Sunspots - Saturday September 13th

 Solar flux is 114 and the SSN 67. A=8 and K=2.

Allergies

It is noticeable that people in the developed world are more prone to allergies. As my mother-in-law used to say, "eat a peck of dirt before you die". 

It looks like she was correct with far fewer allergies with people like the Amish who live closer to horses and are more exposed to microbes. 

It would seem that we build up immunity by being exposed to these microbes which we are exposed to far less these days.

Made in China

It seems that most things I buy are "made in China". Often there is an importer, but the words "made in China" are marked on the goods.  I guess we are addicted to low prices and making in the UK prices would be far higher. 

It seems that prices of most goods in the USA imported from China will go up in price and that the price of products from other countries (like Japan) will go up in price there because of tariffs imposed by President Trump. I cannot see goods made in the USA will be as inexpensive with higher labour costs.

Red Admiral butterfly

Whist out picking blackberries for breakfast, I noticed this butterfly sunbathing near our front door. 

Of course as soon as I tried to take a photo it flew away. This was the best I could manage.

10m 5W FT8 (Friday)

Today, I decided to try 10m FT8 at 5W with my gear turned on just before breakfast.

UPDATE 1433z:  261 spots of me with the furthest CA6SNT (12447km). 

UPDATE  1808z:  285 stations have spotted me .  Since about 1500z I have been at 1W FT8.

Looking at the number of spots of me on 10m FT8 compared with WSPR, it suggests I am far more likely to be spotted on FT8. In future I shall go on 10m WSPR only when I go on 6m FT8.

Sunspots - Friday September 12th

 Solar flux is 115 and the SSN 92. A=10 and K=2.

Briefly on 10m 5W FT8 (Thursday)

Before a thunderstorm too close for comfort (everything disconnected!) I was briefly on 10m 5W FT8. 6 stations spotted me before my forced QRT. Best DX was a spotted by CX3VB (10791km).

Big skies

 

Anyone who knows the UK will agree that this part (the Fens) is pretty flat, but we get some great skies. 

Buying a new rig

When we buy a new transceiver, we often go through many subconscious stages. This video might help you. 

I don't buy new rigs that often, but it is worth asking why you need it and what bands is it going to be used on, what modes and how. 

Some bands and features maybe a complete waste of money.

Should I carry on with 10m WSPR?

The main reason I carry on with 10m WSPR is because I can use my stand-alone beacon and the PC is unnecessary. The 10m antenna is also free when I go on 6m FT8.

Most times I get a few spots from V51RS, many from the Canary Is, and some from continental Europe. Really, I learn little. 

My inclination is  to QSY to 10m FT8, alternating with 6m FT8 on different days. Of course when on 6m FT8 I can also put the 500mW 10m WSPR beacon on.