10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)

My gear is on.

UPDATE  0946z:   Nobody spotting me. 

630m WSPR RX overnight

 Overnight I stayed on 630m WSPR RX.  

UPDATE  0940z:  Overnight 5 stations spotted. See table.

Amaryllis

 We grow these at this time of year.

Sunspots - Wednesday January 21st

 Solar flux is 178 and the SSN 172. A=143 and K=7.

630m WSPR RX (Tuesday)

The impression I am getting is the IC705 is a few dB more sensitive than my Zachtek WSPR RX. At the moment I am monitoring 630m WSPR RX using my IC-705.

UPDATE 1909z: 3 stations spotted with the best F6CWA (950 km). Using the coax to my 2m big-wheel antenna (via an ATU) and a mains earth.

WSPR receive

Just now I tried my Zachtek WSPR RX out by trying to decode my own signals. Success. Overnight I may go on 630m WSPR RX using it.

UPDATE  1704z:  For some reason, no decodes of mine appear on WSPRnet. Is this me or WSPRnet?  I think it is me.

Solar storm

We appear to be in the midst of a solar storm. Last night the aurora was visible far further sound than normal. I would have expected good auroral conditions on 10m, 6m,4m and 2m.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c0q4pj5j729o

University of the Third Age

Since I retired , I have really enjoyed learning just for fun. I have enjoyed a variety of subjects, some well away from things I would have gravitated to. No exams, no coursework, no homework - pure fun. Most have been in Cambridge and a few on Zoom. Being Cambridge we have a huge range of courses, often given by ex-university lecturers. 

This term one of my courses was by Zoom about the ills of the brain. The lecturer is supposed to have given the course already last year. It was clear even last week at the first talk of a series of 10 that she knew nothing about Zoom and I have now given up!  One week I might have forgiven.

Last week she stopped 50 minutes early as she ran out of slides. Today she had to call a neighbour in to show her how to share her screen! If it was me I would have made sure that I knew the technology and had additional slides "just in case".

See https://www.u3ac.org.uk/

I don't understand

President Trump puzzles lots of people. 

I can understand that he wants to make the USA strong. I can understand he wants to make the USA secure. What I don't understand his insistence on owning Greenland and imposing tariffs on his allies who oppose him. Surely he can achieve all the security he seeks within NATO?  

It looks like he is playing into the hands of the Russia and Chinese leadership by potentially breaking up NATO and probably just walking away from Ukraine.  

In May he was (allegedly) in favour of returning the Chagos Is to Mauritius and leasing back the US airbase. Now he is rude about it.

He is an enigma to so many. 

In the end (in the next 20 years?) much of the world will decide they cannot (as in the past) rely on the USA in future and progressively move trade away from the USA. I can see the US dollar not being the world's reserve currency.   

10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)

 My beacon was turned on about breakfast time. Just local spots probably due to solar storms.

Sunspots - Tuesday January 20th

 Solar flux is 173 and the SSN 162. A=73 and K=7.

Cambridge UK shop window

 

This was a shop window earlier today.  

There are few visitors at this time of year.

10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)

 My beacon was turned on before breakfast.  

UPDATE 0812z:  Just spots by a local so far.

UPDATE 1530z:  Spotted by 24 stations. See map from WSPR Rocks by Phil VK7JJ.

UPDATE 1932z:  26 stations have spotted me . See table.  QRT soon.

Kierkegaard

Many may not have heard of this Danish existentialist philosopher and theologian. 

With Denmark much in the news lately, perhaps I should introduce him.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%B8ren_Kierkegaard .

"There's always tomorrow"

In amateur radio there are many things still to try.  

For example 23cm beacon hunting,  /P 23cm UKAC, using my SDR receiver properly, monitoring 630m WSPR, SSTV, etc,etc..

Time and again I say, "there's always tomorrow". 

When I was working time really mattered. In retirement, things can wait.  Hopefully, there will be tomorrow to do these things. 

The trouble is the list keeps growing! 😀

6m FT8 yesterday

 

Yesterday 11 stations spotted my 5W 6m FT8. See map.

Sunspots- Monday January 19th

 Solar flux is 148 and the SSN 140. A=14 and K=1.

