Carpe Diem - NOT amateur radio

This means "make the most of the moment".

As we get older, this has more meaning. Basically, it urges us all to make the most of the "now" as we do not know what the future holds for us all.

Enjoy every moment however simple it is.

OFCOM and repeaters for mobile phones

 OFCOM is carrying out a consultation on the use of in-house boosters for mobile phones. See the OFCOM website for details.

Rally on?

According to my information, Sunday March 27th is the Callington ARS rally in Cornwall. Back in the 1960s I went to this rally. It was about 30 miles from where I lived in South Devon.

As always. contact the organisers before travelling any distance is case things have changed.

 Contact Roger 2E0RPH on 07854 088882 for details.

Near us - NOT amateur radio

 

This is the village of Lode, about 4 miles from us. At the moment, the magnolia and daffodils look a picture.

That time of year - NOT amateur radio

It is lovely to be in the garden again in spring, but the grass does grow!

In these troubled times it is great to take pleasure in ordinary things. We have a nice home and food. Some do not. 

6m FT8 QRP (Thursday)

At about 0940z my 6m FT8 system was turned on.  After a few minutes on TX with 2.5W and the vertical omni V2000 (2 G spots, but no QSOs) I am again RX only.

UPDATE  1015z:  Just 3 G stations spotted.

UPDATE 1410z:  11 Gs spotted. No DX.

UPDATE 1952z:  14 Gs spotted today. QRT later.

Sunspots - Thursday March 24th 2022

Solar flux is 106 and the SSN 27. A=7 and K=2.

Anglesey Abbey with old friends - NOT amateur radio

We first met these friends at university in 1968. We met at nearby Anglesey Abbey and they came here for lunch later. 

There were loads of daffodils out and carpets of a blue flower I had not seen before. These had star like petals but they were not aconites. At least, if they were they were a very strange variety.

8m TX permit has arrived!!

 All being well, I should start sending 8m FT8 from April 2nd on 40.676kHz (or close to it). I am also allowed to send CW.  Some crossband QSOs are expected!

WSJT-X and 8m

OFCOM has told me my permit to TX on 8m is coming. My intention is to send FT8 most of the time, with the occasional CW and WSPR.

I know my widebanded FT817ND produces power at 8m and is clean. I also know PSKreporter supports 8m. Then, last night, I had a sudden panic. Did WSJT-X support 8m?  

This morning I checked - it does! I am sure with a hack it would have been possible, but in its standard form it does already. 

I hope to do some local CW crossband tests as well initially. My permit should start in early April and last for a year.