Topband Noise

Although I can't speak for you, here in rural Cambridgeshire the noise on 160m is probably at least 20dB worse than 10 years ago. To be honest, noise on the lower HF bands is bad and getting worse. Even on the higher bands it is a real problem for some. In many ways I am quite lucky!

If you are lucky enough to live in a quiet part of the world (do they exist?) you might like this simple 160m antenna I used some years ago. It worked remarkably well.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/160m_loft_ant

Cottage - NOT amateur radio

Many years ago, my uncle lived on this street. Every day, rain, snow or sun he walked to and from school, a round trip of about 14 miles every day! These days, most of these are yuppy pads, second homes occupied a few weeks a year by people with lots of money, but small brains.

Yellowhammers - NOT amateur radio

These are very common in certain places in the UK. They are on the RSPB red list.

See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/yellowhammer

Another Rally

7 MAY 2018 (Bank Holiday Monday) : DARTMOOR RADIO RALLY

Tavistock College, Crowndale Road, Tavistock PL19 8DD. Doors open at 10.30am (disabled 10.15am). Admission £2, under 14's free when accompanied by an adult. Ample free car parking and on-site catering. Trade and club stands, usual Bring & Buy. Details from Viv Watson, G7AWG, 01752 823 427, vivwatsondrc@aol.com.

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

A grave mistake? - NOT amateur radio

My wife photographing something last night. Not sure what it was! Thurlestone, Devon.

Sunspots - Saturday May 5th 2018

Solar flux is 68 and the sunspot number 13. A=4 and K=1.

Breakfast with old friends - NOT amateur radio

We had breakfast with old friends today.

Rally

MAY 2018 : THORPE CAMP HAMFEST (formerly DAMBUSTERS HAMFEST)

Thorpe Camp Visitor Centre, Tattershall Thorpe, Lincoln LN4 4PL. For more information please go to the events page on http://thorpecamp.org or email secretary@thorpecamp.org or phone Anthony on 0795 665 4481.

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

Battery power suggestions

Thank you for your suggestions This sounds like something I should try. Now  I need recommendations for battery packs and chargers! I expect eBay will be the best source at the right place.

Sunspots - Friday May 4th 2018

Solar flux is just 66, which is very low. Sunspot number is zero. A=4 and K=1