This radio was first introduced in 2020. Its price in the UK has recently been reduced. My personal opinion is that it represents much better value than the Yaseu FTX-1.
I have no idea what plans ICOM has for the future, but an IC-705A with a new form factor, an auto ATU built in, 4m, and USB-C socket would not surprise me aimed at the portable handheld market. They have the electronics, and could even use the same case.
Everywhere there are hints of new life. Snowdrops are coming out and I have even seen a few daffodils in flower. Spring is still a way off, but it is getting better.
Suddenly this frozen landmass has come into sharp focus with President Trump of the USA wanting to own it.
He claims he has to own it to defend it, despite Denmark and Greenland being in NATO. It is interesting that it has lots of rare earth materials as well.
Most countries of the world are opposed to the USA owning it unless the people of Greenland agree. They have the right to determine their future.
Since the end of WW2, the US dollar has been the reserve currency of world trade, but recent events have brought that into question. In the short-term this may continue, but what about the future?
Way back during WW2 Keynes suggested a neutral "currency" called the Bancor that clearing banks only could use in world trade.
BRICS countries have suggested something else in place of the US dollar.
I do not know the future, but it seems clear the USA under President Trump is moving away from world trade, so the US dollar no longer makes sense as the world's reserve currency. Also, if the US dollar loses value what then?
Maybe it is time to reconsider the Bancor?
My beacon was turned on at 0754z.
UPDATE 1200z: So far, 4 stations have spotted me with the best HZ1SF (4939km).
There is no doubt that meat prices are now very high. People are looking for lower cost alternatives that taste really good.
Probably we are being gently brainwashed through adverts to change our habits. It would not surprise me at all if meat consumption was down 50% in 20 years.
I enjoy my meat but, to be honest, many plant based alternatives are just as good. Yesterday I had a plant based minced pie and it was just as tasty. Although definitely not a vegetarian, I could be.
Also, in the last 10 years non-alcoholic beers have been transformed, Many now taste as good as beers with alcohol and there is far more choice.
See https://vu3dxr.in/hotel-antenna-for-2-meter-and-70-centimeter-amateur-bands/
I am sure if you are an experimenter you could make a fold-up version with old co-ax.
My gear was turned on about 5 minutes ago.
UPDATE 1509z: So far, spotted by just 5 English stations. Best DX is 171km away. This could be aircraft reflection , scatter, or normal flat-band tropo. Of course for a two-way QSO the path has to be open for long enough for the basics to be exchanged i.e. several minutes.
I watch quite a few videos about the Ukraine and Russia. Most say that inside Russia things are getting very hard, and now even harder with falling oil prices.
It would appear (outwardly at least) that Putin wants a new Russian Empire. He sees the destruction of Ukraine as a separate nation as something worth fighting for. The fall of Russia internally seems to be very slow in happening.
If the USA is pulled out of supporting Ukraine, I think the wrong message will be sent to the world that bullying succeeds.
Most days I watch the Trump Report on Times Radio. They interview some very important people. The interview with John Bolton is now a few d...
