My RX was turned on at about 1720z.
UPDATE 1921z: 4 stations spotted. I think signals are weaker - is that because we had rain and the effective "loop in the ground" is smaller?
30 Sept 2026
Ham Radio Shack video about the G7250
This looks like a very critical review of this new Chinese transceiver from Xiegu.
The thrust of the video is that Japanese quality is good, whereas this has often not been the case with Chinese products.
My advice is never buy early products as they often have bugs in the hardware and software that get corrected on later models.
10m 1W FT8 (Wednesday)
At about 1310z I changed to 10m 1W FT8.
UPDATE 1317z: So far, 4 stations have spotted my 1W including 2 in the Caribbean.
Tear-down of the Chinese G7250 transceiver
This is the first video I have seen tearing down the G7250. It looks well made. This was a prototype from Radio Oddity.
10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0650z.
UPDATE 1712z: 4 stations spotted me.
6m 1W FT8 (Wednesday)
My gear was turned on at about 0650z.
UPDATE 1047z: So far, just 5 English stations spotting me.
Human life
In my view every human life of whatever colour or creed has equal value. It matters not whether you are rich or poor or where you live.
Which is why I am puzzled by settler violence in the West Bank. Although I never believe in violence, I can understand why some people conflate Israel with the current government of Israel and have a hatred of the violence being committed.
I heard today that oil reserves off the Falkland Islands are being explored by private companies in Britain and Israel. Personally I think this is all about human greed and why the UK is so anxious to hang on to the Falkland Islands. The cynicism in me says we would not have been so bothered if there were no oil reserves. Yes the folks there have every right to self-determination but I am skeptical of the UK’s real motives.
630m WSPR last night
Yet again I went on 630m WSPR last evening and overnight . In all, 8 stations were spotted with the best a German station near Berlin and a station in Norway. All the stations were received before midnight.
29 Sept 2026
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
Conkers are plentiful. See photo.
6m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)
UPDATE 1501z: 6 English stations have spotted me.
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
My beacon was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1236z: 3 stations spotting me.
15 years ago
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A solid QSO was had with a station in the USA was obtained within 10 minutes!
28 Sept 2026
mBridge
Especially with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) members there has been a move to replace the US $ as the currency of international trades with a digital currency mBridge. There have been disagreements within BRICS members and Saudi Arabia has said it will not do trades in mBridge and stick with the $. Over time I can see this as real possibility.
See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MBridge .
10m 200mW WSPR TX
My beacon was turned on at about 0830z.
UPDATE 1452z: Spotted by 3 stations with the best 4X1DA (3592km).
6m 1W FT8 (Monday)
UPDATE 1739z: 8 UK stations spotting me. Are some aircraft scatter?
630m WSPR RX overnight
Although most stations were spotted before midnight, I left my receiver on overnight. As with the evening before, best DX was LA3EQ (769km). 6 stations were spotted. With my loop in the ground I have no problems with local noise.
27 Sept 2026
630m WSPR RX (Sunday)
Once again I am monitoring 630m WSPRnet appears not to be working so I am monitoring WSPR Rocks instead. I shall leave the RX on overnight although most spots are before midnight. G0MRF is again a good signal and DC0DX is coming through as is G6AVK.
Does anyone like President Trump?
This is far from a scientifically significant observation.
For months I have been looking for videos in support of the US President Trump. Despite trying really hard almost all videos seem critical of him.
I know that YouTube uses algorithms to show you more videos of the type you enjoy . However, the vast majority seem to be critical.
In my view (only my view) President Xi of China is right that China is in the ascendancy and the USA appears to be a declining force on the world stage. I get the feeling that many in the world are treating the USA almost as a joke.
Personally I find this sad. All the people from the USA I have ever had to deal with have been kind and generous.
Is Russia going dark?
A very interesting metric of economic activity in Russia is to look at the nighttime lighting in Russia.
Another video from the UK National Hamfest
This is another video walk around of the National Hamfest 2026.
