17 Feb 2024

What are these? - NOT amateur radio

We saw these at Hare Park, Chippenham, near Cambridge. They are wooden, not stone, objects. They are about 3m from the tree. If they are part of the tree roots, they are odd.

630m QRP WSPR overnight


The last day and overnight was the best this season with my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. 24 stations spotted me including 3 spots by OH1LSQ (1733km). Earlier it was 29 spots!

Sunspots - Saturday February 17th

 Solar flux is 169 and the SSN 97. A=4 and K=0.

16 Feb 2024

630m QRP WSPR (Friday)

Today, I am sticking with 10mW ERP 630m WSPR. Surprisngly, 5 English stations have spotted me in just the last hour.

UPDATE 2140z: 
17 stations have spotted me.

UPDATE  2148z:  22 stations have spotted me with the furthermost a station in Germany.

500uW 10m WSPR (Friday)

 Yet again, I am trying my luck with 500uW (0.5mW) 10m WSPR. In the last week, just 2 spots!

UPDATE 1137z: I guess the moral is don't give up! I was just about to give up with 500uW when I was spotted by OH6BG (1718km). So, I shall stick with 500uW 10m WSPR for the rest of the day.

UPDATE 1602z:  No further spots.

Proud granddad - NOT amateur radio

Earlier in the week, we visited nearby Anglesey Abbey with one of our granddaughters. The snowdrops are a picture, but they are now past their best. Next it will be daffodils.

Metal plate photo - NOT amateur radio

When clearing my mum’s home after she died some years ago, we came across this hand tinted metal plate that I had never seen before. It probably dates from the 1800s and may show one of my ancestors.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

 


This was my best night this season with 27 stations spotting my 10mW ERP from the earth-electrode “antenna” in the ground in the last day. No great DX but a good session.

Sunspots- Friday February 16th

 Solar flux is 178 and the SSN 151. A=4 and K=0.

15 Feb 2024

Gaza-Israel conflict - NOT amateur radio

Whilst I fully understand the feelings of disbelief over the events of October 7th, I am dismayed by Israel's response in Gaza and the West Bank.

As an outsider, it is hard to think Israel's actions are not war crimes.  Countless innocent women and children have been killed or maimed and made homeless. Tell me, surely this will make many people hate Israel for decades to come?

In my view, the only fair and enduring peace has to be based on justice for all and mutual recognition. I have friends who are Jewish and friends who are Muslim.

Peace..... for the sake of ordinary people, please.