My stand-alone W5OLF 10m QRP WSPR beacon has been on most of the day. 45 stations have spotted me. 

UPDATE 1807z: 62 stations have spotted my 10m 500mW WSPR today with the furthermost ND7M (8408km).

Having been on most of the morning I have been spotted by 32 stations so far today when running 2.5W FT8.

Both in John Lewis and Marks and Spencer they have Christmas stuff on display. 

 

Last evening, our son cooked us duck. 

It was very good with all the trimmings.

Based on the last few days, it would appear 8m conditions are improving. F2 propagation is getting better, and more frequent. 

Yesterday, my 8m FT8 2.5W to a low dipole was spotted across the Atlantic by 2 stations. We can expect  8m F2 propagation to be good at this time of year with high sunspot numbers.

 Today I think I shall try 6m FT8 as 8m was good yesterday so I am wondering if the F2 MUF will exceed 50MHz.

Solar  flux is 275 and the SSN 194. A=7 and K=1.

 Despite the increasing tension in the Middle East, the price of oil seems remarkably stable.

 After all, I decided to try 8m QRP FT8 today. So far, no spots.

UPDATE 1202z:  So far only G4BAO (8km) spotting me.

UPDATE 1229z: My first 8m spot from "across the pond" this season by WW1L (4976km).

Stations spotting my 2.5W 8m FT8

UPDATE 1252z: Now spotted by 3 stations.

Stations spotted on 8m FT8

 

To the west of us, there has been some widespread flooding. We have avoided it over here thankfully. One of my friends on 365project posted this photo of her local park flooded and closed.

My stand-alone 10m QRP WSPR TX beacon is on and there looks like plenty of F2 propagation to Eastern Europe.

Yesterday, I posted my views on the situation in the Middle East. Overnight, I received a comment that may be pure sarcasm. If this was not intended, please accept my apologies and resubmit a comment. For now, I am not publishing the comment.

My views have not changed: the only long-term solution must be diplomatic with everyone treating everyone fairly and with dignity in peaceful coexistence.

UPDATE 1026z:   Lots of military aeroplane activity overhead from the US airbases at either Lakenheath or Mildenhall. 

The impression I have is that things are not as good as yesterday on 10m and 6m as far as propagation in Europe is concerned. Unless things get better, I think I shall give 8m FT8 a miss today.

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .

This year, we have had a good crop of tomatoes. I have now dug them up and those that don't turn red will come for green tomato chutney.

See https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/green-tomato-chutney .

 Solar flux is 245 and the SSN 196. A=6 and K=2.

This evening was the 2m activity contest organised by the RSGB. 

The only long-term solution to the long-running situation over Israel seems to me to be a political solution that allows Israel and the people of Palestine to live in peace. 

This endless cycle of violence may achieve something in the short-term, but just increases bitterness. Everyone has to compromise for the long-term good.

 

At the moment 10m is excellent and there are some 10m only rigs at bargain prices. Many will have a go on 10m only where antennas are small and they do not have to be far off the ground to be effective. 

I know this has been on several times before, but it is worth reminding folks of my 10m antenna that can be made from easily obtainable material, is small and really works. If you are after a simple 10m antenna, this may "fit the bill".  It was in Practical Wireless many years ago and is on my website.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/antennas/homebase10-10m-halo .

My 8m 2.5W FT8 is on again.

UPDATE 0948z: 

Stations monitoring 8m FT8

 No spots. The map shows the stations currently monitoring 8m FT8 - quite a few!