10m 500mW WSPR (Wednesday)

My stand-alone 10m QRP WSPR TX beacon is on and there looks like plenty of F2 propagation to Eastern Europe.

UPDATE 1048z:  Now, quite a few stations via F2 (I think) spotting my little beacon. 21 spots of me so far.

UPDATE 2107z:  82 stations spotting me.

Middle East - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday, I posted my views on the situation in the Middle East. Overnight, I received a comment that may be pure sarcasm. If this was not intended, please accept my apologies and resubmit a comment. For now, I am not publishing the comment.

My views have not changed: the only long-term solution must be diplomatic with everyone treating everyone fairly and with dignity in peaceful coexistence.

UPDATE 1026z:   Lots of military aeroplane activity overhead from the US airbases at either Lakenheath or Mildenhall. 

European openings (Wednesday)

The impression I have is that things are not as good as yesterday on 10m and 6m as far as propagation in Europe is concerned. Unless things get better, I think I shall give 8m FT8 a miss today.

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

Green tomatoes - NOT amateur radio

This year, we have had a good crop of tomatoes. I have now dug them up and those that don't turn red will come for green tomato chutney.

See https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/green-tomato-chutney .

Sunspots - Wednesday October 2nd

 Solar flux is 245 and the SSN 196. A=6 and K=2.

2m activity contest (UKAC)

This evening was the 2m activity contest organised by the RSGB. 

As usual, I was running 10W PEP to my big-wheel omni antenna. 

Because of my poor voice I was only on for 30 minutes. 4 QSOs were made. See map.

Middle East - NOT amateur radio

The only long-term solution to the long-running situation over Israel seems to me to be a political solution that allows Israel and the people of Palestine to live in peace. 

This endless cycle of violence may achieve something in the short-term, but just increases bitterness. Everyone has to compromise for the long-term good.

10m antenna

 

At the moment 10m is excellent and there are some 10m only rigs at bargain prices. Many will have a go on 10m only where antennas are small and they do not have to be far off the ground to be effective. 

I know this has been on several times before, but it is worth reminding folks of my 10m antenna that can be made from easily obtainable material, is small and really works. If you are after a simple 10m antenna, this may "fit the bill".  It was in Practical Wireless many years ago and is on my website.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/antennas/homebase10-10m-halo .

8m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

My 8m 2.5W FT8 is on again.

UPDATE 0948z: 

Stations
monitoring
8m FT8

 No spots. The map shows the stations currently monitoring 8m FT8 - quite a few!

UPDATE 1249z:   5 stations have spotted my 8m QRP FT8 and I have spotted 2 and had a QSO with 1 station in Spain.

Stations spotting
my QRP 8m FT8

UPDATE  1420z:   9 stations have spotted my 2.5W 8m FT8 with the furthermost ZR1ADI (9777km).

UPDATE 1745z:  3 QSOs, 9 stations have spotted me and I have spotted 17 stations.

Fuchsias - NOT amateur radio

 

October is often a wet and windy month so it is good to be cheered up by flowers in the garden.