6m 3W FT8 (Sunday)

My gear was turned on at about 0905z

UPDATE 1700z:   Spotted by 199 stations (mostly European) and I have spotted 259 here, presumably Es mostly.   

UPDATE 2130z:   At last, 3 stations way down in Brazil were spotted with the best PY5XT (9891km).

10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)

 My beacon is on.

UPDATE 1341z: So far 46 European stations have spotted me. Es I guess.

Hotel breakfast

Most hotels now have a buffet breakfast that keeps you going all day. This was my breakfast in Canterbury yesterday.

Sunspots - Sunday May 31st

 Solar flux is 142 and the SSN 133. A=15 and K=3.

Ferrite rods as TX antennas

Most people are familiar with ferrite rod antennas as RX antennas. I think this works as the effective size of the rod is "magnified" as the effective permeability is much larger than that of air. This can be used in electric field antennas as well.

As long as the material does not saturate, i.e at very low power, they may be used in TX antennas as well, e.g. in WSPR beacons. Some years ago I carried out some experiments to prove they worked. They would be far down on a "proper" antenna, but they do work.  As I recall my antennas were effectively loaded E field antennas rather than H field loops.

As I often say do not be afraid to experiment!  This is one area of experimentation that has really been neglected.

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/antennas/ferrite-rod-tx-antennas .

Russia-Ukraine nuclear plant risks

 The largest nuclear power plant in Europe (I think) is in a war zone.

Meshtastic node

Quite a few people are experimenting by sending data over LoRa Meshtastic which is around 898MHz in Europe and does not need amateur radio or the internet: it is licence free.   I see MLS is selling a solar powered node at about £64.

In rural areas the problem is often coverage gaps. Such a node might help.

I have not experimented, but am tempted.

10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)

After a few days away with my son and family in Kent I am now back home and on 10m QRP WSPR. 

UPDATE 1921z:  Spotted by 17 Europeans, presumably by Es.

Sunspots - Saturday May 30th

 Solar flux is 148 and the SSN 145. A=15 and K=3.

Tattoos

Maybe I am just a grumpy old man!! The fashion with young people now seems to be to get a tattoo. 

To me, they seem horrible. Some even have tattoos on their face. I can imagine these in 50 years time being all wrinkled!