10m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
At about 1345z I switched to 10m FT8.
UPDATE 1929z: 10 spots of me with the best Israel. More spotted on RX including S.America and S.Africa
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0925z
UPDATE 0938z: No spots, although in the absence of Es this is not unusual.
6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on at about 0925z.
UPDATE 1115z: So far, spotted by 4 English stations.
630m WSPR overnight
5 stations were spotted including LA3EQ who was spotted 80 times! See map.
26 Sept 2026
630m WSPR RX (Saturday)
For the first time in ages I am on 630m WSPR RX using my loop antenna in the ground.
UPDATE 1952z: G0MRF (139km) and G4CLO (100km) spotted strongly. The noise level is very quiet. Signals are very strong.
UPDATE 2042z: 4 stations spotted with the best LA3EQ (769km).
"Our" tree
We were going to go next weekend, but decided to go today instead.
Next weekend might have been too late as already several leaves were falling.
Newark Hamfest, UK
This is one of the biggest ham gatherings in the UK.
MLS has made a video showing who is there.
6m 1W FT8 (Saturday)
My gear has been on since breakfast.
UPDATE 1517z: Mostly English spots but 1 station spotting me in EI and the best a station spotting me in Portugal.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Saturday)
My beacon was turned on at breakfast.
UPDATE 1450z: Spotted by 4 stations with the best Israel.
Vicar’s Close, Chichester, UK
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It is a delightful place heavily influenced by the Romans.
25 Sept 2026
The end of MW/LW radios?
More and more people are being encouraged onto broadcasting via DAB or internet radio.
In time the MW and LW broadcast bands will be emptied. I expect in the end there will be a single IC that does everything needed to receive DAB from station selection, program ID and audio amplification requiring only a case, display and antenna.
It would not surprise me if in the future smart TVs would allow you to create an evening of viewing. For example the latest news, followed by a film, followed by a serial. Maybe a quick look at the weather followed by another film, all obtained from subscription services like Netflix, ITVx, BBC iPlayer.
This could be the end of linear TV.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Friday)
I am seeing spots on WSJT-X and WSPR Rocks.
See WSPR Rocks map of stations seeing me.
UPDATE 1643z: WSPRnet seems to be working normally.
Xiegu G7250
This product from China is about to be released. I think we can expect to see it very soon, probably in October?
This video is a cautionary warning. The Yaesu FT710 and ICOM 7300Mk1 are about the same price and from established brands.
It warns people to think what they are after carefully. In my view the Chinese will get there and overtake the Japanese.
6m 1W FT8 (Friday)
My gear has been on since breakfast.
UPDATE 1312z: 12 stations have spotted me including a couple in Scandinavia. See map.
Chichester - Challace
This challace in Chichester cathedral dates from the 1400s.
It is in the treasury there.
Chichester cathedral sundial
It was restored in 2000.
24 Sept 2026
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
This afternoon, I came back from a short break in Chichester. I went on 10m WSPR at about 1400z. Plenty of spots from the Canary Is..
23 Sept 2026
Coastrider bus
Today, we went by Coastrider bus from Chichester to Portsmouth and back. We didn’t stop long because we really came for the bus ride . The buses are every 20 minutes. Being old, it was free with bus passes.
22 Sept 2026
Chichester Cathedral
Chichester Cathedral is magnificent. It’s free entry with a recommended donation with some lovely gardens.
21 Sept 2026
IC705 Mk 2?
People are beginning to speculate about an IC-705 Mk2 from ICOM. This is purely speculation, and I have seen no evidence of this "on the stocks". It reminds me of the speculation about a replacement to the Yaesu FT817.
Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness
As John Keats said, this is the time of year in the UK when fruit matures. Blackberries were early but there seems to be an abundance of apples. I am told by my neighbours the apples on the trees are not good.
20 Sept 2026
6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on about 20 minutes ago.
UPDATE 1052z: So far, just 3 English stations have spotted me.
