Some years ago I was pointed to this resource by Steve G1KQH.
31 Jan 2021
2m FT8 QRP (Sunday)
At about 1744z I QSYed to 2m FT8 with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. Alredady spotted by 3 stations including EI2FG 565km). No spots yet on RX.
UPDATE 1904z: 11 stations have spotted me this evening on 2m FT8 QRP TX. 8 stations spotted on RX. No QSOs.
UPDATE 2005z: 14 stations have spotted my QRP on 2m FT8 including GI and EI again. 10 stations spotted on RX.
EMF calculator
Southgate News has a piece about a new EMF calculator produced by OFCOM and the RSGB. At some point we may have to show OFCOM that our ERP is within certain limits, for example if a neighbour made a complaint.
See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2021/january/updated-rsgb-ofcom-emf-calculator.htm#.YBbCt_GTLrc
Grandchildren - NOT amateur radio
Our village - NOT amateur radio
This was a view of our village earlier. The foreground is Spring Close meadows which is an 11 acre wild meadow bought for the village some years ago. It has Roman remains and castle remains dating back to King Stephen. In the distance is Burwell church.
Quiet corner - NOT amateur radio
10m FT8 QRP (Sunday)
Since 0825z, I have been on 10m FT8 with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop. No spots so far at 1030z. The photo shows the loop antenna on the windowsill on the right.
UPDATE 1240z: No spots on RX. 1 spot of my QRP TX by EA8BFK (2881km).
UPDATE 1435z: Still no further spots. I did copy an OD5 (Lebanon) on RX, but this was not uploaded to PSKreporter for some reason.
UPDATE 1740z: No further spots all day, so will QSY to 2m FT8 shortly.
RSPB big garden birdwatch - NOT amateur radio
You have to record the maximum number of each different species seen in any hour.
In all, 10 different species seen. Those missing, but often seen, include goldfinch, great tit and thrush.
30 Jan 2021
2m FT8 QRP (Saturday)
Shortly, I shall be QSYing to 2m FT8 QRP using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.
UPDATE 1700z: QSYed at 1651z. 6 stations in 2 countries have spotted my 2.5W QRP FT8.
UPDATE 1740z: 11 stations in 4 countries have spotted me today, so far, on 2m FT8. The furthermost is EI2FG (565km).
17m FT8 QRP (Saturday)
At the moment I am on 17m FT8 QRP with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop. 66 stations spotted on RX and 6 stations have spotted me on TX already.
UPDATE 1640z: 19 stations have spotted my 17m FT8 QRP today using just 2.5W and my tiny indoor loop. The map shows where I was spotted today.
29 Jan 2021
2m FT8 QRP (Friday)
At 1835z I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. 7 G spots so far of my 2.5W QRP on TX. 4 spots in 3 countries so far on 2m FT8 RX with the furthermost being DL6YBF (410km).
UPDATE 2220z: 12 stations have spotted me on 2m FT8 TX. Now QRT.
481THz optical beacon
I still have it and hope to use it again. It uses a K1EL keyer to produce either CW or QRSS. My first test is likely to be some sort of reflection test, possibly off trees.
It seems I like to experiment at the extreme ends of the spectrum, HI. Either VLF (sub 9kHz) or optical comms (481THz)!
Winter walk - NOT amateur radio
On a winter walk, these aconites are coming into flower. There are a few daffodils on the way, but few out yet.
17m FT8 QRP (Friday)
It is now 1216z. For a few minutes I have been on 17m FT8 QRP with the FT817ND (2.5W) and the tiny indoor loop. So far today I have spotted 10 stations on RX and 2 stations have spotted me on QRP TX in southern Spain. I am amazed that anyone spots me on 17m with such low power and such a tiny antenna!
Covid-19 injection - NOT amateur radio
We just went to a nearby town for our first AstraZeneca Covid-19 injection. They were very well organised with loads of people helping at every stage. The injection itself was totally painless. Within 3 weeks the immunity should build.
Another CDARC Zoom talk
Tonight's talk is on "Operating from South Atlantic Islands" by Martin G3ZAY. I think he writes the HF column in RadCom, the RSGB magazine.
