10m FT8

In the last few minutes, I QSYed to 10m FT8. After a brief CQ (2.5W) with no spots, I am now RX only (no spots). Just as I came on, there was a weak signal on FT8, but I did not manage to decode it, so there is some activity!

UPDATE 1042z: Just 1 spot so far n 10m FT8  GM4WJA (624km). Es or aircraft?

UPDATE 1303z: No further spots today.

UPDATE 1510z: A few more spots now, although not many. Best DX is DM4KE (956km) on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE  1825z: In the end 5 spots. Time to QSY to 160m FT8 RX.

Es'hail 2 operational later this week

Southgate News reports that Es'hail 2, the first working geosynchronous amateur satellite will be generally available late this week. You may recall this is a Qatari  satellite with 2 amateur transponders in addition to the main TV transmitters. There will be webSDRs to see activity via the internet.

See http://southgatearc.org/news/2019/february/eshail-2-inauguration-day.htm#.XF_06fZ2u00
See also https://eshail.batc.org.uk/

160m FT8 RX overnight

A good night on 160m FT8 RX with the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. 23 North Americans, 1 Caribbean and 2 South Americans were spotted. Best DX was HK3W (8507km).

Old Forge - NOT amateur radio

Our village has expanded quite a bit in the last 40 years, but it still has a village feel, which is good. At one time there were 13 pubs and lots more shops. I guess people are more mobile than 100 years ago, with most owning cars. One thing that went many years ago was the blacksmith's forge (see photo). I am not sure when this closed, but it was probably 100 years ago?

Sunspots - Sunday February 10th 2019

Solar flux is 72 and the sunspot number 0.  A=10 and K=2.

160m FT8 RX

About 30 minutes ago I QSYed to 160m FT8 RX. Already lots and lots of Europeans, but nothing yet from "across the pond" (2250z). I shall check again at breakfast time. Best DX on 160m FT8 RX is RG4D (3085km).

2m FT8 RX

This morning, I am sticking with 2m FT8 RX rather than 10m FT8. Already, in the last 6 hours alone 11 stations in 3 countries. spotted. Best DX spotted is DF6PW (673km). Once again using the big-wheel omni antenna.

UPDATE 1155z: Now 22 stations in 5 countries spotted today in last 6 hours on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1342z: Again, quite a decent number of stations spotted on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1546z: Now 37 stations in 5 countries spotted today on 2m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1610z: A brief 2m FT8 CQ (2.5W) resulted in a QSO with M0MVB (33km) and spots by 4 stations of which the best was GI6ATZ (479km). If I worked N.Ireland by any mode on 2m in the past, this would have been a cause for celebration!

UPDATE 2155z: 54 stations in 6 countries today on 2m FT8 RX and now it is time to QSY to 160m FT8 for the overnight period.

Stations spotted today on 2m FT8 RX 

with the big-wheel omni antenna

Love is in the air? - NOT amateur radio

As I put food on the birdtable this morning, I saw these collared doves together on the tree in the orchard next door. Until 1955, these were rare in the UK. Their range spread west and now they are very common here.

Sunspots - Saturday February 9th 2019

Solar flux is 70 and the SSN still zero. A=8 and K=2.

Vegan lunch - NOT amateur radio

Our elder son is a real carnivore, but he decided to "go vegan" for January. Much to our surprise, he is still vegan. He is a good cook and enjoys making tasty meals, so I guess this is a new challenge.