Behind closed doors- NOT amateur radio

 For Catholics around the world, the conclave of cardinals is a serious business of electing the pope. 

This is a very ancient and secretive thing done behind locked doors . 

This humorous photo was sent to me by G1KQH. I am sure this doesn’t happen but it’s always good to laugh 😆.

10m QRP WSPR (Thursday)

 My 500mW beacon was turned on about 0625z.

UPDATE  0851z:   No spots.

Brave hero - NOT amateur radio

During WW2 my dad was a Pathfinder flying Lancasters. Pathfinders were considered the elite and many did not survive the war. My  dad did survive and died in 1987. He hated the war. 

He dropped food over Holland and repatriated PoWs from Lubeck (see top right), "stealing" officers' newspapers to give to the PoWs! 

He  talked little about the war. He was very brave and must have been so frightened every night.

8m QRP FT8 (Thursday)

 My QRP FT8 was turned on at about 0625z. Already spotted by EI3KF. Is this some kind of scatter?

Oscar 100 narrowband activity

When I remember (!) I give an update of activity on the narrowband transponder of this geosynchronous satellite. Although activity was a bit higher than the last time I looked, it is still far lower than I was expecting.

See QO-100 / Es'hail-2 Narrowband WebSDR

Sunspots- Thursday May 8th

 Solar flux is 154 and the SSN 84. A=8 and K=2.

QMX and QMX+ out portable

The latest software now includes constant envelope SSB and good reports are being received. Especially the QMX, which is tiny, makes an ideal unit for SOTA or POTA activations.

Buyer beware!

Just a word of warning. 

Many amateur radio dealers are getting older and may retire and close the business. So, before you buy and have a guarantee think will the dealer still be around in a few years' time if I hit problems or to honour the guarantee? At least one European dealer has already gone. 

Think before parting with your money.

Caveat emptor.

Lilac - NOT amateur radio

One of the joys of spring is seeing new life and everything fresh after a dull winter. 

This cycle has gone on for millions of years, but is ephemeral. 

One example is the double lilac blossom that comes, then goes until next spring. 

We enjoy it whilst it is here. My wife took the photo.

2m activity contest yesterday

As usual, I went on SSB in the UKAC activity contest organised by the RSGB. 

3 contacts were made before my voice screamed "stop".  

I am sure many more QSOs would have been possible had I stopped on. See the map for the QSOs made.