Joe Blogs videos

These are usually about economics and politics, but I watch them most days and enjoy them. This one was a bit different.

10m 200mW WSPR TX (Thursday)

My beacon was turned on at about 0850z.

UPDATE 1231z:  Just one spot by a station in Kenya.

How?

AliExpress is selling a G106c HF QRP transceiver for £42.99. I think I read this correctly. The shipping cost is nearly as much as the rig! 

Even with VAT and any duty, this is still very low cost. 

I know labour costs in China are very low (the old joke about a bowl of rice...) but 2 companies are supposed to be making profits.

UPDATE 0912z:  Is this just the straps? It would seem not. See https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005010477508773.html

Sunspots - Thursday March 26th

Solar flux is 140 and the SSN 103. A=17 and K=1.

First female archbishop

For the Church of England, this was an historic day. 

The very first female Archbishop was enthroned in Canterbury Cathedral.  

Many die-hard Anglican priests will be horrified, but many priests are now women. 

Whatever your beliefs (or none!) this is a moment in history.

Windmill fantail

We are lucky enough to live right next door to a fully restored 200 year old windmill. The fantail ensures the main sails always point into the wind. Today, the shadow of the fantail was on the museum next door (see photo).

See https://burwellmuseum.org.uk/

Lady Day (March 25th)

This used to be a very important day in the UK. It is Lady Day, which marked the day of the annunciation of Mary in the Christian calendar.

In secular affairs it was a Quarter Day on which long contracts were often settled. 

I remember it as the day in 1959 when we moved house!

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Day

10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)

 Although my beacon has been on since before breakfast, no spots yet.

UPDATE 1611z:  Spotted by 4 stations with the best PP5ZX{10058km). See table.

Sunspots - Wednesday March 25th

 Solar flux is 128 and the SSN 113. A=16 and K=3.

Iran crisis

 Most days I watch the Joe Blogs videos. Escalation in the Iran war is a real risk.