Sunspots - Thursday September 18th

 Solar flux is 147 and the SSN 119. A=12 and K=2.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Wednesday)

 When I am on 6m FT8, like now, I can go on 10m QRP WSPR as my antenna is available and my beacon does not need the PC.

UPDATE 1343z:   No spots.

6m 5W FT8 (Wednesday)

 At 1330z, I switched to 6m QRP FT8 from 10m QRP FT8.

UPDATE 1344z: Spotted by 4 English stations.

Early Halloween?

This was a shop window in our village earlier this week. It looks like this is a Halloween display. Personally, I think it is far too early.

Beofeng UV5R-mini

This product s available at ridiculously low prices (from China I think), although I have no personal experience. 

Looking at Ali-express, the price varies depending on the colour, accessories and whether you want 1 or 2 units. I am very tempted!

10m 3W FT8 (Wednesday)

My gear has been on since about 0545z.

UPDATE 1236z:  59 stations have spotted me. See map.

Sunspots - Wednesday September 17th

 Solar flux is 135 and the SSN 130. A=21 and K=2.

Sunflowers dying

These have been a real surprise. The seeds came with some flowers my wife got for Mother's Day. I planted some in a tray and some in the ground. Most germinated and have looked good for several weeks, but they are now dying.

Some of the seeds will be kept for next year and the birds will have the rest.

Better Regen RX

Dave Richards AA7EE who makes some excellent projects very neatly has done a regen RX which he will add to his blog soon. He is a real experimenter!

If you want to see neat layouts without a PCB, look at Dave's blog and be inspired.

See https://aa7ee.wordpress.com/

More autumnal

 

The grass has just been cut and it feels more autumnal. We have had high winds and showers and there are more leaves on the ground.