My beacon was turned on at 1339z.
UPDATE 1730z: Several stations from the USA and Canada spotting my QRP as well as V51RS (8481km). See map from WSPRrocks.
31 Oct 2025
10m 500mW WSPR TX (Friday)
UPDATE 1730z: Several stations from the USA and Canada spotting my QRP as well as V51RS (8481km). See map from WSPRrocks.
6m 5W FT8 (Friday)
My gear was turned on at 1340z.
UPDATE 1729z: So far, spotted by 28 stations in the British Isles. No continental stations have spotted me yet today.
8m operation
Although I did not renew my UK 8m TX permit, there is still activity with stations in the Caribbean getting licences and Spain getting permits for another 18 months.
Instead, I have QSYed to 6m FT8 and been surprised to find real continental DX stations spotting my 5W FT8 to the omni vertical antenna on every day I have been operating. The moral is do not give up on 6m.
In my view, 8m deserved special permits in very many countries around solar maximum to allow real propagation research. Instead, very very few bothered. I was disgusted.
Friday plans
As I am out this morning, I cannot be on until after lunch. As we may get some thunder, I may not go on today.
Albert Einstein on God
This is a long YouTube video in which Albert Einstein talks about God. In essence, he argues that we see through the perspective of space and time, whereas the essence of "God" is outside of these.
30 Oct 2025
10m 500mW WSPR (Thursday)
My beacon was turned on at about 1200z.
UPDATE 1825: So far spotted by 24 stations. See table.
UPDATE 2219z: QRT.
6m 5W FT8 (Thursday)
UPDATE 1222z: 10 stations have spotted me today. My gear was turned on at about 1200z.
UPDATE 1820x: 75 stations have spotted me. See map.
UPDATE 2220z: QRT.
YouTube videos
There are huge numbers of videos on YouTube. Many people now watch YouTube on TV which is a recent change.
Whatever your interest, you are almost certain to find a video. If you do a search I can almost guarantee you will find something.
Last night we watched a video about transport in the time of Queen Victoria in the UK. This was on the TV.
If you want videos about Russia I have found TimesRadio and Joe Blogs videos informative.
2m and 70cm antenna
The big-wheel is a horizontally polarised antenna with some gain. It is an array of half-waves, suitably matched.
It is ideal for this and regularly gets a long way even with my QRP.
29 Oct 2025
Ukraine war
The "special military operation" will soon be in its 4th year, with huge numbers of casualties both amongst Russians and Ukrainians. This is a tragic waste of young lives.
I watch videos on YouTube from TimesRadio.
10m 2W FT8 (Wednesday)
My 10m 2W FT8 was turned on at about 1230z.
UPDATE 1631z: So far, 177 stations have spotted me.
Wednesday plans
Later, I shall probably try 10m, 12m, and 15m 1W WSPR frequency hopping. Maybe some 10m QRP FT8 later.
28 Oct 2025
6m 5W FT8 (Tuesday)
My gear has been on since 1023z.
UPDATE 1135z: 32 stations have spotted me today so far.
UPDATE 2015z: Spotted by 51 stations. See map. Es? Every day I go on 6m QRP FT8 I seem to get spotted at great distances. Are we seeing more E layer openings due to climate change?
UPDATE 2200z: 55 stations have spotted me today.
The future of experimentation
For a long time, I have been wondering about the future of radio experimentation.
Fewer amateur radio people carry out experimentation preferring instead to buy ready-made transceivers to communicate.
In the future I am sure a small number of people will want to carry on with radio experiments although, more and more, I am convinced this will be outside traditional amateur radio.
I suspect many will go the ISM direction or possibly other forms of communication such as light beams or sub-8.3kHz. In the past I have experimented at 481THz (red light) and very low frequencies through the ground. Neither require licences. No licences are required to use ISM, although a self-declaration of conformity may be needed, certainly in the UK.
27 Oct 2025
Meshtastic
This uses LoRa and ISM bands. It is yet another form of experimentation that does NOT need amateur radio.
Operation on the ISM bands is licence-free.
