Not on any band tonight

Tonight, overnight, I am not on any band. I went QRT on 10m JT65 about an hour ago and should be back in the morning around breakfast time.

KX2 review

Southgate News has a link to a nice review of the Elecraft KX2 transceiver. The KX2 is smaller than the KX3 but is ideal for QRP portable use with a wide range internal ATU and an internal Li-Ion battery pack. Both these are extras and not in the basic price. Sadly the case has to be opened to charge the battery.

See http://swling.com/blog/2016/12/a-review-of-the-elecraft-kx2-general-coverage-qrp-transceiver/

Return to 10m JT65

After a rather disappointing evening and overnight on 630m WSPR, I QSYed to 10m JT65 at breakfast time today. As yet, no spots given or received.

UPDATE 2205z:  Sadly no spots given or received today on 10m JT65.

Sunspots and 10m - Friday December 2nd 2016

Solar flux is 84 today (not bad) and the sunspot number 49. A=3 and K=1.

Another UK Rally

Sunday 4 DECEMBER : BISHOP AUCKLAND RAC RALLY

Spennymoor Leisure Centre, 32 High St, Spennymoor, Durham DL16 6DB Venue has good car parking and disabled facilities. There will be the usual radio, computer and electronics as well as a Bring & Buy. Catering and bar will be available on site. Facilities. As you can imagine, there is a lot to do for all the family within the confines of the leisure centre for those of the family not interested in radio. Doors open at 10.30am with disabled visitors gaining access from 10.15am. Admission is £2 with under 14 free of charge with an adult. Talk in will be on S22. More details from John, G4LRG on 01388 606 396 or Brian, G7OCK 01388 762 678.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Cambridge Lights - NOT amateur radio

In the run-up to Christmas, Cambridge has its lights on for Christmas. To be fair, some shops have had Christmas displays since at least the start of October. This was the view on the way to the bus.

MLS Hog Roast

One of the major UK retailers, MLS, is holding a Hog Roast this weekend, Dec 3rd 2016.

See http://us13.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e333c5d40a2f50d7f47615328&id=1ef9d22431&e=e7d0ed0d96

472kHz (630m) WSPR

For the evening and overnight, I have moved to 472kHz WSPR with 5mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. Although mostly on RX (80%) my noise floor is S8 (noise from the PC's SMPSU that charges the laptop battery) I am only able to receive very strong stations. I see that Jenny G0VQH (15km), is spotting me, as well as others. No DX as yet this evening.

Rally

Saturday 3 DECEMBER : SOUTH LANCS WINTER RALLY

Bickershaw Labour Club, Bickershaw Lane, Bickershaw, Wigan WN2 5TE. The venue has disabled facilities and car parking on site. Doors open at 9am with traders gaining access from 7.30am. Admission is £2.50. There will be trade stands, a Bring & Buy and special interest groups. There is a licensed bar and catering on site. Details from Jason, G0IZR on 01942 735 828. www.slarc.co.uk/rally.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Solar Activity

Just a reminder that http://www.solen.info/solar/ has lots of data on solar activity. Usually there is an update early in the month showing the sunspot activity. It is worth seeing the trends.