2m FT8

This morning I am on 2m FT8 using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far today, 4 stations have spotted me.

Place-names - NOT amateur radio

When I wake up early I try to think of place-names in Devon in alphabetical order. It strikes me how few there are that start with certain letters. This implies most settlements are very old and pre-date these letters appearing in the language.

Sunspots - Sunday May 10th 2020

Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 0. A=3 and K=0.

2m FT8

At about 2030z, I QSYed to 2m FT8 with 2.5W to the big-wheel omni antenna.  So far, just spots of me by M0NPT (125km). and 2 other Gs. Best DX spotting me is G4MSA (222km).

UPDATE 2050z: G0LRD (David) has a very useful screen grab of WSJT-X on 2m, so you can see how things look at his QTH. He is getting me at +6dB S/N. So far, my 2.5W is being spotted by 4 G stations. See http://82.71.9.63:8080/cap/

UPDATE 2130z: 7 spots of my 2m FT8 2.5W so far.  Best DX spot is by DF6PW (562km).

Living in the moment - NOT amateur radio

One thing our strange times have taught us all is we have to live in the moment. We are rediscovering beauty all around us. Even the smallest thing can be a source of joy. At the moment swifts.

10m FT8 again

Yet again I am on 10m FT8 with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop antenna. Today the loop is at right angles to the direction yesterday as an experiment.

UPDATE 0852z: Just G4KPX (13km) spotting me so far today.

Stations spotting me on
10m FT8 TX to 1732z today

UPDATE 1732z: Spotted by 10 stations so far today with my 2.5W and indoor loop on 10m FT8 TX.

ICOM - IC-7300 prices

At least here in the UK the price of the IC-7300 has not dropped. It seems like the UK dealers have a cartel on prices.  I am not saying this is so, just that one could be forgiven for thinking this.

By now,  I would have expected the price to be less than £1000, possibly well less. The RX is simpler. I expect the dealers are charging what people are (still) prepared to pay. This, in my view, is still too much.  More mugs the punters.

These are personal views. Maybe when the IC-705 appears prices for the IC-7300 might drop. When the FT891 is less than half price one gets funny feelings. OK, it is not the same radio - I do understand.

Have we passed the solar minimum?

At least one forecast seems quite confident that we have now passed through the sunspot minimum and are starting the climb to the next peak in a few years' time. This forecast has been pointing to an upturn for some while now. Some forecasts point to a much later minimum.

Unless things have changed, the last forecast suggested a peak similar in magnitude to cycle 24. This was quite a weak peak, but at least a peak and not a Maunder Minimum. Back in the 1600s there were virtually no sunspots for 70 years.

At the moment, it is hard to see the signs! Maybe in 6 months we can be more confident.

See https://www.solen.info/solar/images/cycles23_24.png
See http://www.arrl.org/news/noaa-updates-solar-cycle-25-prediction

Coming together - NOT amateur radio

Last night, at 9pm UK time, quite a few of us on our close came together to sing a Vera Lynn song for VE day. It was a real binding moment, even though we all stood 2m apart!

There was an excellent turn out and it was a good chance for neighbours to meet and chat. Coronavirus is a dreadful disease, but it is bringing out the best in people.

The photo shows a small part of our gathering. Sadly the picture of the whole group was very blurred.

CDARC (Cambridge Club)

Way back in the 1970s I lived in Cambridge and was a regular at our local club.  At some point I was on the committee.  I now live 12 miles out and do not like night driving. Since the lockdown, the local club has had virtual meetings via the local 2m repeater or Zoom. Once again, I can take part. This actually better for me! I have rejoined the club as  a country member.