6m 5W FT8 (Sunday)

My gear was turned on at  1435z.

UPDATE 1441z:  Spotted by no stations? Odd. Perhaps a reset is called for.

UPDATE 1450z:  PC reset. But spotted by G8SEI (133km) 11 minutes ago, so perhaps things were fine.

Icom IC-705

This radio was first introduced in 2020. Its price in the UK has recently been reduced. My personal opinion is that it represents much better value than the Yaseu FTX-1.

I have no idea what plans ICOM has for the future, but an IC-705A with a new form factor, an auto ATU built in, 4m, and USB-C socket would not surprise me aimed at the portable handheld market. They have the electronics, and could even use the same case.

Dull January

After Christmas, January seems a long, dark month. At least in December there are lights for Christmas and things seem more cheerful.  At least the days are now getting longer.

Everywhere there are hints of new life. Snowdrops are coming out and I have even seen a few daffodils in flower. Spring is still a way off, but it is getting better.

Greenland

Suddenly this frozen landmass has come into sharp focus with President Trump of the USA wanting to own it. 

He claims he has to own it to defend it, despite Denmark and Greenland being in NATO. It is interesting that it has lots of rare earth materials as well.

Most countries of the world are opposed to the USA owning it unless the people of Greenland agree. They have the right to determine their future.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwyn90l1dneo .

Reserve currencies?

Since the end of WW2, the US dollar has been the reserve currency of world trade, but recent events have brought that into question. In the short-term this may continue, but what about the future?

Way back during WW2 Keynes suggested a neutral "currency" called the Bancor that clearing banks only could use in world trade. 

BRICS countries have suggested something else in place of the US dollar. 

I do not know the future, but it seems clear the USA under President Trump is moving away from world trade, so the US dollar no longer makes sense as the world's reserve currency. Also, if the US dollar loses value what then?

Maybe it is time to reconsider the Bancor?

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqv-HcHTZAg&t=461s

10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)

My beacon was turned on at 0754z.

UPDATE 1200z: So far, 4 stations have spotted me with the best HZ1SF (4939km).

UPDATE 1510z: Spotted by 16 stations, with many in the USA. See table.

Are we eating less meat?

There is no doubt that meat prices are now very high. People are looking for lower cost alternatives that taste really good.

Probably we are being gently brainwashed through adverts to change our habits. It would not surprise me at all if meat consumption was down 50% in 20 years.

I enjoy my meat but, to be honest, many plant based alternatives are just as good.  Yesterday I had a plant based minced pie and it was just as tasty.  Although definitely not a vegetarian, I could be.

Also, in the last 10 years non-alcoholic beers have been transformed, Many now taste as good as beers with alcohol and there is far more choice. 

Operating away from home

Many people need to operate away from home using compromise antennas. Handheld VHF and UHF transceivers often use a compromise antenna and lose many dBs. One possibility is this antenna that behaves like a 2m or 70cm dipole. It could be used in hotel rooms on 2m or 70cm FM with a handheld. It is likely to be somewhat better than the antenna on the transceiver.

See https://vu3dxr.in/hotel-antenna-for-2-meter-and-70-centimeter-amateur-bands/

I am sure if you are an experimenter you could make a fold-up version with old co-ax. 

Sunspots - Sunday January 18th

 Solar flux is 159 and the SSN 124. A=27 and K=3. 

6m 5W FT8 (Saturday)

 My gear was turned on about 5 minutes ago.

UPDATE 1509z:  So far, spotted by just 5 English stations.  Best DX is 171km away. This could be aircraft reflection , scatter, or normal flat-band tropo. Of course for a two-way QSO the path has to be open for long enough for the basics to be exchanged i.e. several minutes.

Ukraine

I watch quite a few videos about the Ukraine and Russia. Most say that inside Russia things are getting very hard, and now even harder with falling oil prices. 

It would appear (outwardly at least) that Putin wants a new Russian Empire. He sees the destruction of Ukraine as a separate nation as something worth fighting for.  The fall of Russia internally seems to be very slow in happening.

If the USA is pulled out of supporting Ukraine, I think the wrong message will be sent to the world that bullying succeeds.