I have been pleasantly surprised how effective these talks are. We can all see each other and most sessions have at least as many people as a face-to-face meeting, with the added advantage that those people far away can still take part.
Some months ago we had a quiz with a club in N.Ireland and we have had members in Canada and Germany at times.
Details of CDARC are on the website. See http://www.cdarc.org.uk/ .
8m band?
Although 8m is allocated in EI and a very few other countries, some in other countries have asked for special permission to TX on this band.
I have lost touch who has permission. This allocation between 10m and 6m would be especially useful for Es and MS.
It may be some years before this is more generally allocated (if ever), but I expect more keen amateurs will seek special permits to TX, maybe for a limited time, with limited power, on spot frequencies on a non-interference basis i.e. as long as you don't cause trouble, you can proceed.
Haircut time - NOT amateur radio
It should rapidly regrow, although we hope slowly!
2m FT8 QRP (Thursday evening)
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| Stations spotting my 2m FT8 QRP Thursday evening |
9 stations in 5 countries spotted me and I had 1 QSO. Yet again, I was copied in EI and GI.
28 Jan 2021
Lower cost HF rigs
Steve G1KQH and I have been discussing lower cost HF rigs. At the moment it would seem this market is being left to the Chinese and kits like the Indian uBITX.
Most modern rigs from the Japanese people like ICOM, Yaesu and Kenwood are expensive and there is a dearth of lower cost "entry level" products lacking many of the fancy features. Whilst some can afford expensive toys, many cannot.
In a way I am surprised that the uBITX design has not been bought by one of the big 3, improved, made in China and sold at an entry level price. It seems this is a market ready to be exploited. If the Japanese don't grab it, the Chinese surely will.
17m FT8 QRP (Thursday)
As 10m was not good, I QSYed to 17m FT8 QRP at about 1353z. I am running 2.5W to the tiny indoor loop.
At 17m, this is even smaller as a proportion of wavelength than 10m. Nonetheless, 11 spots on RX (including several from the USA) and 1 on TX.
UPDATE 1415z: 21 stations spotted so far on RX.
Yaesu FT991A
10m FT8 QRP (Thursday)
It is now 1137z. For about 5 minutes I have been on 10m FT8 with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop. So far, no spots today.
UPDATE 1345z: Still no spots
Flatford Mill - NOT amateur radio
Last evening on 2m FT8 QRP
Last evening, I went on 2m FT8 QRP with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. In all, I was spotted by 8 stations in 3 countries with the furthermost being EI2FG (565km). On RX, I spotted 3 stations in 2 countries.
27 Jan 2021
10m FT8 QRP (Wednesday)
At 1507z, I QSYed to 10m FT8 using 2.5W to the tiny indoor loop. So far, no spots.
Oscar 100 activity
Every few weeks I try to give my impression of activity on the narrow-band transponder of this geosynchronous satellite. I do this by looking at the web SDR at Goonhilly in Cornwall. This is very unscientific.
My impression is activity levels are slightly up. I looked at mid-afternoon in Europe on a weekday. There are more people at home at the moment because of various lockdowns due to Covid-19.
Primroses - NOT amateur radio
We bought these from our village nursery. They were healthy plants and we will definitely use them again.
Normal times - NOT amateur radio
In normal times Cambridge has lots of bikes. Of course we are not in normal times.
15m FT8 QRP (Wednesday)
It is now 0822z. A few moments ago my 15m FT8 QRP was turned on with 2.5W to the tiny indoor loop. So far, 11 stations spotted on RX and nobody has spotted me on TX.
UPDATE 1048z: 8 stations have so far spotted my QRP on TX and 126 stations have been spotted on RX.
Elecraft virtual K4
The latest Elecraft newsletter has details of the virtual K4 to allow remote control of the K4 e. g. over the Internet. See the Elecraft website.
26 Jan 2021
2m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)
A few moments ago, I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna.
UPDATE 1900z: Just a single spot of my QRP so far, from DF0MU (475km). Nothing yet on RX.
