10m 3W FT8 (Thursday)

My gear was turned on just before breakfast.

UPDATE 1852 z: Spotted by 220 stations with the best PY5KD (9884km). See map of stations spotting me today. 347 stations spotted here. Now QRT.

Solar cycle

As we are now on the downward slope of the solar cycle it’s worth checking the latest solar data.

See https://www.solen.info/solar/

Sunspots - Thursday June 4th

 Solar flux is 147 and the SSN 141. A=10 and K=2.

8m FT8 RX (Wednesday)

From about 1100z I have been monitoring 40.680MHz FT8.

UPDATE 1434z:  4 stations in Europe spotted in 4 different countries.

At one time I held a UK TX permit for 8m that I had to pay for. Comparing 8m with 6m, I decided not to renew it. I do not regret my decision.

10m 200mW WSPR TX (Wednesday)

My beacon was turned on at about 0805z.

UPDATE 2011z: Spotted by 101 stations. Amazing Es. Now QRT.

Canterbury last week

One of our sons lives in Canterbury, Kent, UK. 

The photo, taken by our son, shows us walking back to his car with our granddaughter.

6m 3W FT8 (Wednesday)

My gear was turned on at about 0805z.

UPDATE 1120z:  Spotted by 264 stations here so far today. See map. Best Es yet.

10th century iPhone?

Many people do not wear a watch preferring to see the time on their smartphone. 

The picture shows a 10th century pocket sundial. Not quite sure what happened when there was no sun 😂. 

It was found in Canterbury in 1938.

2m FT8 yesterday

For about 30 minutes, as usual, I went on the 2m activity contest.  I worked 4 stations with my 10W, poor voice and big-wheel omni antenna. 

Just before finishing, just for fun, I put out a call with 5W 2m FT8. Immediately I was spotted by PA2M (312km). 

It is so much easier on FT8. In all my years with 10W in the 2m activity contest, I don't think I have worked a single station in mainland Europe.  I think the main issues are my low ERP, my short time active and my poor voice.

Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast

My son, who is a professional jazz pianist, was featured on a recent podcast.

See https://www.quartetpodcast.com/2462355/episodes/19257777-episode-50-tim-lapthorn-piano-yesterdays?t=0