70cm activity contest

Once a month I go on the 70cm activity contest (UKAC) organised by the RSGB. 

Because of my poor voice I usually stay on for only the first 30 minutes.

I only use 10W pep and a 144MHz big-wheel omni. Despite these limitations I still manage to work over 100km away most times. No doubt the antenna at the other end helps!

UK "feel good" factor

It is usual to say the UK is "going to the dogs" and getting worse, but a recent article on the BBC sheds a different view. Whilst many older people have decreased confidence, confidence is increasing in younger people.

As the year progresses, inflation and interest rates are likely to fall.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c150leql9pgo .

Shetland Islands

As mentioned before, one of my friends on 365project lives in the Shetland Is..  

It is generally, bleak, treeless and windy. 

In the last few weeks they have had snowstorms. 

Being that far north, days are short in winter.

10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)

 My beacon was turned on at 1038z.

UPDATE 1044z:  So far, spotted by EA8BFK (2880km).

UPDATE 1500z: Spotted by 16 stations with the best V51RS (8481km). Amazing what 200mW WSPR to an indifferent, low, 10m antenna can do!  See map from WSPR Rocks by Phil VK7JJ.

Sunspots - Saturday January 17th

 Solar flux is 148 and the SSN 144.  A=26 and K=4.

Hmmm....

Allegedly, the winner of the Nobel Peace prize has given the medal to President Trump.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2w94wp4p1o .

6m 5W FT8 (Friday)

In a few moments I will turn on my 5W 6m FT8 gear. It is now 1027z.

UPDATE 1046z: So far 5 English stations have spotted me.

UPDATE 1707z:   15 stations have spotted me. See map.

Sold state battery hype?

 At the moment there is a lot of doubt about the claims of a small company revealing a solid state battery at CES that could revolutionise transport.  

This one of many videos that expresses doubts. I guess we will have to wait and see. 

It is true that companies have invested billions and are amazed if a small company really has "cracked it". Time will tell if this really is a breakthrough or just hype.

This was obviously created with the help of AI.

Ukraine's future?

 This was Times Radio's view expressed by Bill Browder.

10m 200mW WSPR (Friday)

My beacon has been on since breakfast.

UPDATE  1056z: Spotted by 3 stations with the best EA8BFK (2880km).

UPDATE 1644z:  Spotted by 30 stations. See map from WSPR Rocks by Phil VK7JJ.

Burwell windmill

We are lucky to live right next door to Burwell windmill. It is fully restored. Here it is in full sail with the sails turning. The fantail ensures the main sails point into the wind.

137kHz beacon

Many years ago I did some experiments on the 2200m band. 

This was my prototype beacon that sent CW and QRSS3.

Sunspots - Friday January 16th

 Solar flux is 139 and the SSN 123. A=12 and K=3. 

Greenland and the USA

In this video, the poster thinks President Trump is using his strategy outlined in his book "The Art of the Deal" to get a better deal with Denmark. It would appear most things the US president does is think about foreign policy as deals.

Brunch

Every Thursday my wife has a course in a nearby village. I go to a cafe for brunch.

Zachtek WSPR gear

For the last few days I have been using the 200mW Zachtek WSPR TX. In the end I bought the original kit although it is being copied in China. 

As far as I can tell, the Chinese copy does not have the low pass filters fitted so will have poor harmonic rejection. The Swedish version is far more expensive.

So far, with 200mW WSPR, it has reached 5 continents,

All timing is by GPS, which is built-in. Once programmed the unit needs no PC, so can run unattended. Mine comes covering 40m-6m. I also bought the all band RX, but I have not used this yet.

See https://www.zachtek.com/wspr-tx .

Cambridge in winter

 

This time of year is good when the weather is fine as there are fewer visitors and the bare trees make seeing easier.

10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)

My beacon was turned on after breakfast,

UPDATE 1321z:  So far, just EA8BFK (2880km) and an SV spotting me.

Sunspots - Thursday January 15th

 Solar flux is 127 and the SSN 70. A=7 and K=2.

Really?

Presldent Trump has made some bold claims about the US economy. These have been fact checked by the BBC.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cz6yg15lpw9t

Some would appear to be incorrect.

