160m FT8 RX overnight

At about 1620z, I turned on 160m FT8 RX using my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. This (I think) forms a loop in the ground and is remarkably effective at LF and MF.

UPDATE 2026z: So far, 105 stations spotted.

Meshcore or Meshtastic?

These are popular versions of protocols for licence free ISM communications at 868MHz in Europe or 915MHz in the USA.

Recently I found out that members of the Cambridge Radio Club (CDARC) are forming a Meshcore group.

This reminds me of the early days of the internet and, earlier, the battle between Betamax and VHS video recording. It still feels like it is immature and one system will win.

At the moment I am watching from the sidelines waiting for things to become more mature.

Pebble HF

This is a 20m 5W transceiver that promises a very low cost introduction to amateur radio. I am unsure if it is available yet. The intended price was under $50, which is remarkable. It will be very popular with POTA and SOTA operators.

See https://pebblehf.com/

Ukraine

 My memory goes back to the Vietman War, when we were brainwashed to believe the Vietcong was evil and the USA perfect. I am sure Ukraine is far from perfect, but they are a sovereign nation that wants to forge its own path into the future. 

The USA has appeared as a poor friend of NATO and Ukraine, and if we can believe it, is more interested in deals that benefit the inner circle of those close to power in the USA rather than the common person in the USA or Ukraine. In the "fog of war" it is hard to know the truth. Probably there are good and bad points with the USA, Ukraine and Russia.

My hope is that this senseless war will soon end in a just peace and everyone can get on with their lives in peace. 

I have long advocated something a bit like Germany after WW2: East Ukraine, which is under Russian influence and the rest of Ukraine never becoming a member of NATO. Over time Putin and Trump will not be around and we might be living in a very different world.

Most people just want to live in peace, right across the world.

630m WSPR RX last evening and overnight

 

Another incredible session on 630m WSPR receive with 11 stations spotted with the best again CU8/NU6F (2799km) in the Azores. Since starting, not that long ago, 17 unique stations have been spotted. 

Once again I am using my "loop in the ground" that nobody realises is there!

Sunspots - Friday October 9th

Solar  flux is 119 and the SSN 69. A=6 and K=3.

10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)

 My beacon was turned on at about 0630z.

Sunspots - Thursday October 8th

 Solar flux is 114 and the SSN 78. A=6 and K=1.

433MHz modules

For a long time, I have been of the view that readily available 433MHz ISM modules which are licence free at 10mW could be used at the heart of amateur transceivers.

I see you can buy 2 from Amazon UK for £11.99.  Probably you can buy these for less with a bit of hunting. 

Normally, these are digital transceivers, but I am sure those with any brains would be able convert them to other modes. 

If I was fit again I would have a go myself. Sadly I am not.

Green tomato chutney

In late September I decided to pick my remaining tomatoes, most of which were still green. Green tomato chutney was called for.  

I made some this week and it turned out well tasting very good.