6m QRP FT8 (Wednesday)

 From late morning I have been on 6m QRP FT8.

UPDATE 2155z: 467 stations spotted me. We are clearly in the Es season!

QRP transceiver

This ultra simple 40m CW transceiver was  originally from Brazil.  

In its original form it was even simpler  without the IC.

This version is called the Pititico 2 from the DX Explorer YouTube website .

Marconi

 

Marconi is considered the father of radio.  

At one time I  nearly  joined the  Marconi  company  in Chelmsford  on a long  sandwich  course. 

Sunspots - Wednesday May 14th

 Solar flux is 122 and the SSN 54. A=16 and K=4.

6m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

 Sadly I QSYed from 8m FT8 to 6m FT8 and immediately got spotted by  6 stations yet no spots all day on 8m

I think from now on I will stick with 6m.

10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

My 500mW beacon was turned on just before breakfast. So far 2 spots from the Canary  Islands. 

UPDATE 1530z: 5 spots of me. See map from WSPR rocks. 

8m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

My gear was turned on just before breakfast.  No spots .

Sunspots - Tuesday May 13th

 Solar flux is 116 and the SSN 64. A=6 and K=1.

Iris- NOT amateur radio

 

This was in a neighbour’s garden. 

Goodbye 8m?

 After being on 8m TX for a few years and  trying  my best to get radio amateur access to the band, I give up. The RSGB, OFCOM and the FCC just do not get it!! All we were asking for was a tiny band,  narrow digital only around solar maximum. It is already too darn late!! Basically they all seem a bunch of idiots that don't have a clue.