Merry Monk Cheese - NOT amateur radio

As we have several birthdays about now, we went with friends for lunch at "The Merry Monk" a Michelin recommended restaurant nearby. The photo shows my cheese course.

BREXIT latest - NOT amateur radio

As many may remember I voted "remain" in the UK referendum over whether, or not, we should leave the EU. There is much wrong with the EU, but, on balance, I thought remaining was the lesser of two evils. Overall, the UK narrowly voted to leave the EU. 

Presently, the UK and EU are negotiating on the separation deal. There are tough negotiations ahead. At least the first set of hurdles appear to be behind us.

It is in the interest of both the EU and UK to reach an outcome that is good for all. Personally, I think we would have voted "remain" had the EU recognised how important (to the UK) was the control of our immigration and made some concessions in this regard for the UK. They did not, and the EU will suffer as the UK leaves - fewer rich nations to pay the bills of the EU.

It would not surprise me if the EU falls apart in the next 20 years. There are already cracks. The UK has always wanted trade, but placed less importance on security and a federal Europe. Perhaps the UK leaving the EU "club" was inevitable?

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-42277040 .

Freight train - NOT amateur radio

On our way to the garden centre to buy a Christmas tree, we had to stop for this freight train. Having to stop here at this level crossing is very rare.

New VHF/UHF log periodic

If you have plenty of money, you may want to consider the new log-periodic from InnovAntennas at just under £200. Personally, I think this is expensive, although others may disagree. Each to their own. I know they have to recover development and manufacturing costs, but just under £200 for some aluminium?

See http://www.innovantennas.com/antennas-a-accesories/on-line-shop/view/productdetails/virtuemart_product_id/469/virtuemart_category_id/75.html

See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium

10m FT8 RX

Yesterday, I stopped on 630m all day. Today, for the daytime, I am again on 10m FT8 RX. As yet, no spots.

UPDATE 1126z: Still no 10m FT8 spots here today.

UPDATE 1745z: IZ2DMV (982km) in N.Italy spotted as well as one G.

Sunspots - Friday December 8th 2017

Solar flux is 67 and the sunspot number 11. A=10 and K=2.

630m WSPR continues to amaze me

Last night, I was again on 630m WSPR (10mW ERP, 20%). Yet again LA2XPA/2 (1310km) copied my signal twice. One report was -19dB S/N. Given a quiet noise floor this implies he could have copied me even if I was running less than 1mW ERP. And all this with my totally poor antenna!

On RX, all over western Europe copied again, including 2 EAs.

If you think 630m is hard, please, think again.

Visit by old work colleague

Today an old work colleague called in. He has been retired for about a year now.  It was good to see him. I think the last time we met was just around the time he retired. He was a very good "natural" engineer. I am sure he is greatly missed.

He is very much into tracking amateur balloons.

MSF closedown

This appeared on the RSGB LF reflector today:

"The MSF 60 kHz time and frequency signal broadcast from Anthorn
Radio Station will be shut down on Thursday 14 December from 10:00 to 14:00 UTC."

Coffee - NOT amateur radio

If time permits, I buy a coffee and bread roll at Pret a Manger in Cambridge on the way to my weekly lectures on Samuel Pepys. At £1.59 total this is excellent value.

I hate having to queue for coffee as it is being prepared. If you want this fine, but Pret always has low cost filter coffee on tap. The latter is fine for me.