Sunspots - Wednesday April 30th

 Solar flux is 149 and the SSN 105. A=6 and K=3.

Quansheng TK11 portable

This product had passed me by until today. It looks like an improved UV5 portable coving more bands and modes. It is available from AliExpress.

10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon was turned on just after lunch. So far just spots by EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.

UPDATE 1500z:  One spot from Brazil in addition to the multiple spots from the Canary Is..

UPDATE 2004z:  4 stations have spotted me with the furthermost the German base in Antarctica. See map.

6m 6W FT8 (Tuesday)

My IC-705 was turned on just after lunch.

UPDATE 1255z:  Just 8 spots from English stations. See map.

UPDATE 1515z: Spots also now from Eire and the north of Scotland.

Tuesday plans

 Later I expect to go on 6m FT8 with 6W and 10m WSPR at 500mW.

Lilac - NOT amateur radio

The lilac next door is fully out.

Sunspots - Tuesday April 29th

 Solar flux is 154 and the SSN 134. A=4 and K=0.

10m 6W FT8 (Monday)

Stations spotting me at 1010z

My IC-705 was turned on just before breakfast.

UPDATE 1231z: Spotted by 68 stations with the furthest Australia.

UPDATE 1903z: QRT. 102 stations have spotted me today.

Our close in spring- NOT amateur radio

 

This was our close yesterday. Our bungalow is just out of sight.

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!!