See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/optical-nanowaves/over-the-horizon .
We all take instant global communications for granted.
As an example yesterday we had a (free) video call from our son who is staying with his Australian in-laws in Brisbane. The quality was excellent. It was almost as if he was in the next room.
It has not always been easy. I was surprised to read how extensive the telegraph network already was in the mid 1800s. Before that, news was very slow depending on boats, pigeons and dispatch riders. Just imagine life now without the internet. We have grown dependent on it in so many ways.
Just for chatting, we no longer need amateur radio.
I have just finished reading a book about the RAF Pathfinders. My dad was one in WW2. I had no idea how brave they were. On every mission they must have been terrified. No wonder my dad did not want to talk about his wartime that much.
My dad died in 1987. I think his wartime experiences haunted him. Overall, he was a peace loving man who enjoyed his quiet life. What a pity he died before I really understood. RIP dad.
The book by Will Iredale is available on Amazon and I expect it may be ordered by most bookshops.
Most wars serve no good.
My 2.5W FT8 has been on most of the morning.
UPDATE 1032z: So far, spotted by 14 stations mostly in England. The spots in Southern Eire and Norway could be Es.
UPDATE 1336z: Spotted by 19 stations.
There are plenty of designs for regenerative receivers around, but I was pleased with this one. I am sure it may be improved.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/80m-or-40m-regen-rx .
My 6m 2.5W FT8 has been on most of the morning.
UPDATE 1117z: Spotted by 29 stations mainly in the UK and northern Europe. 13 stations spotted here.
UPDATE 1810z: 44 stations have spotted me and I have spotted 13 stations. See map for stations spotting me.
Stations spotting me