15m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)
This morning I am on 15m FT8 with 2.5W and the tiny indoor loop on the shack windowsill. Already spotted by SV8JNL (2485km) on TX and 19 stations already spotted on 15m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1425z: 230 stations spotted so far on 15m FT8 RX with the tiny indoor loop and 4 people have so far spotted my QRP TX. The furthermost on RX is LU1FJP (11306km) in Argentina. On TX QRP the furthermost is RK4FF (2964km).
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| Stations spotted on 15m FT8 today |
UPDATE 1845z: 405 stations spotted on 15m FT8 RX today. Soon to QSY to 2m FT8.
Mill Leat - NOT amateur radio
Yaesu FT7 transceiver
It was later sold to a friend, who still has it.
It only covered part of 10m, used no synthesisers and had a modular design. It was very quiet on RX and was one of the best rigs I have ever owned.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/ft7 .
The video shows the FT7B which is the 50W version.
Shack photo
Since then, there have been a few changes.
Memory prices
Now you can buy micro SD cards with over 1TB!! At some point I shall buy a 256GB (or even larger) memory card for all my photos.
A few years from now I expect 1TB micro SD cards will be dirt cheap and seem so small.
WSJT-X rc4
The latest release candidate of WSJT-X has been released. It is rc4. When I tried to install it on my Windows 10 machine it kept blocking it. After going through the hoops several times I eventually installed it. This version runs until Feb 2nd when I expect to go through all this hassle again. I know why this is done: to keep the PC safe. rc3 no longer works after Jan 26th.
WSJT-X is used for FT8 and WSPR here
Crystal set DXing
Although it is possible to envelope detect amateur stations if strong enough, identifying amateur SSB stations can be quite hard. The first amateur stations copied were on 160m AM way back in the 1960s. Since then I have copied amateur SSB stations on 80m at some distance. Signals need to be S9++.
In a crystal set all the power is from the TX end, with nothing at the RX end. No batteries, nothing.
I have seen broadcast signals from all over the world and these were genuine in original country broadcasts, not via relays. These days there are fewer English language broadcasters as more and more people move to the Internet.
The circuit shown here is capable of hearing this DX even though it is ultra-simple. For the detector I used a germanium diode, but a hot carrier diode might be suitable. The secret is choosing a diode with a very low turn-on voltage. Silicon diodes are not suitable.
I am sure there will be better circuits around.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/crystalset .
See also http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/culter.pdf
25 Jan 2021
"Our" windmill - NOT amateur radio
We can see the windmill when we have breakfast and from the lounge where this photo was taken.
During the Covid-19 pandemic they removed some slats from the sails. I expect they will be repainted and replaced soon. The whole windmill is due for a repaint.
OFCOM updates
On the OFCOM website are more details of their upcoming auction of spectrum at 700MHz and 3.6GHz.
Yorkshire pudding - NOT amateur radio
In days gone by Yorkshire pudding was served as a savoury first course to fill you up before the main course, so less meat was needed. This was particularly important in poor families.
2m FT8 QRP (Monday)
Since about 1030z I have been on 2m FT8 using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. Already I have been spotted in EI and GI.
UPDATE 2130z: 26 stations in 7 countries have spotted my 2m FT8 QRP in the last 12 hours. 31 stations spotted here on RX in same period.
Anglesey abbey - NOT amateur radio
We walk there most weeks. It is about 1.2 miles around the winter walk and not very muddy.
The other walk we do there is a bit further, but very muddy at the moment!
VLF news 2021
Experiments continue at very low frequencies by radio amateurs. This is an area where all can take part on RX as the antennas can be very small indeed, yet highly effective. This is one of the frontiers in our hobby.
It is honest that to radiate a sub-10kHz signal does need a big antenna and dedication. Nonetheless, we need far more monitoring stations on RX only.
In the past I have tried to keep abreast of happenings at extreme VLF with my website on sub-9kHz operation. If I fail to update quickly, there are links to very up-to-date information. In 2021, I shall do my best.
See https://sites.google.com/site/sub9khz/news21 .
