6m FT8

In the last 3 hours, 41 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX, many by Es. Best DX spotted on 6m FT8 RX was TA7OM (3092km).  My own CQ call earlier (2.5W)  was spotted by 7 G stations.

UPDATE 1106z: Now 130 stations in 19 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX this morning as the map shows.

Stations spotted here on 6m 

FT8 RX to 1555z

UPDATE 1347z: Now 249 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX today with best DX spotted EK7DX (3590km).

UPDATE 1856z: Now 323 different stations spotted in the last day on 6m FT8 RX so far with best DX ZF1EJ (7761km) in the Cayman Is, Caribbean. Another good 6m day.  On a good Es day 6m can look like 20m.

Sunspots - Saturday June 15th 2019

Another spotless day.

Solar flus is 68 and the SSN 0. A=10 and K=3. Unless things dramatically change, we are still on the downwards slope I think.

Gilbert and Sullivan

For those outside the UK, Gilbert and Sullivan created some famous comic operas in the late 19th century. A local village puts on a G&S production in a barn every year. It is invariably good. This year they did "The Grand Duke" a work I was not familiar with.

Oranges - NOT amateur radio

As some may recall, we went to Portugal last month. One of the joys was seeing oranges and lemons growing on trees. These, which may have been on before, were in Obidos.  As it has been raining in much of the UK for the last week, it helps to cheer us up!

Lime SDR and Oscar 100

Southgate News reports on the use of a Lime SDR as the basis for an Oscar 100 ground station.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/june/limesdr-mini-satellite-ground-station.htm#.XQNaGPZFy00

Sunspots - Friday June 14th 2019

Solar flux is 69 and the sunspot number still zero. This is, I think, the longest spotless period this minimum. A=7 and K=1.

Good night on 6m FT8 RX

The last 24 hours were the best (for me) this season with lots of EU stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX by Es. As well as these, 2 Caribbean stations and 6 North Americans were logged on 6m FT8 RX with just the V2000 omni vertical (see map of stations logged on 6m FT8 RX in the last day). In all 246 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX in the last day.

UPDATE 0948z: 14 EU stations so far spotted on 6m FT8 RX in the last 3 hours, many Es.

UPDATE 1712z: 58 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX in the last 12 hours.

6m FT8 RX spots here overnight

Sibling reunion - NOT amateur radio

Another picture from our recent sibling reunion in Cheshire. This was a meal out in Knutsford. As mentioned yesterday, we have these get-togethers every year taking it in turns to act as hosts.

Rallies

Saturday 15 JUNE : ROCHDALE AND DISTRICT ARS SUMMER RALLY

Proceeds from this rally ensure the continued operation of DMR repeater GB7MR. St Vincent de Paul's, Caldershaw Road, off Edenfield Road (A680), Norden, Rochdale OL12 7QR. Doors open to the public at 10.15am with disabled visitors gaining access 15 minutes earlier. Admission is £2.50 with those under 12 years free. £5 per pitch (for traders with own tables) or £10 for a pitch with table provided. Refreshments available including bacon and sausage butties. Further details: Robert, M0NVQ m0nvq@outlook.com or 07778113333.


Sunday 16 JUNE : 16th WEST OF ENGLAND RADIO RALLY

Cheese & Grain venue, Market Yard, Bridge Street, Frome, Somerset BA11 1BE. Doors open 10am to 2pm. The event will feature inside & outside trade stands, RSGB book stall, cafe, disabled access & facilities, car parking. Further information from Shaun, G8VPG, on 01225 873 098, or email: rallymanager@westrally.org.uk www.westrally.org.uk.


Sunday 16 JUNE : SCOTTISH AMATEUR RADIO AND ELECTRONICS RALLY

INTU Braehead Centre, Glasgow. Doors open at 10 a.m. There are Traders, Radio Clubs and a Bring & Buy. Areas for clubs to operate from and talks and presentations will be running throughout the day. On-line exams are also available subject to prior notification. Refreshments and disabled facilities are available on-site. Contact info@asrarally.com or visit the website at www.asrarally.com. For more information call Tony Miles on 07702 134 188.

