The UK is in a mess over BREXIT so what does the main opposition party (Labour) do? They hold a party conference and try to oust their deputy leader.
Personally, I think this is self-destructive and will lose them votes. Utter stupidity when all eyes are on them! This is pathetic navel gazing.
UPDATE 1105z: Apparently, the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has quashed this. I expect he realised the harm it would do. Well, it is now almost inevitable I shall not be voting Labour in the near future.
21 Sept 2019
6m FT8
Another promising start with 6 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX. Best DX spotted so far on 6m FT8 RX is SM0EUI (1387km) and my recent 10W 6m FT8 CQ call was spotted by G4RDC (127km).
I keep reminding people that 6m Es is there more often than people realise and FT8 is a perfect way of exploiting it.
UPDATE 1155z: Now 10 stations in 4 countries spotted so far this morning on 6m FT8 RX. A recent 10W 6m CQ call on FT8 resulted in one G QSO and 4 spots (all G).
UPDATE 1852z: 10 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX. A recent 10W FT8 CQ was spotted by 1 G station, although no QSO resulted.
UPDATE 2032z: A late 10W 6m FT8 CQ got no spots.
I keep reminding people that 6m Es is there more often than people realise and FT8 is a perfect way of exploiting it.
UPDATE 1155z: Now 10 stations in 4 countries spotted so far this morning on 6m FT8 RX. A recent 10W 6m CQ call on FT8 resulted in one G QSO and 4 spots (all G).
UPDATE 1852z: 10 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX. A recent 10W FT8 CQ was spotted by 1 G station, although no QSO resulted.
UPDATE 2032z: A late 10W 6m FT8 CQ got no spots.
A better crystal set?
Some years ago QST had a circuit for a better crystal set that used a MOSFET. I have never tried this, but I should. It is supposed to be more sensitive than conventional designs, and uses no batteries.
See http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/culter.pdf
See http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/culter.pdf
Climate strikes - NOT amateur radio
Yesterday's climate strikes around the world were supported by millions. They were largely organised by young people, but supported by many older folk.
It is my view that climate change is real, but in the end there will be a tipping point when things will change: we will mostly be driving electric cars powered by batteries that don't depend on slave labour, with ranges that match petrol cars, with plentiful fast charging points. As with digital cameras and flat screen TVs, other technologies will suddenly seem "past it". We will eat less meat and we will find ways to counteract harmful emissions. OK, I may be wrong, but the momentum is certainly there.
The question is how soon will all this come?
It is my view that climate change is real, but in the end there will be a tipping point when things will change: we will mostly be driving electric cars powered by batteries that don't depend on slave labour, with ranges that match petrol cars, with plentiful fast charging points. As with digital cameras and flat screen TVs, other technologies will suddenly seem "past it". We will eat less meat and we will find ways to counteract harmful emissions. OK, I may be wrong, but the momentum is certainly there.
The question is how soon will all this come?
2m big-wheel antenna
Most days, irrespective of conditions, I spot at least 7 countries on FT8 RX and I am spotted at ranges of 400-500km when I call QRP CQ on FT8. For me, this antenna is perfect. For FM I use the V2000 vertical. At one time I had a hand-rotated small dual band beam, but I find the big wheel better suited.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/antennas/bigwheel
20 Sept 2019
Autumn crocus - NOT amateur radio
My first photo with the smart phone was over-exposed, so I went back again with the "real" camera.
Network radios
Summer 2018, I bought a network radio, mainly to use with Echolink. These radios look like 2m handhelds, but are actually Android phones. I realise that mine has hardly been used for months. I find Echolink QSOs unsatisfying. I prefer the struggle with "real" radio!
Buying one, especially at sunspot minimum, I was expecting to feel differently.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/network
Buying one, especially at sunspot minimum, I was expecting to feel differently.
See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/network
Is Trump stupid? - NOT amateur radio
OK, I have to admit I am not a great fan of President Trump and admit that others clearly hold different views.
His stance on world affairs seems naïve. He stands alone on climate change, in the face of mounting evidence he is wrong, even close to home. His position on Iran seems more aimed at American rednecks than world peace. His dealings with China are very questionable. Canute?
Allegedly, he does not agree with California's efforts to reduce pollution, although the legal battles could well continue way after the next USA presidential elections.
On the world stage he is viewed as a joke, although I acknowledge his policies may find favour at home in the USA. Caveat emptor. He may be fine on "The Apprentice", but is he a true statesman?
See https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-09-19/hiltzik-trump-california-waiver
His stance on world affairs seems naïve. He stands alone on climate change, in the face of mounting evidence he is wrong, even close to home. His position on Iran seems more aimed at American rednecks than world peace. His dealings with China are very questionable. Canute?
Allegedly, he does not agree with California's efforts to reduce pollution, although the legal battles could well continue way after the next USA presidential elections.
On the world stage he is viewed as a joke, although I acknowledge his policies may find favour at home in the USA. Caveat emptor. He may be fine on "The Apprentice", but is he a true statesman?
See https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2019-09-19/hiltzik-trump-california-waiver
Sunspots - Friday September 20th 2019
Solar flux is 67 today and the sunspot number still zero. A=8 and K=1.
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