My beacon was turned on at about 0900z.
UPDATE 1210 z: Spots from the Canary Islands and Italy.
16 Sept 2026
15 Sept 2026
Politics and billionaires
Some in the world can influence by donating millions to political parties. Although some would claim not to seek influence or power, there is a danger that you look more towards those who helped you get into power than those that elected you.
Personally, I would be happy to see no party get any donations.
Christ’s College. Cambridge
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The photo shows Christ's College. I believe this is where Charles Darwin studied.
AI hoax?
Someone with a supposedly very high IQ who leads (?) the free world has said the recent worries about AI are a hoax. Hmmmm.
IC7100 v IC7110?
Some people with deep pockets rush out and buy a new radio, just because it is new and shiny. This video compares the old and new ICOM radios.
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0645z.
UPDATE 1650z: 5 stations have spotted me with the best V51RS (8481km)
6m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)
My gear was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1657z: 10 stations spotting me. See map.
14 Sept 2026
AI stocks
Perhaps with all the headlines about AI in the news recently, AI companies have fallen in value today, both in Asia and Europe. People are concerned that AI is becoming a real threat to human life.
Lots of people and pension funds have invested in AI, afraid of being left behind. The worry is that not all companies will be successful.
Magnetic loop antennas
In the past I have used magnetic loop antennas with QRP. Although the RF voltage can be very high in magnetic loops, requiring special high voltage capacitors, this is not an issue with QRP. I have used ordinary variable capacitors or a length of coax if the loop is fixed in frequency.
Loops can be effective antennas when you are restricted for space.
The video is an example of a homemade magnetic loop although there are lots of examples on YouTube.
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
UPDATE 1426z: 12 stations spotting me. Es? See map. I just leave my beacon on when I am around.
President Trump - seen as a joke?
It would seem remarks made by the current US president are no longer treated as seriously as they once were.
His recent remarks on a reunited Ireland may be correct but were not helpful. The only people who can decide that are the people who live there.
This is a difficult one with lots of history. It’s very unlikely in my lifetime, but might happen in my grandchildren’s lives.
6m 1W FT8 (Monday)
UPDATE 1415z: 14 stations spotting me so far including several in Spain and Portugal. See map.
13 Sept 2026
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
My beacon was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1241z: Spotted by 4X1DA (3592km) and EA8BFK (2880km). F2?
6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1241z: 7 stations spotting me, all British Is..
12 Sept 2026
The power of the billionaires?
Today a party (Reform) that is considered on the right of UK politics has received 2 donations totalling £72M from crypto currency billionaires. I believe similar donations have been made elsewhere in other countries.
One could argue that such donations are aimed at helping that party be successful. This begs the question who is more important - the people being governed or the donors?
Personally I fear for democracy.
6m 1W FT8 (Saturday)
UPDATE 1526z: 9 stations (all British Is) have spotted me. The Es seaon is well and truly over!
Electric Battery Range
Most EV and battery manufacturers are trying hard to increase range and reduce costs. We hear today of yet another breakthrough. In my view we are on the cusp of a revolution.
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
Very shortly, I expect to turn on my beacon.
UPDATE 1435z: Spotted just by EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is. F2 I think.
11 Sept 2026
Autumn
After a long, very hot and dry summer, it has now rained and feels autumnal.
Global bond markets
Global bond markets are in trouble. Interest rates are high and indebtedness high. This could be a turning point for the world.
Kanga WSPR beacon
It does not need a PC after its initial configuration. It also has a very stable TCXO which holds time accuracy for weeks.
It can TX WSPR on 2 different bands if you want. The RF output is 200mW.
As most parts are pre-populated, it looks a suitable, low cost kit for beginners. The kit is £44.99. It may also be used as a QRSS or CW beacon.
10 Sept 2026
Blackpool Sands, Devon
This is near where I lived as a child. Blackpool Sands is in the South Hams in Devon, UK and nowhere near the town of Blackpool which is in N.W. England.
It is a very beautiful spot, not far from Dartmouth.
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
My beacon has been on since breakfast.
UPDATE 1003z: 2 stations spotting me - F2?
Chrome issue?
For some reason (starting yesterday) I have been unable to upload locally stored photos to my blog using Chrome. I have failed on my usual Chromebook and on a different Windows 11 PC. I have not yet tried with other browsers like Firefox.
It may be a temporary glitch at the far side that may resolve itself?
If other users have seen something similar, I would be interested.
UPDATE 0948z: Tried Firefox. Same issue - no upload of local photos since yesterday.
UPDATE 1026z: Uploads fine from Google Photos.
