8m QRP FT8 (Friday)

My QMX+ at 2W on 40.680 MHz USB was turned on FT8 at about 0945z.

UPDATE 1920z:   Just EA7KBX (1661km) has spotted  me.

630m WSPR RX last evening

5 stations were spotted with the furthermost LA3EQ (769km) in Norway. No further stations were spotted overnight. 

Winter sunshine - NOT amateur radio

 

Yesterday, although it was only about 5 degrees C, was sunny, so we went for a walk at nearby Anglesey Abbey. This is where the photo was taken.

10m QRP WSPR (Friday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon has been on since breakfast.

UPDATE 1404z: 15 stations have spotted me today.

Sunspots - Friday January 31st

 Solar flux is 164 and the SSN 144. A=6 and K=1.

630m WSPR RX overnight?

Once again I may try 630m WSPR RX overnight. It will be interesting to see if any new stations are spotted.

UPDATE 1808z:  My 630m WSPR RX was turned on.  G1GKN (54km) spotted.

“Our” windmill - NOT amateur radio

This was our windmill in the frost a few years ago.  We can see it from the kitchen and lounge.

8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

Despite being on most of the day, nobody spotted me. I shall try again tomorrow.

10m 500mW WSPR (Thursday)

My beacon was turned on at 0914z.

UPDATE 0920z:  No spots.

Thursday plans

 Today I shall go on 10m QRP WSPR and 8m QRP FT8. I also have to mend my 6m antenna coax plug!

481THz beacon

This was the beacon I used on optical frequencies many years ago before my stroke. It was received well over the horizon at many kilometres and was capable of being copied far further. 

I still have it and would love to use it again .

Sunspots - Thursday January 30th

 Solar flux is 173 and the SSN 161. A=7 and K=1.

8m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)

 Turned on the QMX+ at 1350z. No spots of me as of 1424z.

UPDATE 1550z: No spots of me today sadly.

UPDATE 1717z: WW1L (4976km) has copied me.

10m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)

Turned on at 1350z.  Spots from the USA.

UPDATE 1548z:  16 spots of me so far today. Mostly USA.

630m WSPR RX overnight

My 630m "ad hoc" antenna (coax to my 2m big-wheel via ferrite rod ATU) was left on overnight. In all, 5 stations were spotted with the furthermost OH1LSQ (1733km) who was spotted 12 times! It may be "ad hoc", but it very definitely works.

This was originally shown as FT8 spots. Keith (thank you!) pointed out my mistake that I have now corrected!

Sunspots - Wednesday January 29th

 Solar flux is 171 and the SSN 128. A=12 and K=1.

In the shack counting birds! - NOT amateur radio

This was me earlier this week counting birds from the shack window. 

The weather was mixed and windy and there were fewer birds than normal.

Oscar 100 activity

Every few weeks I try to give an update on (in)activity on the narrowband transponder of this geosynchronous satellite. My last peek was shortly after European lunchtime midweek.  

To say activity is almost zero is sad, but true. I appreciate this is just a snapshot, but judging by the levels seen, I suspect this will be the last time we see a geosynchronous amateur radio transponder for very many years. It would not surprise me if this is the last.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/ .

Promise - NOT amateur radio

 This is a trough of snowdrops that are just coming out. 

10m 500mW WSPR (Tuesday)

 My stand-alone 10m WSPR TX beacon has been on since just after breakfast. No spots at1109z.

UPDATE 1325z:  8 spots of me.