Thunder risks

As I have mentioned many times before, I am definitely no expert on thunder and lightning. 

My philosophy is simple: if there is any risk disconnect everything. 

That is antennas, PCs, mains plugs, mains earths etc.. Although the chances of a direct strike are low in the UK, they are not zero. Also, surges in main voltages with storms in the vicinity can cause damage. Always treat storm risks seriously. I keep and eye on approaching storms. If there is any risk, I take these precautions. 

If you want to try to prevent damage from a direct strike, very thick straps are needed as lightning can be very powerful.

See https://www.lightningmaps.org/

Fine House and Garden - NOT amateur radio

This fine house and garden are near the entrance to Ely Cathedral. 

Sunspots - Monday August 15th 2022

 Solar flux is 126 and the SSN 104.  A=7 and K=2.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)

 As I am being "sociable", my 10m gear is not turned on today. To get to the shack I have to walk through the guest's bedroom, which I am avoiding.

Holidays - NOT amateur radio

One of our sons and wife is staying with his inlaws and family in Australia. Our other daughter in law is with her mum and dad and children in Brittany and we have a relative staying with us. Holidays! 

8m experiment (Sunday)

As we have someone staying, I am being sociable and staying off the radio, so 8m QRP FT8 TX is very unlikely today. Sociable is a concept I shall have to learn, HI. 

Sunspots - Sunday August 14th 2022

Solar flux is 124 and the SSN 116. A=10 and K=2. 

UK fuel prices - NOT amateur radio

In the last few weeks the exceptional UK fuel prices have dropped back a little. They have risen because of the war in Ukraine and the exchange rate.

Last winter we would have been appalled at even today's prices. Let us hope they fall further.

These were the prices at our local co-op earlier per litre.

10m WSPR QRP TX

As my 10m antenna was available all morning, I was again on 10m WSPR TX with my 500mW beacon. Sadly, no spots. 

Thornham Parva - NOT amateur radio

Thornham Parva is a small thatched church near Eye in east Suffolk. 

The world famous architect Basil Spence is buried here. 

It is one of our favourite churches. 

8m experiment (Saturday)

Later this morning, I hope to go on 8m QRP FT8 on 40.680 MHz USB dial. With the main Es season largely over, things are now a bit "hit and miss". I may be lucky or I may not be.

UPDATE 1013z:  No spots. Now QRT as we have a guest.

Shetland - NOT amateur radio

Whilst most of the UK has been very hot and in drought, the Shetland Islands in the far north have had rain, winds and cold! This photo was on 365project recently.

30m FT8 QRP with the Miracle Whip

101 spots of me on 30m FT8 QRP despite the FT817ND and just the Miracle Whip on the shack windowsill.

Valve days....

This photo was taken about 12 years ago when we were experimenting with Sputnik valves. We made a 400mW CW transmitter (I think it was 15m) and worked the USA on a first CQ call. G4NUA is now a SK sadly.

Sunspots - Saturday August 13th 2022

 Solar flux is 120 and the SSN 97. A=7 and K=2.

Dry Ely - NOT amateur radio

Having lived hereabouts since 1970, I have never seen the grass at Ely Cathedral so dry. We need rain badly. 

EI7GL's blog

This blog was regularly updated and a useful source of information, but I cannot see any updates since May 22nd. I hope John is OK.

30m FT8 QRP with the indoor Miracle Whip.

As 8m was not good (or 10m WSPR), I have QSYed to 30m QRP FT8 with the indoor Miracle Whip. So far, at 1331z, 21 spots of me already! Surprisingly, just 2 stations spotted on RX. This suggests far more are on RX than TX or my RX is very deaf, which I do not think is the case. Just using the FT817ND.

UPDATE 1436z: 32 stations have spotted me (see map). If you have no decent antenna, the Miracle Whip seems to give results on QRP FT8 TX at least as low as 30m. This is with the MW on the shack windowsill indoors.

Cambridge Grand Arcade

This is a fairly new covered shopping area in Cambridge. It has probably been there far longer than I think!  Being covered, it stops you getting wet when it rains, although I am beginning to forget what rain is as we have had no decent rain here since March.

8m experiment (Friday)

Most seem to think that the reception of me by HC02 (1808km) in Portugal yesterday was either Es or MS. Later this morning I expect to be on 40.680 MHz USB dial QRP FT8 again. If I get any 8m reports that would be pleasing, although I have no great hopes.

UPDATE 0837z:   8m FT8 QRP TX gear turned on at 0834z.  Immediately spotted by Hugh HC02 (1808km). Thank you!

UPDATE 1241z:  No further spots today. Currently the gear is off, back on about 1330z.

UPDATE 1326z:  As I have had no further spots of me, I have QSYed to 30m with the Miracle Whip on the shack windowsill.