Noctilucent clouds

Southgate News reports that noctilucent clouds were spotted over Washington state  on July 4th. For a long time I have had the view that these have something to do with the very long paths from Europe to Japan on 6m. These openings usually happen in June. If any openings are happening I am missing them.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2018/july/night-shining-clouds-sighted-over-the-usa.htm#.W0DolJDTWf0

South Devon - NOT amateur radio

Batson Creek near Salcombe earlier.

Sunspots - Saturday July 7th 2018

Solar flux is 71 today and the SSN 0. A=7  and K=1 .

Licence free microwaves

According to Southgate News OFCOM is to allow licence free use of 55GHz spectrum.

See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-2/fixed-wireless-spectrum-strategy

Sunspots - Friday July 6th 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number 0. A=17 and K=4.

Rallies

Saturday 7 JULY : STOCKPORT RS RALLY

Walthew House, 112 Shaw Heath, Stockport SK2 6SQ. Car parking is available around the venue and a talk-in station will be on the air. Doors open from 10am to 4pm, with disabled visitors gaining access at 9.30am. Entry is £2. There will be trade stands, special interest groups and an RSGB book stall. Contact Nigel Roscoe, G0RXA on 0750 690 4422 or by email to info@g8srs.co.uk.


Saturday 7 JULY : BANGOR + DISTRICT ARS ANNUAL RALLY

Donaghadee Community Centre, Parade, Donaghadee BT21 0HB (100m from harbour). Doors open 11.30am, admission £3. Free car parking, disabled facilities, Harry's RSGB bookstall, traders, Bring & Buy, raffle, refreshments. Harry, GI4JTF, 02890 422 762 www.bdars.com.


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

Canary Wharf - NOT amateur radio

Canary Wharf in east London has grown into a major financial centre with lots of tall skyscrapers as the photo shows.

Sunspots - Thursday July 5th 2018

Solar flux is 68 and the sunspot number still zero. A=5 and K=1.

6m FT8 RX

Today I have again been monitoring 6m FT8 RX. Best DX was PV8DX (7830km) in northern Brazil.

2m Activity Contest (UKAC organised by the RSGB)

Last night, as usual, I went on the 2m UKAC activity contest last night. Best DX (5W to an omni big wheel) was DK0IZ (646km). In all, 11 different stations were worked although I was operating for just 30 minutes. Conditions were up.