14 Aug 2023

Really the last swift? - NOT amateur radio

 In recent days I keep thinking that I have seen the last swift in the UK until next spring. Then I see another one!! 

N gauge model railway - NOT amateur radio


Our grandson has been here this weekend. He loves exploring our boarded loft. He discovered his Dad's old model railway, although I cannot remember what happened to the baseboard and track. 

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.