A few minutes ago, I was intending to go on 8m QRP FT8, but I noticed the high SWR.
The problem is the coax plug. I attempted to fix it, but the soldering is now so much harder, so I have stopped for now. I shall have another go after lunch.
This is a combination of poorer fine motor skills and eyesight. To think 50 years ago this would be so trivial!! I shall do it, but it takes longer nowadays.
My speculation a few days ago about a possible successor to the FT-817/818 met with silence. I guess Yaesu is looking at ICOM, the KX2/3 and the Chinese and wondering if they should bother. If I was Yaesu, I'd be thinking twice.
They need to come out (if they do) with a "killer" QRP product that everyone wants with some very unique features.
On performance these last few years I have my doubts. They are capable of doing some excellent products, but seem to be floundering in recent years. At one time they were market leaders. Nowadays they are market followers trying to catch up.
I am slightly nervous of Chinese products as these may not have CE approval and might have import duty to pay. I also think the Chinese have some way to go on quality control.
My 10mW ERP 630m WSPR from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground was turned on about 1650z. Just G8LCO (58km) spotting me so far.
UPDATE 1709z : G4FFC (45km) also spotting me.
My 2.5W FT8 to the dipole was turned on at about 1015z.
UPDATE 1049z: No spots.
UPDATE 1545z: Spotted by MM0AMW (523km) on the Mull of Kintyre. I think this is a new person monitoring 8m.
