Thunder stops play

Stations spotting me today on 5W 6m FT8

We had (may still be having) the biggest transatlantic opening on 6m. Already, I have been spotted by VA2WA (5221km) in Canada and I have spotted a wide number of stations on 6m FT8 in the USA and Canada.

Nearby storms

Then the thunder came and I had to disconnect everything! The map shows where my 5W to the V2000 vertical omni was spotted today .... before the storm stopped play,

Sodium batteries

Clearly, an issue with rechargeable batteries based on lithium is availability as lithium is a rare earth, so resources are limited. CATL has said sodium batteries are dropping in price dramatically. This could help EV sales and that of mass storage batteries.

Many worlds theory

One theory is that everything possible exists and that in some form each possibility is real. At any time we are only conscious of one of these.

What is clear is how little we know.  We are straying into philosophy!

There are many videos about this. I just do not know.

Heathkit HW8

Recently I bought a modified Heathkit HW8. 

For those unfamiliar with this rig it was a QRP CW transceiver dating from the 1980s I think. I owned a built one many years ago and had a lot of fun with it. 

When I saw it on the market locally I had to buy it, working or not. I have still to test it fully, but so far it seems to be working. If it is fully working, I shall keep it.

70cm activity contest

Last evening was the 70cm UKAC activity contest organised by the RSGB. I was only running 10W to my 144MHz big-wheel omni antenna. Just a couple of stations were worked. 

The impression I had was that activity was down. Perhaps people were on 6m enjoying the Es?

Sunspots - Wednesday June 10th

 Solar flux is 130 and the SSN 109.  A=11 and K=2.

8m FT8 RX (Tuesday)

Until thunder rudely stopped play, I went on 8m FT8 RX. A couple of Spanish stations were spotted before the storm came and everything had to be disconnected after just a few short minutes.

Worldwide radio conditions

Often it is useful to have an idea about which bands are open and to where. 

One such guide is https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/global-hf-propagation/ which is a useful snapshot. 

There must be many others too.

New fangled stuff

This photo appeared yesterday as one of my memories, I have no idea where it first came from.

I guess it must date from pre-WW1?  Wouldn't they be amazed by modern technology!!

Uneasy "peace"

 As I write this there is a very fragile peace in the Middle East. 

There is a distinct lack of trust between the various parties.  

Let's hope, given time, things can improve.