472kHz ATU

When running a long wire (actually a short wire, HI) on 472kHz TX with my 12W output transverter, I used a simple ferrite rod ATU on the shack table.

As long as ferrites don't saturate, they are perfectly fine in this application. With 10mW ERP, I have been spotted in Finland  with this arrangement many times on 472kHz WSPR.

Sunspots - Saturday January 8th 2022

Solar flux is 107 and the SSN 38.  A=2 and K=1.

OFCOM - blaa, blaa, blaa

OFCOM has announced some new documents on its website. I remain unimpressed. 

All it seems to do are things that make money and don't involve thinking or law breaking. RF? What is that then?!!

Reflections - NOT amateur radio

One of our favourite walks is at nearby Anglesey Abbey, shown in the photo. The reflections at this bridge are usually interesting.

2m and 70cm operation

These days, I guess because of the Internet, there appear to be far fewer people on 2m and 70cm just for a chat. There are also more modes. Apart from contests and nets, these bands can appear dead. As a recent FT8 contest shows, when busy, 2m can be very busy!

I cannot remember when I last called CQ on FM, AM or SSB on 2m or 70cm.  Mostly I use FT8 (my excuse is a poor voice), so I am guilty as charged! For just chatting by voice or text the Internet is mostly used.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/2m-operation .

Good health - NOT amateur radio

In the last 2 years, I have got a lot from watching the YouTube videos of Dr John Campbell. He is not always perfect (who is?), but usually he gives links to the evidence on which his talks are based. 

In the last few years his talks have mostly been about Covid-19. This is his latest talk. He has written a couple of books in his nurse training.

London - NOT amateur radio

We're about 80km north of London. 

The photo shows St Paul's cathedral in London designed by Sir Christopher Wren to replace the one destroyed in the fire of London in 1666.

Parsonage Farm - NOT amateur radio

The photo shows Parsonage Farm in our village. It is a commune making agricultural instruments. In spring this meadow is a carpet of cow parsley. 

40m FT8 RX in the last day

In all, 792 stations were spotted including 3 in the USA, all with the indoor active loop antenna on the shack window. All day (Friday) I have remained on 40m FT8 RX.

Sunspots - Friday January 7th 2022

 Solar flux is 94 and the SSN 35. A=2 and K=0.