I am concerned that we are fed a line by the media that may not be the truth. This we know happens in Russia, but it also happens in the west too. Often we don't realise.
17 Sept 2023
The changing nature of amateur radio
Have you noticed the change? Repeaters are often quiet for hours and there is less SSB and CW activity. FM simplex QSOs apart from nets and skeds are almost never heard. More people use FT8 to work DX. In the past people used amateur radio for chatting, but this can be done worldwide with video more easily with the Internet and smartphone or PC. Most now use amateur radio in a different way. I am not saying it wrong as I am as guilty as anyone! But the logical consequences are clear.
16 Sept 2023
4m disappointing
Earlier this year I went on 4m FT8 both before the Es season and during the Es season using my FT-710 that I owned at the time.
Overall, I was disappointed. Yes, when there was Es DX could be had. However when there was no Es activity was poor.
Vesuvius 2017 - NOT amateur radio
This photo shows a brooding Vesuvius in 2017. We visited Pompeii in 2017. What stuck me most was how similar life was back then. Yes, there were differences, but I did not expect to see takeaway shops for example, nearly 2000 years ago!
In the mountains - NOT amateur radio
We also went on Lake Skadar and had lunch on an island.
OFCOM reminder
Every week OFCOM updates the data it holds on licences. There are several new publications too. See the OFCOM website for more information.
Where I grew up as a child - NOT amateur radio
Salcombe, where I spent my childhood, is to the left of this photo.
15 Sept 2023
F2 and 8m
Last winter my 2.5W 8m FT8 was copied "across the pond" on several occasions. This season should be at least as good. We may even see some E-W F2 openings on 6m FT8. The F2 season should start in earnest in the next few weeks.
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