See also https://sites.google.com/site/sub9khz/home .
See also https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/vlf .
24 Jan 2021
Yesterday's snow - NOT amateur radio
The photo shows the snow falling yesterday.
More grandson's art - NOT amateur radio
His older creations are here. Some date back several years. I think some are 5 years old.
Cape Verde (D4) on 4m?
EI7GL reports on his blog that the team in Cape Verde intend to try 4m operation in the coming Es season. There is some doubt that they will reach much of Europe as this may depend on multiple hop Es. At this lowish VHF frequency marine tropo ducts may be harder.
See https://ei7gl.blogspot.com/2021/01/d4vhf-on-cape-verde-plans-to-be-on-70.html
2m FT8 QRP (Sunday)
At about 0950z, my 2m FT8 gear was turned on. Running , as usual, 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. It is now 0956z and I have been spotted by 6 stations already.
UPDATE 1000z: Already a spot of my QRP 2m FT8 by EI2FG (565km).
UPDATE 1445z: 17 stations have, so far, spotted my 2.5W 2m FT8 QRP on TX. These include spots in Eire, N.Ireland and Germany. Considering no beams here, quite credible, although this seems possible with 2m FT8 QRP at almost any time. As the times seem so frequent and random, I am not convinced this is aircraft reflection. I am still wondering if FT8 allows some other sort of scattering to be possible with QRP?
No Comment - NOT amateur radio
In the USA many voted for him. Outside the USA I have yet to speak with anyone (not one) who has a good word for him. In 4 whole years I have spoken with, or met, many people. The number must be in the hundreds now.
Odd, he must have done something right domestically, yet abroad he is the butt of jokes.
23 Jan 2021
Network radios
A few years ago, I bought a network radio. This looks like a 2m handheld but uses the internet to connect to distant stations using systems like Echolink. It works over WiFi or mobile phone networks.
Since I bought it, I hardly use it. For me, network radios are just not satisfying. It has a PTT and is very similar to a VHF or UHF handheld. One of the fun things is working stations via distant repeaters e.g. in the USA or Australia.
Personally, I prefer "real" radio, although for some these are a good substitute.
Salcombe Devon - NOT amateur radio
As a child, I was brought up in Salcombe, Devon. The video below was filmed in summer 2020. It is a virtual tour in 4K (ultra high definition) through the town. Not much social distancing evident!
2020 was one of the rare years when I did not go back to my roots. Hopefully in 2021 at a time when it is less busy I shall get back there.
IC-705 UK dealer prices
In Europe, with a free 3 year warranty and VAT the ICOM IC-705 sells for 1317.6 Euros. In the UK the list price is £1299.95 (with VAT) with the 5 year warranty on top as an extra. Just saying....
Even with any carriage and import duties, why the difference?
Clearly, there is comfort from buying from a UK dealer who speaks English, but.....???
2m FT8 QRP (Saturday)
In a short while I hope to go on 2m FT8 with 2.5W and the big-wheel omni. Yesterday I had 1 QSO, but was widely spotted despite my low ERP signal.
Although the conventional wisdom is this is due to aircraft reflection, I am still puzzled: these DX spots seem to occur at almost any time, so I am wondering if FT8 is allowing QRP stations to access some scatter modes that would not be possible with CW or SSB at these ERPs?
I expect my 2m FT8 reports are a mix of tropo, aircraft and other scatter, possibly with some random MS. Not quite sure how long an MS burst has to get a successful FT8 decode. I suspect far less than the 15 seconds a TX FT8 burst lasts.
My ERP is probably less than 5W. The big-wheel has a little horizontal gain, but the coax has some loss.
UPDATE 1034z: My 2m FT8 QRP was turned on at 0955z. So far, 10 spots of my QRP TX including (again) EI2FG (565km) and 5 spots on RX.
UPDATE 1105z: 13 stations have so far spotted my QRP 2m FT8 TX.
UPDATE 1931z: 18 stations have spotted my 2m FT8 QRP TX today.
Cambridge 2012 - NOT amateur radio
Normally the colleges are very busy with visitors from overseas, especially the Far East. Not in the last 12 months!
