As my earth-electrode "antenna" is not connected and my Tigertronics SignaLink USB interface is faulty, I am RX only using the IC-705 and the coax up to my 2m big-wheel via a ferrite rod ATU.
So far this evening, 2 stations spotted on WSPR with the furthermost DC0DX (467km).
In the UK we have some unusual rules. I think you may legally listen to commercial broadcasts (like aircraft bands) but it is illegal to make use of the information received. This was probably done with the best of intention. I guess this was to prevent industrial espionage or terrorism, but it leaves a "black hole" when you just listen or report for fun.
I wonder if anyone has actually been prosecuted here in the UK for infringing this law?
At about 1340z, I decided to go on 6m FT8 with the IC-705.
My QMX+ has been on 8m FT8 TX (about 2W to the low dipole) since about 0920z. No spots at 1222z.
I think I'll QSY to 10m FT8 with the IC-705.
This was organised by the RSPB over this weekend. Lots of UK individuals and schools took part. The idea is to record the maximum number of each species in an hour. Over the years some patterns emerge.
It was quite noticeable how bigger birds now dominate. In my hour I saw not one small bird!! The smallest was a blackbird.
See Big Garden Birdwatch.
My stand-alone 500mW 10m WSPR beacon was turned on at about 1058z. Just EA8BFK (2880km) spotting me.
My QMX+ with about 2W to the low dipole was turned on at about 1058z this morning.
UPDATE 1857z: Just one spot of me by EA7KBX (1661km). Now QRT.
