10m 2W FT8 (Thursday)

At about 1600z I QSYed to 10m FT8 from 8m. 

UPDATE  2105z: So far, 144 stations have spotted me. See map.

UPDATE 2139z: QRT. In the end 146 stations spotted me.

8m FT8 RX (Thursday)

 My gear was turned on at about 0920z.

UPDATE 1523:   No spots.

Sunspots - Thursday November 27th

 Solar flux is 120 and the SSN 85. A=23 and K=3.

Thursday plans

 Probably more 8m FT8 receive again. Yesterday was disappointing with nobody spotted .

Memories?

If you live in the UK I wonder if you remember the French onion men?  They were quite common in the 1950s.  

They came across from France and travelled across England with onions strung over their shoulders. These onions in a UK supermarket reminded me of them.

8m FT8 RX (Wednesday)

 Since lunchtime I have been on 8m FT8 RX.

 UPDATE 1512z:  No spots.

Ely in the sunshine

 This was Ely this morning.

Brunch

This was some time ago when we went out for brunch with our son.

Sunspots - Wednesday November 26th

 Solar flux is 120 and the SSN 99.  A=26 and K=3.

Wednesday plans

 Probably stick with 8m FT8 receive today. Spots are far fewer than on 6m, but already 3 countries spotted.

Margaret are you grieving?

Today we heard the very sad news that my wife's brother has died. He was in hospital and was in pain. In the end he just slipped away.

At one time it was our parents dying. Now it is those of our generation who are passing away.

I am reminded of this poem by Gerard Mandley Hopkins.

"Márgarét, áre you gríeving......"

Faroe Islands

A friend of mine on 365project (one photo a day and no connection with Microsoft 365) lives in the Faroe Islands and posts some amazing scenes. At this time of year it must be dark for a lot of the time. At my age I doubt very much I shall get there, but I enjoy the photos.

Black Friday sceptic

In recent years we appear to have adopted this American sales date in the UK.  I cannot speak for the rest of Europe. Like Halloween, which was nothing years ago in the UK, this has grown enormously.

The common factor is commercialism. Anything that can help retailers make a profit must now be exploited. Research has shown that retailers often raise prices in the months before Black Friday so we think we are getting a real bargain in the Black Friday sales. I expect there are some exceptions, but do not be fooled. This is ultimately about making profits over a longer period and selling more Black Friday and Halloween merchandise.

As a child I had never heard about Halloween "trick or treat". In my view both Black Friday and making profits from Halloween both stink.

Reconsidering 8m TX permit

 At the moment, I am undecided about submitting a new application for an 8m TX permit. I am unlikely ever to need modes except FT8, WSPR and CW and unlikely to need much power.  I really just need 40.680-40.683MHz.

The best time would be to get active around February to catch any F2 and then the Es in the spring and summer. Also I might catch some F2 in autumn 2026.

I enjoy experimenting, but don't like the idea of paying.  Maybe just one year? Thinking!

8m FT8 RX again (Tuesday)

 Yet again, I am trying 8m FT8 RX on 40.680 MHz.

UPDATE  1158z:   G8VER (66km) and CT7BIZ (1422km) spotted on 8m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 2016z:   QRT.

Sunspots - Tuesday November 25

Solar  flux is 116 and the SSN 99. A=22 and K=4.

Times Radio on YouTube

Personally, I find the interviews on Times Radio very informative. I aiways advice seeking your news from many sources to avoid bias.

How small can you go?

 This is a video about making a really tiny Pixie transceiver and some portable antennas.

Not been on TX today

As today was a family birthday, I was not at home much of the day. Instead, I stayed on 8m FT8 RX all day.  I should be on TX on Tuesday.

8m FT8 RX (Monday)

My gear was turned on at 1030z.

UPDATE 1812z:  EA1YV (1321km) spotted.