That nerve agent - NOT amateur radio

Although the "considered opinion" is that Russia was behind the nerve agent attack in the UK recently, nagging doubts remain. If we could totally trust our government, I might feel differently.

As it is, we need independent proof that this was definitely Russia and not the UK out to cause mischief. One could argue that the Russians would not be stupid to use a nerve agent clearly with Russian origins. On the other hand, Russia does not exactly have a "whiter than white" record.

But, we have to remember that history often shows we are not always whiter than white. Propaganda is a murky affair: one can never be totally sure who is telling the truth. In reality both the Russians and the UK will have secret agendas and the true story is probably hard to discern.

One thing is likely: the Russians will attempt a cyber attack on the UK in the coming days. If nothing else, this is a perfect excuse. Watch out NHS, National Grid and banks.

Es Season and 10m

It seems scarcely possible, but the northern hemisphere Es (sporadic-E) season will soon be here again. Bands like 10m, 6m, and to a lesser extent 4m and 2m bring in DX from distant places.

If you don't have a suitable antenna, may I suggest my Homebase-10 antenna? 

Although designed for 10m, it can easily be scaled for other bands like 6m or 4m. It is basically a wire halo made from readily available material. It has a near omnidirectional horizontal pattern and is ideal for Es. I have worked the world with mine and all across Europe with 50mW CW, in the days before FT8 and WSPR.

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

Village Exhibition - NOT amateur radio

This weekend we have "Burwell at Large", which is a 2 day exhibition at which village groups have a chance to showcase themselves. It happens every 2 years.

We are a thriving village, so there is plenty to do whatever your interests. One example was the "mobile belfry" brought along by the local tower bell-ringers (see photo).

We have a thriving sports scene and lots of different groups and clubs.

Moon based amateur radio?

According to Southgate News, China is to launch a couple of lunar satellites which will send data on 70cms. The Chinese also plan a lunar rover.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2018/march/satellites-to-transmit-amateur-radio-data-from-the-moon.htm#.Wq5Bgkx2vIU

Sunspots - Sunday March 18th 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number 15 (quite high for recent times). A=12 and K=3.

Return to 2m FT8 RX

After yesterday's foray onto 20m, today I have returned to 2m FT8 mainly RX.

Just before breakfast I called CQ and was reported by a couple of local Gs. Since then I have been RX only. So far, 8 stations spotted in 3 countries with best DX DL6YBF (471km).

UPDATE 1050z: Currently 13 unique stations spotted in 4 countries on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1208z: Now 28 uniques in 5 countries with best DX spotted DL0HOL (619km).

UPDATE 1358z: Now 47 uniques in 7 countries spotted today. Some reports are so strong that I am convinced at least some stations are coming in by aircraft reflection e.g. G7RAU (469km) in IN79jx square at +2dB S/N.

Grandkids - NOT amateur radio

My wife made this collage earlier.

20m FT8 RX

As far as I recall I had never tried FT8 RX on 20m. In the past I took a peak at 20m JT65.

Within just a few minutes I was copying all across Europe as well as spotting Japan on 20m FT8. It is amazing how FT8 has "taken off" in such a short time. The slot was crowded with stations.

My end fed antenna is quite low (4m or less?) and definitely not brilliant for 20m DX! Yes, FT8 is transformational.

UPDATE 1026z: Now seeing South Americans coming through including VP8LP (12773km).

UPDATE 1725z: Incredible! The photo show the stations spotted today on 20m FT8 RX.

Sunspots - Saturday March 17thn 2018

Solar flux is 68 today and the sunspot number zero again. A=20 and K=3.

472kHz WSPR RX

For about 90 minutes I have been on 472kHz (630m) WSPR RX. So far 8 uniques spotted in 5 countries with best DX EA5DOM (1525km). This is pretty average.

UPDATE 2235z: So far 13 uniques spotted on 472kHz WSPR.