Spring is coming

We went to Anglesey Abbey on Monday. There are signs of spring coming with spring flowers starting to appear (see collage).

6m QRP FT8 ( Wednesday)

I QSYed to 6m FT8 from 2m using 2.5W and the vertical omni V2000 antenna. 8 stations have spotted me at 1136z. 

UPDATE 1436z:  11 UK stations have spotted me today on 6m FT8.

2m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)

As my 10m beacon is sending 500uW, my 2m big-wheel, FT817ND and PC are free, so I am on 2m QRP FT8 with 2.5W.  G0LRD has a very useful on line grabber so I can see if my signal is clean.

500uW 10m WSPR (Tuesday)

As the solar conditions seem quite promising, I shall probably try 10m WSPR TX with my beacon PA turned off. I like a challenge! My first thing is to remove my attenuator soldered in line for 22m QRPP tests with the FT817ND.

UPDATE 1000z: My 10m WSPR TX beacon with the PA off was resynced to internet time at 0958z.

UPDATE 1810z:  No spots. It would appear conditions have to be very good for this QRPP to work. It is far easier at 10mW!! As for 500mW - well that's QRO, HI.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

An average period with 18 stations spotting my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. As mentioned before, I suspect this is down on a big antenna and ground system, but it works! Way up in Norway again.

Sunspots - Wednesday February 7th

 Solar flux is 190 and the SSN 175. A=8 and K=1.

UK King's cancer diagnosis - NOT amateur radio

Whatever views you hold on royalty, the announcement yesterday that the UK king has cancer was a shock. Hopefully it has been caught early and it can be cured with treatment. For many now this happens (it is cured) far more times than in the past when cancer felt like a death sentence.

One thing it reminds us all of is that life is finite. Whatever your views are on life after we die, our time on Earth is limited. In every moment there are things around us we have never noticed to be enjoyed. We are all reminded that there is beauty all around us if we look.

Googlese - NOT amateur radio

One of my Facebook memories reminds me of some of the STUPID language used by Google in its communication.

I quote:

Fungus - NOT amateur radio

This fungus on a log at Anglesey Abbey has been on before I think, but this is a different angle.

Postcards- NOT amateur radio

These days people send fewer postcards preferring to send photos by email or WhatsApp. Looking at this shop near King’s College, Cambridge you would find that hard to believe!!