What's so interesting? - NOT amateur radio

This photo shows my wife, son and 2 of our grandchildren at Anglesey Abbey nearby. 

Something is fascinating them!

137kHz (2200m)

It is a very long time since I was on this LF band. 

On TX, I have used my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground and a loop in the garden made with 0.2mm diameter multi-strand wire.  Thicker wire would have been better.

On TX I used a QRSS beacon or a transverter, both home designed. I have been copied overseas. My transverter is shown on my video channel and on my main website.

For RX only, the antenna can be very small e.g. an e-field probe, also described on my main website.

Sunspots - Monday November 7th 2022

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

10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)

When on 8m FT8, I keep forgetting that I can go on 10m WSPR as this uses a different antenna and does not need the PC.  

At about 1555z, I went on 10m QRP WSPR with my W5OLF 500mW WSPR beacon. I could have gone on hours earlier.

UPDATE 1609z:  4 WSPR spots from the USA and Canada.

UPDATE 1847z:  6 unique stations spotted me today on 10m QRP WSPR TX. Now QRT.

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.