6m QRP FT8 (Saturday)

 My QMX+ was turned on at about 1020z. So far (at 1032z) just  9 English stations spotting me.

UPDATE 1129z:   So far just 15 English and Welsh stations have spotted my 6m QRP FT8.

UPDATE 1404z:  23 stations have spotted me including 2 in France. 

UPDATE 2051z:   QRT. spotted by 25 stations today. See map.

Sunspots - Saturday December 28th

 Solar flux is 259 and the SSN 233. A=4 and K=1.

10m 500mW WSPR (Friday)

My QRP 10m, WSPR beacon has been on since about 1036z, but no spots of me yet.

UPDATE 2125z:  30 stations have spotted me. Now QRT.

6m QRP FT8 (Friday)

My gear was turned on about 1038z. At 1042z 5 English stations spotting me.

UPDATE 2113z:  23 stations in 4 countries have spotted me today. Now QRT.

zBitx

Steve G1KQH has brought my attention to the zBitx from HF signals which is due in February. It has some very impressive features built in.

It looks remarkable value and far less expensive than the IC-705 and probably the FTX-1F.

Yaesu has a real battle on with their new FTX-1F.

Faroe Is - NOT amateur radio

This fabulous photo was recently posted on 365project by a friend who lives in the Faroe Is. The days are short and the nights are long at this time of year.

See https://365project.org/mubbur/365/2024-12-25 

See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faroe_Islands 

Rally on Sunday

 This rally has been reported to me. Check details.

• Sunday December 29th -  Sparkford Radio Rally, near Yeovil, BA22 7QX. Contact m3vhv@hotmail.co.uk.

Christmas rose - NOT amateur radio

 

The rose in the photo is just outside our front door. We usually have several flushes a year from this bush.

Sunspots - Friday December 27th

 Solar flux is 256 and the SSN 211.  A=3 and K=0.

SSTV from the ISS

 Apparently, there will be slow scan TV from the International Space Station over the holiday period until January 5th. I have never tried to receive this from the ISS. Maybe I should try?

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Thursday)

My QRP TX beacon has been on since about 0930z.  Spots so far from Italy and Portugal.

UPDATE 2016z: 30 stations have spotted me. QRT soon.

6m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

 My QMX+ was turned on at about 0930z. So far just English stations spotting me.

UPDATE 2019:  20 stations have spotted me. See map.  QRT soon.

Sunspots - Thursday December 26th

Solar flux is 253 and the SSN 218. A=5 and K=0.

This Christmas - NOT amateur radio

 

Found this earlier. It says it all. 

New QSL card from Antarctica

The operator at the German base in Antarctica has a new QSL card for DP1POL. 

I have been spotted down there on 10m 500mW WSPR,

My last actual SSB QSO was with 10W SSB with a station on the British base in the 1980s. I think they had a big Rhombic antenna if I recall. It was a very solid QSO.

Made in China - NOT amateur radio

We are all guilty.  

My daughter-in-law kindly bought me a bobble hat. A look inside at the label said, "made in China". It seems most things now are made in China!  

In the USA, if they slap a tariff on Chinese imports it is inevitable costs for USA consumers will go up i.e. inflation will increase. 

If we make goods in the USA or Europe it is inevitable inflation will go up.

I have no idea what the answer is.

Merry Christmas - NOT amateur radio

 May I wish everyone a very happy Christmas.  The basic lesson is to share kindness. People appreciate kindness, as do we. 

The most basic message, whatever your beliefs, is sharing kindness is the most powerful thing in humanity. 🎄🎂🧑‍🎄

10m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)

My QMX+ has been on since breakfast.

UPDATE 2000z:  622 stations have spotted me today. See map. In all, QRP 10m FT8 can give worldwide reception. Tomorrow I think I shall go back to 6m FT8.

Proud grandparents - NOT amateur radio

Last night our young granddaughter was performing ballet in front of 2 future kings and many famous people at Westminster Abbey. 

It was recorded a few weeks ago and on UK ITV1 television last night. 

Watch out for YouTube copies.

Sunspots - Wednesday December 25th (Christmas Day)

 Solar flux is 259 and the SSN 219. A=10 and K=3.