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 1555z:  Spotted by 7 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!

The Trump Report

 This is always very informative. See

https://youtu.be/cX1Pfh8-eh4?si=GyIgLrIJS9GnuYQw

Sunspots - Friday May 29th

 Solar flux is 145 and the SSN 161. A=13 and K=2.

Iran war

The basic problem appears to be that there is no trust between opposing parties.

In my view nothing much will happen until this happens. 

In the meantime the world suffers. ☹️.

EchoLink?

This really conflicts me. 

For those unable to enjoy amateur radio in the conventional way (maybe in a care home, hospital or hotel room) it allows connections into many repeaters around the world. At the same time I find it unsatisfying as it lacks experimentation, which I find the best part of the hobby.

There are other amateur radio substitutes that use the internet to entirely replace radio! I find these even less enjoyable.

I would be interested to hear the views of others.