29 Oct 2024

6m - could we get F2 openings?

With the currently high sunspot numbers there is a chance of F2 openings on 6m. I  shall try again for the USA after lunch. Apparently it was open to Australia but I spotted nothing on my omni vertical yesterday!

UPDATE 1610z: No sign here today of F2 activity on 6m. I shall stick with it as today has been exceptional on 10m WSPR. I have spotted one station on 6m FT8 in the USA this autumn. I suspect now is too late.

Sunspots - Tuesday October 29th

 Solar flux is 255 and the SSN 288. A=17 and K=2.

28 Oct 2024

15m QRP FT8 (Monday)

 At about 1840z, I QSYed to 15m. So far (at 1851z) 11 stations have spotted me, all "across the pond".

UPDATE 2102z: 51 stations have spotted my QRP 15m FT8 this evening. See map.

6m QRP FT8 (Monday) with the QMX+

Since returning from shopping, I have been on 6m QRP FT8 with the QMX+ and V2000 omni vertical antenna. So far, 29 stations have spotted me with plenty in mainland Europe as the map shows. I am hoping I get some spots in the USA on 6m FT8 - you never know!

UPDATE 1615z: 37 stations have spotted me today on 6m QRP FT8. Nothing from the USA.

10m QRP FT8 (Monday)

This morning, I am on 10m FT8 with my QDX transceiver. Stations coming in from across the world and I have been spotted (at 0900z) by 6 stations so far.

UPDATE 0957z: 42 stations have spotted me. Now RX only. On RX 152 stations spotted. I may try 6m QRP FT8 with the QMX+ later after shopping.

End of British Summer Time (BST) - NOT amateur radio

This last weekend we said "goodbye" to BST for another year. For a short while (only!) the mornings seem a bit lighter, but it gets dark far earlier. 

We adapt and get used to cosy evenings with the curtains drawn. I enjoy the dark evenings, but prefer the light evenings we get in spring and summer. Sadly, these seem to last a very short time.

Sunspots - Monday October 28th

 Solar flux is 246 and the SSN 198. A=10 and K=4.

27 Oct 2024

10m 500mW WSPR (Sunday)

 Whilst on 8m, I put my 10m WSPR beacon on. So far today, 58 stations have spotted my QRP.

UPDATE 1553z: 67 stations have spotted me with the vast majority being "across the pond".

UPDATE 1825z:  QRT. 75 stations spotted me today.

October 2024 shack

The photo shows the shack currently.  As you can see, the QDX is very tiny. The box it is sitting on is the 472kHz transverter.

Middle East peace? - NOT amateur radio

It is too early to tell, but there are tentative signs that the Middle East is growing tired of war. I certainly hope a just peace can be forged that is good for all.