Sunspots - Tuesday December 23rd

 Solar flux is 133 and the SSN 80. A=25 and K=3.

The freedoms of amateur radio

Many years ago I used to have many QSOs with stations across the world including the USA and the USSR.  

As far as I am concerned we are all human beings with equal value whatever our beliefs, colour or politics. I enjoy exchanging greetings with an old work colleague who happens to live in Moscow and is a radio amateur.

One of the great things about our hobby is that it is such a great leveller.

At home

At this time of year we have an "at home" day when the neighbours come around for snacks, a drink and a chat. 

As someone said, "Christmas starts here". 

It was great and happy.

Amazing AI of London in the 1600s

Just now, I watched an AI video of London in the 1600s. It was amazing and so very realistic. It was almost like really being there centuries ago. 

In my view, this is an example of AI at it best. The "seed" was old engravings of various London scenes. Truly amazing.

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.