Not on 8m today

For the first time in several weeks, I have not been active on 8m FT8 or WSPR today.

There are two reasons:

1. There seem fewer people active this Es season. I was expecting more to be on with Es being good and nearing sunspot maximum. I was hoping some would apply for, and be granted, special permission to use 8m for a limited time only to carry out useful research. I was also expecting many to come on with the ISM rules that might apply in their country.

2.  Many stations have "worked" or exchanged reports with the active stations on 8m. Unless new people or countries come on the band, there is little more that can be explored. 

My intentions is to go on 8m FT8 or WSPR when it is good, but not otherwise.

F2 disturbed?

It is interesting that not a single signal has been spotted today from outside Europe on 10m FT8.  At the same time, I have spotted plenty from Europe on 10m FT8, presumably by Es propagation.

I am no expert on HF propagation, but it would seem F2 propagation is upset by poor by solar conditions, but not Es. If Es does suffer, the effect is much smaller.

D2UY in Angola has been a good indicator of propagation. Not seen this station today on 10m FT8.

Robin - NOT amateur radio

The English Robin is one of the most common birds in an English garden. The American Robin is a different bird in the thrush family. 

The English Robin can be very tame.  If you are digging in the garden, expect to be joined by a visitor!

Housework - NOT amateur radio

In our house we do the housework jointly on a Monday. After this (mid morning) we enjoy a cup of coffee together.

European Es

In the last few days, I have found this site extremely useful. In a few seconds, I can get a "snapshot" picture of Es conditions in Europe. It gives me a good idea of what bands may prove useful. Of course, Es can change very quickly so this is not perfect, but it is a useful guide.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .

10m QRP FT8 with the QDX (Monday)

My tiny QDX was turned on at 0622z i.e. quite early. No spots yet. 

UPDATE 0816z:  7 spots of me from Eastern Europe and I have spotted 4 stations. No DX yet.

Stations spotting me today

UPDATE 1028z:  33 stations have spotted my QRP and 26 have been spotted here. All Europeans. I assume most are Es.

UPDATE 1200z: 52 stations have spotted me and 51 stations have been spotted here. Iberia now coming through.

UPDATE 1431z:  I have been spotted by 65 stations and I have spotted 67. All were in Europe. Still no real DX today.

Sunspots - Monday May 22nd 2023

 Solar flux is 163 and the SSN 140. A=28 and K=3.

Growing up - NOT amateur radio

 

One of our sons and grandsons earlier in our back garden.

6m super DX

Several stations in Europe have worked VK8AW on 6m. This is amazing. 

I am not sure of the propagation mechanism. TEP might be involved for some of the path. This sort of DX has been worked on several days. 

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

As the previous post explained, I had no intention of going on 8m today! Then I saw 10m was open to Iberia, so QSYed to 8m FT8.  At 1040z, no spots.

UPDATE 1055z:  Spotted on 8m by HC02 (1808km) in southern Portugal. Hugh has been pretty dedicated - thank you Hugh.