8m QRP FT8 (Saturday) - 6m instead

One of my intentions was to try QRP 8m FT8 today. Instead, I am sticking with 6m in the hope of some transatlantic 6m F2 propagation.

Slavery reparations - NOT amateur radio

The UK is in a difficult position over slavery centuries ago. 

The UK government at the time of the abolition of slavery in the 1800s paid compensation to slave owners but nothing to slaves.  

There is no doubt that many slave owners and their descendants years later gained benefits from this. I read somewhere that this loan was only finally paid off in 2015!

If we paid reparations now it would cost the UK trillions of pounds. There is absolutely no doubt about the moral nastiness of the slave trade. But these were in different times when our moral compass was far different. 

Should we be paying for the sins of those living in a different age?

QMX+ and new PC working on 6m FT8

The QMX+ works fine with my "newer" Windows 10 PC. 

Stations spotting my QRP 6m FT8 today

UPDATE 1730z: 35 stations have spotted my 6m QRP FT8 so far. The furthermost is Sardinia. See map.

UPDATE 1753z:  QRT.

QDX and newer Windows 10 PC : all working

Stations spotting me on 10m QRP FT8 earlier with the QDX

Just now, I tried my QDX on FT8  with my "newer" Windows 10 PC.  Thankfully, all is working just fine. 

I may try Linux on the older PC, but on the one I am using I shall just leave well alone for now on the principle of "if it ain't broke don't fix it".

Primroses planted - NOT amateur radio

Most of the primroses bought yesterday have been planted (see photo). 

It is dull this morning, so ideal planting weather.

CQWW SSB contest

The CQWW SSB contest is in full swing and the bands look busy. 

After 1 QSO this morning, I gave up shouting knowing I could easily fill pages in the logbook. I shall leave this to others with better voices! 

The photo shows 10m looking very busy earlier.

Plans for Saturday

 Several things to do today!

• Get the primroses planted.
• Go on the CQWW contest at some point.
• Get both the QDX and QMX+ working with the newer Windows 10 PC.
• 8m QRP FT8.

Garden centre - NOT amateur radio

 This was at the garden centre yesterday.

Sunspots - Saturday October 26th

 Solar flux is 209 and the SSN 157. A=3 and K=1.

BRICS - NOT amateur radio

Whilst not at all agreeing with the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, I can understand why many countries want to move away from the once mighty US dollar. 

It is my view that the 21st century will see a realignment of world power in which the USA will be far less important.