UPDATE 1047z: It seems to be a common (recent) glitch at their end. Going to HTML view rather than compose view seems to work fine uploading pictures for now.
Oil price shock
Everyone can see that the disruption to oil exports from the Middle East is causing shocks to the world economy. Fuel prices have risen and there is a likelihood that interest rates, food prices and inflation will rise.
The answer has to be a lasting peace in the Middle East and in Ukraine. No nation is perfect and, sadly, peace in these conflicts looks elusive.
6m 1W FT8 (Thursday)
My gear was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1045z: 11 stations have spotted me in 5 countries including GI, GM and OZ. See map.
UPDATE 1244z: 14 stations have spotted me today. I wonder if the EI, who recently spotted me, was by aircraft reflection? That may account for some other DX spots.
70cm FT8 activity contest
It never fails to amaze me how far I can copy stations on 70cm FT8 RX. Last night was the UKAC FT8 activity contest and 30 stations in 7 countries were spotted despite me having just a 2m big-wheel omni antenna! See map.
9 Sept 2026
70cm activity contest (September)
Every month I try to go on the 70cm activity contest with 10W SSB to my 2m big-wheel omni.
It is hard work with my voice, power and antenna, so I do not stop on for long.
I am always surprised how well I get on. Last evening I managed 5 QSOs whereas last week in the 2m contest I only managed 2 QSOs! Some must have very good ears!
The map shows the QSOs managed.
6m 1W FT8 (Wednesday)
My gear was turned on at about 1300z.
UPDATE 1307z: Just one spot by GW4VXE (365km). As the spot was quite strong I wonder if this was aircraft scatter?
UPDATE 1746z: Spotted by 9 stations (G, GW and EI). No continentals. I suppose as we move higher in frequency local noise will improve and scatter becomes more effective.
USA debt
People are getting increasingly concerned about the debt in the USA. This stands at over $40 trillion. Rates are rising in many countries and the US $ is no longer being seen as the safe haven it once was.
10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)
Shortly I expect to go on 10m WSPR TX.
UPDATE 1746z: Just 1 English station spotting me. Altogether a poor day. QRT soon.
8 Sept 2026
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
Just after tea I QSYed to 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1655z: 3 spots by a station in Spain.
Cheating in amateur radio
For many years there has been something called "the ham spirit".
Basically radio amateurs of whatever race or creed helped each other. Politics did not matter. Whether you were rich or poor did not matter. Whether you were white, black, yellow or green did not matter. Whether you were a capitalist or communist did not matter. Whether you were sighted, blind, bedridden did not matter. Behind the mike we were all the same.
Sadly, this is changing. There is evidence of cheating in recent contests.
West Bank Israeli settlements
When I was taking A level exams in 1967 (and still had hair!) Israel occupied the West Bank.
Increasingly, Israel is creating settlements in the West Bank, which are illegal according to international law.
Israel and the USA have warned the UK there could be counter measures if the UK announces sanctions against West Bank settlers.
My worry is there could be more anti-Jewish sentiment in the UK.
It is so sad that we cannot just live in peace and respect each other's differences. We may believe different things - so what?
Toadflax
This is a wild flower that has been growing in our front lawn. Although the weather has now changed with far more rain , the grass everywhere has been brown and brittle although the weeds have done well!
Declining interest?
One of the locals on our weekly 2m FM net G8AKL is now a SK. He was always a booming signal and he will be missed.
As many active radio amateurs get older, it is likely activity will fall. Also, as noticed by another friend at the Telford Rally at the weekend, there seemed to be less money being traded.
Unless others come into the hobby and stay, I am afraid for the future of our hobby.
It will be interesting to see the situation at the next solar peak. There are more modes to explore, but probably far fewer active people.
10m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)
UPDATE 1056z: Just 1 local spotting me. I was surprised. The SSN is quite good as is the solar flux. Maybe there is even less activity now the Es season is over?
UPDATE 1529z: Increased my power to 3W. I was worried that my 1W signal was being buried in local noise? This noise is increasing on the HF bands and lower VHF bands, getting worse as you go lower. I do not have a problem on 6m FT8. 3 stations spotting me, probably tropo.
UPDATE 1642z: Spotted by 8 stations (see map). Now QSYed to 10m 200mW WSPR.
7 Sept 2026
2m 1W FT8 (Monday)
As there was no Es evident on 6m, I switched to 2m FT8 at 1W, getting a QSO with a Belgian station on my first call!
If this was SSB I would be very pleased, but it is far easier on FT8. My antenna is just an omni big-wheel, so nothing special.
Corruption video
This was a speech given the US senate about 2 months ago. I have no way of checking the accuracy.
