Bo OZ2M reports that a number of OZ stations are now active on 8m using a LMR licence that has to be paid for and applied for. There are some restrictions.
I am totally surprised that so many PTTs seem dead against even a very narrow amateur radio 8m band, especially around solar maximum when much propagation research would be possible.
Perhaps they will grant it ....too late, years after solar maximum! I can imagine many committees, quangos and much bureaucracy!
I am told that this website often has the latest news on amateur radio. Perhaps we can just look at the photos or use Google translate!
See https://www.hamlife.jp/ .
One of the things that those in the USA seem to be excited about is "the American dream".
This seems to be a belief that anyone can "make it" under capitalism. It is interesting that in the states of the old Yugoslavia, most I have met preferred it when all had a house and a job under Tito's liberal communism. Society was fairer.
Now, no system is faultless, but I am not in favour of greedy capitalism if this means trampling over others. I cannot condone any form of society where the rich get richer at the expense of the poor.
Yes, all should have equal opportunity, but I want to live in a fair society, where wealth and privilege do not bestow advantage.
In my view everyone is equal, whether you are a king or dustbin collector.
My 40.680 MHz FT8 (2.5W to wire dipole) is active. G4FKI (60km) has spotted me. On RX I have spotted G9PUV(158km) and S57TW (1236km).
One of the aspects that I enjoyed was seeing how few parts were needed to make QSOs. This is one of the simplest circuits.
See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/80m-xbm80-2 .
The owner of MFJ, Martin Jue, has retired. In my view, other amateur radio players will go.
Years ago I owned an MFJ Cub 15m QRP CW transceiver.
My 17m QRP FT8 (about 4W) was turned on at about 1618z. Within a few minutes, I was spotted by 33 stations, See map.
