Usually, the Es season in Europe goes "off the boil" about now. Es can occur at any time of the year, although the peak times are in spring and early summer.
It is interesting that most of my spots on 10m QRP FT8 this morning were probably F2.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
This morning, we see on the news that Donald Trump narrowly missed an attempt on his life.
The USA has a gun culture and a very high death rate due to guns. It is sad that political candidates cannot give their "pitch" without the fear of being shot.
At 0808z my 2.5W 10m FT8 had been spotted by 33 stations in the last 12 hours with the furthermost 9K2OD (4637km) in Kuwait. 63 stations have been spotted on RX.
Solar flux is 238 and the SSN 214. A=4 and K=1.
Just now I sent off my entry for the 70cm activity contest last Tuesday. It would appear that interest in this contest is waning. I managed 1 QSO, then I gave up.
Looking at the waterfall on my RX, it would appear there were fewer people active. This is a pity, although it is far easier on 70cm FT8.
Much as I enjoy FT8 and WSPR, I am sure these will be partly to blame for the slow death of amateur radio as we knew it.
As a youngster, I discovered amateur radio by listening to locals on 160m AM and DX on 15m AM. These opportunities no longer exist as people can chat in a multitude of ways for free without a licence using the internet. Talking to friends across the world even by video is commonplace.
It is my view that amateur radio as we knew it will cease in the next 20 years.
A few moments ago I watched the RSGB's Webinar with Hans Summers about the QMX+ transceiver. It was a very good session and underlines just how bright Hans is. I was impressed.
In the webinar Hans mentioned that high on his priority list was implementing SSB on the QMX and QMX+ transceivers and that he hoped to do this within weeks or months. He is a busy man! This will be done via a firmware update. There is already an internal mic fitted although an external mic/PTT may be used.
As mentioned earlier, the RSGB is doing a series of Webinars on various subjects. See tonight@8 on the RSGB channel on YouTube or watch live.
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| Stations spotted here on 10m FT8 RX at 1633z |
This amazing NASA photo shows Saturn from a space probe.
According to the BBC this is called "Great Cambourne" although I have never heard this name used before. To locals it is known simply as Cambourne.
The RSGB does a series called Tonight@8. Recently, it featured the QMX+ rig from QRP Labs designed by Hans Summers G0UPL.
Solar flux is 210 and the SSN 162. A=6 and K=1.
£619.99 for a hand portable? Hmm. A lot more than I would pay, although I expect some will pay up for a fairly unique transceiver. Look for the ID-52 anniversary edition.
See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/id-52-plus .
I notice that the pound is very strong against the Japanese Yen. It has also got a lot better against the US Dollar.
On the face of this we should expect useful reductions in the price of Japanese gear. Alternatively, dealers can make a greater profit.
Today at 0751z 68 stations have already spotted me with the furthermost V51MA (8460km).
UPDATE 1052z: 115 stations have spotted my 10m QRP FT8 this morning. These include Africa, North and South America and Europe. Interestingly, no spots in Asia.
UPDATE 1335z: 186 spots of my QRP 10m FT8 in the last day. See map.
Solar flux is 205 and the SSN 188. A=6 and K=2.
The following have been notified to me. Always check with organisers if travelling far. All are on Sunday July 14th.
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