6m FT8

Since about 1355z I have been on 6m FT8 with the 10W and the V2000 vertical omni antenna. It is now 1405z.  So far, I have been spotted by  just a couple of UK stations and no QSOs.

UPDATE 2030z:  QRT. On TX 15 stations spotted me (no QSOs) and on RX 30 stations spotted.

With the Kent grandchildren - NOT amateur radio

This photo shows us with the Kent grandchildren yesterday.

Kingfisher Bridge nature reserve - NOT amateur radio

This morning we went for a walk around Kingfisher Bridge nature reserve. They have introduced water buffalo which are natives of Africa.

VLF tests in Devon

A couple of stations in South Devon, G3WCB and G4IUG are doing some tests with sub-10kHz transmissions with earth-electrodes. They can use high power and GPS lock. So far they have covered 1km with Hellschreiber. They can cover far further. It would not surprise me if they were spotted by Paul Nicholson in Yorkshire as long as they can send a long stable signal that can be integrated. This may need days of integration.

See https://sites.google.com/site/sub9khz/news20 for more information.

Sunspots - Wednesday July 22nd 2020

Solar flux is 70 and the SSN 11. A=4 and K=1. Sunspots return!

Younger son with his daughter - NOT amateur radio

Our younger son with his daughter yesterday. I am in the background.

More grandchildren - NOT amateur radio

We have more grandchildren staying with us. The house is chaos! We love seeing them but how can they make such a mess? :-)

6m FT8

At about 0700z my 6m FT8 gear was turned on. As usual I was running 10W to the V2000 vertical omni antenna. It is now 0824z. On TX I have been spotted by 20 stations so far.

Visit to the bakers

Early every Tuesday I make a trip to the local bakers. Usually I am there just as they open. It is well stocked, but very quiet at that time. Later this week face coverings become mandated in all English shops. The photo shows the last shop before the new rules come into effect.

Sunspots - Tuesday July 21st 2020

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K=1.

Tokyo Ham Fair cancelled

Southgate News reports that the Tokyo Ham Fair that starts at the end of October has been cancelled. You may recall that the IC-705 was first announced there last year. Many manufacturers must miss this showcase. Maybe they will make announcements online instead?

Coronavirus good news - NOT amateur radio

The BBC reports that the Oxford vaccine to fight Covid-19 is showing promise. Early days but promising. There is also some good news about a drug treatment. We deserve a break.

6m FT8

A few moments ago I turned on the 6m FT8 kit. As usual running 10W to the V2000 vertical omni antenna. It is now 0955z and 10 stations have spotted me today so far.

UPDATE 1100z: So far today 33 spots of me.

UPDATE 1816z: 60 spots of me so far today.

8m band

It was reported that the Eire 40MHz beacon has been copied in Austria. I have no idea if a crossband QSO followed. Some stations have been granted special permission to operate on 8m.

Garden tea again - NOT amateur radio

For the second time we managed tea in the garden. Weather was fine on the whole as the photo shows. This is some of our family.

Sunspots - Monday July 20th 2020

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K=1.

Bird count - NOT amateur radio

Every month my brother does part of the bird count on the Kingsbridge Estuary in Devon. This photo shows Blanksmill Creek earlier. Looks a bit overcast.

6m FT8 today

Since about 1025z I have been on 6m FT8 with 10W and the V2000 vertical omni.

UPDATE 1045z:  Spotted by 20 stations so far today.

Stations spotted
so far today

UPDATE 1707z: The map shows the stations spotted by me so far today - 77. All within Europe apart from the Canary Islands.

UPDATE 2005z:  QRT. I expect the main Es season will be ending soon, although with FT8 I am sure we will see some Es until much later. I recall on SSB QRP 6m working SMs way into September, so with FT8 we can expect this at least. If people stick with 6m FT8, it would not surprise me if we see some Es every day at some point. OK, I suspect the days with widespread openings will end, but some brief openings are still likely.

Breakfast chat - NOT amateur radio

The was one of our grandchildren chatting to my wife at the breakfast table earlier.

Yesterday's party - NOT amateur radio

The collage shows more views of our party on the green near us yesterday.