Salcombe, Devon - NOT amateur radio

Several times before, I have mentioned that I spent my early childhood in Salcombe, Devon, UK. 

At the time it was just home. We just took it all for granted.

I think it now has the most expensive homes in the UK.  It is now dominated by second homes owned by the yachting crowd and rich bankers.

Times change: centuries back it was a ship building place and before that a home of smugglers.

Possible SPRAT article?

This morning I  submitted another short article for possible inclusion in SPRAT magazine.  Way back I submitted an article on the 6m Sixbox.  This was a follow-up article. 

Sadly I have not really been fit enough since my 2013 stroke to do much design and soldering, so I now experiment in other ways.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/homebrew/sixbox

Signs of spring - NOT amateur radio

Although it soon goes there are now clear signs of spring all around. I was able to enjoy a beer outside with my son for the second time in the garden. We can enjoy spring and new life whilst it is here.

Oscar 100 activity

My last peek at activity on the narrowband transponder using the web SDR at Gonhilly Downs in Cornwall was at 2210z on a Tuesday evening. There was no activity at all, which is the lowest activity I have ever seen. 

My theory is that outside Europe there are few users. In Europe it is late and most people are in bed. Also setting up a satellite station for Oscar 100 is too hard for appliance operators who are mostly old men. 

Overall, I am disappointed. However, I am not too surprised.

6m 6W FT8 (Wednesday)

My IC-705 was turned on at about 0800z. Just 9 English stations spotting me.

UPDATE 1619z:  34 stations have spotted me.  It looks like we may have had some Es? Spotted in 6 countries today.

UPDATE 1935z:  QRT at 1900z approximately.

10m 500mW WSPR (Wednesday)

My QRP beacon is on. No spots.

UPDATE 1930z: 50 spots all by EA8BFK (2880km).

Sunspots - Wednesday April 9th

 Solar flux is 159 and the SSN 167. A=24 and K=4.

SPRAT

Many times I have said that if I ever had to give up all my amateur radio magazines, SPRAT would be the very last to go. It is an A5 colour magazine that comes out every quarter and is packed with articles, many of which are constructional. It is produced by volunteers and people submit articles for nothing. It remains my favourite magazine.

See https://www.gqrp.com/ . 

Spirea - NOT amateur radio

This plant produces a splash of white flowers in spring. Sadly, these do not last  long so we have to enjoy them when they are here. 

Our ornamental cherry is just coming into blossom. It will all be gone by the end of the month I expect.

10m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

 My IC-705 is set at 6W FT8. So far this morning just spotted in Europe and the Middle East.

UPDATE 1538z: 12 stations have spotted me.