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Poor conditions on the HF Bands and particularly the 11 metre band continues. This last two months has seen hardly any activity on the 11 metre band from most divisions, only some South America and European countries near to the equator has any conditions for international DX. The sunspot cycle 24 has not yet kicked in and there seems to be no indication of when there is likely to be better conditions in the short term. In the meantime, 45 metres and 86 metres still has some freeband activity, but even these bands are subject to poorer conditions than usual, and few operators are now using the HF bands for Freebanding. This should all pick up though over the next twelve months and beyond as cycle 24 really starts to show itself, then all you freebanders out there will be enjoying great working conditions.

Sporadic E is an unpredictable natural phenomenon the occurs in the E region of the ionosphere. This phenomenon is best known to hobbyists by the resultant radio wave propagation that occurs.

While sporadic E is unpredictable, numerous correlations and observations have been made, by amateurs and scientists alike. For example, sporadic E is known to have a diurnal pattern, peak near the solstices, and occur more frequently in latitudes closer to the equator. Other facts are well documented as well, such as ionization densities, types of ions responsible, altitude of the ionized "clouds", etc.

In trying to understand the causes of sporadic-E, scientists and amateurs have tried to draw numerous correlations and build supporting theories. These have ranged from weather related catalyst theories, to ionosphere windshear (still a leading theory), to other astronomical impacts (meteors, comets, the moon's gravity, etc). None of the directly measureable theories have held up even close to 100% of the time under test, and just when we think we're starting to understand sporadic-E, it will surprise us with unanticipated behaviour.

Thousands of observations and studies have been documented in scientific journals and amateur radio periodicals. In fact, in the 1970's several sessions were held among the university community (Seminar on the Cause and Structure of Sporadic E). Some of these studies are highly scientific, and some less so. Some of the theories proposed seem highly improbable. This page is meant to be a reference to those online resources surrounding the study and occurrence of Sporadic E.

There is a re-launched new look website which is a propagation information site for the 11 metre band. run by 11 metre enthusiasts the site offers up to date information with regard to sunspots and propagation. In these times of very low conditions its good to have somewhere dedicated to the freebands that provides forecasts, current conditions etc. Also the site explains in detail how propagation works, there is a forum where you can discuss conditions, ask questions and share propagation news. Link is ........here........

Spammers, or at least the spamming software they use is currently affecting the cluster pages. We intend to keep trying to fight them off. There are ways to beat them and we are learning about database security all the time. I realise this has stopped a lot of users from entering any spots recently. That and the fact there are'nt many spots anyway. Bear with us, we will beat the spammers.

Foxtrot Bravo International Freebanding DX group has now started a cluster section of the site, with a basic chat facility. You can add both worked and SWL spots from any band, frequency or mode. This cluster is currently open to all who want to use it. Foxtrot Bravo website administrators will monitor the cluster pages to ensure no abuse takes place. Any abusive comments will be removed and this may results in password access only. But for now please feel free to read and add spots to the cluster pages.

Basically what all this means is we may have some unpredictable propagation throughout the summer, and the summer has started, and so have the conditions, with 2 division and most of Europe regularly being worked from the UK.

Sporadic E is an unpredictable natural phenomenon the occurs in the E region of the ionosphere. This phenomenon is best known to hobbyists by the resultant radio wave propagation that occurs.

In trying to understand the causes of sporadic-E, scientists and amateurs have tried to draw numerous correlations and build supporting thoeries. These have ranged from weather related catalyst theories, to ionospheric windshear (still a leading theory), to other astronomical impacts (meteors, comets, the moon's gravity, etc). None of the directly measureable theories have held up even close to 100% of the time under test, and just when we think we're starting to understand sporadic-E, it will surprise us with unanticpated behavior.

Thousands of observations and studies have been documented in scientific journals and amateur radio periodicals. In fact, in the 1970's several sessions were held among the univeristy community (Seminar on the Cause and Structure of Sproadic E). Some of these studies are highly scientific, and some less so. Some of the theories proposed seem highly improbable. This page is meant to be a reference to those online resources surrounding the study and occurrence of Sporadic E. Source: http://www.amfmdx.net

The divisions nearer the equator have taken advantage of the higher sunspot conditions. Cluster DK has regularly had spots for stations in locations such as South America, USA, Mexico and the Caribbean. Even as close to the UK as France and Spain have been having excellent DX conditions thanks to the increased solar activity. But those of us in the higher latitudes such as the UK and northern Europe have had very little in the way of propagation, making 11 metre band DXing all but impossible for practically the whole of March. Although we are still at solar minimum, some E layer sporadic DX conditions are expect during the summer months, and the summer months start very soon, giving expectation and hope for Northern Europe to have some 11 metre DX.

Foxtrot Bravo International Freebanding DX group has now started a cluster section of the site. You can add both worked and SWL spots from any band, frequency or mode. This cluster is currently open to all who want to use it. Foxtrot Bravo website administrators will monitor the cluster pages to ensure no abuse takes place. Any abusive comments will be removed and this may results in password access only. But for now please feel free to read and add spots to the cluster pages.

Freebanding, the Foxtrot Bravo International DX Group now has a Po Box number and address set up for all FB members to use freely. At the moment we only have a UK based address, but from small acorns...................

If you wish to send a Foxtrot Member a QSL card please go to the EQSL link for contact information regarding all Foxtrot Bravo members

The British Post Office had given way to a barrage of letters and phone calls from Dave Read, Foxtrot Bravo President, with regard to the PO Box number.

The Post Office had originally allocated a complex Po Box number to Foxtrot Bravo which, would have made it difficult to transmit over the air. So we decided to ask the Post Office to change the number to make it more user freindly. At first they did not want to change the number saying "this Po Box number has already been finalised, and in accordance with Post Office rules it cannot be changed". But Dave did not give up and although it has meant a significant delay it getting a useable Po Box number the Post Office have finally agreed to change the number to something more user freindly for radio use. Foxtrot Bravo have been promised an answer by the end of this week, 8th Feb. Look out for announcements on this site for more information.

Remember, the Po Box number is free for all UK Foxtrot Bravo members, and at cost for international members. This includes forwarding. For more information about using Foxtrot Bravo Po Box numbers or joining the DX group click here.

Online Government petition asking for the legalisation of SSB and AM in the UK reaches 100 signatures in the first month. Two hundred signatures are required for a Minister to respond formally. If you are UK resident please sign the online petition at the number 10 website or click on the link above.

Foxtrot Bravo Freebanding DX group continues to grow despite low propagation in November. Please click on join for your free membership. Welcome to all new Foxtrot Bravo group members. We hope you all have some good DX and that the propagation increases.

Freebanding is now still waiting for the Post Office to issue a PO Box number that will be free for all Foxtrot Bravo members. We anticipate this will be activated during December.

Foxtrot Bravo freebanding DX group has had its QSL card proofs returned from a leading QSL card printer as "they do not wish to encourage freebanding". Never mind there are other printers available, Foxtrot Bravo can organise personalised group QSL cards for you.