I keep forgetting that when I am on 6m FT8, I can go on 10m WSPR TX as this uses a different antenna. As of 1014z, I am on 10m WSPR TX with 500mW, 100%, but randomised frequencies.
So far, spotted by HB9TMC at -7dB S/N (strong). This was at 1026z.
Since about 0845z, I have been on 6m FT8 RX. It is now 1004z. So far 103 stations spotted on RX.
UPDATE 1030z: So far this morning, 116 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX with the V2000 vertical omni antenna. Good Es.
UPDATE 1326z: So far today, 167 stations spotted on 6m FT8 RX. Most are by Es.
Once again, after a brief session on 2.5W TX (11 spots of my TX, but no QSOs), I am RX only. So far (at 0730z) 41 stations spotted.
UPDATE 0740z: 67 stations spotted 10m FT8 RX. This looks like a mix of Es and F2.
The results have been published by the RSGB. I am still in the same position in the low power section.
Today, July 19th, is supposed to be "freedom day" in England when most Covid-19 laws end.
It was interesting that going to the bakers this morning, nothing had changed. All customers and staff were wearing masks and still only 2 customers inside at a time. From the BBC Breakfast Time it looked like Manchester airport was quiet.
Now, of course, there will be some stupid, selfish people that will go mad. Hopefully, enough people will remain sensible to keep Covid-19 infections low enough.
Personally, I wish the government had mandated wearing of masks in shops and public transport. This is about protecting others and, ultimately, freeing society. By being selfish now, people are probably endangering freedoms later.
According to John's blog there is an experimental station WL2XUP active in the USA on the 8m band. As time progresses a bigger antenna and more power are planned.
Is this the first of many?
With regard to the current Covid-19 pandemic, it looks like the English government is (again) trying for herd immunity.
This was last tried briefly in spring 2020. There is little doubt that cases will rise, but hopefully most cases will be mild. This time around, many have been fully vaccinated. Many have had the disease and recovered. Antibodies could be much higher than spring 2020.
This is a gamble. It may not work, but it might.
Whatever happens, we cannot "go mad". The virus is still here and new variants could be imported from abroad.
I wish the English government would abandon self isolation and replace this with daily testing. This seems a far better way, with far fewer economic impacts and just as safe.
It is still a decent radio, covering all the HF bands, 6m, 2m and 70cm with all modes. It may be used at home or out portable, but some quite small changes could transform it.
My feelings are that Yaesu has lost its way and become, at best, a follower rather than a leader. I have owned several Yaesu radios since the 1970s. I really hope they "get on their game" soon.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/commercial-rigs/yaesu-ft817nd