6m FT8 - Es!

Although I have only been on for about 20 minutes I am already getting Es reports from Portugal despite running 2.5W to an omni vertical antenna. On 6m FT8 RX 41 stations in 17 countries already logged from all across Europe. No "real DX" here though.

UPDATE 1227z:  137 stations already spotted on 6m FT8 RX including 2 Caribbean stations

UPDATE 1956z: Now 239 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX in the last 12 hours.

UPDATE 2147z: KD3CQ (5919km) in Maryland and VZ2ZM (4445km) in Price Edward Is. now coming through.

472kHz WSPR overnight

The phrase must be, "not quite dead yet". Overnight I remained on 472kHz WSPR with 10mW ERP. There are now far fewer stations active, but the band is still producing results.

472kHz WSPR here overnight

Sunspots - Thursday June 13th 2019

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 0 still. A=7 and K=1.

Sibling reunion

Every year my wife gets together with her brothers for a few nights. We have been doing this (with spouses) now for 17 years. We take it in turns to act as hosts. This year we were in Goostrey in Cheshire. Apart from the rain, we had a great time again. It is good to get together for occasions other than funerals! Next year it is our turn.

472kHz WSPR

After a couple of nights at a sibling reunion in Cheshire, I am now home again. I decided to give 472kHz WSPR a try again. Already 2 stations have spotted my 10mW ERP with the best being a report by G4ZFQ (203km).

OFCOM and 5G

OFCOM has announced moves to defragment 3.6GHz spectrum for 5G.

Real DX on 2m FT8

Southgate News reports on Es between the Cape Verde Islands and Austria on 2m FT8 over a distance of 5102km.

Sunspots - Wednesday June 12th 2019

Solar flux is 68 today and the SSN is 0 still. A=3 and K=1.

Noctilucent Clouds

Southgate News passes on a Spaceweather report that noctilucent cloud formations are probably the best for years. Just about every June the path from Europe to Japan opens briefly on 6m VHF. This is thought linked to ionised mesospheric clouds. The openings are usually short lived and weak, but regular. The image is by creative commons user Novokaiin.

See http://southgatearc.org/clouds.htm#.XP4F7PZFy00

See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/noctilucent

See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noctilucent_cloud

6m FT8 RX

At the moment just G and nearer Europeans being spotted. These could be tropo and almost certainly not Es.

Sunspots - Monday June 10th 2019

Still spotless.

Solar flux is 68 and the sunspot number 0. A=6 and K=1.

x80 antenna

A few days ago I mentioned that my HF antenna (a Par end-fed) had blown down. Sadly these days I need help with antennas as my ladder skills (even on to a flat garage roof) are probably beyond me safely.

In the garage I have an almost mint x80 antenna fed with a 9:1 un-un. Reports of these vary with some saying they can break in winds. For now, when I have got a suitable support, I shall probably erect one as it should give reasonable performance on the higher HF bands. At the old QTH, albeit higher, it worked quite well.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/x80

That solar minimum - or is it?

We have had several weeks now with no sunspots. As I mentioned before the "experts" seem divided about when the solar minimum will be. One forecast thinks we have already passed the minimum whereas another thinks we have several years to go still! Only time will tell. In another year we will be able to discern a trend. Luckily bands like 10m are being livened up with Es propagation.

Frustration - NOT amateur radio

"Mustn't grumble".

Since my 2013 stroke physically most people think I am fully recovered. On the whole this is a good thing and I am grateful: things could have been so much worse. My main disabilities are my poor voice and feeling giddy all the time when on my feet.

The poor voice is a real drawback. Often I have to repeat myself several times and this is exhausting. I get really frustrated when I need to explain myself, but know the energy to be expended is too much. In casual conversations it is easier to remain quiet. I miss just joining in to casual chats.

What few understand is how much energy I use just to appear normal. Walking and driving are exhausting. To most I look just fine, yet I am clumsy and nearly always exhausted. Life is tougher than it once was, but "mustn't grumble".

