Solar flux is 156 and the SSN 106. A=4 and K=3.
4 Nov 2023
3 Nov 2023
Autumn - NOT amateur radio
630m QRP WSPR
My 630m 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground was turned on at about 1825z.
UPDATE 2221z: 6 stations have spotted me so far this evening.
The downward slope?
In my view, HF conditions will remain good for several years yet. In the end, we will inevitably be on the downward slope to the next solar minimum. Although some way off still, this could be an interesting time.
FT8 will prove really interesting on bands like 10m. It will be the first real test of FT8 on the declining slope of a sunspot cycle. On the last downward slope, FT8 was still new, whereas now it is commonplace. I hope more people will stick with 10m FT8 in the quieter years.
FT8 works with very weak signals and these do not have to be there very long. I suspect (especially on N-S paths) that the band will be "open" far more often than people thought.
An advantage of FT8 is that only a small chunk of band is needed and it is well monitored. FT8 rigs can be very low cost and not tie up the "big rig". It can remain on in the shack at all times. Even just QRP is needed. Remember also that Es can be good at any part of the solar cycle, usually best in the spring and summer.
10m 500mW WSPR TX (Friday)
My QRP TX has been on for about a couple of hours. Several stations have spotted me.
UPDATE 1733z: 54 stations have spotted me.
8m QRP FT8 (Friday)
My 2.5W FT8 has been spotted in South Africa and the Caribbean . ZR1ADI called me, but we were unable to make it 2-way.
UPDATE 1806z: 4 stations spotted my 2.5W today on 8m FT8. Soon to QSY to 630m QRP WSPR.
Friday plans
Shortly, I hope to turn on my 10m 500mW WSPR TX beacon and my 8m 2.5W FT8. Tonight, I shall probably try 630m QRP WSPR.
“Our “ windmill next door - NOT amateur radio
In the photo, ours is the house on the right.
2 Nov 2023
Night off
In recent weeks I have been on 630m QRP WSPR overnight . I have decided to have a night off.
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