Cambridge in winter - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows the Wren library in Cambridge in winter. Brave folks on the punt!

70cm activity contest yesterday

Last evening I took part for about 20 minutes in the 70cm activity contest (UKAC). 

As usual, I was running 10W to my 144MHz big-wheel omni. 

3 stations were worked, with the furthermost a portable in Wales.

Sunspots - Wednesday January 15th

Solar flux is 166 and the SSN 106. A=12 and K=3.

FT8

This digital mode is like the UK yeast spread Marmite in that some love it whereas others hate it. 

Personally, I am somewhat ambivalent. Because of my poor voice following my 2013 stroke WSPR and FT8 get used mostly.  FM and SSB even AM get used as well, but less frequently.

This is an introduction to FT8 for beginners.

The danger with FT8 is people cannot chance upon amateur radio as many of us did.

Winter - NOT amateur radio

 

In many ways I quite like this time of year. Nights start to get shorter and we have spring to look forward to with new life and new hopes.

Nice sunrise - NOT amateur radio

 

We were treated to a lovely sunrise over our Close.

Is this a good omen or bad? 

6m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

My gear (IC-705 and V2000 vertical omni antenna) was turned on at 0845z.  So far (at 0855z) just 3 English spots.

UPDATE 1010z:  So far this morning I have been spotted by 15 stations with the furthermost HB9SHD (780km).

UPDATE 1127z: 19 stations spotting me. See map.

UPDATE 1853z:  Spotted by 57 stations. QRT soon.

10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

 My 500mW beacon was turned on at 0844z.

UPDATE 1925z:  25 stations have spotted me with the furthermost ZD7GB (7607km).

Amaryllis forest - NOT amateur radio

We have several amaryllis plants on the point of flowering. 

We put a new one out yesterday (front right) that looks like it has buds.

Sunspots - Tuesday January 14th

 Solar flux is 160 and the SSN 100. A=11 and K=2.

Nearly out - NOT amateur radio

We have several amaryllis plants on the go. 

This one looks on the point of coming out within the next week. They are great fun.

6m QRP FT8 (Monday)

My IC-705 was turned on just after lunch. 

UPDATE 1825z:  35 stations have spotted my QRP 6m FT8. QRT.

10m QRP WSPR (Monday)

My 500mW stand-alone 10m WSPR beacon was turned on late morning.

UPDATE 1825z:  22 spots so far today. QRT.

Monday plans

 At the moment I propose to try 6m QRP with the IC-705 and 10m 500mW WPSR TX with the stand-alone beacon. 8m has been a bit disappointing over the weekend. At least on 6m FT8 there are English spots.

Trinity Great Court, Cambridge, UK - NOT amateur radio

This is where the Trinity Great Court run is held. Of all the Cambridge University colleges, I believe Trinity is most endowed.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Court,_Trinity_College,_Cambridge .

Sunspots - Monday January 13th

  Solar flux is 158 and the SSN 99.  A=6 and K=2.

Greenland capital - NOT amateur radio

It has been pointed out to me that the capital of Greenland is called Nuuk.

Of late, the US president-elect has shown an interest in buying Greenland. No doubt, its strategic importance between the USA and Russia and the easier accessibility of its vast resources has not gone unnoticed.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenland .

Rip off?

One big UK dealer is asking for £274.99 for an ECO Worthy 100Ah LiFePO4 battery with charger. The same battery from Amazon (without charger) can be bought for £169.99.

Hmm.

Frosty cobweb - NOT amateur radio

 

Last night it was again cold and frosty here. 

At breakfast, we noticed this cobweb covered in frost just outside the kitchen window.

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

 My QMX+ was turned on 8m FT8 just before 1000z. No spots yet.

UPDATE  1955z:   No spots all day. QRT.