23 Jan 2026

"That's a good question"

How many times have you heard this? In my view this is a phrase used by people thinking about an answer or not having an answer!

QRP Labs

It would seem that the big Japanese manufacturers are using very conservative designs. It is interesting how much less some other companies can make products for .   

It suggests the consumer is really being ripped off by these big manufacturers. In the future, I am sure a major shake-up is coming and not all will survive.



10m 200mW WSPR (Friday)

My beacon was turned on at breakfast.

UPDATE 1159z:   4 stations have spotted me with the best EA8BFK (2880km).


UPDATE  1412z:
  Spotted by 7 stations. See map by Phil VK7JJ of WSPR Rocks.

Sunspots - Friday January 23rd

 Solar flux is 194 and the SSN 206. A=18 and K=4.

22 Jan 2026

WSPR

Recently, I have been using 200mW WSPR on 10m and 630m WSPR RX. I have been pleasantly surprised how well it works.  

Many now prefer FT8. I use both, although WSPR works with signals about 10dB weaker and takes up far less spectrum. WSPR is a beaconing mode whereas FT8 can be used for basic QSOs.

The Trump Report

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 days old. In Donald Trump world this can seem like a few years ago.  

I am sure he has supporters, but he upsets many people when really this is uncalled for.  He may have a world view that differs from mine, which is fine, but please always respect others who passionately hold different views. 

Being the leader of the West calls for diplomacy and tact at all times from every leader.


10m 200mW WSPR TX (Thursday)

My beacon was turned on at 0920z.

UPDATE  1400z:  7 spots so far. See table. Best was V51RS (8481km)

630m WSPR RX overnight

Overnight I monitored 630m WSPR. Again, 5 stations were spotted with the best OH1LSQ (1733km) and an LA.

Sunspots - Thursday January 22nd

 Solar flux is 188 and the SSN 166. A=73 and K=3.

21 Jan 2026

10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)

My gear is on.(no it wasn’t! See below)

UPDATE  1833z:   Nobody spotted me today - blackout?

UPDATE 2253z: It helps if you switch it on!! My beacon had no power all day 🥴.