White storks - NOT amateur radio

In Spain, white storks often build nests on pylons. Within 30 minutes of arriving in Lithuania we have seen 3!! These were all on the ground. I have yet to spot a nest.

Rarely, we see these migrating passing through the UK. The last UK one I saw was probably in the 1980s whilst I was getting dressed at the end of April. Over here, in Lithuania, they seem very common.

See https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/b/wildlife/archive/2012/04/26/something-to-stork-about.aspx .

D-STAR zzzz

D-STAR is ICOM's proprietary digital modulation system. Sadly, it leaves me cold. OK, each to their own, but I just can't get exited over it or Yaesu's equivalent. I suspect this will play out like the VHS and Betamax video war in the 1980s. In the end one system will win and be adopted. Until then, thank you, I'll just watch.

Sunspots - Sunday June 17th 2018

Solar flux is 70 today and the sunspot number 13. A=3 and K=1.

Network radios

Both PW and RadCom have articles in recent editions on network radios.

These look like conventional mobiles or portables with a PTT and an antenna (in the case of portables) but they connect to the internet, usually as the units are Android devices. They link to apps like Zello and Echolink, so can link to repeaters and amateurs elsewhere on the planet e.g. a mobile in Australia.

In reality they feel like conventional radios on 2m or 70cms. They can use 3G or 4G cellular networks or wifi. Apparently data only SIMs are very low cost. Not having used one I cannot comment.

With worsening HF conditions, these may appeal to many. Using the internet means that QSB and local noise are not problems and big antennas are not needed. Purist will ask, "is this real amateur radio?".

Stockholm, Sweden - NOT amateur radio

Stockholm in Sweden is a beautiful city built on several islands. It is one of my favourites. This morning we did a city tour and we revisited the Vasa Museum this afternoon. We ate at a Chinese buffet this evening. Wide choice and all you could eat for 451 krona (total cost for 2) including a couple of glasses of wine. Excellent value for 2 of us.

Sunspots - Saturday June 16th 2018

Solar flux is 71 today and the sunspot number 16. A=4 and K=1.

5T2AI on 6m FT8

As well as D41CV in the Cape Verde Islands, I see that 5T2AI in Mauritania is being spotted on 6m FT8 this morning.

Bigger 6m in CEPT countries?

Apparently CEPT is discussing 6m as part of the agenda of its meeting this month in Tallinn. I cannot imagine this will be a high priority, but it would be good if CEPT had a common (and favourable) view on the 6m amateur band before WRC-19 next year.

It would also be good if all CEPT nations allocated the 4m band. The number of countries on 4m has increased in recent years.

OFCOM filing consultation

Now, don 't get too exited as it is not good for your heart, but guess what?

OFCOM is consulting about charging for its work on satellite filing!  Now, that is so exciting. Please sit down.

See https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/satellite-filings-cost-recovery

South Devon - NOT amateur radio

A very similar photo was posted here recently. I go back there (on my own) in July to stay with my brother. This photo was taken last month.