Each to their own?

The latest MLS video "something for the weekend" is about learning CW. 

I could not help noticing their advert for a deluxe straight key for nearly £210 . 

Now, each to their own, but my first CW key was tapping a wire on a piece of copper laminate used for the rig. Price? £0. 

I have nothing against good dealers making a fair profit, but is this really sending out the right message to attract new amateurs?

If MLS have any issues with me posting this I shall remove it immediately.

Incidentally over the years I have had excellent service from MLS.

10m 500mW WSPR (Friday)

My QRP beacon was turned on at about 0844z.

UPDATE 1353z:  28 stations have spotted me. Furthest is V51RS (8481km).

6m QRP FT8 (Friday)

My 5W 6m FT8 was turned on at about 0844z.  

UPDATE 1424z:  So far, spotted by 214 stations.  84 spotted on RX. Widespread Es today.  See map.

Sunspots - Friday July 11th

 Solar flux is 129 and the SSN 72.  A=4 and K=2.

The Es season

In the Northern Hemisphere this usually peaks in May, June and July. It often goes on longer, but less often. Bands most affected are 10m and 6m, although less often it can extend to 4m, Band II FM and even 2m.

The sad thing is outside the Es season, these bands may be deserted for hours on end. With modes like FT4 and FT8 it is much more likely that short openings will be caught. Peaks in propagation may be very short.

It is worth reminding people that Es can occur at any time.

Does MFJ still exist?

Many years ago I owned an MFJ 1W CW transceiver for 15m. Some impressive DX was worked with it before it was sold. Not having heard of MFJ for some years I was wondering if MFJ still exists. It would not surprise me if they had gone.

The demise of Ten-Tec

Recently we heard that Ten Tec were closing (I think). I had forgotten that the famous Argonaut rigs were made by Ten Tec. These were once very popular with QRPers. 

Ten Tec made some quite useful gear over the years and will be missed by many. 

Where I come from - NOT amateur radio

Going back very many centuries (mid 1500s) I can trace my family history continuously to Hope Cove in South Devon. 

It is probable that one of my ancestors thousands of years ago manned the promontory Iron Age fort visible in the distance in the photo. Quite humbling.

10m 500mW WSPR (Thursday)

My QRP beacon was turned on about 0900z.

UPDATE 1619z: Spotted by 9 stations with the best V51RS (8481km).

6m 5W FT8 (Thursday)

Yet again my PL259 plug came off and had to be re-soldered. 

In days past, this would have been trivial, but not any more. My eyesight close-up is less good and my fine motor skills are poorer, so something as simple as soldering a plug is now a big deal.

UPDATE 1724z: So far, 106 stations in Europe and Africa have spotted my 6m 5W FT8 TX.  Lots of Es recently in the last few hours. Furthest is South Africa.