zBitx

This radio represents incredible value for money. It is available ready built from India. Even if you add duty and VAT it is still remarkable value.

Satellites

 Years back I recall receiving North Americans via Oscar 6 and 7 late at night when the passes were favourable, tracking the passes with a hand made device that showed the passes and what I might expect to hear. Usually the passes were brief of about 10 minutes.

Apparently Oscar 7 is still working after all this time.

OFCOM's 3 year plan

Perhaps I am getting even more grumpy in my old age! OFCOM has published its 3 year plan and I am not impressed. To me it is full of "motherhood" statements: the sort of thing you would expect to see in a quango trying hard to justify its existence. 

Bring back the GPO with adults.

10m QRP FT8 (Friday)

My IC-705 at 6W was turned on at about 0925z.

UPDATE 1541z:  93 spots of me. 

UPDATE 1940z:  Spotted by 164 stations. See map.

Friday plans

Today I think I’m going to be on 10m QRP FT8.

Old bakery - NOT amateur radio

This property in a nearby village has been empty for some years. A long time ago it was a bakery. If sensitively restored it would make a fine home. Not much seems to be happening.

Sunspots - Friday March 28th

 Solar flux is 153 and the SSN 72. A=33 and K=3.

Thatched cottages - NOT amateur radio

 

As mentioned, we did a walk around Lode. It has no shortage of "chocolate box" thatched cottages.

Lode walk - NOT amateur radio

For the first time this year, I did not need to wear a coat. 

We went for a walk around the nearby village of Lode, with plenty of thatched cottages and daffodils.

Rally this Sunday

 The following has been notified to me. I always advise being sure of the details before travelling far.

• Sunday March 30th - Pencoed and District ARC Rally, Sam Bridgend, CF32 9NY. Contact Iewan Jones 07791 709691.