SPAM blog comments - NOT amateur radio

Twice this week I have received blog comments that I have reported as SPAM. 

On first reading , they look like genuine comments, often with flattering comments saying how useful the blog is. Then there is a link which takes you directly to, what is, blatant advertising. 

Every comment is approved. Almost all get posted. Just a very few do not get that far. It is some time since I have had to reject one.

For the avoidance of any doubt, adverts or grossly off topic comments will never appear. 

If making a comment I would be most grateful if you post your callsign (if you have one). Anonymous posts are not usually allowed, especially if the poster is not known. 

I would very much like this blog to be a friendly and inclusive place. I do not mind views that grossly differ from my own. We are a free country and we each have views.

Autumn 10 years ago - NOT amateur radio

This was the view from our bedroom 10 years ago. If anything, I suspect autumn was a few weeks early this year.

Prices for amateur radio gear

Just had the latest email from a major UK dealer and I see that prices for second hand gear seem expensive.  I am not sure if these have recently gone up, or if they have always been high. I was aware of certain prices rises on new gear.

Times are hard for us all, and there is less money around for discretionary spending. People are using most of what they have for food, fuel and heating. In times like these being a dealer cannot be great, so I have some sympathy. On the other hand, you want people still to be buying. It is getting the balance right. Profits are necessary, but you cannot afford to ask too much.

OFCOM data on us

As usual, OFCOM has updated the information it holds on us. See their website for details. 

DX soundbites

10m QRP SSB DXCC was achieved over 30 years ago, so I no longer actively chase DX. If I chance on DX that is fine, but I cannot see the point of just going after it purely for another tick. 8m is different as this is real radio science. 

These days I am far more interested in radio propagation. My favourite HF band remains 10m.  Antennas are small and when it is wide open the world can be worked with low power on SSB..

Mostly I am on WSPR or FT8 because of my poor voice. I am told fewer people are on SSB these days. Chasing DX on FT8 seems to be the favourite activity. I guess there is less need for amateur radio for those just wanting to chat. Some years ago there was little choice.

If you want to know what some DX sounds like you may want to look at this site.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/dx-soundbites-2020 .

8m QRP FT8

Hoping to reach the USA again, I am on 40.680 MHz FT8 with my modified FT817ND and low wire dipole. So far today, no spots.

UPDATE 1500z: No spots.

10m 500mW WSPR TX

 As my 10m antenna is available, I am on 500mW TX with my W5OLF beacon. It is now 1141z and, so far today, 12 unique stations have spotted my QRP.

UPDATE 2200z:  29 spots of me today on 10m WSPR TX.

Sunspots - Friday November 11th 2022

 Solar flux is 139 and the SSN 79.  A=2 and K=3.

Shack photo

 This was my shack in 2015. It is much the same now, although a few rigs have changed.

Pye Telecom PF8

Many years ago, I was involved in the design of the PF8. In the end, I do not think too many were sold. The antenna was my design as well as the TX audio.

It gained fame as it was used by Bodie and Doyle in the TV series "The Professionals". Style wise it was well ahead of its time. 

One has appeared on eBay untested . The last time I looked it was £225!! I should have kept one!

These are rare these days, but some were converted to work on 70cm. If you can find one, good luck!

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/vhfuhf-commercial-rigs/pye-pf8 .