Sunspots - Saturday December 7th

 Solar flux is 178 and the SSN 103.  A=5 and K=1.

Christmas spirit - NOT amateur radio

This was the entrance to our local museum last weekend. They had a very happy "Father Christmas" day that was very successful. 

All the kids (and adults!) had a really good time.

6m QRP FT8 (Friday)

My QRP FT8  to the V2000 vertical omni antenna has been on since just before breakfast. 22 stations have spotted me. See map.

UPDATE 1538z:  Now spotted by 42 stations with the furthermost DU6/PE1NSQ (11141km).  On 6m FT8 RX an XV8 was spotted working a Swedish station. See map with bars for stations that spotted my 6m FT8 QRP today.  See table for the stations received here today on 6m FT8.

10m 500mW WSPR TX (Friday)

 My beacon has been on since just before breakfast. 2 stations have spotted me so far

UPDATE 1552z:  Spotted by 31 stations. I think this is via F2 propagation. See table.

King's College Chapel - NOT amateur radio

The Christmas service of nine lessons and carols from here is watched around the world by about 370 million people.  Some people queue all night for tickets.

It was quiet yesterday.

Friday plans

Later this morning I hope to go on 10m QRP WSPR and 6m QRP FT8.

Sunspots - Friday December 6th

 Solar flux is 175 and the SSN 101. A=5 and K=2.

2m activity contest last Tuesday

As usual, I went on for a very short while with my 10W and omni antenna. I do not stop long because of my poor voice. The map shows the stations contacted.

Rallies this Sunday

 The following have been notified to me. Always check before going far.

• British Vintage Wirelesss Society (BVWS)  Swapmeet and auction. Royal Wootton Bassett. BVWS members only.
• Mid-Devon Amateur Radio and Electronics Fair 2024, Winkleigh, EX19 8HZ. Contact wrg2024@hotmail.com .

France - NOT amateur radio

France has just lost its Prime Minister in a vote of confidence. It has a huge public debt. 

Time and again the French government has given in to large demands. In the end, the country cannot afford these so there will be cuts, which will be deeply unpopular. 

Usually when this happens people move to the extreme right or extreme left. I think France, and possibly the whole of Europe, is at dangerous cross-roads.