8m QRP FT8 (Friday)

My 8m gear was turned on at about 0830z.

UPDATE 0934z:  Already spotted by 5 stations on 8m FT8!  Thank you.  

UPDATE 1423z:  Spotted on 8m FT8 by 7 EU stations, mostly I assume by Es.

UPDATE 1438z:  I just cannot understand the totally blinkered and very negative attitude in the UK and USA to even a very tiny 8m amateur band, digital only, time limited around sunspot maximum, by application only. The impression you get is they just do not understand and are stupid in the extreme! It is not that they are neutral: the impression you get is that the RSGB and ARRL are dead set against this!!

UPDATE 1645z:  Spotted by 8 European stations.

 

Friday plans

Although conditions look disturbed, my plan is a repeat of yesterday with QRP 8m FT8 and QRP 10m WSPR. 

Sunspots - Friday May 2nd

 Solar flux is 152 and the SSN 59. A=28 and K=4.

Where I come from - NOT amateur radio

 

This is near where I come from in South Devon. In the distance is Bolt Tail with an Iron Age fort. One of my ancestors probably helped man it. 

Lunch in Ely - NOT amateur radio

This week, we have had our wedding "best man" staying with us. 1971!! He always treats us to lunch out as a way of saying thank you. 

He is a very old and good friend. 

We ate by the river in Ely.

Back on 8m FT8 QRP TX (Thursday)

 For the Es season I am back on 8m FT8 (40.680 MHz) QRP TX with 2.5W to a low dipole. DF is about 1950 Hz.

UPDATE 1516z: Just spotted by EI3KF (574km).

UPDATE 1937z: QRT.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Thursday)

My beacon has been on since mid-morning.

UPDATE 1510z: 4 spots of me with the furthermost Namibia.

UPDATE 1942z:  QRT.

Rallies this holiday weekend

The following have been notified to me:

• Sunday May 4th - Hamfest 2025,Tattershall Thorpe, LN4 4PL.
• Monday May 5th - Dartmoor Radio Rally, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6AL . Contact 2e0rph@gmail.com.

Thursday plans

 I think it’s time to try 8m again, so will probably try QRP 8m FT8 and 10m 500mW WSPR later.

Sunspots - Thursday May 1st

 Solar flux is 148 and the SSN 77.  A=12 and K=3.