More countries on 8m?

It is rumoured that E51 (Cook Is) is trying to gain access to the 8m band. 

I very much hope that many more countries will try (and be granted) limited access to the band. We are approaching sunspot maximum and if more countries asked for, and were given, access even for a limited time, we could really contribute to radio science.

There will be times in the next few years when the MUF will just exceed 41 MHz. If you are asking your PTT for limited access, these are my suggestions:

• 40.680 - 40.685 MHz (just 5 kHz in the ISM band)
• 10W ERP
• Narrow digital modes (e.g. FT8, WSPR, CW) only 
• Secondary only
• By NoV or equivalent (i.e. you have to ask for access)
• Aim is mainly for propagation research.
• Access for 12 months (around sunspot maximum)
• Strictly no interference.
  

It is my view that by asking for modest things we are more likely to be successful. In the end I am sure that most users are almost exclusively interested in propagation research.

Sunspots - Monday September 18th 2023

Solar flux is 145 and the SSN 94. A=16 and K=4. 

National Park in Montenegro - NOT amateur radio

This morning we visited this pristine lake surrounded by a wealth of different trees. 

My 100mW 10m WSPR beacon in 2012

A very long time ago, I built a tiny QRP WSPR beacon for 10m. These were the results. I think it is still in a drawer somewhere. As I recall this was at this time of year on the climb to the peak of solar cycle 24.

Truth? - NOT amateur radio

 I am concerned that we are fed a line by the media that may not be the truth. This we know happens in Russia, but it also happens in the west too. Often we don't realise. 

The changing nature of amateur radio

 Have you noticed the change? Repeaters are often quiet for hours and there is less SSB and CW activity. FM simplex QSOs apart from nets and skeds are almost never heard. More people use FT8 to work DX. In the past people used amateur radio for chatting, but this can be done worldwide with video more easily with the Internet and smartphone or PC. Most now use amateur radio in a different way. I am not saying it wrong as I am as guilty as anyone! But the logical consequences are clear. 

Sunspots - Sunday September 17th 2023

Solar flux is 140 and the SSN 88. S=7 and K=3.

4m disappointing

 Earlier this year I went on 4m FT8 both before the Es season and during the Es season using my FT-710 that I owned at the time.

Overall, I was disappointed. Yes, when there was Es DX could be had. However when there was no Es activity was poor.

Vesuvius 2017 - NOT amateur radio

This photo shows a brooding Vesuvius in 2017. We visited Pompeii in 2017. What stuck me most was how similar life was back then. Yes, there were differences, but I did not expect to see takeaway shops for example, nearly 2000 years ago! 

In the mountains - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday we moved from the coast of Montenegro inland to the mountains via long, deep, valleys . 

We also went on Lake Skadar and had lunch on an island.