29-30 SEPTEMBER 2017 : NATIONAL HAMFEST
Newark & Nottinghamshire Showground, Lincoln Road, Winthorpe, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2NY. Brought to you by the RSGB in association with the Lincoln Short Wave Club. The venue has free car parking and has disabled facilities. There will be trade stands, a Bring & Buy, car boot area, flea market, special interest groups and RSGB bookstall. There will also be representatives from the RSGB Services and committees. Morse proficiency test will be available. The venue has catering outlets and a seating area. www.nationalhamfest.org.uk.
A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/
28 Sept 2017
27 Sept 2017
Second largest diamond sold - NOT amateur radio
One of the biggest diamonds in the world has been sold privately. I would not want to be person who shapes this. Just imagine slipping! To think, someone has this sort of money.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41398871 .
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-41398871 .
ICOM RX IC-R8600
At a sensible price, this might have been on my wish list. Early indications are that this will be very expensive, so I am unlikely to fork out.
This is a pity, but yet again prices are set at what people are prepared to pay. Inside, I expect the cost of the bits is much lower, just like the IC7300.
Women drivers in Saudi - NOT amateur radio
At last Saudi women will be allowed driving licences.
This is a nation we trade with. One could be forgiven for believing this is a backward, primitive nation. At last a step towards the 21st century. Saudi Arabia is, allegedly, the only place on the planet where women are not allowed to drive.
How can the UK see the Saudi nation as a beacon in the Middle East? Some of their laws and customs are barbaric. OK, we should not judge other nations when we are far from perfect ourselves, but surely we expect certain minimum standards. All that matters, it seems, is money. Sad.
I have my worries about places like China, where there is a suspicion of very low wages and poor working conditions for some. Some prices for amateur radio gear from China beggar belief.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41408195 .
This is a nation we trade with. One could be forgiven for believing this is a backward, primitive nation. At last a step towards the 21st century. Saudi Arabia is, allegedly, the only place on the planet where women are not allowed to drive.
How can the UK see the Saudi nation as a beacon in the Middle East? Some of their laws and customs are barbaric. OK, we should not judge other nations when we are far from perfect ourselves, but surely we expect certain minimum standards. All that matters, it seems, is money. Sad.
I have my worries about places like China, where there is a suspicion of very low wages and poor working conditions for some. Some prices for amateur radio gear from China beggar belief.
See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-41408195 .
26 Sept 2017
630m WSPR RX
Much earlier than previous evenings, I have switched from 6m FT8 RX to 630m WSPR RX. I am still on 10m WSPR TX (500mW).
UPDATE 1904z: So far this evening, 4 unique spots on MF with the earliest being DC0DX (467km) at 1800z.
UPDATE 1904z: So far this evening, 4 unique spots on MF with the earliest being DC0DX (467km) at 1800z.
A blip? - NOT amateur radio
In the last few weeks to UK pound has appreciated by around 6 Eurocents against the Euro. This may, of course, just be a blip. In the long-term, especially once the uncertainty over Brexit is over, I think the UK Pound will strengthen against the Euro considerably. This is my view, and I am no expert.
Fundamentally, I believe the Euro is flawed and there is really no resolution in sight for it main structural issues. Once the UK leaves the EU they will have fewer rich nations to fund the EU coffers. No, the EU is a bit like the curate's egg i.e. "good in parts". If only the members of the EU had given the UK more ground on controlling free movement we'd probably still be inside. Hoisted by their own petard?
I think a lot of the EU's stance is "sour grapes". The UK will be fine outside of the EU and they know it.
Fundamentally, I believe the Euro is flawed and there is really no resolution in sight for it main structural issues. Once the UK leaves the EU they will have fewer rich nations to fund the EU coffers. No, the EU is a bit like the curate's egg i.e. "good in parts". If only the members of the EU had given the UK more ground on controlling free movement we'd probably still be inside. Hoisted by their own petard?
I think a lot of the EU's stance is "sour grapes". The UK will be fine outside of the EU and they know it.
Call centres
Over a month ago I ordered something that did not arrive, probably due to a mix-up with the courier as it was due to be delivered Sept 1st. I had to use chat and spoke (in writing) with a person who was probably in India. He dealt with me politely and helpfully. I must say I have great respect for these people. Dealing with irate customers must be a hard job!
Southgate News is back
After a break of a week, I see that Southgate News is back today. This is a good news service, updated most days. I look regularly.
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