14 Aug 2023

8m backscatter?

In recent days, my QRP 8m FT8 has been received at odd distances. I have also received G8JNJ (247km). Now this could be tropo, aircraft reflection or MS. However, I am wondering if it is some kind of backscatter?  It is far too close for Es.

8m QRP FT8 (Monday)

My 2.5W to the dipole was turned on about 0800z. No spots yet.

UPDATE 1300z : EI9KP (649km) has again spotted me. He spots me quite often. 

10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)

My 500mW W5OLF 10m WSPR TX beacon was turned on about 0800z. So far just local spots by G4KPX (14km).

2011 VLF memories

 Before my stroke I really enjoyed experimenting with both ends of the spectrum. I quite enjoyed seeing how far I could get on VLF earth-mode through the ground. This was a Facebook memory from 2011.

Sunspots - Monday August 14th 2023

Solar flux is 150 and the SSN 89. A=5 and K=1.

13 Aug 2023

Lockdown walks - NOT amateur radio


The recent pandemic was almost unimaginable in its effects. One of the positives was that people walked more locally and discovered the beauty on their doorstep that they didn't know was there. This 2020 collage shows local things in our village. 

10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)

My W5OLF 500mW 10m WSPR TX has been on for about an hour. So far, just 2 spots of me. I am unsure of the propagation mode. I don't think it is Es.

UPDATE 1452z: 6 stations have spotted me today. Conditions to Europe seen marginal. 

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

 Although I have been on 8m FT8 (2.5W  and a dipole) for about an hour, no spots yet on RX or TX.

Grandsons - NOT amateur radio


Our 2 grandsons in urgent conversation and eating cake with their devices not far away! 😉

Sunday plans

 Later this morning I propose to go on 8m QRP FT8 again and 10m QRP WSPR TX with 500mW from the W5OLF beacon. Es is already looking quite promising, although some spots could be MS as we are at the peak of the Perseids shower.