8m FT8 during the Es season

During the Es season I expect to be active on 8m with my usual QRP FT8 using either the FT817ND or the QMX+. 

To be honest I have become disillusioned by the negative attitude to real experimentation at 8m by the FCC, ARRL, OFCOM and the RSGB. 

When my TX permit expires I currently have no intention of renewing it. I refuse to pay to do genuine propagation research any longer. Sad. Self training? 

After this year I doubt we'll see much F2 activity, apart from TEP N-S on occasions. Most useful research would have been around sunspot maximum. Too late!!

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.