It looks like there are openings to Eastern Europe on 10m and 6m from Western Europe. I am hoping there is some activity on 8m and that it spreads further west.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
30 Sept 2024
10m 500mW WSPR (Monday)
So far, just G4KPX (14km) and EA8BFK (2880km) spotting me.
UPDATE 1646z: 28 stations have spotted me.
8m FT8 (Monday)
Although my 2.5W 8m FT8 has been on for much of the morning, no spots on TX or RX.
UPDATE 1117z: Although no spots yet, it is interesting to see so many stations monitoring the 8m band. See the map of monitors.
UPDATE 1300z: Still no 8m spots today.
UPDATE 1326z: Spotted by EI3KF (574km). Is this aircraft scatter? I am sure there are far more 8m monitors, which is a good sign.
UPDATE 1521z: QRT on 8m.
Oil prices - NOT amateur radio
With all the increased tension in the Middle East I am surprised how little prices have moved. I remember back in the Suez crisis of 1956, petrol was rationed again. It is as if the world either expects a ceasefire or knows how to cope if the Gulf is closed.
Are we far less dependent on oil from the Middle East?
Maudlin thoughts - NOT amateur radio
My brother will be 80 in December. He seems to be going to several funerals of late. I guess we are now at an age when many of our friends and relatives get serious illnesses or die.
I wonder if our brains modify to accept this as the norm?
It is interesting how we now talk about illnesses more as we age. There are several friends and relatives who are now in the "firing line". In the past we assumed we would all go on forever. Now we think of our finality.
Once we went to a New Year's Eve party. The host said, "you are not allowed to talk about illnesses". What a good idea!
UPDATE 1433z: We just heard that one of my wife's best friends has died. Not unexpected, but so sad for those left behind.
Monday plans
Later, I hope to go on 10m 500mW WSPR and 8m QRP FT8.
In all, stations in 3 countries spotted my 2.5W 8m FT8 yesterday, which was better than I expected.
Sixbox 6m transceiver
This dates back many years and is not recommended when 6m is "open" as it has been recently.
On the other hand, it makes a nice homebrew project and an ideal natterbox across town.
As I always say, use it as a starting point for your own ideas. For example, add a loudspeaker amplifier, or increase the RF power. Most of my designs are starting points and could usually be improved. Do not be afraid to experiment as this is where a lot of the fun is.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/homebrew/sixbox .Inside the windmill - NOT amateur radio
The inside (as far as I recall) has never been on, until now. This is inside the windmill.
Fitzball’s house - NOT amateur radio
Edward Fitzball was a famous lyricist in the 1800s . He lived in this cottage in our village (Burwell).
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