Yaesu FT-710

This is a very good transceiver, scoring very highly on the Sherwood tests. However, I missed 2m and 70cm and found 4m a disappointment. In the end, I went back to the ICOM IC-705 that better matched my needs. 

It is my view that Yaesu has lost its way in the amateur radio market. They are capable of making some excellent products, but need to get a grip before it is too late. In my professional life, I saw signs. Yaesu has them all. Let's hope I am very very wrong. I like Yaesu.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/commercial-rigs/yaesu-ft-710 .

European Es (Thursday)

As I write, it is 1508z. So far today, European Es has been almost non-existent. I caught a very brief 10m Es opening to the south of France just after lunch, but nothing else. Perhaps things will magically improve?

See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .

UPDATE 2120z:  QRT and no more Es.

Profound moment - NOT amateur radio

Some days ago I posted that my cousin had died of jaw cancer after his only child died in the last year. She died childless, so the widow is all alone.  

My faith was weak before, but this has had a profound effect on me. What faith I had has been shattered. I guess I am hoping for some sort of "eureka" moment, but right now it is hard to see anything good in this situation. 

One could be forgiven for thinking life can be cruel and random. I would like to see some good in this, but I cannot.

Rally on Sunday

Sunday July 23rd - Finningley ARC Car Boot Style rally. Sandtoft, Doncaster DN8 5SX. See http://www.g0ghk.com

6m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

My gear (2.5W to the V2000 vertical omni antenna) was turned on at about 1324z. So far just spotted by 7 G stations with no Es.

Stations spotting my 6m QRP FT8 today

UPDATE 1923z:  What a pathetic day!  In the end I was just spotted by 8 G stations with no Es.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Thursday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon was turned on about 1324z. So far, no spots.

UPDATE 1925z:  Just 3 spots by F1JSC (1010km) alone. Today has been very poor for Es in Europe.

Cambridge by bus - NOT amateur radio

One of the benefits of being old is you get a free bus pass. It is now quicker to get into Cambridge by bus than driving and taking the "park and ride" bus. 

Also, one of the John Lewis rewards this month is 2 free hot drinks. 

So later were are off to Cambridge by bus (free) and 2 cups of coffee (free) . And the weather looks good.

Sunspots - Thursday July 20th 2023

 Solar flux is 189 and the SSN 141. A=5 and K=1.

Fordham Abbey - NOT amateur radio

This afternoon we visited the Japanese garden at nearby Fordham Abbey with our village history society. It was very good. They make Saki there which is a Japanese rice wine.

See https://fordhamabbey.co.uk/. 

10m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)

I keep forgetting that I can use my 10m W5OLF 500mW TX WSPR beacon if the 10m antenna is not in use. At the moment just G4KPX (14km) spotting me. At least I know I am getting out!

UPDATE 2002z:   8 unique stations have spotted me today.