CDARC AGM via Zoom
The Cambridge club has held lots of talks using Zoom, and they have all be great.
22 Jan 2021
2m FT8 QRP (Friday)
This evening from 2000z I have been on 2m FT8 using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. So far I have been spotted by 7 stations in 3 countries on TX.
January - NOT amateur radio
We went for a walk there earlier.
Old and new - NOT amateur radio
A few years ago, a pub car park became a building site.
The new houses have now been finished as the before and after photo shows.
When we first came to this village near Cambridge, the population was under 5000. It is now almost 7000. It seems every spare space is a chance to make builders money. Sadly there are few houses for ordinary folk as the profits would be too low.
21 Jan 2021
Hyacinths - NOT amateur radio
FT8 and breakfast spread
There is no doubt that FT8 has divided the amateur community .
On the plus side every day my 2m QRP to a simple non-directional antenna is copied in EI and GI. FT8 has made this possible. At the same time there is less chatting, especially with modes that casual listeners will chance upon.
It is a bit like Marmite (a UK yeast spread) that some love and some hate.
I have mixed views. With my poor voice FT8 has been a godsend. At the same time I don't want less chatting on the bands.
Village churches - NOT amateur radio
IC-705, IC-7300 and IC-9700 firmware updates
Southgate News reports that a firmware update to these ICOM products is due at the end of January.
See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2021/january/new-fimware-updates.htm#.YAmcZ_GTLrc
2m FT8 QRP (Thursday)
Since about 1505z, I have been on 2m FT8 with the usual 2.5W and big-wheel omni antenna. So far today, just 1 spot of me by G0LRD (26km).
UPDATE 1724z: 9 stations in 4 countries have spotted me today. It would seem EI and GI spots are an everyday thing even with real QRP. No QSOs yet. 7 stations in 4 countries have been spotted here so far.
UPDATE 1820z: 11 stations in 4 countries spotted on 2m RX. On QRP TX 11 station in 4 countries spotted. No QSOs. My technique is to call CQ and wait, which is the lazy way. If I called stations I am sure I'd get more contacts.
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| Spots of my QRP today on 2m FT8 TX |
20 Jan 2021
Treewashing - NOT amateur radio
UK prices for the IC-705
It seems odd to me that the XBS Telecom price (Europe) with included 3 year warranty and VAT is a fair bit lower than the price from any UK dealer. As an example, a 5 year warranty is extra from MLS. By the way, MLS say that all their IC-705 transceivers come from ICOM UK.
Like the IC-7300 I am convinced the IC-705 is being market priced (if the punters will pay, then do not drop the price). Most are working on the assumption that if the radio is wanted enough, then we will pay. It seems if you want an IC-705 from a UK dealer, you have to accept the market price.
I am all for fair prices as I want dealers to still be there, but I do not like to be exploited.
Any views?
2m FT8 QRP (Wednesday)
It is now 0955z. For about 30 minutes I have been on 2m FT8 using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni antenna. Already 8 spots of my QRP with the furthermost EI2FG (565km). I am amazed that my tiny signal gets this far every single day on 2m.
UPDATE 1342z: 12 spots of my QRP signal so far today on 2m FT8 TX.UPDATE 1615z: 15 stations have spotted me on TX and I have spotted 12 stations on RX. The furthermost on RX is DL6YBF (410km).
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| Stations that have spotted me today on 2m FT8 QRP |
UPDATE 2208z: 25 stations spotted on 2m FT8 RX. 17 stations in 6 countries have spotted me on 2m FT8 TX. QRT shortly.
19 Jan 2021
2m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)
At about 2020z, I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP using 2.5W and the big-wheel omni. So far, I have been spotted by 4 stations on TX with the furthermost G7RAU (461km). On 2m FT8 RX just 1 station spot ted so far this evening.
UPDATE 2101z: already my QRP has been spotted by EI2FG (565km) as well as 6 others. On 2m FT8 RX I have spotted 4 stations with DL6YBF (410km) the furthermost.
UPDATE 2305z: QRT.