6m 1W FT8 (Monday)
My gear was turned on at about 0610z.
UPDATE 0728z: 7 English stations spotting me.
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0610z.
UPDATE 0730z: Just 1 ON spotting me. Probably ordinary tropo?
How many planets are there in the universe?
This is an estimate based on what we can currently observe, but the number is huge, something like 10 to the power of 25 or even power of 35.
This is so enormous that it is hard to comprehend. Many will not have life at all, let alone intelligent life.
Really, we know so little.
Solar cycle
The solar cycle peaked in late 2024. We are now on the downward slope, where HF conditions slowly decline. We have several years to go to the next solar minimum.
In my experience it is a lack of activity that is the killer and often not propagation. This is not always the case, but often the 27MHz CB band is buzzing when 28MHz seems dead.
One way of checking would be to stick with modes like WSPR or FT8. It might be quieter than in the better years, but I expect we would find bands like 10m open (especially on N-S paths) far more often than we might think.
Humming bird hawk moth
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They appear to be more common in the UK, possibly as a result of climate change.
The wings beat very fast (about 75 beats a second!), so they can hover like a humming bird. At one time people thought they were birds!
There was one in the garden yesterday.
6 Sept 2026
Gerald G8AKL silent key
Gerald G8AKL was a regular on our local net on 2m FM on Wednesdays. He was always a great signal from his home across the Fens.
He was a generous and kind man who without fail invited people to join him on his skeds to Australia or to borrow a linear. I never met him in person, but we talked often on the radio. RIP.
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0808z.
UPDATE 2010z: Spotted by just one Russian SWL. A bad day.
Peace in Ukraine? - I think not
President Trump has just sent his special envoys to Russia and Ukraine.
I do not think the prospects for peace have been advanced at all.
In Putin's eyes they were like putty.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6248nvqy8po .
6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on at about 0808z.
UPDATE 2008z: Just 15 stations spotting me from Wales and England plus 1 in Germany.
Ely Cathedral yesterday
And yet they produced masterpieces like this!
Every time I see this I am amazed.
10m 200mW WSPR yesterday
The main Es season is over.
Long distance F2 propagation is coming to the fore with several spots of my QRP from Brazil. The question is will we get many E-W spots from the USA and Canada later?
5 Sept 2026
AI dangers
In the last few years AI has improved a lot.
Recently my wife has been amazed by the AI summary in Google. Yes, this is generally very impressive. There are many ways in which AI can benefit us.
What worries me is that just as easily a bad actor could use AI for evil. Imagine saying "create an undetectable virus that is fatal only to xxx people", for example. We would be defenceless and never know it is AI. I am sure such creations are being developed as we speak.
Ely Cathedral - quilt exhibition
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At the moment there is a quilt exhibition in Ely Cathedral UK. It is quite stunning.
6m 1W FT8 (Saturday)
My gear has been on most of the day. Spotted by 6 stations with the best OH2FQV (1713km).
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
My beacon has been on most of the day. Just 1 station in the Canary Is. spotting me.
Ely - Bishop's Palace, UK
In WW2 it was home to the Red Cross.
My dad was a Pathfinder (the elites) flying over Germany at night. He had his appendix out here in case he was shot down over enemy territory
4 Sept 2026
Surprise tomatoes
Imagine my surprise when some tomato plants appeared in the same pot! They are starting to become real tomatoes!
6m 1W FT8 (Friday)
3 Sept 2026
Billionaires rule?
It seems to me that the world is ruled by billionaires. It seems true in the USA and Russia and probably true in other countries too. The danger is they have the money to influence results.
To me, I think most wars in the past were caused by rich people but fought by ordinary folk . I am sure most ordinary folk want to live in peace.
Russia and Ukraine
This "special military operation" is now over 4 years old and should have been a few days. How it will all end is anyone's guess.
Solar power
In recent years, solar panels have come a very long way. They are now far less expensive and more efficient.
In China as much power is now generated by solar as coal. If energy storage is also made smaller,cheaper and better, solar will clearly replace coal.
The USA? It is in great danger of being left behind.
2m FT8 activity contest
 |
| Stations spotted on 2m FT8 yesterday evening |
It never fails to astound me how far away stations can be spotted.
I wonder if with FT8 we can tap into weak troposcatter signals?
End of the Es season
We are now at the very end of the Es season. Openings can occur at any time, but are usually far less common. What often happens is people abandon the higher HF bands and 6m sadly.
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0754z.
UPDATE 1512z: 9 stations spotting me.
6m 1W FT8 (Thursday)
My gear was turned on at about 0754z.
