United Ireland? - NOT amateur radio

It won't happen in my lifetime, but I can see Ireland and Ulster becoming united again at some point this century. 

Power sharing has been suspended for 2 years because the DUP is not happy with the BREXIT deal. They are already the minority party. Over time, they will be even smaller as a result of the birth rate.

There will be some political fudge that ensures the Protestants in Ulster are safeguarded.

I have no strong views on this. All I want is peace and fairness for all.

8m QRP FT8 (Monday)

My 8m FT8 2.5W is currently on. No spots until 1330z (TX or RX). 

As there is a small Es peak in mid winter, there is a chance of some European spots if there are people monitoring. I suspect there are fewer people monitoring at this time of year.

UPDATE 1725z:  Surprisingly, 2 spots of my QRP 8m FT8 from the Caribbean this afternoon.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Monday)

My 500mW WSPR TX beacon is on and has already been spotted by 4 stations. The best suggests I might have been copied with the PA off.

UPDATE 1123z: I have reverted to 500uW as it was too easy at 500mW!!  😄😄

UPDATE 1730z:   No spots at 500uW.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

 

In all, 14 stations spotted my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. No astounding DX, but it works and is invisible to XYL and neighbours.

Christmas - NOT amateur radio

Last night, we went to the Carols by Candlelight service at our local church. 

The photo shows the installation outside.

Sunspots- Monday December 18th 2023

 Solar flux is 155 and the SSN 129. A=36 and K=3.

481 THz testing

If this photo has been on recently, please accept my apologies. 

For some reason, my XYL laughs when this appears. As a geek, I cannot understand why!  😉

It is some time since I did any serious work at optical frequencies. With the dark evenings I really should try.

Lighter evenings - NOT amateur radio

Although mornings get darker for longer for a couple more weeks, the nights start to get a bit lighter from this week. This actually starts before the winter solstice here. By the end of January this is almost an hour more light in the evening.

Every season has something great. At this time of year it is drawing the curtains and enjoying the fire. Come summer I'd be watering the garden and cutting the grass!

Open house - NOT amateur radio

 Just before Christmas,we like to have neighbours around for drinks and nibbles. It’s a happy gathering.

630m QRP WSPR (Sunday)

 Today I stayed on 630m WSPR in the daytime. 4 UK stations have spotted me