Here is this week’s space weather and geophysical report, issued 2016 May 16 0334 UTC.

Highlights of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 09 – 15 May 2016

Solar activity was low and only C-class flare activity was observed. Region 2543 (S05, L=002, class/area=Dao/90 on 10 May) produced a C7 flare at 14/1134 UTC which was the largest event of the period. Region 2544 (N21,L=296, class/area=Dao/150 on 15 May) produced five low-level C-class flares on 15 May, the largest being a C1 at 15/0502 UTC. Region 2542 (N12, L=357, class/area=Dai/150 on 09 May) produced a long-duration C3 flare at 15/1603 UTC with an associated filament eruption and partial-halo coronal mass ejection (CME) that departed off of the west limb. Forecaster analysis and WSA/Enlil modelling determined that the CME did not have an Earth-directed component. There were no Earth-directed CMEs during the period.

No proton events were observed at geosynchronous orbit. However, a slight enhancement was observed on 15 May associated with a long-duration C3 flare and filament eruption near Region 2542. A peak flux of 2 pfu was observed on 15 May at 2315 UTC.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit was at very high levels from 09-13 May due to the influences of a negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). High levels were observed on 14 May and moderate levels rounded out the week on 15 May.

Geomagnetic field activity was at unsettled to G3 (Strong) geomagnetic storm levels on 09 May due to the residual effects of a co-rotating interaction region and subsequent negative polarity coronal hole high speed stream (CH HSS). Mainly quiet to unsettled conditions were observed for 10-14 May with a nominal solar wind. A positive polarity CH HSS became connected with Earths magnetic field on 15 May causing quiet to active conditions.

Forecast of Solar and Geomagnetic Activity 16 May – 11 June 2016

Solar activity is expected to be at very low (B-class flares) to low (C-class flares) levels throughout the outlook period.

No proton events are expected at geosynchronous orbit.

The greater than 2 MeV electron flux at geosynchronous orbit is expected to be at high levels on 16-23 May, 30 May-02 Jun, and 06-10 Jun. Moderate flux levels are expected for the remainder of the period.

Geomagnetic field activity is expected to reach G1 (Minor) geomagnetic storm levels on 16, 19-20 May due to the influence of recurrent positive polarity coronal hole high speed streams (CH HSS). G1 (Minor) storm levels are also expected on 29 May and 04-05 June due to the influnce of negative polarity CH HSSs.

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Comparing CW audio 

The Elecraft KX3 and the Ten-Tec Eagle

The radios

Setup

Subjective listening

In this episode, Martin M1MRB / W9ICQ is joined by ED Durrant DD5LP, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Chris Howard M0TCH and Martin Rothwell M0SGL to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin M6BOY rounds up the news in brief, and this episodes feature is - Emergency Comms

• Young US Ham wins at Science and Engineering Fair
• ARRL Committee Conducting Youth in Amateur RadioSport Survey
• UK Advanced Radio Exam 'on demand'
• Netherlands to Licence Low-Power AM Broadcasters
• RSGB Examination Standards 1st Report
• Hara Arena in Consideration for New Fairgrounds
• UK Air Cadets 5MHz Radio Exercise
• Online Australian Ham Licence Lookup Service
• Robotic Lawn Mower EMC Banned in Sweden

In this episode, Martin M1MRB / W9ICQ is joined by ED Durrant DD5LP, Dan Romanchik KB6NU, Chris Howard M0TCH and Martin Rothwell M0SGL to discuss the latest Amateur / Ham Radio news. Colin M6BOY rounds up the news in brief, and this episodes feature is - Emergency Comms

• Young US Ham wins at Science and Engineering Fair
• ARRL Committee Conducting Youth in Amateur RadioSport Survey
• UK Advanced Radio Exam 'on demand'
• Netherlands to Licence Low-Power AM Broadcasters
• RSGB Examination Standards 1st Report
• Hara Arena in Consideration for New Fairgrounds
• UK Air Cadets 5MHz Radio Exercise
• Online Australian Ham Licence Lookup Service
• Robotic Lawn Mower EMC Banned in Sweden

AmateurLogic.TV Episode 90 is now available for download.

Tommy’s Antenna Hanging. Emile’s Wet Noodle. Peter has a free antenna reference. George builds the Hula Loop.

Plus viewer email and more.

1:02:10

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YouTube

Since my last article was published, I made my fourth attempt to pass the extra exam. I knew I had done better, but was pleasantly surprised when the VEs congratulated me. I’m still trying to believe that since it was only one week ago. Never mind that anyway, it doesn’t really have anything to do with the new CW paddle I made.

Way back when, after I had been on the air for a few months, I decided I’d give CW a shot. I knew I’d need a key or paddle, but didn’t really know where to start. A simple Internet search for CW paddle brought up a very large number of beautiful paddles that nearly made me drool. What prevented the drooling was the price attached to nearly all of those lovely paddles. I wasn’t about to spend that kind of money on something that I didn’t even know I could operate.

My next Internet search included the word “homebrew” to see if it were even possible to make a CW paddle that would work. Much to my amazement, there are hundreds of different designs for homebrew CW paddles. Altoid tins, hacksaw blades, plastic, wood, all wire, metal, you name it, someone had created one. Seeing all of those wonderful homemade paddles, I knew it was possible, but was it possible for me?

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