UPDATE 1510z: 12 stations spotting me. No Es evident.
2 Sept 2026
144MHz FT8 activity contest
UPDATE 1927z: It never fails to amaze me how far away stations can be copied on FT8. I have already copied stations along way away in many countries. See map.
6m 1W FT8 (Wednesday)
UPDATE 1409z: 8 stations spotting me. See map.
UPDATE 1551z: 10 stations spotting me.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Wednesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0620z.
UPDATE 1404z: 7 stations spotting me. Best is 4Z4TJ (3639km).
1 Sept 2026
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6m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)
UPDATE 0938z: Spotted by just 1 English station so far. Outside of the Es season, many abandon 6m.
UPDATE 1742z: Spotted by 8 stations. I suspect some are aircraft reflections? Some may be Es. QRT soon.
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0850z.
UPDATE 1812z: Spotted by 12 stations. QRT soon.
Autumn
According to the Met Office, September 1st is treated as the first day of autumn.
I agree with this. To me autumn is September, October and November, with winter December, January and February. All seasons have their own beauty, although autumn has come early this year.
31 Aug 2026
6m 1W FT8 (Monday)
My gear was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1906z: Spotted by 27 stations across Europe. QRT soon.
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
My beacon has been on since before breakfast.
UPDATE 1904z: Spotted by 22 stations across Europe. QRT soon.
30 Aug 2026
Amazing EV batteries - NOT in China
It looks like Hyundai has created an amazing battery at a plant in Georgia (USA I think). It charges fast and has a much longer life and does not need lithium. It does not significantly degrade at low temperatures. Oh, by the way, it is cheaper!
More on the ICOM IC-7110 transceiver
Waters and Stanton has a video introducing the ICOM IC-7110 transceiver.
It looks like a replacement for the IC-7100.
The European version includes 4m I understand.
6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear should be on at about 0915z.
UPDATE 1335z: Gear turned on at 0936z. 14 stations spotting me.
Snapseed experiments
This is one of the effects on what (I think) is a cedar rose, a sort of fir cone.
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
At about 0900z, I expect to turn my beacon on.
UPDATE 1815z: Beacon turned on at 0636z. Spotted by 25 stations.
29 Aug 2026
ICOM IC-7110 revealed
It looks like ICOM have a competitor for the Yaesu FTX 1. It is a 100W radio with a separate head and covers HF, VHF and UHF.
I have no idea about price and availability yet.
It was announced at the Tokyo Ham Fair.
In my view it could really compete with the Yaesu unit at the right price. Even I am tempted. It looks like an IC-7100 successor, so expect 4m in the European version.
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
My beacon was turned on just after breakfast.
UPDATE 1809z: Spotted by 11 stations.
John Lewis Money advert
My son has done the music for the latest John Lewis Money advert that has already clocked up 2.5M views on YouTube. John Lewis is a major UK retailer.
Early morning walk
Before breakfast and before the forecast rain (!) we went for a walk around the nearby village of Swaffham Prior which has 2 medieval churches (in the same churchyard) and 2 windmills. Delightful.
6m 1W FT8 (Saturday)
My gear was turned on just after breakfast.
UPDATE 0842z: Spotted by several English stations and one in Poland.
UPDATE 1950z: Spotted by 31 stations.
Interconnectedness
In the West we are very dependent on imported food and imported energy. Energy powers nearly everything from water supplies, banking, sewers, traffic lights, the internet etc.. If we were suddenly denied these then society would be very different. We would adapt as we always do.
I suspect there is an unwritten thing like MAD (mutually assured destruction) for nuclear weapons that if you were ever to hack us we will do the same to you. I hope so.
10m 200mW WSPR yesterday
Yesterday was a good day with 9 spots from Brazil as well as plenty in Europe. Maybe the Brazilian spots were a combination of F2 and Es? In all, spotted by 37 stations yesterday.
Snapseed experiments
I have been experimenting with Snapseed (an app) frames. This photo is of a hummingbird hawk moth that migrates from Southern Europe to the UK. They are now more common possibly due to climate change? The wings beat at about 75 beats a second so they can hover.
28 Aug 2026
6m 1W FT8 (Friday)
UPDATE 1309z: 179 stations have spotted me today (see map).
10m 200mW WSPR (Friday)
My beacon has been on since 0610z.
UPDATE 1311z: 41 stations have spotted me. Es I guess.
27 Aug 2026
The USA in deep trouble?
It would appear the USA is now seen as an unreliable partner around the world.
6m 1W FT8 (Thursday)
As my son has gone home and the storms are some way away, I am on 6m FT8.
UPDATE 1409z: Spotted by 13 stations.