Russia and the West
In Ukraine , Russia seems to be trying to grind down civilians, who seem to be tiring of the war. At the same time Ukraine is trying to bring the war closer to ordinary people within Russia.
At the same time Russia seems to be probing NATO to see how it would respond.
I am pretty sure most ordinary people in Russia and Ukraine really just want a peaceful life. I do hope they can find a way of ending the needless carnage and destruction. It is all so silly.
19 Sept 2026
Adapting
Human beings seem to be able to adapt to new situations.
We are currently threatened with another oil crisis and possible recession around the world. Despite this, I am sure we will adapt as we always have done.
6m 1W FT8 (Saturday)
My gear was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1810z: 10 stations spotting me with the best EA6VQ (1419km) in the Balearic Is..
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0640z.
UPDATE 1254z: 2 stations spotting me again from the Canary Is. and one in Turkey.
UPDATE 1753z: Spotted by 5 stations with the best PT2FHC (8860km) in Brazil.
Excitement
There was a fire engine with a platform on an extendable ladder. They appeared to go over the roof of the Arts Theatre.
There was no sign of smoke, so this may have been an exercise.
Saturday plans
My main goal today is to increase my understanding of the RSP1B SDR receiver. I need to get familiar with the controls of SDRconnect.
New world order?
In my view we are on the cusp of a revolution in the world.
Since WW2 the USA has been the dominant world power. Now it looks like the BRICS nations are in the ascendancy and the USA is failing. The days of US hegemony are drawing to a close.
It would not surprise me if the US dollar ceases to be the world's reserve currency. At one time Britain ruled the world. That went long ago. Nothing lasts for ever.
Sunspots - Saturday 19th
Solar flux is 96 and the SSN 0. A=5 and K=2. This is the first time the SSN has been 0 for many years I think.
18 Sept 2026
10m 200mW WSPR
My beacon was turned on at about 0850z.
UPDATE 1600z: Just spots from the Canary Islands, presumably F2.
6m 1W FT8 (Friday)
My gear was turned on at about 0850z.
UPDATE 0945z: Just G3XDV (45km) and M1ABK (70km) spotting me. With Es largely now gone, it reminds me that 6m FT8 could be quite an effective mode for inter-G communications. My 6m ERP is probably less than 1W. With higher power and a beam much better results should be possible. Many years ago the RSGB ran evening 10m activity contests to encourage 10m activity in the quiet solar years. It is far easier to get higher ERPs with a beam on 6m. On 10m with just 10W SSB and a dipole I could regularly work stations well over 100km away. With, say, 50W on 6m FT8 to a Moxon beam this should be easy.
UPDATE 1604z: 5 stations have spotted me (mainly England) including 1 in Eire.
President Trump
You have to make up your own mind about President Trump.
I have searched for videos about him. As someone pointed out to me, you have to beware of YouTube algorithms that show you negative videos.
Mind you, despite trying very hard I have found very few positive ones.
Game changer?
The form factor and price of the recently announced Xiegu G7250 transceiver could be a game changer. Its price is likely to be under £1000 in the UK.
As always, there are concerns about bugs with the initial releases from China. There were some I understand on the G90. Over time, the Chinese will get there and undercut the Japanese.
Objectives today
Today, I want to install free SDRconnect software and start using the receiver seriously.
UPDATE 0905z: SDRconnect installed.
UPDATE 1731z: Steep learning curve! I am trying to get to know how to use it.
Fossils
HamSphere - free year
Don’t ask me why, but I have been granted a free one year pass to HamSphere. I guess this will encourage me to try it in the next year. It is 20 years old next year. 20 years is quite a time.
As you know, I prefer experimenting but I think it’s fine for chatting.
All this brings into question exactly what is amateur radio? For some it is DXCC, others chatting, others ATV, others satellites etc. All we can say is it is very different things to different people
17 Sept 2026
SDRconnect
I have had an RSP SDR receiver for a long time . Apart from a brief test, it has hardly been used. Over the next few months I want to experiment with it with SDRconnect software that I have to download and install.
