Sunspots - Monday October 23rd 2023

 Solar flux is 119 and the SSN 48 . A=8 and K=1.

630m QRP WSPR (Sunday)

For this evening and overnight, I am on QRP 630m with the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground. So far 9 stations have spotted me.

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

 My 2.5w FT8 to the low dipole was turned in about 0930z. So far, no spots on TX or RX. 3 stations spotted in continental Europe plus on "QSO" with EA1TX (1240km). Not sure they have legal access to 8m.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)

 My 500mW WSPR TX beacon was turned on about 0930z. 8 stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 1623z: The impression I am getting is that there are more stations on than last year. Already today my 500mW has been spotted by 28 stations.

Covid-19 - NOT amateur radio

After all this time, both my wife and I tested positive for Covid-19 this morning. The irony is we had Covid and Flu booster jabs about 11 days ago! 

Symptoms are different between us, but we would best describe it as a heavy cold. and a hacking cough. We are also tired. My wife has also lost here sense of taste and smell.

Sunday plans

Probably on QRP 8m FT8 and 10m 500mW WSPR TX during the day, switching to 630m QRP WSPR after dark. 

630m QRP WSPR overnight

Just UK stations spotting me overnight. 9 stations spotted my 10mW ERP with the furthermost GM0UDL (659km).

Sunspots - Sunday, October 22nd, 2023

 Solar flux is 123 and the SSN 65. A=22 and K=1.

630m QRP WSPR (Saturday)

My usual pattern in to QSY from 8m FT8 to 630m WSPR after dark.  On 8m, I have little chance, whereas on 630m I am one of the very few in the UK on 630m WSPR.

UPDATE 1715z: Just spots by 2 stations so far on TX . On RX a couple of stations spotted with the furthermost PA3GSH (396km). 

UPDATE 1838z:  G6AVK (78km) has spotted me 3 times this evening.

UPDATE 2125z: 5 stations have spotted me this evening.

Late flush - NOT amateur radio

 

Our roses have had one late flush. They were battered by the wind and rain these last few days.