Sunspots - Monday August 25th

 Solar flux is 152 and the SSN 102. A=6 and K=1.

Zoology museum, Cambridge, UK

Living near Cambridge it is all too easy to take everything for granted. In the UK the main museums are free as are bus journeys for old people. So it is possible to enjoy lots without paying a penny!

Take, for example, the excellent Zoology museum we called at yesterday.

We often joke that people come across the planet to see Cambridge. We can see it every day .... for free.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Sunday)

My beacon was turned on at about 0845z this morning.

UPDATE  1127z: Just EA8BFK (2880km) and one station in Sweden spotting me. 

See https://wspr.rocks/

6m 5W FT8 (Sunday)

My gear was turned on at about 0845z.

UPDATE  1122z:  32 spots of me, many in Portugal and Spain.

Sunspots - Sunday August 24th

 Solar flux is 143 and the SSN 87. A=7 and K=2.

10m 500mW WSPR (Saturday)

My beacon has been on much of the morning.

UPDATE 2040z:  3 stations have spotted me with no sign of Es. Furthest is V51RS (8481km). QRT.

6m QRP FT8 (Saturday)

My 5W to a V2000 vertical antenna was turned on at about 0845z: 

UPDATE 1409z:  26 spots of me so far. Yet again, more northern stations see to be most prominent. This puzzles me: it seems a pattern that repeats towards the end of every Es season. I would be interested to hear any theories as this is too common to be just random.

UPDATE 2043z: 33 stations have spotted me today. If some were Es, it is now less widespread and strong. QRT.

“Blossom always returns”

 This is the motto of a football team. It is a reminder that whatever pain we may be in, life carries on.

Being satisfied

There is a temptation to always lust after the newest shiniest transceiver. 

Steve G1KQH was looking at the ICOM Japan website where they have announced the IC7300Mk2. I think I shall resist it and try to be satisfied with what I have.

Pomegranate

 The photo shows a pomegranate growing at nearby Anglesey Abbey. I have not seen one growing in the UK before.