Is it only me, but I have come across not one person (absolutely no-one at all, really) outside of the USA that has a good word to say about the leaders of the USA currently. To many they appear brash and arrogant. This is sad as I have always found Americans kind and generous. Yet very many voted for Mr Trump. What he does in the USA i cannot comment on, but I can express my personal views as an outsider.

6m 2W FT8 (Wednesday)

 My gear was turned on after breakfast.

UPDATE 1540z:  15 stations spotting me with plenty in mainland Europe.

10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)

  My beacon was turned on at breakfast time.

UPDATE 0950z: One SV has spotted me.

Sunspots - Wednesday January 14th

 Solar flux is 127 and the SSN 49. A=7 and K=2.

10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)

My 10m WSPR beacon was turned on at about 1510z.

UPDATE 1815z:  So far, spotted by 43 stations. See table. See Map from WSPRrocks by Phil VK7JJ.

QRP radio

 I am a great QRP fan. This video may inspire you. Without any amplification on RX I expect the RX is deaf, so best not call CQ, but answer other people's calls.

Iran

Events are moving very fast. This was written at 1012z on January 13th, so events may already have changed when you read this.

At the moment Donald Trump has threatened intervention, but not carried this out.   It is clear that lots of Iranian people are deeply upset with, amongst other things, inflation that is making some foods totally too costly for many. If there was to be a revolution, there is no clear leader emerging.  As I write we wait and see.

UPDATE  1631z:  Trump promises protesters help is on the way. See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cj691w2e840t. 

10m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)

 In a few minutes I expect to go on 10m 1W FT8.

UPDATE 1356z:  So far, 56 spots of me. See map.

More Cambridge gloom

Cambridge is a very beautiful city, but like many it is gloomy in January! This is Rose Crescent in centre of the city. In the summer it would be thronged with tourists but it is much quieter in midwinter.

Sunspots - Tuesday January 13th

 Solar flux is 113 and the SSN 52. A=18 and K=2.

10m 1W FT8 (Monday)

My gear was turned on about 1550z.

UPDATE 1603z: So far, 5 stations have spotted me, most from the USA.

Mid-winter gloom

 This was Cambridge earlier. There are fewer visitors and it must be a hard time for those involved in hospitality.

Sunspots - Monday January 12th

 Solar flux is 111 and the SSN 84. A=31 and K=4.

Solid state batteries?

The "holy grail" of EV batteries is greater range, costs lower than lithium ion, no rare earths, fast charging times, long life and safe.

A Scandinavian company claimed at CES that they have made a breakthrough. 

If correct, this really could be a real game changer. Imagine if EVs could be charged very fast and have great range and be no more expensive than a fossil fuelled car and only need an occasional charge. This could be the breakthrough like we saw with CRTs and digital cameras. It could also really help with climate change.

Look out for DONUT batteries.

I am sure all the major car manufacturers are working hard towards this. A tipping point IS coming.

6m 5W FT8 (Sunday)

 My gear was turned on about 1225z.

UPDATE 2055z: Spotted by 10 stations, mostly in England with one in Germany. QRT soon.

10m 500mW WSPR (Sunday)

My beacon was turned on at about 1225z.

UPDATE 2058z: Spotted by 3 stations including a couple in the USA.  QRT soon.

Sunspots - Sunday January 11th

 Solar flux is 114 and the SSN 65. A=32 and K=3.

Buildings in our village

Our village, Burwell, is about 10 miles from Cambridge. 

It is a mix of old and new buildings some of which date back many centuries. 

The Hall (see photo) has parts dating back to the 1600s. We used to know someone who lived here. She said it was very cold facing north.

Compact antenna

As most appreciate, you never get something for nothing. 

Very compact antennas tend to be very narrow band and inefficient. Nonetheless there are times such as SOTA these compromises are acceptable. 

I remember working a station in Argentina on 10m SSB with just a few watts to a Miracle Whip some years ago from indoors!  Compact antennas really do work. There are times when the loss of a few S points really don't matter.

The Gawant antenna is similar to the Miracle Whip. This one is homebrewed and I am not sure if it can be built ready-made.

