Some years ago, some were predicting a Maunder minimum with years without sunspots.
On present showing, the current solar cycle is looking to exceed the last one. My favourite site for solar data is still expecting the peak late this year, which is early. With many months still to go to the peak, things are promising.
UPDATE 1007z: So far, 2 unique stations are spotting my QRP. The distances look like single hop F2. (Canaries and Finland).
UPDATE 1125z: 4 unique stations spotting me.
At the moment I am on 8m FT8 QRP. It is now 0934z. No spots yet, although I have only just turned on.
UPDATE 1610z: 4 stations in EI and G have suddenly spotted my 8m QRP FT8 TX. I am wondering if this is aircraft reflection? Apart from this, just 1 EI spotted on FT8 RX this morning.
UPDATE 1616z: Since then, spots by 2 more at this time. This makes aircraft reflection even more likely. It looks like the position and Doppler made reception possible. I am not aware of aircraft reflection before now on 8m FT8.
The application to get a new 8m permit to replace my current one (at great expense, which I think is utterly STUPID!!) is with OFCOM. There is no certainty of a new 8m permit, but I have essentially asked for the same as the last one.
If they reject it, I intend to WSPR with 10mW ERP in the ISM 8m band. Perhaps I should use the callsign OF3COM just to register my disapproval, HI.
My 8m FT8 was turned on late at 1645z.
UPDATE 1800z: Just S57A (1194km) has been spotted. Nobody has spotted my QRP today.
It turns out that our one time chancellor (in charge of money) made an error with his taxes and has paid a very large sum to settle his mistakes. Our Prime Minister is married to a very rich woman who is worth millions (at least). There are many we just do not know about.
In my view ALL in high office must be above reproach. It is also important that they understand the common man.
You could be forgiven for thinking many in high office are not there really for the common good and are out of touch with many.
At one time, those in high office had very high standards and went into politics with high levels of integrity. These days many enter politics for totally the wrong reasons.
Being wealthy is not a crime. Being out of touch with the common man is sad.
At Christmas, I ordered a QDX digital transceiver, ready built, covering 20m-10m from QRP labs. As it will be ready built and cased, there is a waiting list.
My place in the queue is getting better. I shall wait patiently!!
Hans makes some great kits.
At 1430z today, I have a sked with G6UW/G3ZAY on 1296.3 MHz SSB. Martin is in Cambridge (far side). At the moment, I am still using the 2 element test antenna indoors pointing out of the shack window.
UPDATE 1535z: We made it! This was my first ever QSO on 23cms. No great DX, but so important to me. This proves the 2W 23cm transverter works on TX and RX, but I must get a better antenna for /P work later in the year.
In a few moments, I am about to switch on my 500mW W5OLF 10m WSPR beacon.
It is now 1220z. About 30 minutes ago, I turned on my W5OLF 10m WSPR beacon. So far, 3 unique stations spotting me today.
UPDATE 1438z: 17 stations have spotted me so far today.
UPDATE 1635z: 18 unique stations have spotted my QRP with the furthermost FY5KE (7110km).
At the moment these are my plans:-
For a long time people have been searching for a "theory of everything" bringing together the macro and the micro worlds. On the one hand people are searching for ever smaller particles. On the other hand people are talking about multiverses. Our own universe looks to be at least 40 billion light years across.
As far as I know there has not been a proper bringing together of the quantum world and our "everyday" world. According to quantum entanglement particles on opposite sides of the universe instantly know about each other. Clearly, there is so little we know.
Monism may be on the right track, if not the whole way. It views that reality is one organic whole with no independent parts.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monism .
As I was out until late afternoon, my 40.680 MHz FT8 QRP was not turned on until late. I was quite surprised to be spotted by 3 stations including Phil EI9KP (649km) and S50B (1220km).
Subject to the main person in the test Bernie Wright G4HJW agreeing, these are my plans:
