This week I am visiting my brother in Devon, UK travelling by train. The run along the Devon coast is one of the best in England.
See https://photos.app.goo.gl/LMXRbMhX7we5qhHb7
29 Jun 2026
Es season
Judging by yesterday, we really are at the peak of the Es season in the northern hemisphere. Over 100 different stations spotted me when I was using 200mW 10m WSPR.
It usually lasts into September but with reducing intensity and frequency. Then we get F2.
28 Jun 2026
Useful video
I am unsure if this presenter has been on a presentation course. Perhaps he should go on one! Despite his style (or lack of it, HI) he presents some useful information.
Priorities wrong?
Quite often I go to BBC News to see what is happening around the world. It must be a very hard job deciding the priority of news. Whatever you choose somebody will object.
Personally, I found it odd that the Football World Cup seemed to be more important than the tragic earthquakes in Venezuela where so many people have died or are likely to die under tonnes of rubble.
I realise the Football World Cup is important to many, but is it really the most important thing in the world?
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
As we have company, I don't expect to go on the radio apart from my 10m WSPR beacon. It is also still hot over here in East Anglia, UK.
UPDATE 1700z: 102 stations spotting me around Europe. More wind and less humidity.
Apt?
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It appeared as a FB memory, but I have no idea where it originally came from.
Very apt in the modern world where many put personal greed and power ahead of the common good.
27 Jun 2026
Ad(non)sense
Every day I see a report from Google Adsense that is supposed to be the number of visits to this blog daily. I am unsure how this calculated, but it seems to have no basis in reality.
Some days I am supposed to have huge numbers, whereas others I am supposed to have had very few. I am not sure why I look still.
Matching bad antennas
With QRP a good antenna can often help. At the same time many rigs lack tuners.
Amateur Radio Weekly reminded me that a 6dB attenuator drops the power 4 times but always ensures that the load seen by any PA is always less than 1.67:1.
If you can accept this loss and the attenuator is suitably rated, this may be an acceptable solution e.g. for WSPR beacons.
Reflecting Pool - Washington DC, USA
It is probably better to let the YouTube video do the explaining.
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
My TX beacon was turned on at 0542z.
UPDATE 0550z: Already spotted by 16 European stations. Amazing this early.
UPDATE 1934z: Spotted by 79 stations today. Now QRT.
Longest day
From tomorrow, the evenings start earlier. It will be sometime before we really notice (about mid September) and I can’t tell you how quickly this has happened!! It seems no time since last Christmas 🥴.
26 Jun 2026
BBC longwave ending
Apparently listener numbers have been falling for some years.
Also, much of the TX transmitters are beyond the point that they can be maintained.
It has been a long time since I last listened to Radio 4 longwave.
Crash coming?
AI is the "big thing" at the moment with promises of big profits.
Perhaps people are beginning to realise AI comes with costs like energy, hardware, data centres etc..
The danger is that people invest in big companies and then wake up to the huge risks, much like in the .com crash earlier this century. The danger signs are there that a correction is coming.
Caveat emptor.
SDRplay RSP1B
10m 200mW WSPR (Friday)
We are right at the peak of the Es season in the Northern Hemisphere. Currently I am on 10m QRP WSPR, where it seems easy to get spots right across Europe.
I suspect the P29 is a pirate sadly.
 |
| Stations spotting my 200mW 10m WSPR this afternoon |
UPDATE 1844z: 99 stations have spotted me.
YouTube videos
There are lots of AI generated videos on YouTube, some of which are just clickbait and absolutely rubbish.
As a way of countering this I try to only watch videos from trusted sources. Even then, be sure this is genuine! Sadly, in this time, it is getting increasingly hard to separate fact from AI generated rubbish.
I urge everyone to view everything with a degree of uncertainty. I always advise getting news from multiple sources. What one outlet says may often be biased.
25 Jun 2026
King John's tomb
This is in Worcester Cathedral. John was not a good king.
He died in 1216. He was immortalised in a children's poem by A.A.Milne.
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
Since getting home, I have been on 10m QRP WSPR .
UPDATE 2048z: Today, 112 stations have spotted me. All (I think) in Europe most by Es. Now QRT.
Record temperatures
The UK has experienced the hottest June day since records began. Europe has seen similar record breaking temperatures.
Real climate change. I can think of someone who won’t agree. Wait until dust bowl conditions return in the USA.
UPDATE 1526z: Safely home. Journey was actually very trouble free.
24 Jun 2026
Magic eraser - really free?
Earlier this week we were with a friend who could remove unwanted objects from a photo very easily. I think was an inbuilt AI feature in her phone.
I downloaded what I thought was the same only to find it was a VERY expensive 7 day free trial, which was useless so I deleted the app immediately.
Does anybody know of a good Apple app that really does this and is not a free trial?
QRP radios
There is a lot of choice these days on the market. The Elecraft KX2/3 are probably the best, but are very expensive especially if adding some of the accessories. They are also not waterproof.
There are other transceivers available.
In the end it comes down to budget and how you are going to use it.
23 Jun 2026
End of an era
Later this week BBC Long Wave on 198kHz goes QRT for the last time.
We went by the Droitwich TX yesterday on the train. Sad, but inevitable I guess.
What will happen to the spectrum?
22 Jun 2026
UK politics - momentous day?
As I write this it is not clear what the UK Prime Minister will do, although it is likely that Andy Burnham who is further left wing than the present PM will take office.
We have seen far too many UK Prime Ministers in the last 10 years. I hope the new PM (if there is one!) makes a success.
Already President Trump has weighed in. I would have thought he would want to put his own house in order first.
21 Jun 2026
8m FT8 RX (Sunday)
My gear is on 8m (40.680) FT8 RX. I know activity is way down on 6m.
UPDATE 1711z: No spots. I suspect people are on 6m, 4m and 2m Es.
Meshtastic - the future?
As I mentioned yesterday, there is a small, but dedicated group of experimenters. In my view, these experimeners will increasingly use licence-free bands such as LoRa at 868 or 915MHz.
In my view, Meshtastic and Meshcore are in their infancy. Given this, I expect we will see maturity in the next 10 years. In theory, these rely on mesh networks and don't depend on the internet. In big cities where coverage is good, this is fine. In rural areas, or areas with poor coverage, meshes may not reliably cover an area. Over time, these gaps are likely to be filled in.
I can imagine we will see "mature" data transceivers in the near future.
Is this where real experimenters will be found?
The end of linear broadcasting?
Increasingly people are watching what they want, when they want, using subscription services. At the same time many broadcasters are trying to save money.
To my mind, I can see an end to linear broadcasting.
Instead people will watch what they want, when they want, all using subscription services. For example we may watch the latest news followed by the weather, followed by a film.
In the end I can see the BBC iPlayer becoming a subscription service and the licence fee in the UK going.
Most people will watch TV using subscription services or listen to things on their smart speakers.
Of course, the danger is we become even more dependent on the internet. What happens if the internet goes off either because of periodic issues or, heaven forbid, hacking?
20 Jun 2026
Amateur radio future?
This is a subject that I have raised on this blog many times. It is a fact that in many countries that the average age of radio amateurs is now very high. Fewer young people are joining the ranks and even fewer stay. Radio no longer is the magic it was to old people.
In my view amateur radio splits into two camps. This may be a simplification.
Some now just prefer to operate, increasingly using digital modes like FT8 with CW and SSB sharply declining. Some of these want to rise to the challenge of DXCC.
A few enjoy the challenge of experimentation. This can take many forms.
Another trend is deregulation, with many PTTS not wanting the hassle of dealing with a service that does not generate money.
In the future I can see a day coming when many PTTs will "throw in the towel" and will no longer police amateur radio and the allocation of callsigns. This could go several ways: amateur radio could merge with CB and become licence free. Experimenters will continue using licence free frequencies or paying for the privilage. Other options may emerge.
What is certain is amateur radio will change.
"Our" windmill at sunset
The windmill right next door looked magical.
6m 3W FT8 (Saturday)
 |
| Stations spotting my 3W 6m FT8 today at 1312z |
My gear was turned on at breakfast.
UPDATE 1725z: Spotted by 177 stations.
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
My beacon was turned on at breakfast time.
UPDATE 1730z: Spotted by 26 stations.
4m in the Caribbean
A station in the USA has an experimental licence for 4m. This station has been received in the Caribbean, presumably by Es on FT8. I hope it is copied in Europe this summer.
19 Jun 2026
Free AVOs
My local radio club is advertising some faulty AVOs for free. I have no idea what is wrong, but this looks like a steal. At one time AVOs were considered the "Rolls Royce" of multi-meters.
Far East 6m openings
So far, with my set-up, I have not managed to catch any Far East openings on 6m FT8 this summer. They occur as regularly as clockwork about now.
These amazing openings seem to be linked to the formation of noctilucent clouds in the mesosphere. Apparently, with global warming, these are becoming more common.
i guess compared with a beam at a decent height I could be down 10-15dB with my V2000 omni fed with CB coax. This means I could well miss some weak signals. I have spotted 6m Japanese signals in some years.
Patio
Every summer I grow tomatoes. It is probably far easier and cheaper just to buy them in the supermarket, but I like the smell and fun. We have plants growing in pots too. Sadly, until these last few days we have not had the weather to enjoy them.
6m 3W FT8 (Friday)
My gear was turned on at about 0840z.
UPDATE 1106z: So far, spotted by 40 stations.
8m FT8 RX yesterday
After a very slow start 2 Spanish stations were spotted later. There is FAR more activity on 6m FT8.
18 Jun 2026
Hoisted by your own petard?
It seems to me (I admit I may be wrong) that the US administration has emerged from the Iran war weaker than when it went into the war.
The USA as a whole has few friends left in the world and cannot be held up as a great model to follow. At one time the world admired the USA. Instead the USA is laughed at by many.
At one time I would have been gagging to visit the USA where I have had nothing but kindness. Not any more. It will take years to mend the hurt and damage of the last few years.
8m love affair?
At about 1350z, I turned off my 10m 200mW WSPR TX beacon and 3W 6m FT8 and went on 8m FT8 and WSPR RX on 40.680 MHz. At best, activity on 8m is very low sadly.
UPDATE 1600z: Nobody spotted.
6m 3W FT8 (Thursday)
My gear was turned on at about 0600z.
UPDATE 1340z: 148 stations spotting so far.
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0600z .
UPDATE 1345z: Spotted by 35 stations today.
Yet more crappery?
Yesterday I got this from Google Adsense. As with most things I get from them, a course in plain English is called for!!
Perhaps I may be forgiven for filing this under ‘c’ for crap?
Riga, Latvia
We visited Riga in June 2018 as well as its seaside town of Jumala shown here. Both were total surprises.
We were expecting Riga to be a dull ex-communist city, whereas we found a beautiful and proud, ex Hanseatic League city with a seaside town similar to ones found in New England. We liked Riga.
Quantum computer ICs
There is little doubt that in the next 10 years we will experience a major step in computer design. This will come about in at least 2 ways:
1. Quantum ICs, which promise amazing processing power.
2. Increase in memory sizes.
There may be other things as well, which we have not even thought about.
Assuming these happen, PCs of today will look like dinasaurs. Today we think of 1TB hard drives as huge, much as we did with 1GB 30 years ago.
17 Jun 2026
HW8 testing and Amazon returns
To my surprise I was given a refund and told I did not need to return it.
Toad
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Today I was moving the garden recycling bin and noticed this very frightened toad. It hopped away!!
Amazing motor
China has announced a new very lightweight motor that is transformative.
Combined with electric batteries with far greater range per charge, we can expect EVs to rival cars running on petrol or diesel very soon.
Many will be able to charge at home for far less than a fossil fuelled car. I am not sure what happens if you live in a flat or need to string the charging cable across a pavement.
FT8 versus WSPR
This is definitely NOT a very controlled test!
On 6m, my usual power is 3W FT8. On 10m I usually run 200mW of WSPR. WSPR takes almost 2 minutes to TX a message, whereas FT8 takes about 15 seconds. WSPR is able to use far weaker S/N ratios. WSPR can detect down to about -32dB S/N. FT8 can detect down to about -23dB S/N.
Even though I am using different powers, different bands and different antennas, the impression is FT8 is more often used and achieves better results than WSPR with Es. Maybe shorter TX times help when conditions are more up and down? I certainly get far more spots with my 3W 6m FT8 than my 10m 200mW WSPR.
I would be interested to know if anyone has done a proper, scientific comparison.
What is not in doubt is that both modes are superior to SSB and CW. Things may be different when the path is stable, such as with scatter, tropo or F2.
6m 3W FT8 (Wednesday)
My gear was turned on at about 0815z.
UPDATE 1323z: Spotted by 52 stations, probably Es.
10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0815z.
UPDATE 1337z: 5 stations spotting me, probably Es.
Oil prices falling?
Judging by yesterday, the price of oil is falling based on the Strait of Hormuz reopening soon. Let’s hope it opens and stays open!!
Wednesday plans
Later I expect to be on 10m 200mW WSPR and 6m 3W FT8. I think I shall give 8m a miss, although plans may change!
16 Jun 2026
Each to their own
Yesterday, I chanced upon a Facebook page of a radio shack. The guy had all manner of radios and linears. I would guess there was over $30000 worth of kit. Now, how people spend their money is entirely up to them.
For months that was the only rig I used.
Oil prices
It looks like Iran and the USA (for different reasons) are tired of fighting and the Strait of Hormuz will be open again. With or without tolls, oil, natural gas and fertilizer will move again. What Israel will do may put a "fly in the ointment".
Personally I am not impressed by the current administration in the USA. I cannot see anything positive as a result of the recent war. Others may disagree.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Tuesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0850z.
UPDATE 1104z: Spotted by 4 stations.
Historical reconstruction videos
These videos are created using AI. Sometimes there are mistakes, but overall they give a good impression of life in a given period. They are very clever and will only get better.
15 Jun 2026
Good deal?
Just watched this video about the "memorandum of understanding" NOT a peace deal between the USA and Iran. It would appear President Trump has just caved in.
It would not surprise me at all if it is scuppered by Israel before it is signed on Friday.
Iran
For several months I have watched YouTube videos about the Iran war.
In all that time, despite looking, I have been unable to find any that support President Trump and the USA! Not even one!
Almost all these videos suggest a grave mistake has been made. Certainly from the outside, I fail to see any positives, just negatives.
The moral seems to be to listen to your experts.
Society today
These days, worldwide communication is easy using the internet. The advantages are families and friends can keep in touch wherever they are. The disadvantages are people can be more easily spammed and people abused online.
Sadly image manipulation is far easier these days. Every time an image is shared it can be abused.
In the UK people under 16 are to be banned from social media. This happened in Australia but many young people have found ways to get around the ban.
Personally, I think some means must be found to prevent young people from being harmed by accessing social media, even if using VPNs and other services. I am unsure how you do this, but the answer probably has to include biometric data and strong age verification, Maybe all people under 16 worldwide have restricted access time to social media?
It seems to me that a simple ban is not enough. I have a young granddaughter who needs to keep in touch with family and friends. At the same time I do not want her to come to any harm.
I am sure the big tech companies and phone manufacturers could and should do much more.
8m FT8 RX (Monday)
Yet again (more in hope than expectation) I am again on 40.680MHz FT8 RX.
UPDATE 0905z: Just EA7Y (1831km) spotted (on the wrong antenna at my end!). I am sure it is mainly lack of activity rather than poor conditions that prevents more stations being spotted. Despite that, I seem addicted to 8m!
UPDATE 1816z: Just EA7Y and EI2IP (605km) have been spotted.
6m FT8 RX (Monday)
My 6m gear was left on RX overnight in the hope I might spot some Far East stations on 6m FT8 around breakfast.
UPDATE 0820z: Just lots of Europeans on Es. Now QRT.
14 Jun 2026
6m 3W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on at about 0800z.
UPDATE 0915z: Plenty of European stations (Es I presume) spotting me. Now QRT.
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
My beacon was turned on about 0800z.
UPDATE 0992z: Plenty of spots by EA8BFK (2880km). Now QRT.
Nearly the longest day already!
It seems odd that the longest day is next weekend, then it starts to get shorter again! You would think by now I would be used to this cycle, but spring seems to get shorter every year 😞.
One consolation is that the shortest day will be here soon enough! Every time of year is good.
13 Jun 2026
Amateur radio now?
Many years ago people came into amateur radio because it was seen as magic.
With amateur radio you could talk to people all over the world. Politics really didn't come in to it. One day you could be talking with somebody in the USA and the next to somebody in Moscow. Bands were busy.
These days people, in the main, really see amateur radio as a way of getting DXCC on FT8. There is far less chatting. Build your own gear? Experiment? Never.
These days you can speak with others across the world for free with the phone in your pocket without a licence.
I give amateur radio a limited future.
Iran and the USA
It looks like there may be a "memorandum of understanding" coming that may pause the war. Overall, nothing much has been achieved. I am sure that, had he had his time again, President Trump would not have gone to war.
It looks like the following have been achieved:
1. Strait of Hormuz open (it was before the war).
2. Higher fuel prices around the world.
3. No regime change in Iran.
4. Poorer approval ratings for President Trump.
5. Even worse outcomes for Republicans in the mid-term elections in November.
6. The USA even less trusted in the world.
Well done.
Inside Russia
With the "special military operation" in Ukraine, the Russian economy is on a war footing. There are a number of indicators suggesting the Russian economy is suffering, despite what official statistics might say.
12 Jun 2026
Where I come from
My father's line can be traced without break back to the mid 1500s in Hope Cove, Devon, UK.
In the next parish I have one record from 1427!
We have probably been hereabouts for thousands of years.
6m 3W FT8 (Friday)
After the last few days, I think it is unlikely that 6m will open again today as it has for the last 2 days to North America.
Early in the mornings some have been lucky enough to catch those seasonal openings on 6m from Western Europe to the Far East. These openings seem to coincide with the formation of noctilucent clouds high in the atmosphere. I think I read somewhere that these are becoming more frequent with global warming, so maybe these openings will become more frequent?
In a few moments I expect to be on 6m 3W FT8
UPDATE 1936z: 191 stations have spotted my 3W FT8 and I have spotted 237 stations here. For the third day running, the USA has been spotted here on 6m FT8. This could be multiple hop Es, but I think some sort of chordal hop E is more probable personally. Signals were strong.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Friday)
Very shortly (it is now 0845z) I expect to go on 10m QRP WSPR for most of the day.
UPDATE 1939z: 27 stations around Europe have spotted me today.
Heathkit HW8 tested
Years ago I was able to work on complex circuits and anything involving soldering was trivial.
All I had to do today was solder 2 off 6.35mm mono plugs to allow me to test my HW8 bought recently.
After about 15 minutes I was totally exhausted yesterday!
The good news is the HW8 appears to work on RX and TX.
11 Jun 2026
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
My beacon was turned on at about 1055z.
UPDATE 1117z: Spotted by 7 stations.
6m 5W FT8 (Thursday)
My gear was turned on just after 1100z. It would appear that 6m is again open to the USA.
UPDATE 1305z: So far, 130 stations have spotted me and I have spotted plenty of Europeans and 3 stations in the USA. My best report is from D4L (4517km) in the Cape Verde Islands.
Amazon
Some say that it will lead to the death of high street shops. I have mixed views.
On Tuesday I ordered some 9V batteries. They arrived from Amazon on my doorstep just 14 hours later! No doubt as they had no shop to maintain, they were also far less expensive. The alternative would have been a 2 hour bus ride into Cambridge and back.
Yes, home shopping results in fewer jobs, especially for young people, which is a bad thing. However, this is how we shop these days. In my view the high street shops that will survive are those that adapt to the new reality. Those that fail to adapt will close.
Human interaction is important: no doubt places where people can meet, like coffee shops, will become ever more popular in future.
With AI, robot bots, cash machines and self-service check-outs, there is less human interaction. In my view these will be replaced by some other form of human interaction in future.
The world is changing.
Donut batteries
Earlier this year, to massive interest, a European company, with great fanfare, announced a new rechargeable battery with some remarkable properties. If true, this promised a real breakthrough which would have a massive impact on electric vehicles, mass storage batteries etc..
Although I have only secondhand information, allegedly, it looks like a scam to draw in investors.
Meanwhile, major battery companies like CATL in China are making huge strides and investing greatly.
If true, that this was a scam, many will be saddened.
Thursday plans
Today I have three objectives. As rain is forecast, and no thunder is expected, today is a good day to do these.
1. Test the Heathkit HW8 transceiver. This requires 6.35mm mono jacks for the headphones and CW key. I have no idea where my CW key is! Probably I shall have to tap the wire ends together and look on the RBN.
2. Go on 10m with my 200mW beacon.
3. Go on 6m 3W FT8.
Quick - before the rain!
Yesterday we bought the remaining pot plants from the garden centre, which we hope to plant before the rain!
UPDATE 0937z: Drizzle.
10 Jun 2026
Thunder stops play
 |
| Stations spotting me today on 5W 6m FT8 |
We had (may still be having) the biggest transatlantic opening on 6m this Es season. Already, I have been spotted by VA2WA (5221km) in Canada and I have spotted a wide number of stations on 6m FT8 in the USA and Canada.
 |
| Nearby storms |
Then the thunder came and I had to disconnect everything! The map shows where my 5W to the V2000 vertical omni was spotted today .... before the storm stopped play,
Sodium batteries
Clearly, an issue with rechargeable batteries based on lithium is availability as lithium is a rare earth, so resources are limited. CATL has said sodium batteries are dropping in price dramatically. This could help EV sales and that of mass storage batteries.
Many worlds theory
One theory is that everything possible exists and that in some form each possibility is real. At any time we are only conscious of one of these.
What is clear is how little we know. We are straying into philosophy!
There are many videos about this. I just do not know.
Heathkit HW8
For those unfamiliar with this rig it was a QRP CW transceiver dating from the 1980s I think. I owned a built one many years ago and had a lot of fun with it.
When I saw it on the market locally I had to buy it, working or not. I have still to test it fully, but so far it seems to be working. If it is fully working, I shall keep it.
70cm activity contest
Last evening was the 70cm UKAC activity contest organised by the RSGB. I was only running 10W to my 144MHz big-wheel omni antenna. Just a couple of stations were worked.
The impression I had was that activity was down. Perhaps people were on 6m enjoying the Es?
9 Jun 2026
8m FT8 RX (Tuesday)
Until thunder rudely stopped play, I went on 8m FT8 RX. A couple of Spanish stations were spotted before the storm came and everything had to be disconnected after just a few short minutes.
Worldwide radio conditions
One such guide is https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/global-hf-propagation/ which is a useful snapshot.
There must be many others too.
New fangled stuff
This photo appeared yesterday as one of my memories, I have no idea where it first came from.
I guess it must date from pre-WW1? Wouldn't they be amazed by modern technology!!
Uneasy "peace"
As I write this there is a very fragile peace in the Middle East.
There is a distinct lack of trust between the various parties.
Let's hope, given time, things can improve.
Evening light
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Then the sun shone!
Just enough time to catch the amazing sky around the windmill next door. That's our hedge in front.
UPDATE 1053z : A red kite (bird) just flew over but sadly didn’t land on the windmill. That would have been a great photo.
Tuesday plans
At the moment I plan to go on 10m 200mW WSPR TX and 6m 3W FT8 later.
With noctilucent clouds having been seen this is a good time for 6m super DX from Europe to the Far East.
Donut batteries
Allegedly, the Donut battery is not living up to expectations.
It would appear that the battery is not what we were all hoping for.
At one time, judging by the hype, this was the breakthough we had all been awaiting.
This is just one video. I have no way of telling if it is AI.
.
8 Jun 2026
2m 3W FT8 (Monday)
Today, I decided to try 2m 3W FT8 instead of 6m in the hope of some Es.
UPDATE 1043z: 3 Eire, English and Welsh stations have spotted me with the best EI2FG (563km). 5 English stations have been spotted here. EI2FG has spotted me several times this morning - scatter?
UPDATE 1425z: In the last hour I reduced the power still further to 2W FT8 to the big-wheel omni antenna. Despite this, I am still being spotted in Eire and N.Ireland. No sign of Es here today on 2m FT8.
EVs - confused?
To me, it seems inevitable that we will evolve to electric vehicles (EVs) in the coming years.
There has been a lot in the press about a breakthrough promising huge ranges, lower costs and fast charging times. It would appear that there are many competing approaches and it is far from clear which will emerge as winners.
There is clearly a wish to move away from rare earth materials, to ensure safety and move away from fossil fuels.
In my view we are not (quite) there yet, but we are now getting very very close to a breakthrough.
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
My beacon was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1014z: 22 stations spotting me. Some have spotted me over 60 times!
Middle East madness
As I write this piece Israel and Iran are in the middle of a shooting match that will get the world nowhere.
All that will happen is yet more distrust and hatred.
When will people ever learn?
UPDATE 1049z: Yes, they ARE all mad!! Israel, USA and Iran. Mad and stupid.
Monday plans
At the moment I don’t have any plans to return to 8m FT8. Instead I plan a return to 3W 6m FT8 and 200mW 10m WSPR …as long as there is no thunder!!
Es season
The Es season is well with us again. The usual sport is working loads of short skip on VHF.
Later in the season people get excited by far more distant E layer propagation such as across the Atlantic.
Often DX may be worked with really low power . Signals can be fleeting but strong and often quite localised.
When I first came to Cambridge I recall hearing 2m AM signals from Italy as strong as locals.
UPDATE 0914z: It looks like 2m Es in Eastern Europe. Today, I may try 2m 3W FT8 rather than 6m FT8.
7 Jun 2026
Spelling
In the past I had no problems with spelling.
Either as a result of my 2013 stroke or old age, it would appear that I can no longer just see by looking how some words are spelt. It is as if my built-in spell-check no longer works as well as it did.
8m FT8 RX (Sunday)
To close the day, I have QSYed to 8m FT8 on 40.680MHz RX.
UPDATE 1821z: No spots. QRT soon.
Why has the USA become laughing stock of the world?
Perhaps the reason is partly shown in this, seen on Facebook I think. Not sure where it originated.
If there are copyright issues let me know and I’ll remove it.
Iran has been viewed by many as an evil state, but there are better ways to deal with them.
In the past I have always found the people I have met in and from the USA to be kind and generous. The current situation saddens me.
Market crash coming?
Just like the dotcom bubble, lots are putting money into AI. In many ways those gambling on the stock markets are behaving as if we are living in a world without crises.
In reality, we have the Strait of Hormuz still blocked, the wars in Iran and Ukraine continuing, high fuel prices, higher than expected inflation, high interest rates etc. The world is in a mess.
All the signs are appearing that the markets are about to crash. Many of us (whether we know it or not) have money invested in the stock markets via pension funds. Many invest in the stock markets as individuals.
Wear your hard hats!
6m 3W FT8 (Sunday)
UPDATE 1013z: So far, spotted by 108 stations. Good Es.
UPDATE 1824z: 223 stations have spotted me. Now QRT. See map showing stations spotting me today on 6m FT8.
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
My beacon was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1824z: 88 stations have spotted me. QRT soon.
Please just shut up
Allegedly, the US secretary of state for peace made a speech at the ceremony celebrating D-Day criticising European immigration.
This is NOT the place.
During WW2 the USA 🇺🇸 was a reliable friend. Sadly this cannot be said anymore.
Sunday plans
Later I shall probably go on 6m 3W FT8 and 10m 200mW WSPR. At some point I may check if the Heathkit HW8 I bought works.
EVs with huge range?
Battery technology is improving year on year with CATL, China's biggest battery manufacturer, working towards batteries that would end "range anxiety" for ever.
6 Jun 2026
8m FT8 RX (Saturday)
Despite being half the day, not a single station spotted. If this had been 6m or 10m I would have spotted quite a few stations.
Righteous anger?
It would appear US politicians are, more and more, seeking to interfere in European politics, conveniently forgetting that the USA was originally mostly migrants and they have a huge issue with gun deaths.
As was once said (I paraphrase) "look at the plank in your eye first".
Basically keep out until your own house is in order, and don't lecture us.
Rotten tree
It was obviously in danger of falling down.
6m 3W FT8 (Saturday)
My gear was turned on at about 0815z.
UPDATE 0953z: Spotted by 17 English stations. No Es yet.
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
UPDATE 1835z: 43 stations have spotted me today. See table.
Granddaughter
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I think she was looking for a recipe on the iPad. At one time she loved cooking.
Ukraine war
We hope the war in Ukraine will end soon and lives stop being needlessly lost.
Most ordinary folk in Russia and Ukraine (and in Gaza and Iran) just want to live in peace.
It seems that rich and stupid people want to conquer the world.
5 Jun 2026
Vaccine created partly with AI
There was news today of a vaccine partly created using AI. All being well this technique could be used to create a flu vaccine and Covid 19 vaccine that protects even when the virus mutates. On the face of it this is a good thing.
It is also ominous. I think that it means a rogue state could produce a virus that is harmful to certain individuals or certain racial groups.
Welcome to the brave new world! 😒
2m activity contest (UKAC) last Tuesday
4 stations worked in 30 minutes with 10W, a big-wheel omni and a poor voice!
All good fun, but FT8 is much easier for me.
8m FT8 RX (Friday)
At the moment I am monitoring 8m FT8. As there are far fewer stations active than 6m, this is harder going.
UPDATE 1400z: Just spots of EA3ERE in Catalonia. I think I'm going back to 6m FT8.
6m 3W FT8 (Friday)
My gear was turned on just after 0800z.
UPDATE 0814z: Spotted by 6 English stations.
UPDATE 1752z: Returned to 6m FT8. Spotted by19 stations and I have spotted 20 stations here.
Ukraine war
It would appear that Russia is not having it as easy as they once thought it would be.
Militarily Russia should be far superior, but increasingly Ukraine is bringing the war to Russians in Russia.
The interview with Professor Scott Lucas in Eire is revealing.
IC-705
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The photo shows the current set-up.
4 Jun 2026
Cyber security
It is much more likely that any future wars would be very cyber based, with people heavily dependent on the internet for banking, communications and so much these days. Just imagine if we were suddenly without this!
Some countries are way ahead of the UK and USA in preparing for this eventuality.
My advice? Have plenty of cash and tinned food around.
2m FT8 activity contest last evening
Last night was the 2m FT8 activity contest. Running just 5W it was much easier! Again I was only on for a very short while (less than 30 minutes). The map shows the stations that spotted me.
10m 3W FT8 (Thursday)
UPDATE 1852 z: Spotted by 220 stations with the best PY5KD (9884km). See map of stations spotting me today. 347 stations spotted here. Now QRT.
Solar cycle
As we are now on the downward slope of the solar cycle it’s worth checking the latest solar data.
3 Jun 2026
8m FT8 RX (Wednesday)
UPDATE 1434z: 4 stations in Europe spotted in 4 different countries.
At one time I held a UK TX permit for 8m that I had to pay for. Comparing 8m with 6m, I decided not to renew it. I do not regret my decision.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Wednesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0805z.
UPDATE 2011z: Spotted by 101 stations. Amazing Es. Now QRT.
Canterbury last week
The photo, taken by our son, shows us walking back to his car with our granddaughter.
6m 3W FT8 (Wednesday)
UPDATE 1120z: Spotted by 264 stations here so far today. See map. Best Es yet.
10th century iPhone?
The picture shows a 10th century pocket sundial. Not quite sure what happened when there was no sun 😂.
It was found in Canterbury in 1938.
2m FT8 yesterday
For about 30 minutes, as usual, I went on the 2m activity contest. I worked 4 stations with my 10W, poor voice and big-wheel omni antenna.
Just before finishing, just for fun, I put out a call with 5W 2m FT8. Immediately I was spotted by PA2M (312km).
It is so much easier on FT8. In all my years with 10W in the 2m activity contest, I don't think I have worked a single station in mainland Europe. I think the main issues are my low ERP, my short time active and my poor voice.
Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast
2 Jun 2026
PC chips
It would appear there is a big push to smaller ICs and lower power consumption. Huawai may have made a breakthrough in how ICs are made. See this video from 2 bit DaVinci.
8m FT8 RX (Tuesday)
My gear was turned on at 1215z:
UPDATE 1246z: Just one spot of a station in northern Spain - EB1B (1050km).
There appears to be a general lack of activity on 8m. I know my antenna is not the best and is fixed. I do not regret re-applying for a TX permit.
Meidas Videos
It would appear President Trump of the USA is in a mess. Iran is making life hard for US negotiators.
There would seem to be no easy way out with the USA coming out with power and believing this is a victory.
Yes, they have inflicted a heavy blow to the Iranian navy and air-force, but the Iranians still have drones and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
In my view, this was a war that should not have been fought.
It seems, allegedly, the US administration was banking on regime change to a regime more in support of western values. This has not happened.
Arguably, Iran has emerged stronger on the global stage and the USA weaker.
It has been hard for people to be clear of the objectives for this war. One of the videos I enjoy is the Meidas Touch.
6m 3W FT8 (Tuesday)
My gear was turned on just after 1000z.
UPDATE 1016z: Spotted by 34 stations already and 29 stations spotted here.
UPDATE 1447z: After seeing rumours about a 6m opening to the USA, I gave up on 8m and returned to 6m FT8. No joy so far. 105 stations have spotted my 3W 6m FT8 today - mostly Europeans.
Toad in the compost (again)
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I mixed my own compost with some commercial compost.
Imagine my surprise when a toad was spotted in the commercial compost.
It may be the one I spotted a few weeks ago.
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
I was a bit concerned about thunder, but at the moment it is clear here, so my beacon was turned on at 1000z.
UPDATE 1302z: Spotted by 17 stations already!! Good Es, especially this morning.
1 Jun 2026
6m 3W FT8 (Monday)
My gear has been on much of the morning.
UPDATE 1645z: Spotted by 147 stations with the best D4L (4517 km) and 159 stations spotted here including my first from the USA this summer on 6m.
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
My beacon was turned on just after breakfast.
UPDATE 1405z: 6 European stations spotting me.
New AI chip for home PCs
Nvidia has announced a new chip for PCs that brings AI to home PCs in a big way rivalling big chip manufacturers like Intel.
Solar conditions
We are now on the downward part of the solar cycle with the peak a few years ago. Conditions are still quite good, but will decline later. Often the higher bands are better than activity suggests.
The magic band
Many people think of 6m as the "magic band". Openings occur when least expected. Other times all that can be heard is white noise.
Around this time, as regular as clockwork, 6m opens to the Far East from Western Europe, probably linked to the formation of noctilucent clouds.
At this time of year Es often links with F2 propagation further south bringing really long distance communication within range such as yesterday when stations well south in Brazil were copied on 6m. Stations in the Caribbean were also being worked, so perhaps the first hop was some sort of chordal hop E layer propagation.
I’m only using a V2000 vertical so those with high gain beams could have done much better.
I can see why many call it the "magic band" !!
Consciousness
What happens when we die is a mystery. On a purely biological level our brain cells die so there are no neural connections left. With this analysis we just cease to exist.
In many cultures there is a belief that something of us lives on somehow. We like to think we, and our loved ones, are "still there" in some form. The truth is our brains are too small to comprehend.
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