18 Oct 2023

8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

 My QRP 8m FT8 was turned on this morning. G4WSZ (12km) has spotted me on TX and I have spotted ZR1ADI (9777km) on RX.

UPDATE 1640z:  5 stations have spotted me with the furthermost ZF1EJ (7761km)

Sunspots - Wednesday October 18th 2023

Solar flux is 137 and the SSN 57. A=3 and K=2. 

17 Oct 2023

Disinformation - NOT amateur radio

One of the troubles in wars is disinformation.

You simply do not know what to believe as each side modifies claims to suit their propaganda. It is always worth being somewhat skeptical and checking the facts from several sources.

On the face of it, it would seem Israel created a huge blunder by bombing a hospital in Gaza. If true, this looks totally stupid and tragic with innocent men women and children killed in hundreds and many maimed. The Israel IDF is now claiming it was not them.  Clearly Israel is traumatised by recent events, but this is unbelievably stupid and a war crime, whoever is responsible.

It would be better to drop food and water, rather than bombs.

630m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

 At 1742z I QSYed to 630m WSPR.  So far, spotted by 6 stations, all in the UK. 

UPDATE 1945z:   3 stations spotted on RX with the furthermost DF4PV (597km) and 7 stations have spotted me with the furthermost GM3YXM (425km). It is very pleasing to be back on 630m WSPR TX. Last season, I was RX only.

Scaffolding - NOT amateur radio


At the moment, a lot King's College, Cambridge is covered in scaffolding. Imagine coming half way around the world to see the famous King's College Chapel looks a right mess outside! The photo shows the entrance to King's College.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Tuesday)

 My 10m QRP WSPR TX beacon was turned on at 0913z. So far, spots by OH1BG (1718km) presumably F2.

UPDATE 1940z:  59 stations have spotted me. I suspect there will be no more spots today. Yet again, I was spotted in Antarctica. I have lost count how many times this year!

8m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

 My 2.5W and dipole was turned on at 0913z. So far, just local spots.

Sunspots - Tuesday October 17th 2023

Solar flux is 144 and the SSN 106. A=4 and K=0.

16 Oct 2023

630m WSPR tonight (Monday)

After being in Cambridge most of the day, I am on 630m WSPR this evening. 8 spots of me with the furthermost OH1LSQ (1733km) yet again. With my QRP 10mW ERP and earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground I am amazed that I get this far consistently.

70cm UKAC October 10th

 Usually I send my (pathetic) entry in the next day, but I forgot. I use 10W to my 144MHz omni antenna and only stay on for a short while because of my poor voice. 4 contacts were had.