The changing nature of amateur radio

 Have you noticed the change? Repeaters are often quiet for hours and there is less SSB and CW activity. FM simplex QSOs apart from nets and skeds are almost never heard. More people use FT8 to work DX. In the past people used amateur radio for chatting, but this can be done worldwide with video more easily with the Internet and smartphone or PC. Most now use amateur radio in a different way. I am not saying it wrong as I am as guilty as anyone! But the logical consequences are clear. 

Sunspots - Sunday September 17th 2023

Solar flux is 140 and the SSN 88. S=7 and K=3.

4m disappointing

 Earlier this year I went on 4m FT8 both before the Es season and during the Es season using my FT-710 that I owned at the time.

Overall, I was disappointed. Yes, when there was Es DX could be had. However when there was no Es activity was poor.

Vesuvius 2017 - NOT amateur radio

This photo shows a brooding Vesuvius in 2017. We visited Pompeii in 2017. What stuck me most was how similar life was back then. Yes, there were differences, but I did not expect to see takeaway shops for example, nearly 2000 years ago! 

In the mountains - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday we moved from the coast of Montenegro inland to the mountains via long, deep, valleys . 

We also went on Lake Skadar and had lunch on an island. 

OFCOM reminder

Every week OFCOM updates the data it holds on licences. There are several new publications too. See the OFCOM website for more information. 

Where I grew up as a child - NOT amateur radio

Salcombe, where I spent my childhood, is to the left of this photo. 

Sunspots - Saturday September 16th 2023

Solar flux is 139 and the SSN 96. A=7 and K=2.

F2 and 8m

 Last winter my 2.5W 8m FT8 was copied "across the pond" on several occasions. This season should be at least as good. We may even see some E-W F2 openings on 6m FT8. The F2 season should start in earnest in the next few weeks. 

Budva harbour, Montenegro - NOT amateur radio

There is something relaxing about watching boats bobbing up and down in the water. This was yesterday. 

AI (artificial intelligence) - NOT amateur radio

Until this year most would not know what AI meant. In the last 9 months this has changed and most are aware of what it means.

In the next 20 years it could have a profound impact on all of us. 

Sunspots - Friday September 15th 2023

Solar flux is 145 and the SSN 110. A=18 and K=2. 

Rally

 The following rally has been notified to me. Please check details are correct before travelling any distance.

Saturday September 16th - Angel of the North ARC Rally. Bensham Gateshead, NE8 4LH. Contact anarc.club@gmail.com. 

Budva, Montenegro, Statue - NOT amateur radio

 This was seen in Budva this morning. 

Experimentation

One of the aspects of our hobby that I have most enjoyed is experimentation. It doesn't cost much, is fun, and all can do it. 

But who would? - NOT amateur radio

This photo appeared as a FB memory from 2010.

Lunch yesterday - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows where we had lunch yesterday in Montenegro. As I mentioned yesterday, we had a simple lunch with local ham and cheese. 

Sunspots - Thursday September 14th 2023

 Solar flux is 143 and the SSN 109.  A=17 and K=4.

HF conditions

 Now is an excellent time to try HF radio. Sunspots are expected to peak soon, although conditions could be good for several years. In the past I have had excellent results with simple CW QRP rigs although I can recommend the QDX which is a 5W digital only transceiver that is very small and very inexpensive. Expect worldwide results with simple antennas. Mine covers 20 - 10m.

More Montenegro - NOT amateur radio

After a good breakfast we went to Porto Montenegro (Tivat) and then up a torturous mountain road with 25 hairpin bends and some spectacular views. We had a simple lunch in the country with local ham and cheese.