Something for the weekend

Every weekend MLS, a UK dealer, does a promotion of some kind. This weekend, they are focusing on Yaesu.  As far as I can tell, there are no special discounts. Check their website for more details.

Perseids Meteor Shower

Southgate News reports on the Perseids Meteor Shower that reaches its peak soon.

DXing with crystal sets

Shortwave broadcasting has changed a lot in recent years as more switch to the internet to get their message across. The internet is lower cost and generally much higher quality.

Having said that you may be amazed just what can be heard on a humble crystal set on HF. A few years ago I had quite a bit of success.

There are bigger schematics and photos on the webpage below. Remember all the power comes from the TX end.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/hf/crystalset

UK power outages - NOT amateur radio

All the public pronouncements have been that the recent UK power outages are from unexpected generator failures.

I hope this is the truth and that this isn't as a result of some malign foreign power or terrorists acting with ill intent on the software.  It seems odd (to me) that we have a major computer failure at a major airline a few days ago and now this. It will be interesting to see if a government COBRA meeting is held.

Perhaps I am being paranoid.

Sunspots - Saturday August 10th 2019

Solar flux is 69 today and the SSN 0. A=7 and K=2.

Rally Sunday

Sunday 11 AUGUST : FLIGHT REFUELLING ARS HAMFEST

Cobham Sports and Social Club Ground, Merley, nr Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3DA. A talk-in station will be on S22. There is car parking on site and doors are open from 10am to 4.30pm. Admission is £4, which includes parking. There will be trade stands with indoor and field pitches and a car boot area. Lectures will take place during the day. No dogs are allowed, except Guide dog, which is a condition set by the landowner. More from Tony Baker, G3PFM on ‪07743 475018‬, tbaker@tiscali.co.uk www.frars.co.uk .

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Sunspots - Friday August 9th 2019

Solar flux is 65 and the SSN 0. A=3 and K=2.

Most photographed clock in England? - NOT amateur radio

As Big Ben is shrouded in scaffolding, this clock in Chester is supposed to be the most photographed clock in the country.

Liverpool dockside - NOT amateur radio

In recent years Liverpool dockside has been made into a very attractive area. When I was there as a student in the late 1960s it was very run down. The photo shows the skyline today.

Sunspots - Thursday August 8th 2019

Solar flux is 68 and the SSN 11. A=12 and K =1.

Locks - NOT amateur radio

I think these are a sign of enduring love. Seen on the waterfront at Liverpool.

Rally on Friday

Friday 9 AUGUST : 26th COCKENZIE & PORT SETON MINI RALLY

Community Centre, Main Hall, Port Seton. Bring along your own junk and sell it yourself. Tables on a first come first served basis. Entry fee £2. Doors open from 6 to 9pm.

A list of rallies can be found at http://rsgb.org/main/news/rallies/

Orchid at Tatton Gardens - NOT amateur radio

This was one of the orchids yesterday at Tatton Gardens in Cheshire yesterday. Lovely colours. In the orchid house.

Sunspots - Wednesday August 7th 2019

Solar flux is 68 and the SSN 12. A=35 and K =2

2m UKAC activity contest this evening

A reminder that the 2m activity contest organised by the RSGB starts at 1900z.

OFCOM updates

As happens every month OFCOM has updated its Communications Monthly with the latest news on matters that effect OFCOM. See the OFCOM website.

Life after death? - NOT amateur radio

Sorry to bring this up again.

When we die our brain cells die and logically we cease to exist any more.

However, we know so little about everything we experience that there is some doubt. The simple answer is no-one can be really sure. In some ways it is perhaps better that death is the end.

G3XBM history

Some may be interested in my history in the hobby. Some years ago I added a page to my G3XBM website on this.

See https://sites.google.com/site/g3xbmqrp3/history

Sunspots - Tuesday August 6th 2019

Solar flux is 68 today and the SSN 12. A=35 and K=4 .

Trump NOT amateur radio

As usual, lead by example?  Inane comments.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-49230861