Sunspots - Monday April 28th

 Solar flux is 156 and the SSN 119. A=6 and K=2.

London Marathon - NOT amateur radio

 

As someone who struggles to walk 2 miles I have nothing but admiration for my niece who is running 26 miles in the London Marathon for the Mind charity. 

Also it’s hot today!!

She has a Just Giving page to raise money for the charity.

See Anna Moore is fundraising for Mind

UPDATE 1833z: She did it!!

FT8 beginners guide

FT8 is like the UK spread Marmite: some really love it whereas others hate it. Because of my poor voice I use it, but understand both sides of the debate. There is no doubt at all that it is a very effective mode for basic QSOs, but it it not designed for keyboard chats. JS8call may be used for this.

This YouTube video may be of help to newcomers to FT8.

10m 6W FT8 (Sunday)

My IC-705 was turned on at about 0830z.

UPDATE 2140z: Spotted by 98 stations. Furthermost Reunion Island (9727km). QRT.

Newcastle bridges - NOT amateur radio

 

The River Tyne has many famous bridges.

10m QRP FT8 yesterday

 After coming back from Newcastle yesterday I went on 10m FT8 with 6W. 241 stations spotted me. See map.

Newcastle kittiwakes - NOT amateur radio

Apparently Newcastle has the most inland colony of breeding kittiwakes in the world. They are like dainty small seagulls.

See Tyne Kittiwakes - Natural History Society of Northumbria

Sunspots - Sunday April 27th

 Solar flux is 156 and the SSN 169. A=7 and K=1.

10m QRP FT8 (Saturday)

Since arriving back home on late Saturday afternoon, I have been on 10m FT8 with my IC-705 at 6W. So far, 181 stations have spotted me. See map.

UPDATE 2116z:  238 stations have spotted me. QRT soon.

Swallows and house martins - NOT amateur radio

Whilst away in Newscastle and Durham I saw 1 swallow and 5 house martins. One swallow was seen down here before we went away.  

It was great to see 5 house martins on the wing simultaneously over the River Wear in Durham. Swifts usually appear later.  I shall keep my ears and eyes open as one often hears swifts screaming first.

These are all migrant birds back from Africa.

See House Martin Bird Facts | Delichon Urbica