6m 5W FT8 (Monday)
UPDATE 2022z: Spotted by 29 stations. See map. Now QRT.
10m 500mW WSPR (Monday)
My beacon was turned on at about 1325z.
UPDATE 2031z: Spotted by 24 stations. See table. Now QRT.
Building the Hermes Lite transceiver
This video shows how someone built a Hermes Lite . No soldering is needed. It will be QRP.
WSJT-X 3.0.0
Steve G1KQH has reminded me that WSJT-X version V3.0.0 is available, but it is only available as a release candidate. Normally, a fully released version comes later. I believe V3.0.0 offers some further improvements.
26 Oct 2025
10m 2W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on at about 1025z.
UPDATE 1147z: So far, spotted by 141 stations.
UPDATE 2011: 600 stations have spotted my 2W 10m FT8 today. Now QRT.
Russian oil
Most, if not all, people want an end to the war in Ukraine.
This has caused a lot of deaths and injuries on both sides. Much of Russian income comes from oil and the recent sanctions on the two biggest oil companies in Russia just might lead to an "off ramp" and an end to the fighting.
In my view one solution is a bit like Germany after WW2. Parts of Ukraine would be East Ukraine, linked to Russia and the rest Western Ukraine much as Ukraine was. In 20-30 years who knows what will happen, possibly Ukraine will be reunited much like Germany.
I have nothing at all but respect for the Russian people. I still exchange emails with a radio amateur in Moscow.
In my view almost all wars are unnecessary. Most ordinary folk are just the same underneath and just want to live at peace. Sadly, some in power have huge egos or insecurities.
19 set?
I am no expert on WW2 radios. This looks like a 19 set, but I have an idea it is not. Maybe versions were made in the USA?
UPDATE 1033z: According to Keith (thank you!) it is a 22 set. See https://www.pa3esy.nl/military/gb/army/WS22/html/ws22_set-gb.html
Pasties
What I do know is that I enjoy pasties. One of my favourites used to be Ivor Dewdney pasties that one could buy in Plymouth.
You can buy them by post but they are very expensive. They also make vegetarian and vegan pasties these days. I suppose beef is now very expensive.
25 Oct 2025
Autumn visitor
Some have phobias about spiders. To me they are just fun.
10m 2W FT8 (Saturday)
My gear was turned on at about 0930z.
UPDATE 1805z: 642 stations have spotted me across the planet. At one point this afternoon I noticed the number of stations spotting me had not gone up. Then I noticed that I had not turned the PSU on at the mains. So all reports up to about 1500z were at 1W and not 2W.
UPDATE 2025z: 647 stations have spotted me. Now QRT.
QDX and QDX-M
These are made in Turkey and designed by Hans Summers G0UPL.
The QDX is a digital only, 5W, transceiver about the size of a pack of cards.
They also do a simpler radio (the same size) covering just one band (2200m - 10m) called the QDX-M which is shown in the photo.
See https://qrp-labs.com/ .
Spooky?
The cynic in me says this is all about making more money, but the kids enjoy the fun.
Our grandchildren loved it, but they are now too old: they enjoyed carving a pumpkin and playing silly games.
This was the decoration outside a house locally.
24 Oct 2025
Autumn colours
The autumn colours are really good this year. Apparently it is due to the high sugar content because of the growing conditions.
10m 2W FT8 (Friday)
My gear was turned on at about 1000z.
UPDATE 1117z: 130 stations have spotted me so far this morning.
King’s College , Cambridge
These are the grounds at the back of King’s. I used to go to a weekly meeting in a room just off this photo when I first came to Cambridge in 1970.
Batteries for the future
We all know that electric cars (maybe hydrogen) are probably the future.
However, they are, on the whole, expensive with a limited range. They also tend to need batteries with materials that are not that common.
What is needed is a real breakthrough allowing a far greater range and a battery technology that uses easily obtainable materials.
It would be good to have lower weight. I am sure that across the world a lot of research is going on to make these breakthroughs as whoever gets there first would have a huge commercial advantage.
