6m FT8 RX Es

6m FT8 RX at 0902z today

Since breakfast, I have been monitoring 6m FT8. There is clear evidence of Es, especially from Spain, but all over.

Best RX DX is EA8YV (2983km). in the Canary Is.

UPDATE 0902z: Already 60 unique stations spotted in 14 countries spotted today on 6m FT8!

UPDATE 1424z: 112 uniques in 15 countries so far today on 6m FT8. Quite amazing.

UPDATE 1915z: Best DX today on 6m FT8 is EA8JK (3022km).

Little Egrets - NOT amateur radio

Until the late 1980s little egrets (a sort of heron) were rare in England. With climate change (please tell Mr Chump) their range has extended further north and they are now quite common here.

My guess is cattle egrets will be next.

This little egret was spotted in Devon, although I have seen one fly over my house here in East Anglia. 30 years ago, such a sight would have seemed impossible.

Sunspots - Sunday May 13th 2018

Solar flux is 69 and the sunspot number 11. A=12 and K=4.

At least Es is now good!

MLS weekend deals

Most weekends MLS has special offers and this weekend is no exception. They have, I see, a dual band 6m/4m Moxon beam.

See https://www.hamradio.co.uk

6m FT8

After a brief period on 10m FT8 (lots of Es from Europe), I have switched to 6m FT8 RX. Best DX spotted is SV1DH (2430km) near Athens, Greece. He was calling CQ NA. At first I was on the 10m antenna! Now I am using the V2000 vertical.

UPDATE 1605z: 7 unique stations in 4 countries spotted so far on 6m FT8.

UPDATE 1804z: Now 60 unique stations in 12 countries with best DX 4Z5ML (3566km) in Israel.

UPDATE 1958z: although not the greatest distance S01WS (3043km) in Western Sahara must be the most interesting. At -4dB S/N this station was strong. 3 continents on 6m (VHF) FT8 today with just my V2000 vertical. Magic band!

QRPclub newsletter

This just came in from Oleg:

"Dear Club 72 members and friends,
keep  your attention and have enjoy reading new issue of the Reporter
"QRP Vestnik" # 6 (May 2018) - FREE of course :-)
To download file visit Club 72 page or direct link -
http://club72.su/vestnik/qv6.pdf
Size 500 kB, 2 pages
Use Google or other translator to read Russian text, please.
Thanks Igor R2AJA for assistance!
My mailbox open for any feedback, also for articles, news, pics etc...

72! Oleg "Mr. 72" RX3G

This is a periodic Newsletter of the Club 72. Don't reply to Newsletter address! Send any requests or news to mr72@club72.su please."

Where we stayed in S.Devon - NOT amateur radio

As mentioned earlier, we have now got back from our break in Devon. This is a video reminder.

Rally in N.Ireland

13 MAY 2018 : LOUGH ERNE AMATEUR RADIO RALLY

Share Centre, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh BT92 0EQ,. Access M1, A5 & A4 (NI), M/N3 (RoI ). Doors open at 11.30am. David, GI4VHO, 078-4291-0076, calderwood110@btinternet.com www.learc.eu.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Sunspots - Saturday May 12th 2018

Solar flux is 70 today and the sunspot number is 11. A=12 and K=4.

Back from holiday - NOT amateur radio

You may have guessed that we have been away for about 9 days. We are now safely home again.