EchoLink?

This really conflicts me. 

For those unable to enjoy amateur radio in the conventional way (maybe in a care home, hospital or hotel room) it allows connections into many repeaters around the world. At the same time I find it unsatisfying as it lacks experimentation, which I find the best part of the hobby.

There are other amateur radio substitutes that use the internet to entirely replace radio! I find these even less enjoyable.

I would be interested to hear the views of others. 

Sunspots. - Thursday May 28th

 Solar flux is 142 and the SSN 165. A=11 and K=2..

Iran war

Most days, I watch the Joe Blogs videos on Iran. At the time of writing peace looks as elusive as ever and the world suffers.

OXO classic 1W HF CW transmitter

This circuit by GM3OXO is true classic QRP transmitter. 

For serious use, a low pass filter for the band chosen should be added. I think it works on any HF band.

See https://rsgb.org/main/technical/qrp-low-power-operating/ from where this circuit was seen and taken. 

If the RSGB has a problem with me using it, I shall remove it immediately. 

There is a clearer circuit at this link.

Wild flowers near "our" windmill

As mentioned many times, we live next to a windmill. The photo shows the wild flowers between our hedge on the left and the windmill on the right.

Sunspots - Wednesday May 27th

 Solar flux is 141 and the SSN 148. A=8 and K=2.

Desperate men?

It would appear both President Trump and President Putin are likely to get even more desperate and reckless. The next 12 months could be very consequential for the world.

SNP Scandal

The Chief Executive of the Scottish National Party (SNP) who was at one time married to the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, has pleaded guilty to embezzling £400k of party funds.

If it was my partner "splashing the cash" I am certain I would know. £400k is a huge amount.

Why did he do it?

6m 2W FT8 (Tuesday)

My gear was turned on just before breakfast.

UPDATE  0840z:   So far just spotted in England by several stations.

UPDATE  1328z:   My station has been spotted by 249 stations despite running just 2W. 191 stations spotted here. Es produces some very strong signals! At first the novelty is having all of Europe on VHF. Then people start looking further afield.

UPDATE 1908z: Now QRT. 359 stations spotted my 2W FT8 and 343 stations spotted here.

10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)

My beacon was turned on before breakfast.

UPDATE 0837z:   Spotted in Finland and Sweden.

UPDATE 1310z 58 stations have spotted me. When Es is good it gets all over Europe. Indeed some reports suggest low mW would have been enough.

UPDATE 1913z: Now QRT. 62 stations spotted me today. Mostly Es.