6m 5W FT8 (Thursday)

 

Yet again, what looks like Es to the Balkans.

UPDATE 1222z: 10 stations have spotted me  today. My gear was turned on at about 1200z.

UPDATE 1820x: 75 stations have spotted me. See map.

UPDATE 2220z: QRT.

YouTube videos

There are huge numbers of videos on YouTube. Many people now watch YouTube on TV which is a recent change. 

Whatever your interest, you are almost certain to find a video. If you do a search I can almost guarantee you will find something. 

Last night we watched a video about transport in the time of Queen Victoria in the UK. This was on the TV.

If you want videos about Russia I have found TimesRadio and Joe Blogs videos informative.

2m and 70cm antenna

Many years ago a local amateur G0LRD very kindly erected my big-wheel omni antenna which I use on 70cm SSB/FT8 and 2m SSB/FT8. Although a 2m antenna it seems to work really well on 70cm although I have no idea about polar plot on 70cm,

The big-wheel is a horizontally polarised antenna with some gain. It is an array of half-waves, suitably matched.

It is ideal for this and regularly gets a long way even with my QRP.

Sunspots - Thursday October 30th

 Solar flux is 118 and the SSN 80. A=20 and K=3.

Ukraine war

The "special military operation" will soon be in its 4th year, with huge numbers of casualties both amongst Russians and Ukrainians. This is a tragic waste of young lives. 

I watch videos on YouTube from TimesRadio.

10m 2W FT8 (Wednesday)

 My 10m 2W FT8 was turned on at about 1230z.

UPDATE 1631z:  So far, 177 stations have spotted me.

Wednesday plans

 Later, I shall probably try 10m, 12m, and 15m 1W WSPR frequency hopping. Maybe some 10m QRP FT8 later.

Sunspots- Wednesday October 29th

 Solar flux is 122 and the SSN 91. A=19 and K=3.

10m 500mW WSPR (Tuesday)

UPDATE 1948z:  Spotted by 47 stations with 2 in Brazil.

6m 5W FT8 (Tuesday)

 

My gear has been on since 1023z.

UPDATE 1135z:  32 stations have spotted me today so far.

UPDATE 2015z:  Spotted by 51 stations. See map. Es? Every day I go on 6m QRP FT8 I seem to get spotted at great distances. Are we seeing more E layer openings due to climate change?

UPDATE 2200z: 55 stations have spotted me today.