Lithium-Ion batteries

Since I retired in 2008, technology may have moved on. What I recall was li-ion batteries were a nightmare. 

Failures were, thankfully, rare but when they occurred they could be very bad. At a guess I would say 1 in 150000 failed. This does not sound too bad, but how many are out there in laptops and other devices? I know of at least one person who had her flat totally destroyed when she was charging a li-ion battery pack.

If abused, the batteries can catch fire and explode. For this reason I never ever leave li-ion batteries charging unattended. Assume they are potential bombs.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/world-us-canada-63532906 .

I am sure many incidents in the past were brushed under the carpet as product recalls could be extremely expensive.

These batteries can be misused. Treat them with the greatest respect.

8m QRP FT8 (Sunday)

Yet again, I am trying to get spotted in the USA on 8m. A QSO would be amazing! So far, I have been on about an hour, but no spots. With my 5W and low dipole, it has to be good to be spotted.

UPDATE 1557z: No spots. QRT on 8m.

Miniature UHF transceiver

In this week's newsletter from MLS, I see they are selling a miniature UHF transceiver (the G63) with MiDel branding for £49.99. From Ali Express with shipping is less than half this figure shipped from China.  It looks like it is sold under various brand names.

See https://www.hamradio.co.uk/amateur-radio/handheld-radio/all-handhelds .

I have no idea about guarantees, extras and programming. MLS  have given me good service in the past, but I wonder why the price is so different? Surely MLS could sell this for far less and still make a good profit?

As you know, I am all for dealers making fair margins.

You can even get three from Ali Express with shipping from China for less!

10m FT8 RX (Sunday)

 Since just after breakfast, I have been on 10m FT8 RX.

UPDATE 1110z:   265 stations spotted.

Bonfire night - NOT amateur radio

In the UK, we celebrate November 5th as Bonfire Night. This is a bizarre festival celebrating the failed attempt to blow up parliament in 1605. This photo was posted on 365project yesterday. It is an excuse to launch fireworks and let off bangers.

Plans for today (Sunday)

Around midday I shall try again to be spotted on QRP 8m FT8 in the USA.   Before then, I shall be on 10m FT8 RX.

Sunspots - Sunday November 6th 2022

 Solar flux is 131 and the SSN 82.  A=10 and K=1.

23cm

Apart from an evening on RX about 40 years ago, I have never been on this band. 

As reported yesterday, my 2W transverter has arrived from Bulgaria. I now have to work out what leads I need initially from the home QTH. 

Some take the band very seriously with large antenna arrays and high power. In my case, I shall have a very small station and shall be extremely pleased to work a few locals. In better weather next year, I shall try some /P operation from a local highspot.

It is a new challenge quite unlike anything I have done so far.

Birthday boy (nearly)

 

One of our grandsons has a birthday next week. Here he is opening his presents from us.

8m QRP FT8 TX and RX

 As yesterday was successful, I have gone on 8m FT8 QRP on 40.680 MHz (TX first). I am on RX and TX, hoping for more spots from the USA.

UPDATE 1351z: Nothing from the USA.  A spot of me by G0HVQ (181km) on 8m FT8.