One avenue is a solid state battery. Another is a technology that does not need lithium such as sodium. It would be good to be able to top up the charge quickly too although if the range was considerable, many could charge at home quite infrequently.
There is a lot of hype around and I am not sure what the answer is. I suspect this breakthrough is not many years away.
What do A and K indices mean?
Most days I give the solar data. Several people wonder what the A and K indices mean. Hopefully this ARRL file will explain.
Basically a high solar flux is good for HF conditions and low A and K indices mean stable geomagnetic conditions, which are good.
As a rough indicator look for a high solar flux and low A and K indices for good HF conditions.
See https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Technology/tis/info/pdf/0209038.pdf
BST and GMT
This weekend we return to GMT from daylight saving time (BST) in the UK. This means darker evenings and an earlier drawing of curtains. It's amazing how we adapt.
23 Oct 2025
10m 500mW WSPR
My beacon was turned on just before lunch.
UPDATE 1851z: 31 stations spotting me with the USA and Canada the furthermost. See map showing stations spotting me today. Now QRT.
6m 5W FT8 (Thursday)
My gear was turned on just before lunch.
DX Explorer
This is a website I like. There are lots of videos with interesting projects such as this one.
Cambridge market
This is in the centre of Cambridge, UK. It used to be bigger, but there are fewer occupied stalls these days. I guess the council charge them too much.
More fool them?
I read today that some people pay £750 just for breakfast. This is what some people have to live on for a whole month. Personally, I think this is obscene.
Thursday plans
Later I hope to go on 6m 5W FT8 and 10m 500mW WSPR as long as the thunder stays away. It could come our way later.
22 Oct 2025
Amateur radio gear on AliExpress or Banngood
Many people now buy goods from China. Prices tend to be very low, often with free airmail shipping.
In the past I have used these without issues. So far, I have never had to pay duty or VAT. Often prices are so low that even if everything went wrong you would not lose that much. Delivery is usually quick too.
Spitting Image
For those not familiar with this it was originally on terrestrial TV but it is now on YouTube. The format is simple: puppets are created of famous people and they are made fun of.
In many countries you could be imprisoned or shot for this, although I think it is a sign of a mature society if we can make fun of people in public office or the news.
To many, to be made into a puppet on Spitting Image is an honour.
Crash or revolution coming?
In many countries the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. The gap between rich and poor is growing. Young people, certainly in the UK, find it almost impossible to buy a house on their incomes, assuming they can find a job. We live in an age of growing debt - living beyond our means.
Many countries are becoming more right wing. This, I think, is because many do not feel listened to by those in power. In my view this is not the answer. Sadly I do not know what is! One thing is clear: everyone must be heard and society has to be fairer.
All this is pointing to a correction. I cannot see this situation continuing. I think we are heading of a crash in the stock-market, falling house prices, .... or even a revolution.
Views?
King's Parade, Cambridge, UK
We can get into Cambridge for free with our bus passes. We go in most Mondays for our University of the Third Age lectures about "The Silk Roads".
The church in the distance is Great St Mary's, which is the university church.
Wire antenna with gain?
VK3YE has a new video about some experiments with his EFZZ antenna. It appears to have some gain in certain directions. It is very hard to know the directivity and gain as this will depend on bands, local obstructions, band conditions etc. It might make a useful portable antenna.
10m 2W FT8 (Wednesday)
My gear was turned on at 0910z.
21 Oct 2025
Cambridge looking towards King's College
10m 2W FT8 (Tuesday)
My system was turned on at about 0845z.
20 Oct 2025
All change weatherwise
The photo show Cambridge in a shower.
Later maybe?
As I have my U3A course in Cambridge I shall not be on the radio until later. If I go on I shall probably go on 6m QRP FT8. There is some doubt as we have thunder forecast.
19 Oct 2025
10m 500mW WSPR (Sunday)
At 1552z I turned on my 500mW beacon. At first I (again) forgot to turn on the PSU!
