Ely Cathedral - NOT amateur radio

This wonderful photo of Ely Cathedral (the ship of the Fens) was recently posted.

Over the top? - NOT amateur radio

A house in a nearby town raises money for charity by putting Christmas lights up.  Quite a few!! 

I imagine you could find it by looking for the glow in the sky!

Just think of the neighbours and the electricity bill!

Solar activity in 2024

There is now little doubt that we are at, or just over, the peak of solar cycle 25. 

Some were wondering if we would have any sunspots at all, but it turned out to be a decent peak. The E-W F2 MUF exceeded 50MHz several times.  At this time in the month I usually check the solar activity.

See https://www.solen.info/solar/.

Sunspots - Wednesday January 1st

 Solar flux is 218 and the SSN 162. A=14 and K=5.

10m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)

My 500mW beacon was turned on at 0812z.

UPDATE 1234z:  3 stations have spotted me. Map by WSPRrocks by Phil VK7JJ.

6m QRP FT8 ( Wednesday)

My QMX+ was turned on at 0812z.

UPDATE 1141z:  8 spots of me so far including one German. See map.

Happy New Year- NOT amateur radio

 May I wish all readers a happy and peaceful 2025? The world is a better place when we all help each other with kindness and compassion. The world is a nicer place just one step at a time. I hope health wise you and the people you love have a good year.

Around our village yesterday - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday afternoon the sun shone ( a nice change!), so we did a walk around the village and some shopping. 

This collage shows some of the views.

Change - NOT amateur radio

 At this time of year things seem more "raw". It is a time when everyone is expected to be jolly and happy, making sadness and unhappiness all the harder. 

Our younger teenage grandson has just been dumped by his first girlfriend. Most of us have felt this pain, that seems like the end of the world at the time.

When people die or are seriously ill at this time of year it seems especially hard.

Things change: things that seem constant and will go on for ever do not. We have to adapt to the new reality. Time usually heals, but change can be painful.

Often we do not appreciate the inner pain others are experiencing. It is all too easy to judge others.

10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

 

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon made by W5OLF has been spotted by 3 stations today so far.

UPDATE 1035z:  7 stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 1249z:  USA started spotting me on 10m QRP WSPR today shortly after 1200z.