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
As the thunderstorms seem to be some way away and my son has gone home, I have gone on 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1410z: Spotted by 24 stations.
Garage clearance
Earlier we cleared the garage and went to the dump. Other stuff will go to a charity shop.
Day off radio ?
As my son is here for the day and we have a trip to the dump later, I am having a day off radio. We also have thunderstorms forecast.
UPDATE 1134z: If the storm risk is low I may go on later .
26 Aug 2026
6m 1W FT8 (Wednesday)
My gear was turned on at about 0930z.
UPDATE 1206z: Just spotted by 7 UK stations. No evidence of Es.
UPDATE 2100z : 13 stations spotted. Some Es I think.
10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)
As the lightning seems a long way away my beacon is on .... for now!
UPDATE 2108z: Spotted by 4 stations including 1 in the USA. QRT with thunderstorms expected overnight 😢.
Why can't we all live in peace?
Right across the world people seem to be angry. In the Middle East, the UK , the USA, nearly everywhere, people and nations seem to be angry.
Maybe this is human nature, but I am sure most people everywhere want to live in peace with enough to eat and drink and a secure home.
The main causes for conflict seem to be greed and insecurity.
Basically, people everywhere are the same.
DX Explorer
This is a YouTube channel I very much like.
He is not afraid to say when he doesn't know something, but is always willing to try things. He is a real experimenter. See, for example, his latest video about his simple sferics receiver.
Not today?
With thunderstorms possible, I shall probably not go on 10m or 6m today. I had better keep an eye on the lightning map. At the moment it is over Belgium and we have no rain (yet!).
25 Aug 2026
6m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)
My gear was turned on at about 0605z.
UPDATE 1047z: Just English stations and one Italian IZ8JAI (1959km) spotting me. This is how I expect the end of the Es season to go: some days may be good and some days hardly anything. Es can occur at any time with the peak in early summer.
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0605z.
UPDATE 1040z: Just spots from EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is.
24 Aug 2026
Sunflowers
One lot was directly in the soil and some in a trough. The lot in the soil (and full sun) have now died, but the ones in the trough are still good.
Sunflowers are cheerful flowers.
Renewable energy
At one time renewable energy was expensive, but not any more. The cost of solar panels in particular has dropped dramatically. The cost of wind turbines is also much less expensive.
What is lagging behind is distribution and storage.
Home storage and mass storage batteries are becoming less expensive and their capacity increasing. I am sure with proper investment these could be dramatically improved. Give it a few years. Already 9% of the world's energy comes from solar panels. My guess is this will be over 50% in 10 years.
If storage and distribution also advance, I think we are on the foothills of a major revolution. Imagine energy that does not pollute! We are not there yet, but it is coming.
Oh of course climate change is fake news according to the US president!! Silly me 😄. Unless the USA wakes up, it is in danger of being left behind in a major way.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renewable_energy6m 1W FT8 (Monday)
UPDATE 0840z: Spotted by 2 English stations. No Es.
UPDATE 1938z: 106 stations have spotted me today. See map. Plenty of Es! 1W FT8 to a V2000 vertical!
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
UPDATE 0836z: Already 7 stations spotting me. These look like Es.
UPDATE 1939z: 52 stations have spotted me with the best V51RS (8481km) plus a couple in the USA. See map by VK7JJ of WSPR Rocks.
It never fails to amaze me how well just 200mW 10m WSPR does.
23 Aug 2026
Nuclear fusion - nearer than we thought?
For years and years people have been working on nuclear fusion, which promises almost limitless energy without pollution.
A few years ago, a breakthrough was made with more energy out than put in. It has still not been commercialised. I shall believe it when I see it!
Back on 6m FT8 (Sunday)
This morning I got WSJT-X working on 6m TX and RX using it. This will be its main use.
UPDATE 2006z: Now on 1W 6m FT8 TX. 47 stations spotted me from all over Europe today. QRT.
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
My TX beacon was turned on at about 0700z.
UPDATE 1021z: 8 stations spotting me.
UPDATE 2015z: 65 stations spotted me today (see map). QRT.
22 Aug 2026
Is the Mecca pact a threat to Trump?
In the Middle East the USA is (sadly) seen as a spent force. Instead, countries are looking for local allies. They also see China a a reliable ally.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Saturday)
My beacon has been on for some hours.
UPDATE 1410z: Spotted by 102 stations in Europe.
21 Aug 2026
West Bank (Israel and Palestine)
From the outside looking in, it seems Israel is being heavy-handed over the West Bank. Yes, historically there may have been some reference to this being part of the Holy Land, but those who are there now are simple farmers who just want to live in peace, I think.
