Takeaway food - NOT amateur radio

Although I can only speak for myself, I am appalled by the amount of litter on the roadsides as a result of takeaways. If you look at the litter most (certainly in our area) is a result of takeaway meals and drinks.

So, I have started a petition to force takeaway shops to use recycled, biodegradable packaging or face a hefty tax bill. In this day and age they should be using biodegradable packs.

See  https://www.change.org/p/roger-lapthorn-use-of-recycled-packaging-for-takeaway-food-and-drink

10m JT65 now

I have switched from 630m (472kHz) WSPR to 10m JT65 (2W) for the rest of the daylight. There is an outside chance I might catch some F-layer or winter Es on 10m.

Probably go back to 472kHz WSPR RX this evening. This is without the SMPSU charging the shack laptop. I'll probably go on 472kHz WSPR TX (5mW ERP) later and overnight.

Sunspots and 10m - Saturday January 14th 2017

Solar flux is 74 today and the sunspot number is 24. A=4 and K=0.

472kHz WSPR TX (5mW ERP)

Today, I have decided to stick on 472kHz TX all day, again using the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. G3KAV (243km) and G8HUH (250km) are both spotting me as is M0TAZ (59km).

Amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

Each winter we grow an amaryllis indoors during the winter. We take a photo each week. Since planting about a week ago it has really started to grow. It takes about 6 weeks to flower.

QRP and QRP Club

From Oleg:

Dear Club 72 members and friends,

Today January 14 is 7'th Birthday of the Club 72.
I thank all members and friends for support club's events and wish you
all  the  best. Welcome all QRPers to the QRP Rendez-Vous round table
today at 9.00 UTC on 14060 kc (alternative 10116 kc if contest QRM).

72! Oleg RV3GM / KH6OB "Mr. 72"


This is a periodic Newsletter of the Club 72. Don't reply to Newsletter address! Send any requests or news to mr72@club72.su please.

472kHz WSPR RX on PC battery power

For the last few minutes I have been on 472kHz WSPR RX using the shack PC on battery power. Without the SMPSU charging the noise floor is 7-S points lower and already I have spotted LA8AV (1035km) and lots of others. The lower noise floor is amazingly lower.

BREXIT and the UK pound - NOT amateur radio

The UK pound has fallen since BREXIT although perhaps not as far as some expected. It could fall further, especially if a "hard BREXIT" becomes more probable.

I am no financial expert but I could imagine the euro losing a lot of its value in 2017. The Eurozone has some hard times ahead: Greece is very unlikely ever to be able to pay off its debts. There are strong right wing (anti EU) forces in many European nations. It would not surprise me to see the euro tumble. I may be very wrong, but the signs are there.

As for the UK, I think in the end we will be OK. I voted "remain", but there is a lot wrong with the EU. There is a lot wrong with the euro too: the idea is right but all nations need to be in step and abiding by the same rules as if they are in one nation. Greece should never have adopted the euro in my view.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business/market_data/currency/default.stm .

Rally reminder

JANUARY 15th 2017: RED ROSE WINTER RALLY

Organised by West Manchester Radio Club, Lowton Civic Centre, Hesketh Meadow Lane, WA3 2AH, just off the A580 East Lancs Road. Doors open at 11am, car parking is free. There will be trade stands, a Bring & Buy, special interest groups and an RSGB bookstall. Catering is available on site. Further details from John, on 07870 161953. http://wmrc.org.uk/lowton_winter.htm.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Sunspots and 10m - Friday January 13th 2017

Solar flux is 75 today and the sunspot number has risen to 11. A=5 and K=1.

Although conditions look "not bad" for N-S F layer DX on 10m, it remains to be seen. Of course, there is always a chance of winter Es on the band.