10m 1W FT8 (Monday)

 

My 1W FT8 was turned at about 1433z.

UPDATE 2022z: So far spotted by 95 stations, most "across the pond". See map. QRT soon.

UPDATE 2045z: QRT.

Sleep

This is my personal experience, so I cannot comment on others. 

Drifting to sleep and not being aware we have done so seems odd.  There is far more to consciousness than we are aware of I think. 

Monday plans

 Later, I hope to go on 10m 1W FT8.

PoC (PTT over cellular) transceivers

For some people these could be very useful. 

They use the cellular network as the bearer rather than the ionosphere, so the range is effectively the whole planet. If you just want to talk, they might be ideal as no amateur licence is needed. 

They are like 2m or 70cm handhelds.

Sunspots - Monday December 22nd

 Solar flux is 124 and the SSN 85. A=26 and K=3.

6m 5W FT8 (Sunday)

 My 5W to the V2000 was turned on at about 2030z.

UPDATE 2142z:  4 stations have spotted me including 2 in Germany. Now QRT.

10m 5W FT8 RX (Sunday)

My gear was turned on at about 1000z.

UPDATE 1102z:  So far, spotted 23 stations.

UPDATE 1533z:  Still 23, so something must be wrong.

UPDATE  1715z:   Now, 75 stations spotted. I think the TX audio must be muted as the TX still does not work. I wonder if it is RF getting into the PC?  I may try with lower power. e.g. 1W instead of 5W. Going on 5W 6m FT8 TX seemed fine suggesting RF is disturbing something. Now QRT on 10m FT8 RX.

Mountain Toppers

 Summits On The Air (SOTA) activity is becoming increasingly popular as well as Parks On The Air (POTA). People climb mountains and hills to "activate" certain summits. Especially for SOTA, weight can be an important factor if the gear has to be lugged up steep hills or mountains.

LNR Precision make some gear aimed at these users. They are compact and lightweight.

See https://www.lnrprecision.com/mountain-toppers/

Festive postbox

Although I am not sure how or when this started, quite often now we see UK postboxes with knitted tops for certain occasions.

The photo shows the postbox near our co-op shop looking very festive.

Winter solstice

Today is the shortest day .  

Even though the mornings get a bit darker later for a few weeks, the evenings are already starting to get darker slightly later. By the end of January it is really noticeable. 

It’s odd how we adapt, but I do prefer nights getting darker later.