Surely we all have to live together in peace.
Is Es changing?
In previous years towards the end of the Es season I seem to get more stations in the north of Europe for some reason.
I still see stations in the south of Europe, but there is a noticeable increase in more northerly stations. I guess this could even be some different form of propagation.
So far this year I have not noticed this. It is still August so things may yet change.
I wonder if others have noticed this? This is definitely not scientific, just a gut feel.
USA treasury debt
As I understand things, US treasury debt (sold as bonds) now exceeds $40trillion, which is a huge number. Combined with high interest rates, this creates an enormous and worsening problem in the USA. The US economy is very big, but servicing this debt is a real problem. The debt is still growing.
The US dollar has been the reserve currency of the world since WW2. What would happen if China decided to buy oil in the Chinese currency (Yuan) instead and the rest of the world followed!!
I am no economic expert, but I can see China becoming the dominant world power and the sun setting on the USA. In the Middle East, the USA is seen as not providing security and putting Arab countries more at risk.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Friday)
My beacon was turned on at 0817z.
UPDATE 1902z: 78 stations in Europe spotting me.
qFT8 app
My attention to this was drawn by Steve G1KQH,
My PC has been playing up so I can only use my Chromebook.
The FT8/4 app worked immediately on RX when connected to my IC-705. On TX it uses VOX and there must be insufficient level to trigger TX with my current IC705 settings.
8m band in the UK
In the UK 8m is unavailable to the amateur radio service. Instead people have to apply for an I&T licence which costs £50 every year.
To my knowledge 5 EU countries plus South Africa have granted amateurs access to this band, usually with some restrictions. There may well be more. Many more have given experimental access outside of the amateur radio service
Judging by the ease that OFCOM have issued I&T licences, often with high power, all modes and wide frequency coverage and zero traceability (no callsigns needed), they do not seem to be the block. It looks like the RSGB is dead against it!
This is very very sad when, especially in the years around solar maximum, so much research and experimentation would have been possible.
Earlier this week I wrote to the spectrum committee and the general manager asking them to try and get behind the push.
20 Aug 2026
Crash coming?
Both the US debt and the UK debt is in our own currencies, so in the last resort we can always pay our debts. So the USA and the UK cannot go bust, but stock markets can (and will) crash. This can lead to recessions or even depressions. It could be extremely painful for everyone.
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
As the thunderstorm risk is low this morning, shall turn my beacon on shortly.
UPDATE 1705z: 17 stations spotting me.
19 Aug 2026
Lord Howe Island
Since a child I have been fascinated by small remote islands.
In my advanced years it is highly unlikely I will ever get to these. However, thanks to YouTube videos I am able to dream.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Wednesday)
My beacon was turned on earlier this morning.
UPDATE 1243z: 16 stations have spotted me.
18 Aug 2026
Times are changing
In the last few years we have had some innovations that allow simple stations to work the world like FT8.
At the same time fewer young people (generally) are coming into the hobby, putting the hobby under threat. Also (certainly in the UK and USA) PTTs to want less bureaucracy especially if it generates no income.
Many national amateur radio societies are working hard to buck the trend.
In the end, I cannot see amateur radio surviving as it has in the past. What the future holds I do not know.
I really hope that people continue to experiment and innovate, which is how our great hobby started.
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
My beacon was turned on just after breakfast
UPDATE 1312z: 42 stations have spotted me.
I do not get it
The president of the USA gave another press briefing in the White House. I was not very impressed, although I accept others may not agree.
17 Aug 2026
Amazon - like marmite
Amazon home delivery gets a bad press. I have used it trouble-free for 26 years.
Some refuse to use it at all saying it will be the end of conventional shops. Yes, that is true, but people have already changed shopping patterns. Home shopping is now far more common in the last few years.
In my view, there are two sorts of high street shops (1) those that do not adapt and fail, and (2) those that adapt to internet shopping (browsing hubs?) and succeed.
Let me give you an example: at about 2230 last night I ordered 3 charging leads for my iPhone. By about 1500z the very next day they were on my doorstep delivered by Amazon.
The alternative would have been to take a bus ride into Cambridge and go to the Apple store. Assuming they had stock, I would expect to pay far more for just a single lead!
No, times are changing. We have to adapt.
UPDATE 1506z: A single charging lead from the Apple store in Cambridge would have been more than 3 times the price of 3 leads online.
In app ads
This morning I noticed that advertisements were appearing in the main body of the blog. I find this intrusive and will try to stop them.
UPDATE 1111z: I think I have removed them.