Global crash coming?
The UK Times newspaper, is pretty good and fairly neutral politically. As I always recommend, it is best to get news from several trusted sources so you see all points of view.
Also AI is so common now that you cannot even be sure if the person saying the words is real! Often AI creations have people saying things they never would!
The Joe Blogs videos are (I think) real and thought provoking.
6m 1W FT8 (Thursday)
Very shortly, I shall be on 6m 1W FT8.
UPDATE 1312z: Just 2 English stations spotting me.
16 Sept 2026
10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0900z.
UPDATE 1517z: Spots from the Canary Islands and Italy.
15 Sept 2026
Politics and billionaires
Some in the world can influence by donating millions to political parties. Although some would claim not to seek influence or power, there is a danger that you look more towards those who helped you get into power than those that elected you.
Personally, I would be happy to see no party get any donations.
Christ’s College. Cambridge
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The photo shows Christ's College. I believe this is where Charles Darwin studied.
AI hoax?
Someone with a supposedly very high IQ who leads (?) the free world has said the recent worries about AI are a hoax. Hmmmm.
IC7100 v IC7110?
Some people with deep pockets rush out and buy a new radio, just because it is new and shiny. This video compares the old and new ICOM radios.
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0645z.
UPDATE 1650z: 5 stations have spotted me with the best V51RS (8481km)
6m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)
My gear was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1657z: 10 stations spotting me. See map.
14 Sept 2026
AI stocks
Perhaps with all the headlines about AI in the news recently, AI companies have fallen in value today, both in Asia and Europe. People are concerned that AI is becoming a real threat to human life.
Lots of people and pension funds have invested in AI, afraid of being left behind. The worry is that not all companies will be successful.
Magnetic loop antennas
In the past I have used magnetic loop antennas with QRP. Although the RF voltage can be very high in magnetic loops, requiring special high voltage capacitors, this is not an issue with QRP. I have used ordinary variable capacitors or a length of coax if the loop is fixed in frequency.
Loops can be effective antennas when you are restricted for space.
The video is an example of a homemade magnetic loop although there are lots of examples on YouTube.
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
UPDATE 1426z: 12 stations spotting me. Es? See map. I just leave my beacon on when I am around.
President Trump - seen as a joke?
It would seem remarks made by the current US president are no longer treated as seriously as they once were.
His recent remarks on a reunited Ireland may be correct but were not helpful. The only people who can decide that are the people who live there.
This is a difficult one with lots of history. It’s very unlikely in my lifetime, but might happen in my grandchildren’s lives.
6m 1W FT8 (Monday)
UPDATE 1415z: 14 stations spotting me so far including several in Spain and Portugal. See map.
13 Sept 2026
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
My beacon was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1241z: Spotted by 4X1DA (3592km) and EA8BFK (2880km). F2?
6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1241z: 7 stations spotting me, all British Is..
12 Sept 2026
The power of the billionaires?
Today a party (Reform) that is considered on the right of UK politics has received 2 donations totalling £72M from crypto currency billionaires. I believe similar donations have been made elsewhere in other countries.
One could argue that such donations are aimed at helping that party be successful. This begs the question who is more important - the people being governed or the donors?
Personally I fear for democracy.
6m 1W FT8 (Saturday)
UPDATE 1526z: 9 stations (all British Is) have spotted me. The Es seaon is well and truly over!
Electric Battery Range
Most EV and battery manufacturers are trying hard to increase range and reduce costs. We hear today of yet another breakthrough. In my view we are on the cusp of a revolution.
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
Very shortly, I expect to turn on my beacon.
UPDATE 1435z: Spotted just by EA8BFK (2880km) in the Canary Is. F2 I think.
11 Sept 2026
Autumn
After a long, very hot and dry summer, it has now rained and feels autumnal.
