Sunspots Tuesday October 22nd

  Solar flux is 164 and the SSN 168. A=5 and K=2.

10m 500mW WSPR (Monday)

My QRP 10m WSPR beacon is on and so far 3 stations have copied me. I suspect these were by F2 propagation.

UPDATE 1040z:   14 spots of me with the furthermost a station in Asiatic Russia, RA0SX (5904km).

UPDATE 1358z: Spotted by 51 stations so far today on 500mW 10m WSPR. See table.

UPDATE 1935z:   Spotted by 66 stations today.

8m QSO success (Monday)

After trying for a long time without success, I have had an 8m QRP FT8 QSO with G4FKI (60km). I am not sure if he has changed polarisation. 

UPDATE 1025z: EI3KF (574km) has spotted my QRP 8m FT8.

UPDATE 1222z:  Quite a good day with three 8m QRP FT8 QSOs and Southern Africa and the Middle East spotted on 8m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1243z:  Spotted across the Atlantic again on 8m QRP FT8 this time by VO1SIX (3933km).

UPDATE 1625z: My 8m QRP FT8 was spotted by 15 stations today, with many "across the pond". See map. Now QRT on 8m.  Pretty sure this is my best day on 8m. Remember this is just 2.5W FT8 to a low wire dipole.

With my brother - NOT amateur radio

As we get older, I think the norm is we feel closer to our siblings if we have them. I guess it is the reality that we or them will no longer be around for ever. It is also true for friends and partners.

My brother is nearly 80 and is currently in good health. This photo was taken last month in the ruins of the old abbey at Bury St Edmunds. Perhaps it is a reminder that nothing is forever?

Leaves still on the trees - NOT amateur radio

 Yesterday we were on the edge of the first named storm this autumn in the UK. Winds were stronger in NW Scotland.

I was surprised not to see far more leaves on the grass rather than on the trees. Presumably the leaves that remain (about half) are the ones that still remain more green. As autumn progresses most of these will change colour and fall as they have done for millions of years. 

It is always nice to look forward to new life busting out in spring. Winter first! 😞

Monday plans

Later, I think I shall go on 10m QRP WSPR and either 8m or 6m QRP FT8. 

Linux - NOT amateur radio

 As you will be aware, I am not a PC nerd. Compared with many, I am pretty ignorant. 

However, I have watched a few YouTube videos about making a Linux distro so might have a go at putting one on a CF to boot my PC into Linux to try it. If I do it, it will be after lunch. 

Any recommendations on type? I am told Mint is good for beginners like me.

Cottage - NOT amateur radio

 This is in a village not far from us. Traditionally cottages were pink as they used animal blood to colour the whitewash. I expect these days they buy the paint from a DIYshop!

Sunspots- Monday October 21st

 Solar flux is 164 and the SSN 113. A=5 and K=1.

Testcard F - NOT amateur radio

Many in the UK will recall this iconic testcard from the early days of colour TV.