Iceland - NOT amateur radio

One of my Facebook memories today was this photo of Iceland from 9 years ago. Generally we had very good weather and we really liked the place. An abiding memory was the lupins everywhere and the lack of cars in rural areas. We drove 120 miles and saw very few cars! Good job we didn't break down!

Sunspots - Saturday July 5th 2020

Solar flux is 69 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K=1.

Virtual Ham Expo

Southgate News has a piece about a virtual ham expo in August. 

I have been impressed with meetings and lectures using Zoom. The CDARC (Cambridge Radio Club) has had a series of Zoom lectures. These have all been very good. It has been good to "attend" these from the comforts of home. In my case it saved a 26 mile road trip, partly at night.

See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2020/july/qso-today-virtual-ham-expo.htm#.Xv8BjYjYq00

6m FT8

After a very brief period calling CQ with my 10W and the V2000 vertical omni (no QSOs), I am RX only on 6m FT8. So far, 97 stations spotted here and my very brief CQ was spotted by TR8CA (5820km) in central Africa.

UPDATE 1414z:  326 stations spotted here today so far with the furthermost being A45XR (5843km) in Oman.

Where I was brought up - NOT amateur radio

As a child I was brought up in Salcombe, Devon (see photo). At the time, I had no idea how lucky I was to live in somewhere so nice. I go back most years.

10m WSPR TX (500mW and the indoor loop)

For a few minutes now, I have been on 10m WSPR TX. Normally it takes about 20 minutes for the beacon to settle, so there is a small drift initially. I think this is the crystal warming. As yet, no spots. It is now 0907z.

UPDATE 0915z:  Amazing!  Already spotted by 7 unique stations!

UPDATE 1322z:   16 unique stations spotting me so far today, some very strongly too.

Cottage garden - NOT amateur radio

This cottage garden was seen on a recent walk. Although largely untended, it is filled with "cottage" plants and looks a picture.

1990s shack

One of my Facebook memories today was this photo of my gear in the mid 1990s. I had far more gear then than now!

Yesterday on 10m WSPR TX

In all, 28 unique stations spotted my 10m WSPR TX beacon using 500mW to the tiny indoor loop antenna. It was the best day this Es season.

Sunspots - Friday July 3rd 2020

Solar flux is 68 and the SSN 0. A=4 and K=1.