Seasons

The seasons are all different. Each has something to enjoy. 

This winter in this part of the UK we have had real snow on the ground for several days. In the last few years, snow has become a rarity. 

At this time of year in the UK, snowdrops are appearing. Then it will be daffodils and new leaves and blossom. 

In the summer we have bedding plants and warmth. 

In the autumn golden leaves and mature fruits. 

At the moment we are seeing plants with white flowers (not sure of the name) that look more like white blobs.

Sunspots - Saturday January 10th

 Solar flux is 117 and the SSN 80.  A=12 and K=3.

10m 200mW WSPR (Friday)

 My beacon was turned on at about 1520z.

UPDATE 1547z: Spotted by 4 stations.

10m 1W FT8 (Friday)

My gear was turned on mid-morning.

UPDATE 1234z:  49 stations have spotted me with the furthest a station in Columbia, South America.

UPDATE 1550z:  109 stations have spotted me.

Sunspots - Friday January 9th

 Solar flux is 140 and the SSN 95. A=14 and K=3.

Hunkering down

We have yet to feel the impact of Storm Goretti in this part of  the UK, but it is miserable - real January UK weather. Basically wet, dull and cold. Time to hunker in front of the fire.

10m 1W FT8 (Thursday)

My gear was turned on at about 0935z.

UPDATE 1413z:  202 spots of me so far. See map.

UPDATE 2200z: 297 stations have spotted me. Now QRT.

Last of the snow

On Tuesday night we had rain and almost all the snow went. 

There is just one very small patch left on Thursday morning outside the garage.

Sunspots - Thursday January 8th

 Solar flux is 135 and the SSN 118. A=4 and K=3.

6m 5W FT8 (Wednesday)

 My gear was turned on at 1111z.

UPDATE 1510z:  So far, spotted by 12 stations in 4 countries.

10m 500mW WSPR (Wednesday)

My beacon was turned on at 1110z.

UPDATE 1616z:  So far, spotted by 11 stations. See table.

6m 5W FT8 yesterday

Yesterday was good on 6m FT8, with lots of Europeans spotting my FT8. I am not sure of the propagation, but often there is a small peak in Es around now. Don't ask me why as I don't know! I use 5W to the V2000 vertical omni via CB coax.

Snowy garden

We have now had snow on the ground for several days, which is unusual. After overnight rain it's mostly gone.

2m operation

Last evening was the activity contest on 2m.  Having worked a couple of stations I stopped because of my poor voice and low ERP (10W pep to the big-wheel omni).

For a very short time I decided to switch to FT8. With just a few TX bursts I was copied internationally.  See map.

I think ERP helps on 2m SSB.

Sunspots - Wednesday January 7th

 Solar flux is 145 and the SSN 99. A=4 and K=1.

SOTA/POTA endfed tuner kit

Many people enjoy operating from mountain tops or parks. This EFHW tuner may be useful.

See https://www.qrpkits.com/efhw.html

It's no good - I know you've been here!

Unusually, we have had snow for a few days and a very cold start to the year. 

This bird was hunting for some food. 

I doubt it had ever seen snow before. 

These days it is unusual to get snow on the ground. In fact it is about 7 years since we had snow like this. Many winters pass without much snow at all.

10m 500mW WSPR (Tuesday)

My beacon was turned on at about 1005z.

UPDATE 1220z:  6 stations have spotted me. See map from WSPRRocks by Phil VK7JJ.

6m 5W FT8 (Tuesday)

 My gear was turned on at about 1005z.

UPDATE 1012z: So far, 4 English spots of  me.

Snowy close

This year has started cold but sunny. Yesterday we had our first snow.

This was the view from our lounge window.

Sunspots - Tuesday January 6th

 Solar flux is 154 and the SSN 91. A=14 and K=0.

The world of the bullies

It is clear now that the rules of international law have been replaced by the world of power and dominance.  

It is basically the rules of the jungle as those with power fight over resources. This is a major shift in the way the world operates.

If you are a minnow be prepared to be bullied by those with might. Sad.

Getting lighter

Both in the mornings and evenings it’s getting slightly lighter. In the evening it is already 16 minutes lighter.

