7 Sept 2023

European Es

As mentioned before, the Es "season" in Europe is now over.  There will be occasional openings, but these will be far less common than some months ago. For example, I have been on all day on 10m WSPR TX with my 500mW TX beacon with just 1 spot that might have been Es. For a 2 minute TX period it is very unlikely to be MS. It could be F2 backscatter I suppose.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ . A glance at this site shows the general absence of big, widespread, Es openings now. I guess FT8 would be better at catching brief openings as the TX period is far shorter.

Quote - NOT amateur radio

 “I find television very educating.  Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book! "

Groucho Marx.

Seen in The Knowledge earlier. The Knowledge comes as a free email newsletter daily. I find it very good and unbiased.

Rally this Sunday

 The following rally has been notified to me. I recommend checking the data is checked before travelling.

Sunday September 10th - Caister Lifeboat Radio Rally,   Caister on Sea, NR30 5DJ. Contact m1bfi@outlook.com .

10m QRP WSPR TX (Thursday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR TX beacon was turned on at breakfast. So far, spotted by G4KPX (14km) and by 2 stations in the Canary Is, presumably by F2.

Another website - NOT amateur radio

 Another website I have created is www.burwellhistory.org.  They were in need of a website.

8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

My FT8 2.5W gear was turned on around breakfast time. The only spot of me is from local G4WSZ (12km).

Oscar 100 activity


Every few weeks I try to give an update on activity levels on Oscar 100 geosynchronous satellite. The last time I looked was on European breakfast time on a weekday. Activity was pathetic. 

Thursday plans

Although the Es season is over now, and chances of my 2.5W QRP FT8 8m signal being spotted in Europe have greatly diminished, I still intend to try, but using the second time period in the hope of spotting some UK and Eire stations. 

Assuming I go on 8m, I shall be on 10m WSPR TX with the 500mW W5OLF beacon 

Sunspots - Thursday September 7th 2023

Solar flux is 147 and the SSN 131.  A=8 and K=2. 

6 Sept 2023

Moulin Rouge - NOT amateur radio

For the first time since before Covid-19 struck, we went to the theatre in London by coach to the  Piccadilly Theatre. 

It was an impressive production with some very clever scenery. We get about 2.5 hours in London before the theatre. This is enough time to visit a few sights and get a meal.