Above politics - NOT amateur radio

When I was first on HF, I recall talking to many stations in the old USSR. Their background and politics were very different, but it did not matter: we were all united by our interest in radio. 

That is one of the things that I like about our hobby.  We can rise above politics. All systems of living have faults - capitalism is meant to encourage people to be resilient. Communism is meant to share wealth equally.

In the end, we are all just humans, with weaknesses. Not one of us is perfect.

Whatever our views on politics and religion, we must all do to others as we would wish them to do to us. Kindness and fairness.

It is very easy to think we are always right and others are wrong. In reality, we are usually all wrong!

6m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

My 2.5W FT8 to the V2000 vertical omni antenna is on. I was surprised to be called by 7S2A. We were unable to complete the QSO as he faded out.

Bookshops - NOT amateur radio

We live near Cambridge which used to have lots of bookshops when I first came in 1970.  These days most people buy books online: these are usually less expensive as there is no need to have a physical shop. Habits are changing and most of us are guilty. 

I miss just thumbing through a book, then deciding whether to buy or not. Bookshops must be struggling, like most retailers.

Many second hand book shops have turned to online. 

SDRplay SDRs

SDRplay has just introduced a replacement for the RSP1A called the RSP1B. This is in a metal case and is supposed to have a number of improvements. 

The older version was in a metallised plastic case and had rave reviews on eHam.com. It covers 1kHz to 2GHz and uses a 14 bit receiver.

SDRs do most of the signal processing in software. If you have a PC, these easily out-perform receivers of years ago. Being software defined, this can simplify the hardware design. Rigs with SDR receivers are usually less expensive and complex with much of the "hard stuff" done in software.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

 

In the last 12 hours, 23 stations have spotted my 10mW ERP WSPR on 630m. Nobody was over 1000km.

Sunspots - Tuesday February 20th

 Solar flux is 152 and the SSN 64.  A=3 and K=2.

6m QRP FT8 (Monday)

 A few moments ago (at about 1554z) my QRP 6m FT8 (2.5W and a V2000 vertical omni) was turned on. So far (at 1605z) spotted by just 1 G.

UPDATE  1738z:  Spotted by 4 Gs.

500uW 10m WSPR success again

 My 500uW (0.5mW) 10m WSPR TX was spotted by EA8BFK (2880km) this afternoon,

Turing statue - NOT amateur radio

This statue in honour of WW2 code breaker Alan Turing is in King’s College in Cambridge. 

It is in a really obscure place and should be moved so visitors can appreciate it. I only took it by walking in areas the general public cannot access. Why not put it where people walk?

Granddaughter's photo - NOT amateur radio

 

This photo was taken by one of our granddaughter's last week.