In recent years some very well known shops have closed and gone from UK high streets including Woolworths and recently BHS. Sadly, these stores never quite got their acts together in the on-line age. More are certain to follow.
My bet is on W.H.Smith closing next. These shops always look tired and poorly lit. You get the impression this is a chain hanging on rather than thriving. They have looked tired for many years now. I find shopping there a dismal experience these days. No, they need to work on their lighting and on-line activities if they are still to be around in years to come.
Shops that will survive are those with a good website, good on-line sales, and a "click and collect" option in a bright and inviting local store. The model is John Lewis. Sadly W.H.Smiths is not a John Lewis. They could be though. I think there time to change, but not much.
10 Jun 2016
Storms in the UK and maps
Apart from in N.Ireland, the threat of thunderstorms seems to have receded with the UK largely free from thunder and lightning. It is always useful to check the maps at this time of the year.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org .
Certainly here in the UK, we have had a fine, settled period this week after some very cold weather. Last week there was an E-W split with fine weather in the west but cold, miserable weather further east. We are now moving back to more changeable weather.
See https://www.lightningmaps.org .
Certainly here in the UK, we have had a fine, settled period this week after some very cold weather. Last week there was an E-W split with fine weather in the west but cold, miserable weather further east. We are now moving back to more changeable weather.
No early 10m Es here today
It is coming up to 0900z. As yet there are no signs of Es on 10m WSPR, unlike yesterday which started off early with Es and lasted (here) until 2144z.
Sunspots and 10m - Fri June 10th 2016
Solar flux is 85 today. Sunspot number has risen (!) to 22 and K=1. The forecast for 10m F2 propagation is "poor" again, although Es is livening up the band.
9 Jun 2016
10m F2 or multi-hop Es?
KP2XX (6723km) spotted my 500mW WSPR at 1926z tonight. I think this was multi-hop Es. This is my best DX this summer on 10m WSPR. FK78ni is the British Virgin Is in the Caribbean. Apart from this spot, all other reports were from Europe. Still nothing on 6m WSPR here, given or received.
UPDATE 2125z: I4ZTO (1185km) was still spotting me on 10m WSPR a few minutes ago.
UPDATE 2125z: I4ZTO (1185km) was still spotting me on 10m WSPR a few minutes ago.
Rally (of sorts)
Saturday 11 JUNE : MARTIN LYNCH @ 60!
Wessex House, Drake Avenue, Staines (Nr Heathrow), Middlesex, TW18 2AP
Martin Lynch wants to invite you to his 60th birthday party at his new superstore in Staines upon Thames. Customers old and new are invited, with the event co-hosted by Yaesu, Icom & Kenwood. Instead of the usual hog roast, a 'fine-dining' experience of hot dogs and burgers(!) with hot & cold drinks.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
Wessex House, Drake Avenue, Staines (Nr Heathrow), Middlesex, TW18 2AP
Martin Lynch wants to invite you to his 60th birthday party at his new superstore in Staines upon Thames. Customers old and new are invited, with the event co-hosted by Yaesu, Icom & Kenwood. Instead of the usual hog roast, a 'fine-dining' experience of hot dogs and burgers(!) with hot & cold drinks.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/
New record - NOT amateur radio
Yesterday there were more visitors to this blog than ever before and today, already, the numbers are even higher. Thank you.
Posts are about things that interest me and I hope you find some posts of interest too. Most, but not all, are about amateur radio.
In the hobby I take a low key approach. My spending is only modest - it is only a hobby - but getting results with low power and home made kit is fun. Since my stroke nearly 3 years ago I have not been able to do as much, but hopefully things will still improve.
Posts are about things that interest me and I hope you find some posts of interest too. Most, but not all, are about amateur radio.
In the hobby I take a low key approach. My spending is only modest - it is only a hobby - but getting results with low power and home made kit is fun. Since my stroke nearly 3 years ago I have not been able to do as much, but hopefully things will still improve.
Early 10m Es again
10m WSPR started very early today with spots from Denmark. OZ9QV (864km) spotted me at 0654z. It has been busy ever since, but not a peep on 6mWSPR! I am now being spotted in Germany on 10m WSPR. Altogether promising.
Sunspots and 10m - Thursday June 9th 2016
Solar flux is 79 again today and sunspot number 15. K=1. The forecast for 10m F2 propagation remains "poor".
Low low cost Baofeng Dual Bander
This came in yesterday from Steve G1KQH:
The price is just insane! No wonder the Japanese manufacturers are having a hard time. It would not surprise me if at least one went bankrupt unless they find a way to compete.
Just over a Tenner inc P&P and it is yours!
73 Steve
G1KQHThe price is just insane! No wonder the Japanese manufacturers are having a hard time. It would not surprise me if at least one went bankrupt unless they find a way to compete.
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