Visa hiccups - NOT amateur radio

They tell us that Visa payments failed throughout Europe today because of "network issues". Well, I hope this is true and not an elaborate hacking attempt. There are certain countries that would like to cause chaos by disrupting computer networks by cyber terrorism.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44335804

Which planet? - NOT amateur radio

Does the US president live on a different planet? In the 21st century the world is very interconnected. Oh, by the way, it is round.

It is pretty obvious his major allies will put tariffs on US goods, unless he changes his mind. Free trade? What the USA is doing is attempting pure protectionism.

See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44324565

10m WSPR TX

Although I have been on 10m WSPR TX (500mW, 100% TX, randomised frequencies) all morning, not a single spot ! There is Es on 6m, so this is probably down to less activity on 10m WSPR than 6m FT8 or that my antenna is not very good.

UPDATE 1350z: No spots received all day today on 10m WSPR.

UPDATE 1638z: Several spots of my 10m WSPR beacon by EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Isles.

UPDATE 1848z: 8 unique stations have spotted my 10m WSPR beacon today so far.

UPDATE 1927z: 63 spots today on 10m WSPR.

Collecting painted pebbles and rocks - NOT amateur radio

This seems to be a nationwide craze, especially with young people. Yesterday we were visiting friends with young children and they had loads to re-hide. I saw one in Devon a few weeks ago. You find yourself looking all the time!

Another UK rally

3 JUNE 2018 : SPALDING DARS ANNUAL RALLY

New venue for 2018: Holbeach Community Sports Academy, Pennyhill Lane, Holbeach PE12 7PR. Easy access off A17, large area for boot traders, modern hall for indoor traders. Doors open 9.30am, admittance £2.50. Car boot sale, catering, flea market, RSGB book stall, special interest groups, trade stands, prize draw/raffle. Contact Graham, G8NWC, 0775 461 9701, rallysecretary@sdars.org.uk.

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

6m FT8

After a brief period calling CQ with 2.5W (2 G spots), I have been RX only since. As yet, just a few G spots and no Es here on 6m FT8.

Quite a lot of stations are active on 6m FT8. When there is Es, I spot all over on this mode.

UPDATE 1356z: So far, 21 stations in 6 countries on 6m FT8 RX today.

UPDATE 1648z: Now 79 stations in 12 countries today on 6m FT8.

UPDATE 1842z: At least 120 unique stations in 35 countries so far on 6m FT8 today. All EU and North Africa. No "real" DX.

Sunspots - Friday June 1st 2018

Solar flux is 75 and the sunspot number 21. A=12 and K=3. For this part of the solar cycle, this is quite good still.

Missed again

It looks like the heavy storms of thunder and lightning have missed us again. At the moment the worst storms are tracking westwards and well to the south of us. I can't say I am sorry.

See https://www.lightningmaps.org/blitzortung/europe/index.php?lang=en

Red kite - NOT amateur radio

A sight I thought I would never see - a red kite (bird) flying over our home in East Anglia. At one time this would have been extremely rare, but in the last few months I have seen a little egret and a red kite overhead. 

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

Flowers - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday an old friend was 70. When we called, we had to take a photo of the clematis and roses by her front door. They always have great roses in their front garden.