As I have said before, do not judge a book by its cover. Often people who look or behave "normally" may be suffering in silence.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/stroke

6m FT8

There is Es about already on 6m FT8 RX with 10 stations spotted including 2 from Spain even though it is just 0820z. Yesterday there were loads of stations on 6m FT8, although nothing exotic.

UPDATE 1620z: Now 56 stations in 12 countries on 6m FT8 RX today.  At the moment things don't look as good as yesterday on 6m.

UPDATE 1646z:  Now 81 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX with CU3AK (2585km) in the Azores spotted just now.

UPDATE 1825z: "Real 6m DX!!" with KP4EIT (6834km) in Puerto Rico copied. As he has been

6m FT8 RX spots this here to 1825z

widely reported in North America and Europe I am pretty sure he is genuine. Also spotted was Israel and right across Europe on 6m FT8 RX with 135 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX so far today.

UPDATE 1945z: Now 147 stations in 30 countries on 6m FT8 RX. It seems it has got better later in the day.

UPDATE 2010z: Now FG8OJ (6834km) on Guadaloupe coming through on 6m FT8 RX. This is the second Caribbean station spotted on 6m this evening. 149 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX today so far.

UPDATE 2053z: Now 4 Caribbean stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX this evening. 153 stations now spotted.

Sunspots - Sunday June 9th 2019

Solar flux is 68 and the SSN still zero. A=18 and K=4.

Angry sky

Today is our church fete. Traditionally, it never rained on this June Saturday, so much so that people used to ring up the vicar and ask him the date of the church fete and book that day for a wedding!

In recent years we have had a few wet days and today they had most of the stalls inside the church.

The rain held off, but the sky looked angry. The photos show an angry sky behind my antennas (V2000 vertical omni and 2m big-wheel horizontal omni).

6m FT8

Although it is only 1001z, already good Es on 6m FT8 with  43 stations in 14 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1212z: Now 78 stations in 23 countries so far today on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1438z: Now 174 stations spotted including Egypt and Israel on 6m FT8 RX today.

Stations spotted today on 

6m FT8 RX to 1448z

UPDATE 1453z: Current total is 180 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX today. With loads of Europeans and 3 continents logged on 6m today things are pretty good. Just need some "real DX" to round things off. 😏

UPDATE 1920z: 218 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX. Still no "real DX" spotted here.

Sunspots - Saturday June 8th 2019

Still the pits I am afraid.

Solar flux is 68 and the sunspot number still 0. A=4 and K=1.

Storms moving our way?

At the moment we are storm free, but it looks like there are storms moving up from the west of the UK. They may miss us by miles, but I have turned things off and unplugged things as a precaution.

See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?bo_page=map&bo_showmap=6

HF antenna

A few weeks ago my HF wire antenna fell down. At some point soon I need to re-erect it or a suitable alternative. There are several possibilities. Unfortunately, since my 2013 stroke I am always giddy on my feet, so even climbing a few feet up a ladder to my flat garage roof is now a real challenge. Darn!

UK pound against the euro - NOT amateur radio

We live in turbulent economic times. In recent weeks the UK pound has lost value against the euro and could lose more the longer the BREXIT uncertainty continues. It is hard to predict the future.

Buying a new radio

For some time now, I have been thinking of investing in a new radio. I was really after a real FT817 replacement (not the FT818) with a built-in auto ATU, speech processor and better batteries amongst other things. Sadly no such rig was announced at Dayton, so it is on to plan B.

Several rigs are being considered:

• FT991A - includes 2m and 70cm, temperature controlled fan, 3:1 internal ATU.
• IC7300 - probably best radio in price range. Has 4m, but not 2m and 70cm. SDR based. Good ATU inside.
• FT891 -  small, inexpensive. No 4m, 2m or 70cm. No ATU.
• FT450D - old radio. Inexpensive. Internal 3:1 ATU. No 4m, 2m, 70cm.
• IC7100 - recommended by friend. Remote head if need be.

