Oil price - NOT amateur radio

 Despite the increasing tension in the Middle East, the price of oil seems remarkably stable.

8m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)

 After all, I decided to try 8m QRP FT8 today. So far, no spots.

UPDATE 1202z:  So far only G4BAO (8km) spotting me.

UPDATE 1229z: My first 8m spot from "across the pond" this season by WW1L (4976km).

Stations spotting my 2.5W 8m FT8

UPDATE 1252z: Now spotted by 3 stations.

UPDATE 1342z: Spotted by 4 stations and PJ4MM (7483km) spotted on RX for the first time this season on 8m FT8 RX.

Stations spotted on 8m FT8

UPDATE 1717z:  Spotted by 8 stations on 8m QRP FT8 with 2.5W and a low wire dipole. Best day yet.

Stations spotting me
today on 8m QRP FT8

Nearby floods - NOT amateur radio

 

To the west of us, there has been some widespread flooding. We have avoided it over here thankfully. One of my friends on 365project posted this photo of her local park flooded and closed.

10m 500mW WSPR (Wednesday)

My stand-alone 10m QRP WSPR TX beacon is on and there looks like plenty of F2 propagation to Eastern Europe.

UPDATE 1048z:  Now, quite a few stations via F2 (I think) spotting my little beacon. 21 spots of me so far.

UPDATE 2107z:  82 stations spotting me.

Middle East - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday, I posted my views on the situation in the Middle East. Overnight, I received a comment that may be pure sarcasm. If this was not intended, please accept my apologies and resubmit a comment. For now, I am not publishing the comment.

My views have not changed: the only long-term solution must be diplomatic with everyone treating everyone fairly and with dignity in peaceful coexistence.

UPDATE 1026z:   Lots of military aeroplane activity overhead from the US airbases at either Lakenheath or Mildenhall. 

European openings (Wednesday)

The impression I have is that things are not as good as yesterday on 10m and 6m as far as propagation in Europe is concerned. Unless things get better, I think I shall give 8m FT8 a miss today.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .

Green tomatoes - NOT amateur radio

This year, we have had a good crop of tomatoes. I have now dug them up and those that don't turn red will come for green tomato chutney.

See https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/green-tomato-chutney .

Sunspots - Wednesday October 2nd

 Solar flux is 245 and the SSN 196. A=6 and K=2.

2m activity contest (UKAC)

This evening was the 2m activity contest organised by the RSGB. 

As usual, I was running 10W PEP to my big-wheel omni antenna. 

Because of my poor voice I was only on for 30 minutes. 4 QSOs were made. See map.

Middle East - NOT amateur radio

The only long-term solution to the long-running situation over Israel seems to me to be a political solution that allows Israel and the people of Palestine to live in peace. 

This endless cycle of violence may achieve something in the short-term, but just increases bitterness. Everyone has to compromise for the long-term good.