Yaesu VX series

These were tiny dual-band FM handhelds produced by Yaesu. 

In the past I have used these (I have a VX1 and VX2) on both 2m and 70cm simplex and repeaters. Many found the supplied antenna not as good as they could be and they replaced these with better ones. 

These days, many have bought much less expensive Beofeng units, although the quality control on these seems a bit hit and miss. 

At the moment the Chinese manufacturers seem to have work to do to get amateur radio products to the same consistent quality we are used to from Japan. They will get there, but it may take a few years. When Chinese products get to the same quality and consistency we are used to from Japan the Japanese will face serious competition.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/vhfuhf-commercial-rigs/yaesu-vx2 .

Daddy long legs - NOT amateur radio

This is the time of year when we see lots of daddy long legs. The proper name is crane fly. 

They look fearsome, but are harmless, always bumbling into things. 

Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

People come from all over the world to see some of the sights we take for granted and for free. All these are within a few hundred metres on the same street. As a local we get free entry into the colleges. 

Rally on (I think!)

As far as I know the Weston Super Mare rally is ON this Sunday September 26th, but as always check with the organisers before setting out on a long journey. 

Corpus College, Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

It is hard to believe but I have lived in Cambridge for over half a century and never once been in Corpus College. We went in today. This is a photo of one of the quads. 

10m FT8 QRP (Thursday)

At 0811z, I went on 10m FT8. Initially I was on TX with 2.5W, but now am RX only. No spots yet at 0858z.

UPDATE 1632z:   So far today, 91 stations spotted on RX in 4 continents with the furthermost VP8LP (12773km).

UPDATE 2030z:   106 stations spotted on RX today.

Kindness of radio amateurs

As many know I had a stroke 8 years ago and can no longer do some of the things I used to enjoy.

Several times in the last few years I have been struck by how kind some people are. I won't name them, but 2 have offered to build my Phaser kit, one to fix my transverter for 472kHz and someone else did a schematic for me and has sent a ferrite antenna and crystals. Someone sent me some sensitive earpieces and I have been sent crystals and a clock. I am sure I have forgotten something, but you get the drift.

This was pure kindness and generosity. I have been so impressed with the sheer kindness of others. They wanted nothing in return. Thank you so very much.

The ham spirit is alive and well. If you can, do something kind for others and keep the amateur spirit alive.

As I have often said, there are far more kind people than bad people, but kindness is not newsworthy.

Thank you again.

Ely - NOT amateur radio

A few days ago we visited Ely. We ate at the Almonry overlooking Ely Cathedral. 

Sunspots - Thursday September 23rd 2021

 Solar flux is 89 and the SSN 76. A=12 and K=3.

Cambs Net Wednesday 2m FM 1900z

Every Wednesday evening the Cambridge Radio Club (CDARC) has a net on 145.55MHz FM at 1900z. It usually lasts just over 30 minutes. We recently combined this with the East Cambs Net that used to meet on Mondays. The same people were largely on.

With my poor voice, this is quite a challenge, but I try to come on if I can. It helps when there are several people on so I don't have to speak that often, HI.

Usually I run 10W to my V2000 vertical omni. Last time I forgot to connect the PSU, so was running 5W from the battery on the IC-705.

Anyone is warmly welcomed. You do not have to be a CDARC member.