630m QRP WSPR overnight

No great DX (best Germany), but 22 stations have spotted my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

Sunspots- Friday January 19th

 Solar flux is 162 and the SSN 113 . A=6 and K=3.

70cm - times they are a changing

When I was first licenced here in the UK there was a class A licence and a class B licence.  Class B licencees were only allowed on 432MHz and above and did not need a morse test. My first call was without CW and 432MHz and above. Class B operators could operate a Class A station under supervision. I remember doing this at the QTH of the late G4PJ.

My first activity on 70cm was with the transverter shown. In those days nearly everyone was crystal controlled and we tuned the whole band listening for replies. Out /P with 100mW one could just about guarantee a QSO. Most people were on AM back then.

These days there is far less activity on 70cm sadly. Those that are active come on mainly in contests usually on FM or SSB. This is pity as often 70cm tropo can be better than 2m. I remember years later having loads of fun working FM DX on 70cm simplex with 4W from an FM321. Often lifts on 70cm were more localised.

Times they are a changing...

St Pancras station, London - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows the Victorian facade at St. Pancras station in London. 

At one time, this was earmarked for demolition, but saved after a campaign by poet laureate John Betjeman.

8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

My 2.5W FT8 to a dipole was turned on at 1046z on 40.680 MHz (DF about 1950 Hz). No spots at 1227z.

A lot of grass! - NOT amateur radio

The colleges in Cambridge have a lot of grass to cut. King's College (shown in the photo) is no exception. 

The college lawns are always immaculate. Mind you, I doubt they are short of money!

500uW (0.5mW) 10m WSPR (Thursday)

Although my QRPP 10m WSPR beacon is on, no spots today. 

It looks like conditions have to be really good for this tiny power to be spotted. A low local noise level is also needed and this is getting harder.

UPDATE 1334z: Still no spots today.

UPDATE 1426z:  3 spots by EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.. This station spots my 500uW (0.5mW) 10m WSPR most days.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

A good session on 630m WSPR overnight. In all, 25 stations spotted my 10mW ERP (measrued) from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

Sunspots- Thursday January 18th

 Solar flux is 174 and the SSN 158. A=4 and K =2.

630m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)

My 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground was turned on at about 1645z. So far,  7 stations have spotted me this evening..