8m QRP FT8 (Monday)

My 2.5W to a low wire dipole in on. So far spotted by G4FKI (60km) only on TX. Just 9K2YM (4721km) spotted on RX.

UPDATE 1511z:  16 stations have spotted my 8m FT8 today. When the sunspots are good 8m behaves like 10m.

UPDATE  1756z: 18 stations have been spotted on 8m FT8 today. See map.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Monday)

 

My QRP 10m is on. I think most of my 19 spots are either F2 or F2 back-scatter.

UPDATE 1031z:  36 stations have spotted me with the furthermost RA0SX (5904km).

UPDATE 2117z:  Spotted by 104 stations today with the furthermost F61695 (9729km) in the Indian Ocean. QRT.

Hollow tree - NOT amateur radio

What is it about hollow trees that fascinate us? We love looking through them. This tree at Anglesey Abbey yesterday had holes on both sides and begged a photo!

Monday plans

 As yesterday was so successful, I think I shall do the same as yesterday i.e. 500mW 10m WSPR TX and 2.5W 8m FT8. Let's hope for more E-W F2 propagation on 10m and 8m,

Sunspots - Monday November 4th

 Solar flux is 241 and the SSN 220. A=11 and K=4.

Danish stations on 8m

Bo OZ2M reports that a number of OZ stations are now active on 8m using a LMR licence that has to be paid for and applied for. There are some restrictions. 

I am totally surprised that so many PTTs seem dead against even a very narrow amateur radio 8m band, especially around solar maximum when much propagation research would be possible. 

Perhaps they will grant it ....too late, years after solar maximum! I can imagine many committees, quangos and much bureaucracy!

Hamlife pages

If you are like me, Japanese is not a language I have a clue about! 

I am told that this website often has the latest news on amateur radio. Perhaps we can just look at the photos or use Google translate!

See  https://www.hamlife.jp/ . 

The American Dream? - NOT amateur radio

One of the things that those in the USA seem to be excited about is "the American dream". 

This seems to be a belief that anyone can "make it" under capitalism. It is interesting that in the states of the old Yugoslavia, most I have met preferred it when all had a house and a job under Tito's liberal communism. Society was fairer.

Now, no system is faultless, but I am not in favour of greedy capitalism if this means trampling over others. I cannot condone any form of society where the rich get richer at the expense of the poor. 

Yes, all should have equal opportunity, but I want to live in a fair society, where wealth and privilege do not bestow advantage.

In my view everyone is equal, whether you are a king or dustbin collector.

10m 500mW WSPR (Sunday)

My QRP 10m WSPR beacon has not been on long at 0943z. Already spotted by 9 stations with the furthermost TA4/G8SCU (3010km).

UPDATE 1450z:   So far today, spotted by 74 stations on 10m WSPR.

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

My 40.680 MHz FT8 (2.5W to wire dipole) is active. G4FKI (60km) has spotted me. On RX I have spotted G9PUV(158km) and S57TW (1236km).

UPDATE 1401z:  16 stations have spotted me on 8m QRP FT8 (see map) and I have spotted 32. 1 QSO with a station in the Canary Is.. I have never before seen 8m so busy.

UPDATE 1500z: 34 stations spotted here today on 8m FT8.