[Elecraft] Band Conditions

[Karl Larsen]

    This morning the Flux was 70 and the K index was 0. This is "Sunspot 
Minimum" readings of the sun. What does this mean to a QRP Operator?

    Do not re-align your K2 receiver, or re-tune the transmitter for 
another 0.1 Watt of output. Leave it alone because the bands are broken, 
not your radio. It will be very seldom that you hear anything much on 20 
meters. And 40 meters is noisy right now.

    In a couple of months we should see the K index get active (a 
little) and the Flux will zoom up to 90. When that happens get on the 
air :-)

    You can get the Flux and K index from listening to WWV. At 18 
minutes after the hour a muffled voice gives you these current numbers. 
WWV is on 2.5, 5, 10, 15, and 20 MHz. They run 25 KW so you hear them 
even when conditions are poor!

    In about 6 years QRP will be a lot of fun.

73 Karl K5DI