8m QRP FT8 (Saturday)

My 2.5W 8m FT8  was turned on at about 0835z.  

UPDATE 1317z:  QRT.  No spots all day on RX or TX on 8m FT8.

UPDATE 1703z:  On again, but still no spots. So far, I have been disappointed with 8m FT8 this autumn.

Crab apple jelly - NOT amateur radio

A few days ago I collected the crab apples from our single tree. 

Yesterday, I turned them into crab apple jelly as the photo shows. It is delicious on some meats.

I have no idea why they are called crab apples. They are tiny compared with more usual apples. I would guess 2cm diameter or less would be more typical.

See https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/crab-apple-jelly .

8m later

 Now my 8m dipole has been re-erected, I intend to try the band again later.

Sunspots - Saturday September 28th

 Solar flux is 186 and the SSN 122. A=6 and K=0.

'Our' tree - NOT amateur radio

We keep an eye on this tree at Anglesey Abbey throughout the year. At the moment it is turning into its autumn colours. After a few weeks of strong winds, it will be bare until the spring.

10m 500mW WSPR (Friday)

 My 10m 500mW WSPT TX beacon was turned on at about 1630z.  EA8BFK (2880km) has spotted me.

UPDATE 2035z:  In the end 2 stations in the USA spotted me (see table).

Anglesey Abbey yesterday - NOT amateur radio

 

Yesterday we met some friends at Anglesey Abbey. There was rain overnight and rain this afternoon, but we chose a dry patch in between luckily.

Back on 8m

 My grandson helped me re-erect my 8m dipole. At about 1600z, I restarted my 40.680MHz 2.5W FT8.

Late swallow - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday as well as seeing a couple of house martins I saw a late swallow. 

This is probably the last I shall see until the spring. I am pretty sure this is the latest I have ever seen one up here in East Anglia.

Sunspots - Friday September 27th

 Solar flux is 181 and the SSN 169. A=13 and K=2.