Revive Our World - NOT amateur radio

Usually, I am not a great fan of organised petitions, but I have just signed one and you may want to follow.  

Some things are certain: 

• Most countries across the planet are going to go into recession as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
• This is a great opportunity to hit the "reset" button and build a fairer, more sustainable, cleaner, world.
• The people of the world need to be fed.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in the UK has a petition running to make clear to the government just how we feel. In the past we have largely thought about how we can exploit the resources of our planet. In the future we will almost certainly be better off if we work with nature and not against it.  Like many, I am not a green activist, but can see the path we are on cannot be sustained.  

Think about signing it.

See also https://e-activist.com/page/67273/data/1?ea.tracking.id=Email_Share

Sunspots - Friday October 9th 2020

 Solar flux is 72 and the SSN 0. A=3 and K=0.

Fairy toadstools - NOT amateur radio

These were seen on our walk yesterday, no doubt encouraged by the wet weather we have had over the last few days.

Draconid meteor shower

I have never heard of this and have no idea how it affects VHF radio propagation. The more common meteor showers lead to enhanced pings and some real DX being worked on the VHF bands, especially with weak signal modes. 

It peaked last night, but should still be good tonight. Often MS signals are strong, but short lived. Certain modes are optimised for this sort of signal.  Even with very simple antennas I have copied some excellent DX via meteor trails on 2m.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54450553 .

RSGB Convention

This is online only this year - October  9th-11th. See the RSGB website for more details.

See http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Crystal sets

Some years ago I tried my hand at crystal set DXing on HF. Results surprised me. I was even able to envelope detect some SSB amateur signals on 80m. 

Broadcast stations from their originating countries (many use relays) were copied including Australia and India. The only power is that from the TX with no batteries or other source of energy at the RX.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/crystalset

See also http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/culter.pdf

The cycle of life - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday, we did a nice walk in the autumn sunshine at Anglesey Abbey. We mainly went there to see one particular tree that is changing colour. At the moment it is a lovely red.

On the way we saw a family (actually 2 families) with young children under school age. We were asked if we wanted 4 noisy kids!  We said, "done that, got the tee shirt". We also said enjoy them as they grow up quickly.

Each generation has its own issues, but life goes in a cycle.

Wind pump - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows the wind pump at Wicken Fen used to pump water. 

2m FT8

Since about 0737z I have been on 2m FT8 with 2.5W to the big-wheel omni. My signal has been copied by  4 stations with best DX a spot by G7RAU (461km). On RX 4 stations with best DX spotted DL6YBF (461km).

Sunspots - Thursday October 8th 2020

 Solar flux is 71 and the SSN 0. A=5 and K=0.