FT710 and IC7300mk2

ICOM has announced the mark 2 version of the IC7300, which has sold well across the world. 100,000 units have been sold. 

The FT-710 scores very highly on the Sherwood tests. I do not think the latest ICOM rig has been tested, although the mark 1 was somewhat lower down. For most people most of the time these numbers are academic.

Both rigs cover up to 70MHz. I know the FT710 can be widebanded without uncasing. I am not sure about the IC7300mk2.

The Yaesu radio is considerably less expensive in the UK and comes with a Yaesu cashback. I think Yaesu offers a 3 year warranty.

I am sure both are good radios.

Sunspots - Tuesday November 18th

 Solar flux is 122 and the SSN 45. A=11 and K=2.

Another day off the radio

 As I was in Cambridge most of the day, I decided not to go on the radio today.

Sunspots - Monday November 17th

Solar flux is 122 and the SSN 66. A=12 and K= 2.

VHF magnetic loop antenna

VK3YE is a real experimenter. This is a recent video describing the use of a tin can as a VHF loop antenna.

Times Radio on YouTube

Most days I try to watch TimesRadio on YouTube.  I find watching these most informative. They tend to interview lots of different people who have views on the international affairs.

Day off radio

 This morning we went shopping and our son and grandson came for lunch, so I am having a day off the radio.

6m 5W FT8 yesterday

In all, 20 stations spotted me on 6m QRP FT8 yesterday.  See map.  This included several continental Europeans although I am not sure of the propagation mechanism.

Sunspots - Sunday November 16th

Solar flux is 132 and the SSN 97. A=9 and K=3.

10m 500mW WSPR (Saturday)

My beacon was turned on about 1645z.

UPDATE 1940z:  Spotted by 20 stations.