Sunspots - Sunday October 19th

 Solar flux is 156 and the SSN 105.  A=36 and K=3.

10m 2W FT8 (Saturday)

 

My gear was turned on mid-morning.

UPDATE 1750z: 588 stations spotting me. See map.

Where I come from

 The photo shows where I come from in South Devon.

Which type of simple RX is better?

This video by VK3YE compares regenerative and direct conversion receivers. The short answer is it depends on what you want to do.

Sunspots - Saturday October 18th

 Solar flux is 164 and the SSN 120. A=9 and K=4.

70cm activity contest last Tuesday

Every second Tuesday in the month I go (briefly) on 70cm SSB with 10W and my 2m omni antenna in the UKAC activity contest. Usually I work a few stations then stop because of my poor voice. Last Tuesday I worked 7 stations including one in Wales. See map.

10m 2W FT8 (Friday)

My 2W was turned on before 0500z. 

UPDATE 1020z: So far 146 stations have spotted me. The best is VK4YJ (15930km). See map.

Daddy Longlegs

Funny how at this time of year we see daddy long-legs (crane flies) bumbling into windows. 

To me, they are amusing. I guess this must be the time of year when they become adults.

Made in China

It would seem everything (or nearly everything!) is made in China. 

In the USA and Europe we are addicted to low prices. If the same things were made here or in the USA, or in continental Europe, it is very likely they would be far more expensive.

I do not know the answer. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer with the gap ever wider. Many young people the world over believe democracy has failed them. 

In the end something will change in the next 20 years.

Sunspots - Friday October 17th

 Solar flux is 161 and the SSN 132. A=4 and K=1.