UPDATE 1644z: So far, spotted by no stations. I am sure there are fewer people on WSPR now than FT8:
UPDATE 2138z: 8 stations spotted me including one in Canada. Now QRT.
6m 5W FT8 (Sunday)
10m 2W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on about 0900z.
UPDATE 0945z: So far, spotted by just 2 stations.
18 Oct 2025
10m 2W FT8 (Saturday)
UPDATE 1750z: 588 stations spotting me. See map.
Which type of simple RX is better?
This video by VK3YE compares regenerative and direct conversion receivers. The short answer is it depends on what you want to do.
70cm activity contest last Tuesday
17 Oct 2025
10m 2W FT8 (Friday)
My 2W was turned on before 0500z.
Daddy Longlegs
To me, they are amusing. I guess this must be the time of year when they become adults.
Made in China
It would seem everything (or nearly everything!) is made in China.
In the USA and Europe we are addicted to low prices. If the same things were made here or in the USA, or in continental Europe, it is very likely they would be far more expensive.
I do not know the answer. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer with the gap ever wider. Many young people the world over believe democracy has failed them.
In the end something will change in the next 20 years.
16 Oct 2025
6m 5W FT8 (Thursday)
My gear was turned on at about 1900z.
UPDATE 2111z: 9 stations (all in England) have spotted me. Now QRT.
10m 2W FT8 (Thursday)
UPDATE 1300z: Already 61 stations spotting me with many in the USA. Even at 2W still too easy!
UPDATE 1345z: Spotted by 111 stations. See map.
Ship of the fens
This is the name often given to Ely cathedral. This photo was on social media recently. I didn’t take this photo!!
How the others live!
I saw this recently. Imagine my neighbours having a field day if I had it in my garden!
Thursday plans
Later I expect to try frequency hopping WSPR on 15m, 12m and 10m at 2W again after the success on Wednesday.
UPDATE 1305z: I decided to go on 10m 2W FT8 instead. Too easy!
15 Oct 2025
70cm FT8 (Wednesday)
This evening is the FT8 activity contest (UKAC) on 70cm organised by the RSGB. The frequency used in Europe is 432.174MHz.
Later I shall try TX with 5W although at the moment I am RX only. My antenna is my 144MHz big-wheel omni.
UPDATE 1528z: Already, well before the contest, my signal has reached France, the Netherlands, N.Ireland, Cornwall and northern England despite 5W and a 2m omni antenna! Currently gone back to RX only.
UPDATE 1620z: No RSGB 70cm UKAC contest this evening. I was wrong!
WSPR frequency hopping
Today I am on WSPR with 2W. I am hopping on 10m, 12m and 15m.
 |
| Stations spotting my 2W 10m WSPR this morning |
UPDATE 1353z: Plenty of spots on all bands. Australia has been spotted on 10m,12m and 15m.
2m 4W FT8 (Wednesday)
Earlier this morning I went on 2m FT8 very briefly. I must have been on for about 15 minutes. In all, I was spotted by 19 stations in 5 countries with the furthest GI6ATZ (491km).
Human memory
Nobody really knows what happens when we die.
On a purely scientific basis, our neurons cease to work so we cannot experience anything: we just cease to exist. Some estimates put the brain memory size as 2.5 million gigabytes, which is huge.
What amazes me are the maps we have in our heads (at least in mine!). One technique I use to get to sleep is to go from A to B on a journey. It is fascinating what is there. I have a mental image of many of all the places I have been to. Some of these must be very old. Also, it is surprising how a snippet of music triggers a memory. You wonder what else lurks there waiting to be triggered. I guess one day, we will understand how the brain memory is so huge and efficient and make AI based on this.
Others with a religious persuasion believe something of "us" survives after we die.
The truth is nobody really knows. I am sure those with a deep faith (whatever their religion) will have faith that what they believe will be correct.
Long-tailed tits
They often flit from tree to tree in flocks together. The photo shows one on our nuts a few years ago I think.
They are called log-tailed tits as they have long tails!
See https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/long-tailed-tit .
70cm UKAC last evening
Last night was the 70cm activity contest organised by the RSGB.
