It is disappointing that the peace talks in Pakistan have failed. What is likely to happen now?
Clearly, the immediate future looks more uncertain and markets will be "on edge". This Joe Blogs video may help.
12 Apr 2026
Xiegu G106 HF transceiver
It looks like the Chinese (?) manufacturers are coming up fast.
This tiny 5W HF transceiver is available new from Martin Lynch in the UK for less than £189.95!
You pay extra for a digital adaptor and it does not cover 6m.
See G106.
Amazon - like Marmite in the UK!
We have been using Amazon for over 25 years. In all that time we have never experienced an issue.
I remember one occasion when my wife tried to buy some nail scissors from our local chemist. They had none in stock so my wife went on Amazon and they were delivered the next day. They were probably cheaper than they would have been.
People argue that this will result in more shops closing and they are correct. However, this is how we now shop: those that adapt will survive. Those that do not will fail. In the next 10 years I suspect many retailers may go.
I miss our local bank. However, almost 100% of my banking is online and I would probably not have needed to go in our bank if it was still there. I miss the human touch mind you.
Some people (like Marmite) hate Amazon. I have to say it suits us: no traipsing into Cambridge to find no stock. Delivered to the door. No quibble about returns. Free delivery with Prime. Prime on TV.
In my view retail shops have to adapt. They have to offer something you cannot get online. Maybe people browse goods in a shop and then buy online? Maybe the shop becomes a cafe and meeting hub?
Times and shopping are changing.
HF conditions - poorer?
At first I was wondering why I was reporting no spots on 10m FT8 RX to PSKreporter. I wondered if changing up from 15m to 10m was causing a software issue, so I restarted the PC. I tried 12m and 15m again and concluded it was just poor conditions.
At the moment I am on 15m FT8 with 1W TX.
UPDATE 1014z: 21 stations spotted on RX on 15m FT8 and I have been spotted by 4 stations when running 15m 1W FT8.
IC7300 MkII
The IC7300 has been a very popular HF transceiver and I believe ICOM have sold over 100k units across the world.
They have recently started selling the MkII version with some improvements. I guess it makes a sensible choice if one is in the market for a new 100W transceiver. The European version includes 4m. Remember, the internal ATU will match 10:1 at half power.
Iran peace talks fail
The peace talks in Pakistan have failed. Are we surprised?
I think this leaves President Trump with a problem: neither side (I think) has a real appetite to carry on fighting, yet Iran has arguably come out on top in this asymmetric conflict with a stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump has to decide to escalate further or negotiate. He does not like to be beaten, especially when he has already announced victory!
In my view President Trump seriously misjudged the situation. Many regard Iran as an evil state, but was this approach right? The world now suffers.
It will be interesting to see what the next steps are.
10m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on at about 0700z and so far just local spots of me.
UPDATE 0825z: Just 1 local spot of me still.
UPDATE 1820z: At about 1230z I returned to 10m 1W FT8. So far today, spotted by 21 stations. See map.
15m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
Just 2 Russian stations spotted so far this morning although it is early.
UPDATE 1251z: Spotted by 30 stations with the best JE6WOJ (9302km). See map.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
