Healthy breakfast - NOT amateur radio

We are lucky to have a wild blackberry bush within metres of our bungalow, so we have some in season with breakfast.

6m 5W FT8 (Sunday)

My gear was turned on at about 0830z.

UPDATE  1504z:  So far, 285 spots of my QRP.

Sunspots - Sunday July 13th

 Solar flux is 139 and the SSN 93. A=12 and K=4.

Day off - NOT amateur radio

Today I had a day off from radio going instead to the Royal Opera House in London to see my granddaughter do her ballet 🩰 to a full house. It was excellent.

Sunspots - Saturday July 12th

 Solar flux is 132 and the SSN 98. A=19 and K=2.

Made to a price - NOT amateur radio

Having been in a very price competitive environment for part of my career I know the extreme pressure the retail market must be suffering now. In recent years it must have got far worse. 

I see this in bags and clothes where material is thinner or there are fewer pockets to save a bit more.

Just now I tried to clean my shoes. After struggling to open the polish with a knife I gave up as the rotatable clip that used to be there to open the lid had gone, presumably to save a little.

We are addicted to ever lower prices.

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.