10m 100mW WSPR (Monday)

My gear is on 10m 100mW WSPR this morning.

UPDATE 2051z: 37 stations have spotted me. See table. QRT soon.

Snow …. at last

We have had a cold and sunny start to the year but avoided the snow .....until now!

Sunspots - Monday January 5th

 Solar flux is 157 and the SSN 97. A=6 and K=4.

10m 100mW FT8 (Sunday)

My gear was turned on at about 1030z.

UPDATE 2030z: Spotted by 76 stations. See map. Not bad for 100mW FT8.  QRT soon

Cold village

So far this winter we have avoided the snow but it has been very cold and sunny as the photo shows.

The world in 2026

There is little doubt that we are now moving to "spheres of influence" with the world divided up. 

The most probable divisions are the USA, China and Russia. Already President Trump is seeing the western world as his "sphere of influence" (e.g. Venezuela, Panama and Greenland).  This is imperialism in the 21st century.

I think President Trump wants Ukraine to just "go away" and he sees Gaza as a necessary evil preferring it to somehow be at peace with Israel. He hopes (I think) for regime change in Iran. Hamas is seen as an impediment to peace in the Middle East.  

The move to get the world's dependence on Taiwanese semiconductors to stop would lead to the USA somehow "disconnecting"  from the Far East. This suggests if China wanted a new relationship (or even an invasion) with Taiwan, Trump would not get involved as long as world economics was not affected.

Let's hope that these new empires live in peaceful coexistence.

New moon

Yesterday on 365project, one of my friends posted this photo of the Moon. 

It makes my attempts look pathetic!

Web SDRs

One useful resource these days are online web SDRs allowing you to "get a feel" of what it is like to listen in other parts of the world.

One example is http://vhfsdr.gb0snb.com:8074/#freq=50153148,mod=usb,sql=-150 

Sunspots - Sunday January 4th

 Solar flux is 165 and the SSN 136. A=12 and K=0.

15m 100mW WSPR (Saturday)

 For a change I am on 15m 100mW WSPR. Lots of spots.

UPDATE 2030z:  19 stations have spotted me. See table. The impression I have is that results with 100mW WSPR are broadly similar to 5W FT8.

6m 2W WSPR (Saturday)

 At about 1442 I QSYed to 6m QRP WSPR.

UPDATE  1447z: Spotted by 2 English stations.

Amateur TV live streams

Amateur Radio Weekly reminds us that BATV has live streams of many of the TV repeaters around the world.

See https://batc.org.uk/live/

10m 100mW WSPR (Saturday)

 My gear was turned on after breakfast.

UPDATE 1308z: 17 stations have spotted me. See table.

UPDATE 1432z: 29 stations have spotted my 100mW 10m WSPR.

Pathetic attempt

Last evening there was a full moon over our local museum next door. So on maximum zoom, I took a photo of it. It was pathetic! 

In real life the moon looked huge whereas in the photo it looked like a tiny dot!

Sunspots - Saturday January 3rd

 Solar flux is 166 and the SSN 124. A=24 and K=3.

6m 2W WSPR (Friday)

 WSPR is not a mode I widely use on 6m, so I thought I would try it. My gear was turned on at about 1445z.

UPDATE 1456z: Spotted by 2 stations so far, both English.

6m 5W FT8 (Friday)

At about 1422z I QSYed to 6m FT8.

UPDATE 1430z:   Spotted by 2 English stations so far.

Regime change?

If I have understood correctly, the USA president no longer wants the USA to be the world's policeman and is going for a more isolationist position. He is also looking for a "safer" world with fewer conflicts.   

We can all agree on the latter, but I suspect most would seek a world based on freedom and justice for all humankind. It would appear we are moving more towards a world of empires run by powerful rich billionaires.

President Trump's recent statements on Iran seem contradictory. There is little doubt he sees Iran as a threat to world order and stability, but I get the feeling he is really hoping there will be regime change in Iran.

10m 100mW WSPR (Friday)

My gear was turned on at about 1145z.

UPDATE 1205z:  Already spotted by 3 stations.

UPDATE 1354z:  20 spots of my 100mW 10m WSPR. See table, and map from WSPR Rocks.