations were spotted with the 2m big-wheel omni antenna.

Rally news

This unusual as it is on Friday evening.  Junk sale. Best to check details first.

Friday August 11th 6-9pm  Cockenzie and Port Seton ARC . No contact details or postcode, sorry. I think this is Scotland.

70cm activity contest

Last night, I went on the 70cm activity contest (UKAC) organised by the RSGB. I was in for about 40 minutes in 2 sessions with 10W and the 2m big-wheel omni. 4 QSOs were made (see map).

Usually the 70cm FT8 activity session is this evening.