New digital mode coming?
Southgate News reports that a new digital mode may be coming later this year called Q65 as part of WSJT-X suite. I have just downloaded the latest release candidate for WSJT-X (2.3.0-rc3), but I have not checked if it is there.
See https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/Q65_Quick_Start.pdf
See http://www.southgatearc.org/news/2021/january/new-digital-protocol-q65.htm#.YAbrz_GTLrc
Lunch out - NOT amateur radio
Funny how a trip to the local bakers is now exciting! I expect when this pandemic is largely over we will value the small things denied us all.
USA future - NOT amateur radio
Tomorrow the new USA president is sworn in. I hope that President Trump is magnanimous and his followers respect democracy.
Me in 1959 - NOT amateur radio
6m FT8 QRP (Tuesday)
It is now 1042z. For the last few minutes I have been on 6m FT8 with 2.5W and the V2000 omni vertical. 2 spots of me so far with the furthermost M0AGP (122km).
UPDATE 1102z: Now spotted strongly by OL7M (1128km). Winter Es or aircraft? Probably aircraft.
UPDATE 1112z: 5 stations have spotted me so far. Amazing. No spots on 6m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1424z: Now 4 stations spotted on RX with furthermost being G8EEM (208km).
18 Jan 2021
2m FT8 (QRP) Monday
I am mainly on 2m FT8 RX using the FT817ND and big wheel. When briefly on TX at 2.5W the report on G0LRD's (26km) grabber was poor, suggesting something is wrong either with the rig or antenna. On RX things seem to be as expected. Odd. The output power seemed low as if the SWR was poor.
The SWR looks fine, so this might be another fault in the FT817ND. Tomorrow I might try with a dummy load, and then the FT991A.
Village collage - NOT amateur radio
20m FT8 RX
It is now 1205z. For about an hour I have been on 20m FT8 RX with the FT817ND and the indoor loop. So far, 188 stations spotted on RX.
UPDATE 1434z: Now on 2.5W TX too. So far today, 424 stations spotted on 20m FT8 RX.
UPDATE 1900z: 2 stations have spotted me on TX and 503 stations spotted on 20m FT8 RX today.
17 Jan 2021
2m FT8 QRP (Sunday)
At 1954z, I QSYed to 2m FT8 QRP using the usual 2.5W and big-wheel omni antenna. So far, 5 stations have spotted me with the furthermost being EI2FG (565km). This sort of range is always possible even with my QRP set-up. It is now 2002z. Nothing spotted on RX yet.
UPDATE 2225z: After 4 QSOs this evening, now QRT.
QSY to 20m FT8 QRP (Sunday)
As 10m was pathetic here I QSYed to 20m FT8 at about 1517z using 2.5W to the tiny indoor loop.
At 20m this is so tiny that it does not look like it could ever work!
At 1525z lots of USA stations already spotted. So far, 23 stations spotted on 20m FT8 RX, but nobody has yet spotted me on TX.
Church bells - NOT amateur radio
One of the things I've missed recently is hearing the local church bells ring. As well as the clock that strikes on the hour, there is a peel of bells used for change ringing.
10m FT8 QRP (Sunday)
For about 30 minutes I have been on 10m FT8 with the tiny indoor loop antenna and 2.5W. No spots yet.
UPDATE 1440z: Still no spots today.
16 Jan 2021
"A journal of the plague year" by Daniel Defoe - NOT amateur radio
Earlier, I read Defoe's book about his trip around Britain, which was fascinating.
This book on the plague was harder reading, but worth it.
See https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journal-Plague-Year-Illustrated-Daniel/dp/B086M2VZYN
2m FT8 grabber
This has been mentioned before, but I find the 2m FT8 grabber just west of Cambridge run by David G0LRD very useful. If you want to see what your 2m FT8 signal looks like near Cambridge, this is your chance.
My signal at 26km is usually +9 to +12dB S/N. If you are far away, it will probably be much weaker.
Most times there are signals from all sorts of places coming through. Even in flat conditions I can usually see German stations.
If you are in range, you too might find it of use.