Red legged partridges
At one time these handsome introduced birds were a common site in our garden. We have not seen them for several years. Apparently they were bred locally and released for shooting, but they have stopped doing so.
LoRa repeaters
At the moment there is a move towards off-grid reliable communication that does not need the internet or mobile phones.
As far as I can tell there are 2 systems coming to the fore Meshstastic and Meshcore.
Both (I think) are in their infancy and which system is better depends on where you live.
The systems are licence free, meaning anyone can use them. They’re based on either 868MHz or 915MHz if you are in the USA.
As it is meshed-based the more users the better. Often sparsely populated places have poor coverage.
As far as I know, this is just a messaging service as the data rate is low. In Romania YO6DXE has been experimenting with solar powered repeaters to extend range. He has made a video as part of his DX Explorer series.
Classic Car Show
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The museum across the road held its annual Classic Car Day yesterday.
It was a success with good weather, plenty of vehicles and people.
As it’s been very hot and dry, I was a bit concerned that a fire might be triggered, but it was fine.
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0620z.
UPDATE 1912z: 23 stations spotting me QRT soon.
8m amateur radio allocation
Some PTTs have allocated radio amateurs access to 8m. Almost all, probably all, operation is purely experimental. In the UK we have to pay £50 every year to do 8m experiments!
The RSGB seems positively anti, which I find really sad. They could very easily provide (via OFCOM) radio amateurs access to 40.680 - 40.685MHz, low power, narrow digital only, by NoV, strictly no interference.
Instead we have hit a brick wall with what appears an obstructive RSGB attitude, with no support whatsoever.
Ideally I would like to see a tiny 5kHz CEPT wide allocation, with a strict no-interference clause. This would allow real experimentation.
I am sure that OFCOM would be happy as they have allocated quite a few 8m I&T permits, some at far higher power and with far greater band coverage, all modes, with absolutely no means of tracing.
The RSGB appears to be the block, sadly. You would think we are asking for the impossible when they have already made available (via OFCOM) 2MHz of VHF spectrum for DTV and similar!
Come on RSGB!!! Provide some support please.
Nuclear fusion
Research into nuclear fusion seems to have been going on for decades. Every time it seems to hit a problem. If all the problems can be overcome, it promises almost limitless energy without the problems associated with nuclear fission.
It seems that problems are gradually being solved. As computing power increases I think we will eventually get there but it may be after I am dead.
16 Aug 2026
70cm activity contest
 |
| My single 70cm SSB contact |
To say I am under-equipped for 70cm SSB is a gross understatement! I use 10W to a 144MHz omni big-wheel antenna. I have a very poor voice as well, which does not help.
Usually I manage a few contacts and give up after about 30 minutes. This time I gave up after a single contact. I get the impression SSB activity is going down. I may be totally wrong. It is a shouting match that I find hard these days.
FT8 amazes me as I consistently spot stations at vast distances and have no trouble being received at distances I only dream about on SSB.
Strait of Hormuz
President Trump has, allegedly, promised to make the Strait of Hormuz USA territory after he wins the war with Iran.
With President Trump it is hard to separate fact from bluster. In my view, Iran has "all the cards" to use a phrase he used last year.
Amateur radio abbreviations
Ever wondered why we say CQ and 73 and a host of other codes in CW and voice modes? Peter's video may give some clues.
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0820z.
UPDATE 1941z: Spotted by 90 stations in Europe, presumably via Es. It never fails to amaze me how well just 200mW 10m WSPR performs. Now QRT.
Shield Bug
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It was about 2cm long and seemed to like my shirt and shoes!
In the end it flew away.
The Meidas Touch videos
It is pretty certain that Ben Meiselas has a very low opinion of President Trump judging by his videos.
15 Aug 2026
The Chinese are coming
For years the Chinese have been on the edge of the amateur radio market. Their products are usually far less expensive than their Japanese counterparts, but there has often been a question mark about quality and reliability.
It is my view that they will soon match the Japanese and grab the amateur radio market.
Already, many consumer products are "made in China" even if they were designed somewhere else. They take advantage of low labour and material prices.
They like volumes, so expect amateur radio and CB products to be similar. It would not surprise me if they had a product that was basically a commercial, amateur radio and CB transceiver that was basically the same radio to, effectively, increase volumes.
No, the Chinese are coming. Give them a few years.
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0950z.
UPDATE 1012z: Spotted by nobody yet.
UPDATE 2109z: Spotted by 16 stations have spotted me with the best V51RS (8481km). QRT.
14 Aug 2026
Something different
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On Sunday, our local museum is holding its hugely popular classic car and bike day. This year they also have a tracked vehicle from the British Antarctic Survey.
