As the DX on 10m seems to have stopped some hours ago, I QSYed to 6m MSK144 RX. So far I have only spotted PA5Y (384km). I assume this was by aircraft reflection.
Overnight I expect to remain on 6m MSK144 RX.
UPDATE 2200z: OZ1PIF (850km) has just been spotted on 6m MSK144.
25 Feb 2017
IC7300 Brochure and News
There are details on the ICOM, UK site about the IC7300. It is my view this radio is overpriced and I expect the price to be slashed later.
I think it will be head-to-head against the Yaesu FT991A and the IC7300 could easily be sub-£1000 in the UK because of its architecture. If the FT891A is retailing at £699 in the UK, then the IC7300 can be less expensive. I know they are very different radios, but the dealers charge what people are prepared to pay. Too many are prepared to pay inflated prices.
See http://www.icomuk.co.uk/IC-7300/Amateur_Radio_Ham_Base_Stations .
I think it will be head-to-head against the Yaesu FT991A and the IC7300 could easily be sub-£1000 in the UK because of its architecture. If the FT891A is retailing at £699 in the UK, then the IC7300 can be less expensive. I know they are very different radios, but the dealers charge what people are prepared to pay. Too many are prepared to pay inflated prices.
See http://www.icomuk.co.uk/IC-7300/Amateur_Radio_Ham_Base_Stations .
Now on 10m JT65
Since about 1045z, I have QSYed to 10m JT65 hoping to catch some N-S DX. Yesterday was quite good on 10m with South America coming through even with my poor antenna. Today could be as good.
At this point in the solar cycle we get openings less often, but they still occur. I know one Danish station who has been spotting an Australian station regularly on 10m WSPR. Although JT65 is theoretically a few dB worse than WSPR, there seems to be more activity on that mode.
UPDATE 1428z: LU8DIO (11228km) has been spotted on 10m JT65.
UPDATE 1510z: Now PY2FA (9580km) spotted. This is starting to look like last autumn! There are other stations in South America who were not being uploaded to PSK Reporter Maps, probably because I lost internet connection?
UPDATE 1555z: 2E0CIT (94km) spotted.
At this point in the solar cycle we get openings less often, but they still occur. I know one Danish station who has been spotting an Australian station regularly on 10m WSPR. Although JT65 is theoretically a few dB worse than WSPR, there seems to be more activity on that mode.
UPDATE 1428z: LU8DIO (11228km) has been spotted on 10m JT65.
UPDATE 1510z: Now PY2FA (9580km) spotted. This is starting to look like last autumn! There are other stations in South America who were not being uploaded to PSK Reporter Maps, probably because I lost internet connection?
UPDATE 1555z: 2E0CIT (94km) spotted.
Sunspots and 10m - Saturday February 25th 2017
Solar flux is 82 today and the sunspot number is 27 (rising). A=20 and K=2. 10m could be reasonable for DX again today. Definitely worth me QSYing to 10m JT65 soon.
15th country on 6m MSK144 RX
EA2ARD (1010km) was copied earlier on 6m MSK144 calling CQ, making my 15th country spotted on 6m MSK144. This is an impressive mode bringing most of Europe in range at any part of the sunspot cycle and any time of the year.
Several other countries have also been spotted on 6m MSK144 today.
UPDATE 1040z: about to QSY to 10m JT65 transceive (2W).
Several other countries have also been spotted on 6m MSK144 today.
UPDATE 1040z: about to QSY to 10m JT65 transceive (2W).
24 Feb 2017
Now on MSK144 RX
Just a few minutes ago I QSYed to 6m MSK144 RX. As yet, no spots. The RX will be running overnight.
UPDATE 2235z: No spots yet on 6m.
UPDATE 2235z: No spots yet on 6m.
Landwade walk - NOT amateur radio
Rallies (Australia and UK)
FEBRUARY 26th 2017 : CENTRAL COAST AMATEUR RADIO CLUB RALLY
Wyong Racecourse, Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259, Australia.
Billed as the largest event in Australia. More information at www.ccarc.org.au
FEBRUARY 26th 2017 : PENCOED AMATEUR RADIO CLUB TABLE TOP SALE
Pencoed Rugby Football Club, The Verlands, Felindre Road, Pencoed. CF35 5PB Tables will be £10 each (first come first served). Doors open at 8am for sellers and the setting up of tables. Buyers will be allowed in when the doors open at 9.30am. Entry fee £2. Hot food will be available in the morning and at lunch time. Hot and cold drinks will be available from the bar (non alcoholic drinks till lunch time). Table bookings through Madeline Roberts Tel. 01639 767056/0773 837 5775.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Wyong Racecourse, Howarth St, Wyong NSW 2259, Australia.
Billed as the largest event in Australia. More information at www.ccarc.org.au
FEBRUARY 26th 2017 : PENCOED AMATEUR RADIO CLUB TABLE TOP SALE
Pencoed Rugby Football Club, The Verlands, Felindre Road, Pencoed. CF35 5PB Tables will be £10 each (first come first served). Doors open at 8am for sellers and the setting up of tables. Buyers will be allowed in when the doors open at 9.30am. Entry fee £2. Hot food will be available in the morning and at lunch time. Hot and cold drinks will be available from the bar (non alcoholic drinks till lunch time). Table bookings through Madeline Roberts Tel. 01639 767056/0773 837 5775.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
10m JT65
Since about 1012z, I have been active on 10m JT65 hoping for some activity. Solar flux is in the mid 80s, so 10m could be quite reasonable.
UPDATE 1405z: EB8RO (2888km) has exchanged spots with me. I assume this is F2.
UPDATE 1530z: LU6DAX (11594km) in Argentina spotted on 10m JT65. This band is definitely waking up.
UPDATE 1906z: Now going QRT on 10m JT65 and QSYing to 6m MSK144 RX.
UPDATE 1405z: EB8RO (2888km) has exchanged spots with me. I assume this is F2.
UPDATE 1530z: LU6DAX (11594km) in Argentina spotted on 10m JT65. This band is definitely waking up.
UPDATE 1906z: Now going QRT on 10m JT65 and QSYing to 6m MSK144 RX.
2m WSPR overnight
Sadly, nothing at all on 2m WSPR on RX or TX. I was on overnight but will soon QSY to 10m JT65 transceiver I think.
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