In the UK Elecraft radios are expensive once things like the internal ATU are added. These are good.

All new Yaesu transceivers have a 3 year warranty and some models have a cash-back deal. At the moment I am leaning towards the FT991A, although there are some reports of poor TX phase noise. As I shall be operating QRP mainly, I have no idea if this is better at lower power.

Anglesey Abbey - NOT amateur radio

We go to nearby Anglesey Abbey quite often. It is about 4-5 miles away. At the moment the flowers in the herbaceous borders are at their best.

A walk around the grounds is about 1.2 miles. The photo shows some of the pastel coloured flowers.

UK politics - NOT amateur radio

The UK Labour Party managed to win a byelection in Peterborough. It already held the seat.

At the moment UK politics is in a right mess. I cannot foresee the future and have no idea about how the BREXIT "thing" will be resolved. Clearly, a large number of people are fed up with the EU. Equally, quite a large minority see what the EU can do for us. If only the EU had been more flexible.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-48532869

6m FT8

So far this morning 7 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX with best DX DM2DXA (892km).

UPDATE 1022z:  Now 25 stations in 7 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX today. Evidence of Es again.

UPDATE 1144z: Now 32 stations in 7 countries spotted this morning on 6m FT8 RX.
.
UPDATE 1347z: Now 44 stations in 10 countries spotted on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1543z: 60 stations in 15 countries so far spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1902z: 70 stations in 15 countries spotted in the last day on 6m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1940z: Now QRT.

Sunspots - Friday June 7th 2019

Solar flux is 68 and the sun is still spotless. By now I was hoping we'd see a few sunspots. A=3 and K=1.

Rallies

Sunday 9 JUNE : JUNCTION 28 RADIO RALLY

Alfreton Leisure Centre, Alfreton, Derbyshire. Doors open 10.15am (traders' setup from 7.30am). Admission £3. Run by South Normanton & Alfreton & District ARC. There will be full disabled facilities and a bar selling alcoholic, hot and cold beverages, and a selection of cobs on the day. Hot food also available in the on-site café. Free parking on the day. Over 100 tables all indoors with dealers & private traders, RSGB, local & national clubs. New rigs and accessories to vintage, spares and components. For further details contact Alan Jones, snadarcsec@gmail.com or 01332 679 913.


Sunday 9 JUNE : EAST SUFFOLK WIRELESS REVIVAL (Ipswich Radio Rally)

Kirton Recreation Ground, Back Road, Kirton IP10 0PW (just off the A14). Doors open at 9.30am and the entry fee for visitors is £2. The venue has free car parking. Trade tables are from £10. There will be trade stands, a car boot sale, a Bring & Buy, special interests groups, GB4SWR HF station and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site. Contact Kevin G8MXV, 07710 046 846. www.eswr.org.uk.

Amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

Some time ago our French daughter-in-law gave us a bulb. We planted it in the garden and forgot about it.

Today it is in full flower and looking splendid. It was recently moved onto our patio by a friend (Richard) who looked after some plants when we were on holiday. According to the RHS website we have been using the wrong name! These are magical plants with huge flowers. You can almost see them growing.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaryllis

OFCOM chief executive to stand down

No, I did not know who she was either.

Apparently the current chief executive of OFCOM is to leave for a job with John Lewis and Partners. I am sure she will be greatly missed.

See https://ofcom.cmail20.com/t/ViewEmail/i/E4E859444D2787B12540EF23F30FEDED/952AB8F022CBFC94BA4AF9908B8D85ED

6m FT8

At the moment there is good Es on 6m, even though it is only 0832z. In all, 22 stations have been spotted already and even my 2.5W CQ call was spotted by a couple of stations with M0CGL (107km) being the best so far. On RX, the best DX is Portugal.

UPDATE 0930z: Already 47 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX with best DX EA8DBM (3016km).

UPDATE 1458z: Now 133 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX with best DX being 9K2HS (4634km) in Kuwait.

UPDATE 1905z: Now 167 stations spotted today on 6m FT8 RX.