14 Sept 2026

AI stocks

Perhaps with all the headlines about AI in the news recently, AI companies have fallen in value today, both in Asia and Europe. People are concerned that AI is becoming a real threat to human life.

Lots of people and pension funds have invested in AI, afraid of being left behind. The worry is that not all companies will be successful.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cm70d91rg7l4t

Magnetic loop antennas

In the past I have used magnetic loop antennas with QRP. Although the RF voltage can be very high in magnetic loops, requiring special high voltage capacitors, this is not an issue with QRP.  I have used ordinary variable capacitors or a length of coax if the loop is fixed in frequency.

Loops can be effective antennas when you are restricted for space.

The video is an example of a homemade magnetic loop although there are lots of examples on YouTube.



10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)

My beacon is on around breakfast.

UPDATE 1426z: 12 stations spotting me. Es? See map. I just leave my beacon on when I am around.

President Trump - seen as a joke?

It would seem remarks made by the current US president are no longer treated as seriously as they once were. 

His recent remarks on a reunited Ireland may be correct but were not helpful. The only people who can decide that are the people who live there. 

This is a difficult one with lots of history. It’s very unlikely in my lifetime, but might happen in my grandchildren’s lives.

6m 1W FT8 (Monday)

My 6m gear is on. 

UPDATE 1415z: 14 stations spotting me so far including several in Spain and Portugal. See map.

Sunspots- Monday September 14th

 Solar flux is 114 and the SSN 77. A=6 and K=1.

13 Sept 2026

10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)

My beacon was turned on before breakfast.

UPDATE 1241z: Spotted by 4X1DA (3592km) and EA8BFK (2880km). F2?


6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)

 My gear was turned on before breakfast.

UPDATE 1241z: 7 stations spotting me, all British Is..

Sunspots — Sunday September 13th

 Solar flux is 109 and the SSN 87. A=7 and K=1.

12 Sept 2026

The power of the billionaires?

Today a party (Reform) that is considered on the right of UK politics has received 2 donations totalling £72M from crypto currency billionaires. I believe similar donations have been made elsewhere in other countries.

One could argue that such donations are aimed at helping that party be successful. This begs the question who is more important - the people being governed or the donors?

Personally I fear for democracy.