I can only run 10W to a 144MHz big-wheel omni antenna, but I still worked as far as Wales.
There was a station in N.Ireland, but I could not stay on long enough to work him because of my poor voice.
In all, 7 stations were worked in about 45 minutes before I stopped.
14 Oct 2025
10m 500mW WSPR (Tuesday)
When on 6m FT8, I can go on 10m WSPR with my stand-alone 500mW beacon.
UPDATE 1322z: So far, 9 spots with the beacon in the last hour.
UPDATE 1345z: At the moment, 16 stations have spotted me in the last hour. All reports suggest 10dB weaker would be decoded, although I guess this assumes a low local noise floor.
 |
| Where I have been spotted today with 500mW 10m WSPR |
6m 5W FT8 (Tuesday)
At 1226z I QSYed to 6m with 5W FT8.
UPDATE 1328z: So far, 15 stations in the British Is. have spotted my 5W.
UPDATE 2041z: 22 stations have spotted me including 2 in Portugal and one in Kuwait. See map. Now QRT.
How times change
At that time the British Empire was at its height.
Today, things are different, but we must all remember that we are frequently wrong. We have been in the past and frequently are today.
Every nation must be respectful of others.
10m and 12m QRP WSPR (Tuesday)
Today I am trying 2W frequency hopping WSPR on 12m and 10m.
UPDATE 0938z: Plenty of spots on 10m, and 2 stations spotting me on 12m with the furthest Brazil.
WSPR and frequency hopping
Yesterday I tried WSPR frequency hopping at 10, 12 and 15m with 2W. Furtherest was Antarctica. This could be really useful.
24GHz radar module
Yesterday I mentioned a very low cost 10GHz radar module ripe for hacking into a 10GHz WBFM transceiver. I see there’s a 24GHz version too! If only I was fitter 😢.
13 Oct 2025
10GHz radar module
These are available very inexpensively (just £1.25 on Ali-Express!), so I am wondering has anyone adapted these to 10GHz wideband FM (WBFM) transceivers? These look as if someone will "hack" them!
WSPR and band hopping?
As we approach declining sunspot numbers, many just give up on the higher HF bands.
Often, these bands are "open" (just listen to the CB band next door to 10m!) whereas a lack of activity is the real cause. Especially on N-S paths the bands are open far more often than we think.
With WSPR we can check how good our higher HF bands really are. WSPR is widely monitored so we could send WSPR on several bands in sequence into an antenna that covers these bands (like an EFHW) and watch who spots us around the world on various bands using WSPRnet.
FT7 Yaesu transceiver
My very first HF commercial transceiver was the 10W Yaesu FT-7 bought second hand in the late 1970s.
It was a great rig and allowed me to work 10m QRP DXCC with 10W SSB back in the 1980s. This was with low wire dipoles and a CB half wave antenna.
By comparison with modern rigs it was big but it was very quiet on RX. If I had to rate it I would give it 11/10. In all my years it was the best transceiver I have ever owned. No synthesisers, no memories, fully analogue …just great.
12 Oct 2025
Times Radio
Quite often, I watch Times Radio on YouTube. They interview some interesting characters on the world stage and often, their views are full of incite, even if you may not agree.
In my view it is worth getting world news from several sources as often one source may be biased.
10m 500mW WSPR (Sunday)
My beacon has been on since about 0910z.
UPDATE 0935z: Spotted in the Canary Is. by 2 stations.
6m 5W FT8 (Sunday)
UPDATE 2010z: 29 spots of me so far today. See map.
The current station
Mostly I am active on 6m QRP FT8 and 10m QRP WSPR with my beacon (which is out of shot). The photo shows my current setup.
Sunspot predictions
Rooster transceiver
11 Oct 2025
Farm shop and cafe
We haven't been there since January.
10m 500mW WSPR (Saturday)
My beacon was turned on at about 1030z.
UPDATE 1625z: So far spotted by 29 stations, most in the USA.
UPDATE 1748z: Yet again I was spotted in Antarctica.
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