23 Mar 2024
8m FT8 (Saturday)
No spots of me today on 40.680MHz FT8, although I did spot ZR1ADI (9777km) in Western Cape, South Africa on FT8. It looks like Bernard VA2CYX was struggling to be copied across the Atlantic. He is thinking of going to FT8. If I try FT8 with ISM rules (10mW ERP) it is doubtful I would be copied on 8m. WSPR would be better, but there are fewer monitors.
UPDATE 1650z: The good news is S50B is back on 8m with a vertical Sirio antenna. Borut had suffered antenna damage earlier.
UPDATE 2300z: No further spots.
Rallies this weekend
The following rallies are due this weekend:
Sunday March 24th - Dover ARC. See https://darc.online/rally
Sunday March 24th - Ripon Rally Great Ouseburn, York,YO26 9RL. See https://radars-g4sim.club.
22 Mar 2024
630m QRP WSPR (Friday)
My 10mW ERP 630m WSPR has been on of about 30 minutes. So far 5 stations have spotted me.
10m QRPP WSPR (Friday)
As I was spotted again yesterday with 500uW (0.5mW) WSPR, I am trying yet again today, although I am not too hopeful.
8m WSPR RX (Friday)
Once again, I am monitoring 8m WSPR hoping to spot the Canadian trying some tests. It is possible I may also copy some Irish and Belgian stations who were on 8m WSPR yesterday.
Brain functioning - NOT amateur radio
It is about 10.5 years since I had my stroke and these days I cannot tell what is as a result of this and what is just old age.
One thing I am aware of is what happens when I mishear words. Sometimes I think I hear something and my brain tries to make sense of it.
Another thing I am aware of is problems driving: everything seems to be much faster than it really is. I have experienced this for several years. Everything (to me) seems to be going about 20mph faster than it really is. Also when driving (or being driven) it is stressful as I am constantly on the lookout for hazards.
On an intellectual level, this is interesting. On a personal level it is hard.
Profits? - NOT amateur radio
This was at the entrance of a large food shop in Newmarket. I guess they are trying to get us to part with our money.