We practically had these to ourselves.
If going to Oxborough, these are well worth visiting.
25 May 2023
Goodestone Water Gardens - NOT amateur radio
10m QRP FT8 (Thursday)
At the moment I am on 10m FT8 with 2.5W. So far, 10 stations have spotted me. On RX at 1442z, 40 stations have been spotted.
24 May 2023
A vision of the future - NOT amateur radio
I wonder what they would make of smart phones today! And also Bluetooth earpieces!
Lichen - NOT amateur radio
4m Es
As we are now in the Es season, I shall probably try 4m FT8 from tomorrow. There are now quite a few countries on 4m, which is very different from the 1960s when really just the UK and Eire were on. I was surprised how quiet 4m was outside of the Es season.
A good website showing which countries have 4m allocations is http://www.g0che.co.uk/4m_alloc.php .
10m QRP WSPR TX (Wednesday)
Currently I am on 10m WSPR with the 500mW W5OLF beacon.
UPDATE 0852z: No spots. I am getting a bit suspicious something is amiss.
UPDATE 1112z: The coax is faulty. High SWR. Must investigate.
8m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)
At the moment, I am on 40.680 MHz FT8 (TX first period, DF about 1950 Hz).
UPDATE 1111z: No spots.
European Es
As Es propagation in Eastern Europe is looking good today, I am changing my plans. I was going to go on 10m FT8, but instead will try 8m FT8 and 10m WSPR.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
23 May 2023
SW interval signals
If you were like me, you will recall the old shortwave interval signals of old. I remember the sound of Radio Moscow and VOA on the shortwave bands. These days, the shortwaves are a lot different with far fewer English language broadcasts.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/sw-interval-signals .
Cambridge store - NOT amateur radio
10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)
On QRP WSPR with my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon.
UPDATE 2039z: Surprisingly, no spots. I checked the timing!!
8m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)
As Es in Europe looks promising, I am on 40.680 MHz WSPR at 2W (DF 1560 Hz, TX 20%).
UPDATE 1436z: No spots.
UPDATE 2037z: 5 spots by HC02 (1808km).
22 May 2023
Not on 8m today
For the first time in several weeks, I have not been active on 8m FT8 or WSPR today.
There are two reasons:
1. There seem fewer people active this Es season. I was expecting more to be on with Es being good and nearing sunspot maximum. I was hoping some would apply for, and be granted, special permission to use 8m for a limited time only to carry out useful research. I was also expecting many to come on with the ISM rules that might apply in their country.
2. Many stations have "worked" or exchanged reports with the active stations on 8m. Unless new people or countries come on the band, there is little more that can be explored.
My intentions is to go on 8m FT8 or WSPR when it is good, but not otherwise.
F2 disturbed?
It is interesting that not a single signal has been spotted today from outside Europe on 10m FT8. At the same time, I have spotted plenty from Europe on 10m FT8, presumably by Es propagation.
I am no expert on HF propagation, but it would seem F2 propagation is upset by poor by solar conditions, but not Es. If Es does suffer, the effect is much smaller.
D2UY in Angola has been a good indicator of propagation. Not seen this station today on 10m FT8.
Robin - NOT amateur radio
The English Robin can be very tame. If you are digging in the garden, expect to be joined by a visitor!
Housework - NOT amateur radio
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