‰ Now 18 WPM transition file follows ‰

Average daily sunspot numbers for the week more than doubled from
the previous seven days, rising 24 points to 43R4. This is a nice
number for what should be the bottom of the sunspot cycle. Gene
Hastings, W1VRK of Marblehead, Massachusetts has kept a regular
weekly 20 meter phone QSO with G3LMH for over 40 years. Last Friday,
January 5 at 1400z, the signals were unusually strong, surprising
both operators. Gene said signals of late have been running about
S3, so this was a welcome change. If we compare conditions a week
earlier, using a propagation forecasting program, with zero sunspots
on December 29, 20 meters was likely just opening over that path at
that time, and the chances of them working on the next higher band,
17 meters, would be nil. But a week later, with sunspot numbers for
Thursday through Saturday of 36, 43 and 47, the band would open at
least 90 minutes earlier, and 17 meters would be open as well. What
if a year from today the sunspot numbers over several days were
running around 80? He could expect the band to be open all day, with
the opening about two hours prior to his regular schedule.  Also,
17, 15 and even 12 meters would likely be open, and a good chance of
working G3LMH on 10 meters as well an hour or two later.  Currently
sunspots 930 and 937 are disappearing off the visible solar disk.
Sunspot numbers should be lower over the next few days, but
geomagnetic conditions should be stable. We probably wont see
unsettled to active geomagnetic conditions until January 16 and 17,
and later a bit more active around January 30. Sunspot numbers and
solar flux should run higher again from January 27 through February
7. Sunspot numbers were 36, 43, 47, 46, 52, 41 and 39 with a mean of
43R4. 10R7 cm flux was 89R4, 89R4, 87R3, 86R7, 88, 92R2, and 86R2,
with a mean of 88R5. Estimated planetary A indices were 16, 9, 3, 2,
4, 4 and 7 with a mean of 6R4. Estimated mid latitude A indices were
13, 6, 2, 1, 2, 3 and 4, with a mean of 4R4. the fcc has put new
amateur radio vanity call sign processing on hold while it modifies
the software that handles vanity applications. vanity renewals are
not affected. the suspension is a result of a rule change that went
into effect december 15 to discourage the filing of multiple
applications by one individual for the same call sign. the fcc
continues to accept new vanity applications, which it will process
once software changes have been implemented. when that might happen
is unknown. the vanity call sign fee, payable for new applications
as well as renewals, is 20 dollars 80 cents‚

‰ End of 18 WPM transition file ‰