Another dull day - NOT amateur radio

Apart from yesterday, we have had a string of dull days. 

Today was much the same, although at sunset it was a little better (see photo).

One way or two way?

Over the years my interest in amateur radio has changed. 

Like very many others, I enjoyed chatting and chasing DX. Since my 2013 stroke, speaking is hard work for me. I still use voice modes, but not as often these days. Doing so is good for me. Instead I prefer digital modes like WSPR and FT8 which do not involve my voice.

It is not purely because of my poor voice. 

These days, I get as much pleasure from seeing where my QRP on various bands can be received. Many purists will say, "that is not amateur radio" and I can understand where they are coming from. Use of just digital modes means newcomers will not chance upon amateur radio as I did.

I hope amateur radio will still be here as it was. However, it would not entirely surprise me if it evolves as PTTs grow tired of amateur radio administration and its lack of revenue generation. I am pretty sure any administration costs are greater than any revenue generated. This is not a sustainable position.

10m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

Starting at about 1020z, I am on 10m QRP FT8. At 1025z (i.e after just a few minutes) my QRP was spotted by 54 stations - it is too easy! At this rate, I shall soon stop.

I guess I am running about 3W from the IC-705.

UPDATE 1640z:  135 stations have spotted me today (see map). Now QRT.

Making tiramisu - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday our grandsons made tiramisu and had fun doing it. 

It tasted good but will soon be gone!!

How?

 

For this price both the manufacturer and AliExpress make profits. I am amazed. In the UK one could not buy even the crystal for this!

Some years ago I bought a Pixie kit from AliExpress. It cost a few pounds, but worked perfectly when fired up on the air.

Sunspots - Sunday December 15th

 Solar flux is 171 and the SSN 86. A=10 and K=3.

Sunday plans

Tomorrow I plan to try 10m QRP FT8 with the IC-705. 

If I have time, I shall try to use PuTTY to put my QMX+ on 8m FT8 TX. I think the RX would need HW changes to the RX BPF. I intend to convert the 20m TX settings to 8m. This should only need me to change the frequency  and low pass filter selected.  The 6m LPF should do.  As my fine motor skills are poor, I shall have to accept the (poor) RX sensitivity.

Chinese - just how do they do it?

Just seen this on AliExpress.  It is a Chinese copy of a UK designed radio. The moral is register your design. What amazes me is the price. 

This is what the big Japanese manufacturers are up against. In my view, if the Japanese want to remain in the amateur market, I suspect the answer is to design in Japan, but make products in a low cost country. In the future this may not be China.

Ely Train Station - NOT amateur radio

 

The photo shows Ely rail station with Ely cathedral in the background.

Memories - NOT amateur radio

 

My wife and I met in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral in 1968. I see it is now part of a UK set of stamps.