This was last Tuesday evening. I use 10W SSB and my 2m big-wheel omni antenna. I amazed this works as well as it does. Because of my poor voice I usually stay on for about half an hour or less. I usually work over 100km.
On the next night they have the 70cm FT8 activity contest. Most times I spot stations from surprising distances, making me wonder if I am seeing some sort of scatter.
Once again, I tried monitoring 160m FT8 RX with my IC-705 and the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. 152 stations spotted with the best Asiatic Russia. Nothing yet from the USA or Canada.
My gear (IC-705 and the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground) was turned on at about 1825z.
UPDATE 1911z: So far, just one spot in Brittany. Is there a website problem?
Allegedly, President Trump has signed an executive order than delays some additional sanctions on Russia that the US congress has approved. My reading, my view, (others may differ) is that President Trump is losing patience with Ukraine's President Zelensky.
According to this video, Russian regions are short of cash.
At some point Ukraine has to decide to carry on fighting or give in to those nations more powerful than Ukraine. With winter approaching, this is a hard decision. I am sure both sides have faults (Ukraine and Russia).
I wish both sides could end the senseless war and come out of it feeling they have won.
My gear was turned on at about 0940z.
UPDATE 1134z: 74 stations spotting me so far, many probably via F2 propagation.
My gear is on 160m FT8 RX this evening and overnight with the IC-705 and the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground.
UPDATE 2008z: 132 stations spotted.
My gear was turned on at about 0550z.
UPDATE 0620z: Just 2 English spots so far.
