9 Mar 2024

Yaesu cashback - last hurrah?

 MLS is again offering cashback on some Yaesu products. When they get it right, Yaesu create some great products, but I get the distinct impression they have lost their way in recent years. They now follow others whereas a while back they were clear leaders.

It is my contention that manufacturers and dealers are only really interested in profits. Once the amateur market ceases to deliver profits, they will move on or close.

In my view, MLS will be around longer than most, but both Japanese manufacturers and dealers will be questioning their options. The amateur market is OK now, but for how many years?

I hope I am very wrong.

Naming of policeman murderer

A judge has allowed an accused policeman to be named. He is not due to be tried for several months. According to UK law a person is innocent until proven guilty. There have been several cases of people being named before trial.

In my view nobody should be named until they are proven guilty. 

Sunspots - Saturday March 9th

Solar flux is 129 and the SSN 91. A=11 and K=2. 

630m QRP WSPR overnight


Overnight, my 10mW ERP 630m WSPR was spotted by 20 stations. As usual, my "antenna" was the earth-electrodes in the ground. Best were 3 spots by OHLSQ (1733km) again.

Alstroemeria - NOT amateur radio

We have some of these in pots in the garden, but these cut ones are in our hall. They are good flowers that last.

OFCOM

A reminder that OFCOM publishes and updates the data it holds regularly. It also has a number of publications. See the OFCOM website for details.

8 Mar 2024

630m QRP WSPR (Friday)

 My 10mW ERP 630m WSPR is turned on this evening again.  So far, 15 spots of me.

Walk - NOT amateur radio

This morning we went for a walk around the nearby village of Lode.   Lode backs on to Anglesey Abbey.

The daffodils are early. In a few weeks, most will be dead! 

Lode has many thatched cottages and delightful lanes.

630m QRP WSPR overnight

 


In all, 16 stations spotted my 10mW ERP WSPR overnight. No great DX.

10m QRPP WSPR (Friday)

There's nothing like a challenge!! Once again my 500uW (0.5mW) 10m WSPR is on.

For me, it is easy. For the station at the far end the signal will be weak and in the noise probably. In the last 2 weeks I have had 2 DX spots, but nothing yet today.

UPDATE 1504z:   No spots.