Iran war

 In my mind the USA has made a "pigs dinner" of this war. Both sides claim victory.

The war has cost the USA, allegedly, over $11B so far, which is a colossal amount.

Fuel prices are higher (even in the USA) and inflation is likely to move up.  The Strait of Hormuz (which was open before the war) is supposed to be open again .......but Iran controls it and will probably charge a toll. 

Yes, we may have set back Iran making missiles and nuclear weapons a bit. Has the USA gained any friends? I doubt it; they may well have lost a few. Iran still has low cost drones and control over the Straight of Hormuz. US victory? Hmmm.

10m 5W FT8 (Wednesday)

 At about 1515z, I changed to 10m FT8 at 5W. 

UPDATE 1536z:  On TX my best spots are from Israel. On RX here my best is LU8XW(13474km) in Tierra del Fuego.

Coffee in the garden

 

For the first time this spring we enjoyed coffee in the garden in the warm sun. The photo shows the view from the garden seat.

10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)

At the moment, I am on 10m QRP WSPR TX.

UPDATE 1118z:  So far, spots of me by just EA8BFK (2880km). See chart.

Tulips

Cambridge is awash with colour at this time of year. 

First of all we see the snowdrops, then the daffodils, then the tulips. 

Also, the deciduous trees have a fresh green, which looks tired by the late summer.

2m activity contest

Last night was the 2m UKAC (activity) contest. As usual, I was running 10W to my big-wheel omni antenna and I could only stay on for about 30 minutes because of my poor voice. 

In all, 5 stations were worked with some at quite decent range. See map.

Enjoying the sunshine

Yesterday in Cambridge, it was sunny and warm. For the first time this year, I abandoned the jumper! 

At this time of the year people do not know what to wear. Some have heavy winter clothes, whereas others are wearing shorts and short sleeves.

Sunspots - Wednesday April 8th

 Solar flux is 109 and the SSN 110. A=9 and K=1.

Trinity College, Cambridge, UK

 

This photo was taken in a previous year. It shows the flowers outside Trinity College.

10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)

Very shortly I shall be on 10m WSPR QRP TX.

UPDATE 2025z : Spotted by 6 stations. See table. Now QRT. Furthest is again Antarctica.