2m activity contest (UKAC)

The May leg of the RSGB organised activity contest on 2m is tonight starting at 1900z. Activity levels are usually good with portables on hilltops. 

It lasts (I think) for 2.5  hours although with my QRP, omni antenna and poor voice I am usually on less than an hour. 

This really does not feel like a contest. It is more a way to stimulate activity and work squares.

Lichfield - NOT amateur radio

This is where my brother-in-law lives. It is classed as a city but feels more like a town. It has a fine cathedral and mill pond. 

Sunspots - Tuesday May 2nd 2023

 Solar flux is 148 and the SSN 87.  A=10 and K=3. 

Local UK elections - NOT amateur radio

This Thursday, many in the UK vote in local elections. 

Admittedly, some enter politics for selfish reasons, but I would like to believe that most do so from a wish that they can do some good. For the first time, voter ID is needed. This may put off some less affluent voters. 

Whatever your political affiliation please use your vote. I have known some good and honest people in all political colours. Use your democratic right. 

8m band experiments

Later this week I expect to resume 8m experiments. 

After about 3 weeks I am still awaiting a response from OFCOM about changes to power levels. This is after several chases too. They obviously treat this as a really high priority!! 

Perhaps I should just run 10kW and a 10 el yagi?? 

OFCOM = OFfice for Comatose Old Men?

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/8m-band. 

Solar Maximum - cycle 25

The site below was updated yesterday. The forecast peak of solar cycle 25 has now been pushed back a month to December this year. We can expect conditions to be good for a few years.

See https://www.solen.info/solar/ .

Stubborn - NOT amateur radio

This plant was dead, so I thought I would just dig it up. Two days later, yes two days, I eventually got it up. Whenever I thought I was there, I found yet more deep thick roots! I have never, ever struggled so hard.

10m FT8 QRP (Monday)

Shortly, I shall turn on my QRP FT8 using the QDX transceiver.

UPDATE 1058z:  9 spots of my QRP FT8 today.

UPDATE 1739z:  20 stations have spotted me today.

Reach Fair - NOT amateur radio

There has been a fair here since the 1200s when King John gave it a charter. It will have changed a bit over the centuries, but it is great to think people have walked to it for centuries. It is on  today and traditionally opened by the Mayor of Cambridge. 

Sunspots - Monday May 1st 2023

Solar flux is 154 and the SSN 105.  A=10 and K=2.