Wild blackberries - NOT amateur radio

The ones in the photo were right next to our garden. Washed, they will be great with breakfast and in a crumble. 

Yet more? - NOT amateur radio

This is a vast housing development in our village. They have been "messing about" for years, but not a single house has been built! There are meant to be 350. Perhaps the single bricklayer has gone on a world cruise? 😁😉

8m this last few days

We are coming to the end of the main Es season here. In a few months, we should have F2 openings "across the pond".

Since returning to 8m. I average about 3 stations spotting me every day. The map shows the 8m stations spotting my 2.5W yesterday. 

 

Savoury Biscuits - NOT amateur radio

At the weekend one of our grandsons made some savoury biscuits. We call these dibbles. They're used with dips. He followed my recipe, but did everything himself. They were good. 

8m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

My 2.5W to the dipole was turned on about 0830z.  No spots on RX or TX at 1152z.

UPDATE 1314z:  EI9KP (649km) has spotted me today.

UPDATE 1632z: 4 spots of me today with the furthermost HC02 (1808km) in Portugal.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Tuesday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR TX beacon was turned on at about 0820z. So far, just spots from local G4KPX (14km). 

UPDATE 0918z:   Still just G4KPX spotting me.

UPDATE 1642z:   14 stations spotting me so far (see table).

Oscar 100 activity

Every few weeks I try to give an update on activity levels on geosynchronous satellite Oscar 100 using the on-line SDR at Goonhilly Down in Cornwall. My last peek was on a Monday evening in Europe. I think the best expression I can use is "disappointing". 

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/.

Sunspots - Tuesday August 15th 2023

Solar flux is 154 and the SSN 85. A=5 and K=1.

Really the last swift? - NOT amateur radio

 In recent days I keep thinking that I have seen the last swift in the UK until next spring. Then I see another one!! 

N gauge model railway - NOT amateur radio

Our grandson has been here this weekend. He loves exploring our boarded loft. He discovered his Dad's old model railway, although I cannot remember what happened to the baseboard and track. 

8m backscatter?

In recent days, my QRP 8m FT8 has been received at odd distances. I have also received G8JNJ (247km). Now this could be tropo, aircraft reflection or MS. However, I am wondering if it is some kind of backscatter?  It is far too close for Es.

8m QRP FT8 (Monday)

My 2.5W to the dipole was turned on about 0800z. No spots yet.

UPDATE 1300z : EI9KP (649km) has again spotted me. He spots me quite often. 

10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)

My 500mW W5OLF 10m WSPR TX beacon was turned on about 0800z. So far just local spots by G4KPX (14km).

2011 VLF memories

 Before my stroke I really enjoyed experimenting with both ends of the spectrum. I quite enjoyed seeing how far I could get on VLF earth-mode through the ground. This was a Facebook memory from 2011.

Sunspots - Monday August 14th 2023

Solar flux is 150 and the SSN 89. A=5 and K=1.

Lockdown walks - NOT amateur radio

The recent pandemic was almost unimaginable in its effects. One of the positives was that people walked more locally and discovered the beauty on their doorstep that they didn't know was there. This 2020 collage shows local things in our village. 

10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)

My W5OLF 500mW 10m WSPR TX has been on for about an hour. So far, just 2 spots of me. I am unsure of the propagation mode. I don't think it is Es.

UPDATE 1452z: 6 stations have spotted me today. Conditions to Europe seen marginal. 

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

 Although I have been on 8m FT8 (2.5W  and a dipole) for about an hour, no spots yet on RX or TX.

Grandsons - NOT amateur radio

Our 2 grandsons in urgent conversation and eating cake with their devices not far away! 😉

Sunday plans

 Later this morning I propose to go on 8m QRP FT8 again and 10m QRP WSPR TX with 500mW from the W5OLF beacon. Es is already looking quite promising, although some spots could be MS as we are at the peak of the Perseids shower.