The European Es season is drawing to a close until next spring, although there is a far smaller peak around New Year. I do not know why this happens. This is another Es puzzle (to me at least).
There have been some (probable) Es openings today, although we can expect fewer Es openings than earlier in the spring/summer. As I have mentioned before Es can occur at any time.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
G0KTN is doing some tests using this slow mode (5 minute transmissions) on 8m.
Although I do not have my usual 8m dipole up, I am trying to RX Trevor on the endfed used for my FT8 EA 8m QSOs recently. Unlike the EA stations, this would be by tropo. Theoretically this mode is about 6dB better than WSPR2. His station is on from 0800-2000z.
Worth a try!
It's funny how reports and QSOs are easier with more distant stations on FT8 than on more local stations on WSPR and FSW4-300.
UPDATE 2036z: G0KTN not copied sadly.
Today is our 53rd wedding anniversary.
In all this time we have never exchanged cards or gifts, preferring to celebrate when we met in 1968.
What are the secrets of a long marriage? Tolerance and acceptance of each other's quirks. We have been lucky.
At the moment solar activity is good although Es is (as far as I know) unrelated to solar activity. I can certainly recall very good Es conditions at all times in the solar cycle.
I am still sure there is a lot to learn about E layer propagation. For example:
Just got this from OFCOM......
"Ofcom is today launching a review of the annual licence fees we charge mobile network operators for use of three mobile spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz).
Annual licence fees (ALFs) are fees we charge mobile network operators to use certain spectrum bands. They typically come into effect after a mobile operator’s licence won at auction has come to the end of the initial licence period. The fees are designed to ensure that the spectrum is used efficiently. We currently charge ALFs for three mobile spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz).
On 28 March 2024, BT wrote to Ofcom to request a review of the ALFs we charge for 1800 MHz spectrum. We have now considered BT’s request, and we consider that the evidence suggests that a fee review is justified. As a result of the commonalities in the formula we use to set ALFs, we have decided to begin a review of all of the ALFs we currently charge (that is, ALFs for 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz spectrum).
We expect to consult on our initial findings by the end of this calendar year. We welcome any additional evidence which stakeholders consider would assist us in this review."
