Snowy garden

We have now had snow on the ground for several days, which is unusual. After overnight rain it's mostly gone.

2m operation

Last evening was the activity contest on 2m.  Having worked a couple of stations I stopped because of my poor voice and low ERP (10W pep to the big-wheel omni).

For a very short time I decided to switch to FT8. With just a few TX bursts I was copied internationally.  See map.

I think ERP helps on 2m SSB.

Sunspots - Wednesday January 7th

 Solar flux is 145 and the SSN 99. A=4 and K=1.

SOTA/POTA endfed tuner kit

Many people enjoy operating from mountain tops or parks. This EFHW tuner may be useful.

See https://www.qrpkits.com/efhw.html

It's no good - I know you've been here!

Unusually, we have had snow for a few days and a very cold start to the year. 

This bird was hunting for some food. 

I doubt it had ever seen snow before. 

These days it is unusual to get snow on the ground. In fact it is about 7 years since we had snow like this. Many winters pass without much snow at all.

10m 500mW WSPR (Tuesday)

My beacon was turned on at about 1005z.

UPDATE 1220z:  6 stations have spotted me. See map from WSPRRocks by Phil VK7JJ.

6m 5W FT8 (Tuesday)

 My gear was turned on at about 1005z.

UPDATE 1012z: So far, 4 English spots of  me.

Snowy close

This year has started cold but sunny. Yesterday we had our first snow.

This was the view from our lounge window.

Sunspots - Tuesday January 6th

 Solar flux is 154 and the SSN 91. A=14 and K=0.

The world of the bullies

It is clear now that the rules of international law have been replaced by the world of power and dominance.  

It is basically the rules of the jungle as those with power fight over resources. This is a major shift in the way the world operates.

If you are a minnow be prepared to be bullied by those with might. Sad.