Tree: what is it? - NOT amateur radio

A few days ago we were in Norwich and saw this tree. It had what looked like small apples, but I did not know what it was. 

Sunspots - Thursday October 1st 2020

 Solar flux is 73 and the SSN 0. A=15 and K=5.

Covid-19 videos

In these strange days it can be hard to see reliable data. I was recommended the videos of John Campbell. These are updated most days.

 

OFCOM Communications Market Report

OFCOM  has just published this. See the OFCOM website for more.

2m FT8 (1W to the big-wheel omni)

 At about 0835z I decided to go on 2m FT8 with 1W from the FT817ND. Already (0843z) spotted by 5 Gs.

UPDATE 1530z:  36 stations in 6 countries spotted and I have been spotted by 9 stations so far.

UPDATE 2115z : QRT. 

In Norwich - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows my wife and I on a recent trip to Norwich. 

Sunspots - Wednesday September 30th 2020

 Solar flux is 73 and the SSN 0. A=16 and K=4.

MLS trade-in

As many know, I am a dedicated QRPer. Apart from the price, the ICOM IC-705 as a 5/10W radio appeals. It supports GPS, D-star and WiFi. It can be used for FT8 which is one of my main modes since my voice deteriorated after my stroke.  Results today on 2m FT8 with an omni antenna and 1W confirm that QRP is usually fine.

I asked MLS (a major UK dealer from whom I bought the FT991A a little over a year ago) if they were interested in a trade-in for the IC-705. They have offered me a good trade-in price ,which I am considering. In these difficult times it pays to think which dealers will survive and which may not. 

New replacement for WSPR coming?

Joe Taylor has released a release candidate for WSJT-X that has new modes to replace WSPR. One is a QSO mode and one a beaconing mode. I am not sure when these will be formally released.

See https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/wsjtx.html for more details. My thanks to Bob G3WKW who alerted me.

2m FT8

For a change I am on 2m FT8 with 1W from the FT817 to the big-wheel omni antenna. At the moment after about 15 minutes (it is now 1047z) 5 stations have spotted me with the best G4MSA (222km) and on 2m FT8 RX the best DX spotted is DO1KRT (522km). 5 stations in 3 countries spotted so far.

UPDATE 1122z:  Now best DX with 1W TX is GW8ASD (242km). See photo.

UPDATE 1636z:  31 stations in 5 countries spotted on 2m FT8 RX. 12 stations in 2 countries have spotted me so far today on 2m FT8 TX (1W).