2m 5W FT8 (Friday)

 For a change, I am on 2m FT8 with 5W to the big-wheel omni antenna.

UPDATE 1537z:  So far, spotted by 10 English stations. Furthest is G7RAU (460km) in Cornwall.

Sinclair

In his time Sir Clive Sinclair was a real innovator. 

In my early days at work, I was once asked for my advice from Sir Clive about antennas for his pocket TV. I think there was a possibility of my company developing ICs jointly with Sinclair.

Wisely, I think he chose a different antenna, but it was a highlight of my early years!

Meshtastic v Meshcore? - the jury is out

For those unfamiliar with these license free mesh systems, the jury is out.

It reminds me a bit like VHS v Betamax. It also reminds me of the early days of the internet, when things were far from mature. It would not surprise me if things quickly mature and one system soon dominates.

In cities where the coverage is good, these systems. that do not depend on the internet, probably work quite well. In rural areas or where coverage is poor, it is probably of limited use at the moment.

I have never used either ...... yet. At the moment I am waiting! I hope it's better than pocket calculators where I waited and waited.😊

Free food

We have loads of blackberries in our garden. 

We always have some with breakfast and my wife makes a lovely blackberry and apple crumble which is great with ice-cream.

The Trump Report

 Every Thursday there is an hour long edition of the Trump Report with Professor Scott Lucas.

Still swifts (birds)

Migrating swifts only stay in the UK for a few months to breed. 

Most have flown south from here by August.

They were still around in the skies overhead when we had coffee outside just now. 

I am pleasantly surprised by the numbers holding up. Numbers have fallen in the last 30 years and they are on the RSPB's red list of endangered species.

See  https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/swift

6m 3W FT8 (Friday)

My gear was turned on about 0900z.

UPDATE 1817z: So far spotted by 152 stations today.  Mostly European Es.

Oscar 100 geosynchronous satellite

 It’s a while since I peeked at activity on this satellite. Activity remains low.

See https://eshail.batc.org.uk/nb/

Miniature Radio

This radio was less than £20 delivered from China. Remarkable. It really really is tiny.

Yes, that is an SMA antenna connector and USB-C charger socket.

10m 200mW WSPR (Friday)

 My beacon was turned on at about 0520z.

UPDATE 1423z:  Spotted by 10 stations by Es.