70cm modules

For a very long time I have held the view that these inexpensive modules could form the basis of a 70cm transceiver. Indeed somebody may have already done so. If my fine motor skills were up to it (they’re NOT anymore sadly), I would have done so. Even as they are, they could make useful local communicators with an external antenna.

There is a wide choice of modules available via Amazon.

If you know of any work published on the internet please let me know.

Horse Chestnut trees

These 2 trees were planted in our churchyard in the 1800s to celebrate the battle of Waterloo in 1815. They are just coming in to leaf. 

For years our children and grandchildren have collected conkers from them as children have for very many generations.

President Trump on Truth Social

On Sunday, the US president published an expletive laden post on Truth Social, threatening Iran with dire consequences if the Strait of Hormuz was not re-opened. 

In my personal view, this was not the sort of post I would have expected by a US president.

Many consider attacks against civilian targets a war crime. This would be contested I expect. 

In my view, this will make the Iranian people more angry and less likely to side with the USA. If you dislike a regime in power, why take it out on ordinary folk?

What is certain is that this is an asymmetric war with might against cunning.

I fail to understand why people cannot live in peace and harmony with everyone. Wars cost a great deal and rarely achieve much good. The common person rarely really wants war. Those that stand to gain have shares in companies supplying weapons and ammunition.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/cm29zmpdj3vt.

10m 5W FT8 (Monday)

My gear was turned on at breakfast time.

UPDATE 0811z:  Spotted by 6 stations.

UPDATE 1630z:  Spotted by 25 stations. See map.  313 stations spotted here on 10m FT8 RX.

Words of the leader of the western world

These allegedly are the exact words of the US president:

"Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell - JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP"

How to win friends across the world? 

NewsThump

This cartoon was on FB on Saturday. 

I think they are concerned about the “thought police “ being offended by some posts and getting banned from FB.

See https://newsthump.com/2026/04/04/galactic-confederation-on-high-alert-after-moron-infested-planet-shows-increasing-desire-to-infest-other-worlds/

Amazing tiny radio

This radio RX is available from China for around £20 delivered. It is an all band, all mode RX and it is really tiny. You can tell by my hand just how tiny it is! It is ideal as a holiday radio and charged via USB-C.

Sunspots - Monday April 6th

 Solar flux is 118 and the SSN 112. A=12 and K=1.

Museum open

The museum next door was open for the first time in 2026. The windmill sails were turning. This is our hedge in front!

10m 5W FT8 (Sunday)

My TX was turned on at about 1045z. 

UPDATE 1148z:   19 stations have spotted me with the best V51F (8209km) in Namibia. On RX 44 stations were spotted with the best northern Australia.

UPDATE 1537z:  Spotted by 90 stations today with 4 being in Brazil and 1 in Argentina. 230 stations have been spotted here. No North Americans.