Global bond markets
Global bond markets are in trouble. Interest rates are high and indebtedness high. This could be a turning point for the world.
Kanga WSPR beacon
It does not need a PC after its initial configuration. It also has a very stable TCXO which holds time accuracy for weeks.
It can TX WSPR on 2 different bands if you want. The RF output is 200mW.
As most parts are pre-populated, it looks a suitable, low cost kit for beginners. The kit is £44.99. It may also be used as a QRSS or CW beacon.
10 Sept 2026
Blackpool Sands, Devon
This is near where I lived as a child. Blackpool Sands is in the South Hams in Devon, UK and nowhere near the town of Blackpool which is in N.W. England.
It is a very beautiful spot, not far from Dartmouth.
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
My beacon has been on since breakfast.
UPDATE 1003z: 2 stations spotting me - F2?
Chrome issue?
For some reason (starting yesterday) I have been unable to upload locally stored photos to my blog using Chrome. I have failed on my usual Chromebook and on a different Windows 11 PC. I have not yet tried with other browsers like Firefox.
It may be a temporary glitch at the far side that may resolve itself?
If other users have seen something similar, I would be interested.
UPDATE 0948z: Tried Firefox. Same issue - no upload of local photos since yesterday.
UPDATE 1026z: Uploads fine from Google Photos.
UPDATE 1047z: It seems to be a common (recent) glitch at their end. Going to HTML view rather than compose view seems to work fine uploading pictures for now.
Oil price shock
Everyone can see that the disruption to oil exports from the Middle East is causing shocks to the world economy. Fuel prices have risen and there is a likelihood that interest rates, food prices and inflation will rise.
The answer has to be a lasting peace in the Middle East and in Ukraine. No nation is perfect and, sadly, peace in these conflicts looks elusive.
6m 1W FT8 (Thursday)
My gear was turned on before breakfast.
UPDATE 1045z: 11 stations have spotted me in 5 countries including GI, GM and OZ. See map.
UPDATE 1244z: 14 stations have spotted me today. I wonder if the EI, who recently spotted me, was by aircraft reflection? That may account for some other DX spots.
70cm FT8 activity contest
It never fails to amaze me how far I can copy stations on 70cm FT8 RX. Last night was the UKAC FT8 activity contest and 30 stations in 7 countries were spotted despite me having just a 2m big-wheel omni antenna! See map.
9 Sept 2026
70cm activity contest (September)
Every month I try to go on the 70cm activity contest with 10W SSB to my 2m big-wheel omni.
It is hard work with my voice, power and antenna, so I do not stop on for long.
I am always surprised how well I get on. Last evening I managed 5 QSOs whereas last week in the 2m contest I only managed 2 QSOs! Some must have very good ears!
The map shows the QSOs managed.
6m 1W FT8 (Wednesday)
My gear was turned on at about 1300z.
UPDATE 1307z: Just one spot by GW4VXE (365km). As the spot was quite strong I wonder if this was aircraft scatter?
UPDATE 1746z: Spotted by 9 stations (G, GW and EI). No continentals. I suppose as we move higher in frequency local noise will improve and scatter becomes more effective.
USA debt
People are getting increasingly concerned about the debt in the USA. This stands at over $40 trillion. Rates are rising in many countries and the US $ is no longer being seen as the safe haven it once was.
10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)
Shortly I expect to go on 10m WSPR TX.
UPDATE 1746z: Just 1 English station spotting me. Altogether a poor day. QRT soon.
8 Sept 2026
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
Just after tea I QSYed to 10m WSPR.
UPDATE 1655z: 3 spots by a station in Spain.
Cheating in amateur radio
For many years there has been something called "the ham spirit".
Basically radio amateurs of whatever race or creed helped each other. Politics did not matter. Whether you were rich or poor did not matter. Whether you were white, black, yellow or green did not matter. Whether you were a capitalist or communist did not matter. Whether you were sighted, blind, bedridden did not matter. Behind the mike we were all the same.
