Solar flux is 157 and the SSN 134. A=9 and K=0.
3 May 2023
2 May 2023
10m inter-G?
Many years ago, the RSGB organised some 10m activity contests in the evenings. This must have been 40 years ago at a guess.
Despite using 10W pep and a dipole, I could work stations 150km away consistently. With more power and a small beam, even better results would be possible. These days we have digital modes that can work with very weak signals indeed, so spanning such distances with very simple antennas like dipoles and CB whips should be even easier.
At the moment 10m is a great DX band, but at sunspot minimum, people often desert it, sadly. What I am advocating is that more of us should stick with it in the quieter years when it behaves more like a VHF band.
As a final reminder, Es is good in the Es season at any point in the solar cycle. DX has been worked from the UK by F2 N-S with QRP SSB even when the sunspot count was zero at solar minimum. People often desert it when it is a lack of activity and not poor conditions. I hope FT8 will help at such times.
10m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)
Since about 0800z, I have been on 10m QRP FT8 with the tiny QDX. Just 3 inter-G spots of me so far. It is a bit early.
UPDATE 0859z: TA9J (3463km) has also spotted me by what I think is F2 propagation. Now 5 Gs have spotted me. No Es apparent.
UPDATE 1510z: 29 spots of me today with the furthermost FR4NB/QRP (9722km) on Reunion Is in the Indian Ocean.
2m activity contest (UKAC)
The May leg of the RSGB organised activity contest on 2m is tonight starting at 1900z. Activity levels are usually good with portables on hilltops.
It lasts (I think) for 2.5 hours although with my QRP, omni antenna and poor voice I am usually on less than an hour.
This really does not feel like a contest. It is more a way to stimulate activity and work squares.
Lichfield - NOT amateur radio
This is where my brother-in-law lives. It is classed as a city but feels more like a town. It has a fine cathedral and mill pond.
1 May 2023
Local UK elections - NOT amateur radio
This Thursday, many in the UK vote in local elections.
Admittedly, some enter politics for selfish reasons, but I would like to believe that most do so from a wish that they can do some good. For the first time, voter ID is needed. This may put off some less affluent voters.
Whatever your political affiliation please use your vote. I have known some good and honest people in all political colours. Use your democratic right.
8m band experiments
Later this week I expect to resume 8m experiments.
After about 3 weeks I am still awaiting a response from OFCOM about changes to power levels. This is after several chases too. They obviously treat this as a really high priority!!
Perhaps I should just run 10kW and a 10 el yagi??
OFCOM = OFfice for Comatose Old Men?
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/8m-band.
Solar Maximum - cycle 25
The site below was updated yesterday. The forecast peak of solar cycle 25 has now been pushed back a month to December this year. We can expect conditions to be good for a few years.
Stubborn - NOT amateur radio
This plant was dead, so I thought I would just dig it up. Two days later, yes two days, I eventually got it up. Whenever I thought I was there, I found yet more deep thick roots! I have never, ever struggled so hard.
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