Original 10m WISPY TX

One of my Facebook memories today was of the original breadboard version of my WISPY WSPR TX on 10m. The date was 2012. I think the PA originally had a 2N3866 which I later replaced with several 2N3904s in parallel which was far less expensive.

2m beam?

What looked like an 8 over 8 yagi for 2m was spotted this morning on a rooftop somewhere in Malta 🇲🇹. It was on an extendable mast. I guess Italy 🇮🇹 and North Africa are in range. I am not sure what town it was.

Sunspots- Sunday September 8th

Solar flux is 222 and the SSN 179. A=7 and K=1.

Rooftop meal ( Malta) - NOT amateur radio

On Saturday evening we ate at this (very posh!) restaurant on the 11th floor of our hotel. With our inclusive deal we were able to eat here for “free”. Both food and service were excellent as was the view.

Expensive tipple - NOT amateur radio

Apparently this bottle of cognac was bottled in 1696 and sold at auction recently for a stupid price. Imagine accidentally dropping it! It probably tastes like vinegar, not that anyone would open it.

Bird wattmeters

MLS is advertising Bird wattmeters and inserts . Now, I understand dealers have to make a profit, but what incredible prices! At work we just used them and I had no idea how much they cost. There is no way I would buy one now!!

Holiday amateur radio

 One of my favourite activities on holiday when in a car or coach is counting the HF beams. This is probably a good indication of amateur radio activity, although many will use wire antennas and go unnoticed. I have also been kindly invited to an eyeball QSO with someone on Malta 🇲🇹 that I have to decline as we have so much to pack in. I must say that everyone has been so friendly and helpful.

Sunspots - Saturday September 7th

 Solar flux is 249 and the SSN 188. A=8 and K=1.

Gozo, Malta earlier in the week

These photos were taken on Gozo earlier in the week. Gozo is less crowded than Malta but there were more buildings than I expected and it was still very barren.

OFCOM publications

A reminder that OFCOM publishes many documents about the licences we hold as well as many publications on matters of importance. See the OFCOM website for details.