Sadly, this is changing. There is evidence of cheating in recent contests.
West Bank Israeli settlements
When I was taking A level exams in 1967 (and still had hair!) Israel occupied the West Bank.
Increasingly, Israel is creating settlements in the West Bank, which are illegal according to international law.
Israel and the USA have warned the UK there could be counter measures if the UK announces sanctions against West Bank settlers.
My worry is there could be more anti-Jewish sentiment in the UK.
It is so sad that we cannot just live in peace and respect each other's differences. We may believe different things - so what?
Toadflax
This is a wild flower that has been growing in our front lawn. Although the weather has now changed with far more rain , the grass everywhere has been brown and brittle although the weeds have done well!
Declining interest?
One of the locals on our weekly 2m FM net G8AKL is now a SK. He was always a booming signal and he will be missed.
As many active radio amateurs get older, it is likely activity will fall. Also, as noticed by another friend at the Telford Rally at the weekend, there seemed to be less money being traded.
Unless others come into the hobby and stay, I am afraid for the future of our hobby.
It will be interesting to see the situation at the next solar peak. There are more modes to explore, but probably far fewer active people.
10m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)
UPDATE 1056z: Just 1 local spotting me. I was surprised. The SSN is quite good as is the solar flux. Maybe there is even less activity now the Es season is over?
UPDATE 1529z: Increased my power to 3W. I was worried that my 1W signal was being buried in local noise? This noise is increasing on the HF bands and lower VHF bands, getting worse as you go lower. I do not have a problem on 6m FT8. 3 stations spotting me, probably tropo.
UPDATE 1642z: Spotted by 8 stations (see map). Now QSYed to 10m 200mW WSPR.
7 Sept 2026
2m 1W FT8 (Monday)
As there was no Es evident on 6m, I switched to 2m FT8 at 1W, getting a QSO with a Belgian station on my first call!
If this was SSB I would be very pleased, but it is far easier on FT8. My antenna is just an omni big-wheel, so nothing special.
Corruption video
This was a speech given the US senate about 2 months ago. I have no way of checking the accuracy.
6m 1W FT8 (Monday)
My gear was turned on at about 0610z.
UPDATE 0728z: 7 English stations spotting me.
10m 200mW WSPR (Monday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0610z.
UPDATE 0730z: Just 1 ON spotting me. Probably ordinary tropo?
How many planets are there in the universe?
This is an estimate based on what we can currently observe, but the number is huge, something like 10 to the power of 25 or even power of 35.
This is so enormous that it is hard to comprehend. Many will not have life at all, let alone intelligent life.
Really, we know so little.
Solar cycle
The solar cycle peaked in late 2024. We are now on the downward slope, where HF conditions slowly decline. We have several years to go to the next solar minimum.
In my experience it is a lack of activity that is the killer and often not propagation. This is not always the case, but often the 27MHz CB band is buzzing when 28MHz seems dead.
One way of checking would be to stick with modes like WSPR or FT8. It might be quieter than in the better years, but I expect we would find bands like 10m open (especially on N-S paths) far more often than we might think.
Humming bird hawk moth
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They appear to be more common in the UK, possibly as a result of climate change.
The wings beat very fast (about 75 beats a second!), so they can hover like a humming bird. At one time people thought they were birds!
There was one in the garden yesterday.
6 Sept 2026
Gerald G8AKL silent key
Gerald G8AKL was a regular on our local net on 2m FM on Wednesdays. He was always a great signal from his home across the Fens.
He was a generous and kind man who without fail invited people to join him on his skeds to Australia or to borrow a linear. I never met him in person, but we talked often on the radio. RIP.
10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0808z.
UPDATE 2010z: Spotted by just one Russian SWL. A bad day.
Peace in Ukraine? - I think not
President Trump has just sent his special envoys to Russia and Ukraine.
I do not think the prospects for peace have been advanced at all.
In Putin's eyes they were like putty.
See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6248nvqy8po .
6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)
My gear was turned on at about 0808z.
