Village walk - NOT amateur radio

As it was cooler this morning we have just got back from a walk around the village. The photo shows a thached cottage on the way. We walked about 2.7 miles.

10m FT8

When we get back from our walk, I may try 10m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna. Again I shall be using the FT817ND with 2.5W. If I get spotted at all, I shall be pleased.

UPDATE 0950z:  Now on 10m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna and 2.5W.

UPDATE 1307z: No spots so far today.

UPDATE 1640z: 2 local spots so far today with no DX.

UPDATE 1837z: A QSO with M0BXF (local) was the first 10m QSO this year. Some Spanish stations spotted on RX, probably Es.

Sunspots - : Saturday April 11th 2020

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 0. A=5 and K=1.

Devil's Dyke - NOT amateur radio

Before lunch we did a nice walk along part of the Devil's Dyke in Cambridgeshire. I think there is another one near the South Coast. The one we walked on is about 7 miles long and was built as a defensive barrier not long after the Romans left, so it is probably well over 1400 years old. It is a chalk path with a deep ditch. We saw few people.

CDARC net tonight on GB3PI at 8pm

With kind permission of the repeater group the local Cambridge Radio Club (CDARC) is holding a second club meeting virtually. The topic is the HB9CV antenna. It starts at 8pm.

UPDATE 2119z: A very successful net.

20m FT8

With the FT991A I get sometimes get feedback into the rig when using the tiny indoor loop antenna. This occurs at 10W. So I am using the FT817ND instead as this seems totally immune. Ferrite beads on the leads make no difference. On TX just one spot so far. On RX, 126 stations spotted so far today.

UPDATE 1242z:  4 spots of my 2.5W so far today.  On 20m FT8 RX 204 stations spotted so far today.

UPDATE 1800z: 8 spots today of my 2.5W 20m FT8 to the tiny indoor loop antenna.

UPDATE 2116z:  In the end, 11 stations spotted my 20m 2.5W FT8.

Sunspots - Friday April 10th 2020

Solar flux is 70 and the sunspot number 0. A=5 and K=0.

Stay at home this Easter - NOT amateur radio

This Easter will be very different for many. Often it is a time for families to get together. This year, in many countries, we have been urged not to travel far and keep social distancing. I suspect there will be plenty of families having video chats instead!

More rallies cancelled or postponed

At the moment it is best to assume all rallies are cancelled or postponed.  I have been notified of this one. Again, the white background (as I received it) may make it hard to read on some screens. Basically it says the Ripon rally has been postponed.

Sunday 12 APRIL : POSTPONED

RIPON RADIO RALLY. Hugh Ripley Hall, Ripon, HG4 2PT Doors open 10am. Refreshments will be available on site. Information and table booking form on the website www.g4sjm.co.uk Contact d.cutter@ntlworld.com for further information.

Virtual dinner and drink - NOT amateur radio

Most months, a group of old work colleagues meet up locally for a drink and meal. We go to different places each month. Clearly this is not possible at the moment, so we all hope to share a drink at just after 8pm tonight thanks to Zoom, from the comforts of our own homes. I hope it works.

UPDATE 2045z: It worked well (see photo) and was a good way to keep in touch. We hope to do the same next month.