Geostationary amateur satellite - inputs wanted

AMSAT-DL is seeking inputs on a possible future geosynchronous amateur satellite covering Europe and much of North America. 

The take-up would probably be low, although coverage of much of North America might help. It might appeal to real enthusiasts.

Based on the experiences with Oscar 100, a lot of effort seems to be needed to get a station together, then people lose interest. The lack of commercial products puts many off.

See  https://amsat-dl.org/ .

FTX-1 versus IC-705

In the USA the FTX -1 is now on sale. 

People have reported some bugs with the Yasesu radio and I am not sure if these have been corrected with latest firmware. Certainly in the UK, the Yaesu radio is far more expensive that the IC-705. 

In my view the ICOM IC-705 represents far better value. There is certainly (at least) one video on YouTube comparing the two. 

I am definitely NOT rushing out to buy the FTX-1F. Personally, I still think Yaesu is floundering again.

10m QRP WSPR (Saturday)

My 500mW W5OLF beacon was turned on at about 0844z, but no spots yet.

UPDATE 1327z:  4 stations spotting me.

6m 5W FT8 (Saturday)

Stations spotting me today

My gear was turned on at about 0844z.  So far just 8 English spots of me.

UPDATE 1035z: 56 stations have spotted me. Plenty of Es.

UPDATE 1858z:   220 stations spotted on RX with the furthermost Kuwait 9K2NO (4689km) in the Gulf. On TX I have been spotted by 214 stations. See map.

At first we are glad to see European openings on 6m Es. Then we keep an eye open for inter-continental DX. As yet, I have not seen South America or North America on 6m this spring, although I have spotted the Caribbean.

Saturday plans

 Probably the same as yesterday i.e. 10m QRP WSPR and 6m QRP FT8.

Sunspots - Saturday May 31st

 Solar flux is 157 and the SSN 107. A=30 and K=3.

10m 500mW WSPR (Friday)

My beacon was turned on at about 0645z . No spots.

UPDATE 1542z: 23 spots of me.

No mow May - NOT amateur radio

 

In the UK we have had a campaign to avoid cutting the grass in May to encourage wild flowers. We have been pretty good. 

I have left a small patch.

6m QRP FT8 (Friday)

 My 5W was turned on at about 0645z .  13 UK stations have spotted me so far.

UPDATE 1108z: 37 stations spotting me today. Some Es to Iberia and France. 

UPDATE 1550z 106 stations have spotted my 5W 6m FT8 today. See map.

UPDATE 1803z:  116 stations have spotted me today. Quite decent Es today.

Central Cambridge yesterday - NOT amateur radio

This was central Cambridge yesterday.