UPDATE 2008z: Just 15 stations spotting me from Wales and England plus 1 in Germany.
Ely Cathedral yesterday
And yet they produced masterpieces like this!
Every time I see this I am amazed.
10m 200mW WSPR yesterday
The main Es season is over.
Long distance F2 propagation is coming to the fore with several spots of my QRP from Brazil. The question is will we get many E-W spots from the USA and Canada later?
5 Sept 2026
AI dangers
In the last few years AI has improved a lot.
Recently my wife has been amazed by the AI summary in Google. Yes, this is generally very impressive. There are many ways in which AI can benefit us.
What worries me is that just as easily a bad actor could use AI for evil. Imagine saying "create an undetectable virus that is fatal only to xxx people", for example. We would be defenceless and never know it is AI. I am sure such creations are being developed as we speak.
Ely Cathedral - quilt exhibition
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At the moment there is a quilt exhibition in Ely Cathedral UK. It is quite stunning.
6m 1W FT8 (Saturday)
My gear has been on most of the day. Spotted by 6 stations with the best OH2FQV (1713km).
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
My beacon has been on most of the day. Just 1 station in the Canary Is. spotting me.
Ely - Bishop's Palace, UK
In WW2 it was home to the Red Cross.
My dad was a Pathfinder (the elites) flying over Germany at night. He had his appendix out here in case he was shot down over enemy territory
4 Sept 2026
Surprise tomatoes
Imagine my surprise when some tomato plants appeared in the same pot! They are starting to become real tomatoes!
6m 1W FT8 (Friday)
3 Sept 2026
Billionaires rule?
It seems to me that the world is ruled by billionaires. It seems true in the USA and Russia and probably true in other countries too. The danger is they have the money to influence results.
To me, I think most wars in the past were caused by rich people but fought by ordinary folk . I am sure most ordinary folk want to live in peace.
Russia and Ukraine
This "special military operation" is now over 4 years old and should have been a few days. How it will all end is anyone's guess.
Solar power
In recent years, solar panels have come a very long way. They are now far less expensive and more efficient.
In China as much power is now generated by solar as coal. If energy storage is also made smaller,cheaper and better, solar will clearly replace coal.
The USA? It is in great danger of being left behind.
2m FT8 activity contest
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| Stations spotted on 2m FT8 yesterday evening |
It never fails to astound me how far away stations can be spotted.
I wonder if with FT8 we can tap into weak troposcatter signals?
End of the Es season
We are now at the very end of the Es season. Openings can occur at any time, but are usually far less common. What often happens is people abandon the higher HF bands and 6m sadly.
10m 200mW WSPR (Thursday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0754z.
UPDATE 1512z: 9 stations spotting me.
6m 1W FT8 (Thursday)
My gear was turned on at about 0754z.
UPDATE 1510z: 12 stations spotting me. No Es evident.
2 Sept 2026
144MHz FT8 activity contest
UPDATE 1927z: It never fails to amaze me how far away stations can be copied on FT8. I have already copied stations along way away in many countries. See map.
6m 1W FT8 (Wednesday)
UPDATE 1409z: 8 stations spotting me. See map.
UPDATE 1551z: 10 stations spotting me.
10m 200mW WSPR TX (Wednesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0620z.
UPDATE 1404z: 7 stations spotting me. Best is 4Z4TJ (3639km).
1 Sept 2026
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6m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)
UPDATE 0938z: Spotted by just 1 English station so far. Outside of the Es season, many abandon 6m.
UPDATE 1742z: Spotted by 8 stations. I suspect some are aircraft reflections? Some may be Es. QRT soon.
10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)
My beacon was turned on at about 0850z.
UPDATE 1812z: Spotted by 12 stations. QRT soon.
Autumn
According to the Met Office, September 1st is treated as the first day of autumn.
I agree with this. To me autumn is September, October and November, with winter December, January and February. All seasons have their own beauty, although autumn has come early this year.
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