10m QRP WSPR (Wednesday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR TX beacon was turned on about 1015z. At 1030z 10 stations had spotted me, by what looks like F2 propagation.

UPDATE 1153z: 13 stations spotted me before I went on FT8.

Sunspots - Wednesday November 27th

 Solar flux is 222 and the SSN 163. A=7 and K=0.

FT8 with the IC-705

Tomorrow, I plan to try FT8 with my IC-705. Up to now I have used other rigs. I did do this with the first IC-705 I owned. As I recall there was a noise problem with the USB cable connected, but I overcome that with a better, choked cable.

Salcombe, Devon, UK - NOT amateur radio

As a child, I was brought up in Salcombe, Devon.  It is very beautiful and unspoilt, although it is very expensive nowadays! 

My views on visitors are changing. It is interesting to compare Salcombe, Dartmouth and Kingsbridge in Devon. Those that have attracted "up market" visitors seem to be thriving, whereas nearby Kingsbridge seemed a bit run-down further up the town. I hope I caught Kingsbridge on a bad day as it deserves to do well.

It is very important that these places do not lose the character people come to experience. Change always happens, but I hope it is still as beautiful for years to come.

One of the best YouTube videos on Salcombe I have found is attached.

Cambridge proctors - NOT amateur radio

These are like college policemen, keeping order in the Cambridge University colleges like this one outside Trinity College, that I think was founded by King Henry VIII many centuries ago. 

Proctors wear bowler hats and are a familiar sight in Cambridge.

Trade tariffs - NOT amateur radio

 Allegedly, the incoming US president wants to impose trade tariffs as soon as he comes into office. The danger is they impose trade tariffs in return and we get a trade war.

In the 21st century a tariff war benefits nobody. We need free trade with everyone playing on a level field. 

One thing is likely to happen is inflation will rise in the USA. Making things in the USA is likely to put up wage costs.

Like it or not, the world is shrinking.

Quantum mechanics - NOT amateur radio

Every Monday, I go on the bus to Cambridge for my University of the Third Age courses. One of my courses is on "Great Physicists" and Cambridge has its fair share!

What I find fascinating is how little we know. Quantum mechanics has only really been known for the last century and it is clear we only have a tiny grasp of things.  In another 100 years I can well believe we will look back with amazement at how ignorant we were.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_mechanics .

See also https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Many-worlds_interpretation .

All we can conclude is we really know very little!

6m QRP FT8 (Tuesday)

My gear was turned on at 0908z. 

At 0944z I was spotted by 12 stations in England.

UPDATE 2135z: 25 stations have spotted me. See map.Now QRT.

10m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)

My 500mW 10m WSPR beacon was turned on at 0902z.

UPDATE 2140z: 49 stations have spotted me. See table. Now QRT

Cambridge centre - NOT amateur radio

This is Great St Mary's church in central Cambridge. It is the university church and some famous people have preached here. 

In the foreground is Cambridge market and the statue to Snowy Farr MBE who was a well known local fundraiser.

See https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/snowy-farr-sculpture .