Covid chaos - NOT amateur radio

It is now 1041z. As I write, several countries around the world have banned travel from the UK as they are spooked by the latest Covid-19 mutation which seems to spread more easily. The countries are trying to prevent it entering their countries. It may already be too late.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-5539139

2m FT8 QRP (Monday)

It is now 0930z.  In a few moments my 2m FT8 gear will be turned on: 2.5W to the big-wheel omni antenna.

UPDATE 1024z:  In the end the gear was turned on at 0935z. So far nobody spotted on RX but I have been spotted by 2 stations on 2m FT8 QRP TX. The grabber at G0LRD (26km) is still useful. See http://82.71.9.63:8080/cap/ .

UPDATE 1351z:  Still on 2m FT8 TX with 2.5W and the big-wheel with the furthermost a report by GI6ATZ (479km). 9 stations have spotted me today so far.

UPDATE 1925z: 14 stations have spotted me today so far with 2.5W on TX (see map).  On RX 26 stations spotted so far today. To say FT8 is transformative is an understatement.

Sunspots - Monday December 21st 2020

Solar flux is 84 and the SSN 11. A=4 and K=2.

2m FT8 QRP (Sunday)

Since 1758z, I have been on 2m FT8 QRP with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.  So far, 6 stations have spotted me on TX with the furthermost GI6ATZ (479km) and I have spotted 4 stations on RX. It is now 1843z.

More for geeks - NOT amateur radio

This cartoon might appeal to those of us of advancing years. 

Christmas - NOT amateur radio

This year, Christmas is strange for many. Let us hope things are better next year. My wife likes to get out some of her Christmas decorations. This year, more than ever, we need cheering up.

10m FT8

Since 0920z, I have been on 10m FT8 RX with the indoor loop. On TX I was getting some RF feedback, so I am RX only at the moment.  Much to my surprise, a couple of Italians already spotted. Winter Es?

UPDATE 1317z:  Nobody has spotted me, but 7 stations spotted here on RX.

Last evening on 2m FT8 RX

Even though I had plenty of TX reports, I was puzzled why none of my RX spots were appearing on PSKreporter, so I checked. 

For some reason, the PC thought I was still on 6m, so my RX spots were being reported on the wrong band. This could be human error on my part. Of course, TX spots of me would not be affected as others would be reporting me

Pye PF1

Some managed to put PF1s on 70cm. 

When I started work a test was to convert the PF1 units to 12.5kHz channel spacing. The PF1's were widely used by the UK police.These were relatively QRP and the RX and TX were separate units. I think the police had to have base stations quite often. Still, it revolutionised policing in towns and cities.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vuhf/pf1

Sunspots - Sunday December 20th 2020

 Solar flux is 82 and the SSN 0. A=5 and K=1.