10m 200mW WSPR (Friday)
My beacon has been on most of the morning.
UPDATE 1316z: Spotted by just 1 PD station in the Netherlands. It looks like days on end of good 10m Es are drawing to a close. The usual pattern in that Es openings become far less frequent as the months progress. There is (for some reason) a small peak around New Year.
UPDATE 1628z: Spotted by 3 stations. Not Es I think.
UPDATE 2005z: Spotted by 42 stations. Es.
13 Aug 2026
Eclipse
Yesterday evening we had a partial solar eclipse. In some places it was full, whereas here it was about 96%, which was quite a lot.
I was very underwhelmed.
In the full eclipse in 1999, it was very noticeable that it got darker. It went a bit darker, but not very dark. As we had no eclipse glasses, I used a kitchen colander. After all the hype, a bit of a damp squib.
Cash or mobile internet?
In Russia there has been a move away from the digital economy to cash.
My concern has always been that we rely on the internet more and more so that an internet outage here could cause real issues in the West too. Just imagine if we had no internet!
The issue in Russia is one of lack of trust.
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
My beacon is on.
UPDATE 0917z: 17 stations have spotted me in the last hour - all in Europe.
Prior assumptions?
This video is mainly about the UK,, but probably applies across the world. It argues that every politician should be asked about the assumptions they are making and are there alternatives.
10m 200mW through the night
I left my beacon intentionally on again overnight. Plenty of spots again from Europe.
12 Aug 2026
Is the USA failing these days?
In the world at large, the USA has, sadly, become the butt of jokes. It once was a super-power and envy of the world. At home in the USA gas prices remain high. I must admit that every USA person I have ever met has been kind and generous.
10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)
My beacon was turned on just before breakfast.
UPDATE 1918z: 84 stations have spotted me so far. Es continues.
11 Aug 2026
Is Russia having issues with oil exports?
Ukraine has changed its war strategy to hit oil refineries deep in Russia.
It has been trying to sell some of its oil abroad using shadow tankers.
These countries are now being hit by secondary sanctions. Much of this Russian oil is being held on tankers on the high seas with nowhere to go.
Eclipse
Tomorrow evening there is an eclipse which can be widely seen in Western Europe and Northern Canada. In some places it is a total eclipse, but in many places the sun is widely covered.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-2a268141-80ca-480d-bd04-6cf688bcc3dd .
Trump failures?
From outside of the USA, it looks like President Trump is struggling.
At home and abroad things do not appear to be going his way.
I can only judge by what I see and hear. He is not projecting a positive view of the USA sadly, in my view.
Perseid MS shower
This meteor shower peaks (I think) tonight. It is not unusual for VHF contacts to be made via meteor showers. Often returns are longer in a shower.
DX Explorer and the Thinknode Meshcore M1 transceiver
There is a new video from DX Explorer about the Thinknode M1 LoRa transceiver.
Where he lives Meshcore seems more common than Meshtastic.
Range is always better if there are more stations in the mesh and there are well placed repeaters. As time progresses things will continue to get better.
I have no idea which system is more popular in your area. I see that Amazon sell these.
RIP
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0600z.
UPDATE 2105z: 54 stations have spotted me. Still good Es. Now QRT. The most distant station was in the Canary Is..
10 Aug 2026
Times Radio
President Trump seems to be in real trouble.
It looks like his stance on Gaza and Iran have failed dramatically.
QMX (not QMX+) is becoming a firm favourite
At the moment I do not own or use the QMX from QRP Labs. It is tiny and packs a lot of radio in a tiny space.
Is the USA on the way down?
Looking from the outside, you get the impression that the USA is on the way down and China is in the ascendancy.
More and more the USA is seen as an unreliable ally that cannot be trusted.
After WW2 the USA was seen as a world model - not any more, sadly. Would I trust the USA? No longer, I am afraid.
Sodium Ion powered trucks
In China they have just launched mining trucks powered by sodium-ion batteries.
Sodium is a very common material. Capacity is less than lithium batteries but they fully charge in just 12 minutes and work well in very cold weather.
Cars with sodium-ion batteries will follow.
You get the feeling China is winning in EVs.
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
My beacon is back to full power: 200mW!! It was turned on at breakfast.
UPDATE 2023z: 48 stations have spotted me. I really like my ZachTek WSPR beacon. I usually turn it on about breakfast and check on WSPRnet where I am reaching. QRT.
Morris dancing
Morris dancing is very old dating back at least to the 1400s.
9 Aug 2026
Sunflowers
You can pick your own with the money going to charity.
They are such a sunny flower.
The photo shows me with my son.
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