Sunspots and 10m - Thurs March 10th 2016

Solar flux is 96 and sunspot number 61 (K=2). 10m propagation is forecast to remain "poor" again.

10m WSPR today

A bit disappointing on 10m WSPR today. Maybe tomorrow will bring better results? As the solar activity gradually declines, 10m DX will be harder to find. It is there, at least on some days, and this is where WSPR really will prove useful.

FTSE 100 - NOT amateur radio

The FTSE 100 ended the day up 0.34%. I am still expecting large falls but so far this has not happened. Sentiment is pushing it higher but reality should push it well down.

I can't help thinking we are living in a parallel universe where reality does not apply.

With all the debt and uncertainty in the world, I think those who invest in the companies listed in the FTSE 100 are living their lives with their eyes and ears closed. At some point, reality will set in and the brown stuff will hit the fan big time and all hell will let loose. At some point, the world faces a MASSIVE re-adjustment and no-one will be immune.

Growth cannot continue in a world with limited resources. Also, living on debt cannot go on for ever. When interest rates are very low it may make sense, but what happens when these rise? China is a real danger and so apparently is Japan. 

Sunspots and 10m - Wed March 9th 2016

Solar flux is 95 today. Sunspot number is 48 (K=2) and the forecast for 10m propagation remains "poor".

70cm UKAC activity contest last night

Last night was the 70cm UKAC activity contest which is a monthly event organised by the RSGB.  I started out (5W pep) using my 2m big-wheel but swapped to the 2m halo as the match was better on 70cm. This maybe because the coax feeding the halo is far more lossy than that to the big-wheel.  It meant my ERP was even lower because of the feeder loss.

In all I worked just 3 stations before going QRT after less than 1 hour because of my poor voice. There were very few portable stations heard. No great DX was heard or worked on this occasion.

Some of the locals who were doing "search and pounce" such as G2XV. The CDARC station was strong but they were moving so I did not work them. A few others were missed too. I expect there will be more out on hilltops when the weather gets better.

China meltdown? - NOT amateur radio

Is China's stock market a threat to the whole world? This video is frightening.

Broadband - NOT amateur radio

Just had a free upgrade on broadband from Virgin Media on their cheapest package. I am pleased. It was even faster when I tried it earlier - and this is over a wi-fi connection for the last bit. The TV internet connection is separate and not included, so this is the speed on a laptop in the lounge. It is more than enough for us.

EU referendum - NOT amateur radio

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35751919 .

It seems a bit suspicious that the banks and big business want us to vote IN. At the moment I am in favour of IN, but I could well be persuaded otherwise if the facts are clearly presented without the spin.

ICOM IC7300 UK Price

I am certain the UK price will fall once the "early adopters" have had theirs.  Considering the architecture, this price is high.  Even with a less favorable exchange rate than of late, they have room to shave a few hundred pounds I am sure and still make good profits. It will depend how well it sells at the £1049 price. There is sure to be a price war against the Yaesu FT991. Both rigs have merit.

This came to me via Steve G1KQH. 

7300= £1049

73 Steve
http://www.g1kqh.talktalk.net/

Enormous Jordanian refugee camp - NOT amateur radio

The size of this is truly staggering.

See https://www.facebook.com/bbcshorts/videos/1140808579272340/ .