10m QRP WSPR TX (Wednesday)

 Just before breakfast, I turned on my 500mW W5OLF 10m WSPR beacon. At 0836z, no spots received.

Does anyone know if Jay, W5OLF is still around? If you know, please let me know. I have used his beacon (excellent) since before the last sunspot peak. No PC needed. Just sync time initially. It is about the size of a pack of cards.

UPDATE 1408z: 11 spots of me today so far. Es?

UPDATE 1841z:  15 spots of me today. I am convinced many were by Es.

Sunspots - Wednesday April 26th 2023

Solar flux is 137 and the SSN 87. A=16 and K=3.

Getting more information

Just to remind you that I have a main website and video channel that have more information about my projects. As I always advise, treat my projects as starting points. You can probably improve most of the things I have done!

For most "one off" projects, my own view is a PCB is a waste of time. Me Pads and Me Squares or similar can make very neat solutions.

You can also find a link to the free PDF G3XBM Project Scrapbook there as well.

Overall, have fun. 

As someone once said, "the journey is better than the destination". This reminds me of our younger son as a child. He always wanted to get to wherever we were going, but as soon as he got there he wanted to come home!

See www.g3xbm.co.uk .

Screaming swifts - NOT amateur radio

To my mind, the screaming of swifts feeding on the wing is a sign of English late spring and summer. In this part of the UK they usually arrive in mid-May, although in some parts they are seen earlier. Often they are heard before they are seen. Usually they are heard screaming, one looks up and there are the swifts! The sight of these in the sky warms my heart. By mid-August most have flown south.

Cambridge church cafe - NOT amateur radio

A number of churches now have cafes. I guess they raise funds for the church as well as providing a useful function for visitors and locals. In Cambridge, one such is Michelhouse in Trinity Street. When we popped in this morning it was busy.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Tuesday)

My 10m 500mW beacon was turned at about 1330z. Time was set using an atomic sync'ed clock.

UPDATE 1403z: No spots.

UPDATE 1438z: Just local G4KPX (14km) has spotted me.

Spots on my 500mW 10m WSPR beacon today

UPDATE 1827z:   A better day than I was expecting with 5 unique stations spotting my 500mW 10m WSPR TX today.

UPDATE 1922z:  6 unique stations have spotted my 500mW 10m WSPR today (see map).

Local 481THz QRSS tests

This was going to be last night, but I was too exhausted. Maybe this evening? 

Ephemeral - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows the ornamental cherry tree in our garden. The blossom lasts a few weeks then is gone. 

Sunspots - Tuesday April 25th 2023

Solar flux is 134 and the SSN 88. A=76 and K=1. 

Six metres

6m is sometimes called "the magic band" as it can open when least expected to incredible distances. In early July I have often copied Japan on 6m. This is a very long way for a VHF band. There have been some even further distances covered. With the Es season a few watts (or less) can work DX  to at least 1500km.

It is also a useful band for local chats and that inspired my Sixbox. This is not suitable for DX working, but is ideal for local natters.

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