630m QRP WSPR

My 630m 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground was turned on at about 1825z.

UPDATE 2221z:   6 stations have spotted me so far this evening.

The downward slope?

In my view, HF conditions will remain good for several years yet. In the end, we will inevitably be on the downward slope to the next solar minimum. Although some way off still, this could be an interesting time. 

FT8 will prove really interesting on bands like 10m. It will be the first real test of FT8 on the declining slope of a sunspot cycle. On the last downward slope, FT8 was still new, whereas now it is commonplace. I hope more people will stick with 10m FT8 in the quieter years.

FT8 works with very weak signals and these do not have to be there very long. I suspect (especially on N-S paths) that the band will be "open" far more often than people thought.

An advantage of FT8 is that only a small chunk of band is needed and it is well monitored. FT8 rigs can be very low cost and not tie up the "big rig". It can remain on in the shack at all times. Even just QRP is needed. Remember also that Es can be good at any part of the solar cycle, usually best in the spring and summer.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Friday)

My QRP TX has been on for about a couple of hours. Several stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 1733z:  54 stations have spotted me.

8m QRP FT8 (Friday)

My 2.5W FT8 has been spotted in South Africa and the Caribbean . ZR1ADI called me, but we were unable to make it 2-way.

UPDATE 1354z:  3 stations have spotted my QRP 8m FT8 today. Good F2 conditions. Also now spotted in the USA.

UPDATE 1806z: 4 stations spotted my 2.5W today on 8m FT8. Soon to QSY to 630m QRP WSPR.

Friday plans

Shortly, I hope to turn on my 10m 500mW WSPR TX beacon and my 8m 2.5W FT8. Tonight, I shall probably try 630m QRP WSPR. 

“Our “ windmill next door - NOT amateur radio

Several times I have mentioned that we live next door to a 200 year old, fully restored, windmill.

In the photo, ours is the house on the right.

Sunspots - Friday November 3rd 2023

 Solar flux is 158 and the SSN 113. A=7 and K=1.

Night off

 In recent weeks I have been on 630m QRP WSPR overnight . I have decided to have a night off.

Free lunchtime concerts - NOT amateur radio

In Cambridge, we are very lucky. Most Tuesdays we go to a free concert at the West Road Music School. 

The programme is quite varied and can be anything from a classical quintet to jazz.

8m 2.5W FT8 (Thursday)

 Since lunchtime, I have been on 8m FT8. So far, spotted by G4WSZ (12km).

UPDATE 1608z: There are lots of people monitoring.