European Es

At the moment, things do not look too great. However, with Es, things can very quickly alter, so I shall stick with 10m and 6m QRPP WSPR in case things change.

6m 10mW WSPR (Saturday)

Once again, I am on 6m with my 10mW WSPR. Although I have been copied locally, I have yet to get any Es spots. 

I am trying to simulate what would happen with ISM powers in the UK on 8m, which is open to all without a licence in the UK. I remain convinced this is enough power on WSPR to allow Es spots from Europe on 8m. 

With FT8, conditions would have to be exceptional to be copied I suspect.

UPDATE 1234z:  My experiment has worked. Quite a few European spots of my 10mW 6m WSPR. Some reports suggest even FT8 might have worked. Starting next week I shall try 6m QRPP FT8 at 10mW. It is my conclusion that 10mW ERP WSPR on 8m (available to all in the UK without a licence) would work under Es conditions.

UPDATE 1548z: I decided to try 6m FT8 at 10mW this afternoon i.e. earlier than planned. Already spotted by 14 stations across Europe (see map). Perhaps the shorter TX period of FT8 catches shorter openings than the 120 seconds of WSPR?

Near where I come from - NOT amateur radio

This photo of some years ago shows where I come from and lived until my early 20s. It is still beautiful and I try to go back to stay with my brother most years. It is a region known as the South Hams.

10m 500uW WSPR (Saturday)

 My QRPP beacon is on again. It was spotted in Germany yesterday, so I remain hopeful.

UPDATE 1712z:  Spotted in 2 countries today.

At Anglesey Abbey yesterday - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows a plant at Anglesey Abbey yesterday.

630m WSPR overnight

4 stations spotted my 10mW ERP WSPR overnight with the furthermost GM3YXM (425km).

Sunspots - Saturday May 18th

 Solar flux is 204 and the SSN 168.  A=29 and K=3.

Last one - NOT amateur radio

We went to Anglesey Abbey this morning. We saw this last daffodil.

Kenwood TH-D75

The latest MLS price for this handheld is £789. 

Who pays this stupid money for a handheld? 

I guess people with very deep pockets and very small brains.

Ancient websites - NOT amateur radio

 Nothing infuriates me as much as websites that are very out of date!  Today, I chanced on this:

"Next proposed Working Party Dates: 6th February 2011 and 6th March 2011."

This is only 13 years out of date 😉.   If you are doing a website it has to be maintained!!