Sunspots - Wednesday July 24th

 Solar flux is 176 and the SSN 167. A=5 and K=1.

OFCOM Consultation

 Just got this from OFCOM......

"Ofcom is today launching a review of the annual licence fees we charge mobile network operators for use of three mobile spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz).

Annual licence fees (ALFs) are fees we charge mobile network operators to use certain spectrum bands. They typically come into effect after a mobile operator’s licence won at auction has come to the end of the initial licence period. The fees are designed to ensure that the spectrum is used efficiently. We currently charge ALFs for three mobile spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz).

On 28 March 2024, BT wrote to Ofcom to request a review of the ALFs we charge for 1800 MHz spectrum. We have now considered BT’s request, and we consider that the evidence suggests that a fee review is justified. As a result of the commonalities in the formula we use to set ALFs, we have decided to begin a review of all of the ALFs we currently charge (that is, ALFs for 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum).

We expect to consult on our initial findings by the end of this calendar year. We welcome any additional evidence which stakeholders consider would assist us in this review."

From a different angle

We usually see King's from a footpath, but today we saw it from a punt. We took our two sons and their children.

Granddaughter with world famous ballerina - NOT amateur radio

On Sunday, one of our granddaughters (who is ballet mad)  met the famous ballerina Darcey Bussell.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcey_Bussell .

6m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

 

My QRP FT8 on 6m is on. So far, 31 spots of me. I am not sure if this is Es or F2 propagation. 

On 6m FT8 RX 8 stations have been spotted here.

UPDATE 1748z:  39 stations have spotted me today.

10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

My 500mW WSPR beacon is on 10m with 2 stations spotting me. These are a local G4KPX (14km) and a station in Portugal CT2IWW (1383km).

Grasshopper- NOT amateur radio

This is a common grasshopper seen in the UK.

Sunspots - Tuesday July 23rd

 Solar flux is 185 and the SSN 173. A==9 and K=1.

Lavender - NOT amateur radio

At this time of year lavender is plentiful. A lesson taught to me was 888 meaning 8th month, 8th day, 8 inches, which is meant to be when and how to prune them.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon has been on for about 15 minutes at 0936z.  No spots. 

UPDATE 1000z: Spotted by local G4KPX (14km) and OZ7IT (853km) multiple times.

UPDATE 1309z:  YO2MAX (1802km) has spotted me. F2?

UPDATE 1917z:   5 stations have spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR today.

UPDATE 2131z:  12 stations have spotted me.