Village cottage - NOT amateur radio

This cottage was extended some years ago. The new part matches the old very well.

630m WSPR RX (Monday evening)

 6 stations were spotted last evening on 630m (472 kHz) WSPR RX. 

Sunspots - Tuesday October 3rd 2023

Solar flux is 158 and the SSN 146. A=9 and K=1.

630m WSPR RX (Monday)

 At 1920z, I turned on my 630m WSPR RX using my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

Lightning stops play

Just now, we had a lightning flash and clap of thunder. Judging by the time delay, I would imagine it is 10km south of here. 

Just in case, I have disconnected PCs, PSUs and antennas in the shack. 

If it looks like the risk is going away, I shall probably reconnect things.

See https://www.lightningmaps.org/#m=oss;t=3;s=0;o=0;b=;ts=0; 

Inertia

 Maybe it is because I am retired? Maybe it is because I am old? Maybe it is related to my 2013 stroke?

Whatever the reason, I am always very tired and get exhausted very quickly. Jobs that would have once taken a few minutes take ages. As examples I have had an SDR and a tiny spectrum analyser for ages and they have still to be used. My 630m transverter that needs fixing still needs fixing. 

It is as if there is no urgency. Perhaps this is a good thing. There is always tomorrow...

Working Russian stations

If you are old enough, you will remember working lots of stations in the old USSR. We were able to share our hobby on equal terms with people who were really the same as us. 

I feel the same now about Russia. I hate that they invaded Ukraine, but I hope that via amateur radio we can all share our common humanity. Incidentally, one of my old neighbours was Russian and nicer person you could never meet.  Since leaving work, I have had regular contact with a Russian who has always been the same.

Windmill Maintenance - NOT amateur radio

A cherry picker was brought in to do some work on the windmill next door. 

Our hedge is in the front of the photo. 

8m QRP FT8 (Monday)

 My 2.5W and dipole was turned on at 0700z. So far just local G4WSZ (12km) spotting me.

UPDATE 1350z:  ZR1ADI (9777km) again spotted. Sadly he has not spotted my QRP!

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Monday)

My QRP 10m WSPR beacon designed and made by W5OLF is on again with the PA on!! It was turned on at 0700z. So far, spots from local G4KPX (14km) and the Canary Is..

UPDATE 1146z: 5 stations spotted so far today.

UPDATE 1214z:  7 spots so far.

UPDATE 1509z:  25 stations have spotted me. Many are in the USA.