Sunspots - Wednesday October 21st

 Solar flux is 121 and the SSN 66. A=8 and K=3.

160m FT8 RX (Tuesday)

 My gear (IC-705 and earth electrode "antenna" in the ground) was turned on at about 1655z.  As it is wet outside the effective loop will be slightly smaller so results may be down on yesterday.

UPDATE 1708z:   22 stations spotted.

The start?

There was an outage (allegedly) of some Google Cloud services according to the BBC.  This may be an innocent technical issue or it could be hacking by a foreign power out to do mischief.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c58jd2kjp93xt

UPDATE 1227z:  They claim it was "a power event".  Hmmm.

Ukraine

President Trump wants a fast end to the Ukraine war. 

Allegedly, he seems more allied to Putin and less to Zelensky. The midterm elections are fast approaching and gas prices in the USA are still too high.

10m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)

My gear was turned on at about 0815z.

UPDATE 0902z: So far, spotted by 5 stations several by F2 I think. 

Stations received

UPDATE 0936z:  44 stations spotted here on RX (see map).

UPDATE 1015z:   My QRP has been spotted by 14 stations so far with the best RA0SMS (6428km) in Asiatic Russia.

Stations receiving my 10m FT8 QRP

UPDATE  1650z: Spotted by 133 stations today (see map) on 5 continents.

160m FT8 RX overnight

Overnight, I left my gear on.  241 stations were spotted mostly before midnight. Nothing transatlantic again. Once again using the IC-705 and earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground (totally invisible!!).

Sunspots - Tuesday October 20th

 Solar flux is 121 and the SSN 66. A=2 and K=1.1

160m FT8 RX (Monday)

 My gear was turned on at about 1730z.

UPDATE 2110z:  148 stations have been spotted.

Does Putin have something on Trump?

This is a question many people ask. President Trump appears to be siding with Russia and this is a possible explanation. This video explores this.  

Like many, I would like a just peace as soon as possible. Personally, I would find it tragic if Ukraine had no choice but to give in.

10m 1W FT8 (Monday)

 My gear was turned on mid morning.

UPDATE 1217z:  So far, 108 stations have spotted my QRP and 96 stations spotted here.

UPDATE 1800z: 229 stations have spotted me (see map).

Pompeii 2017

Back in 2017 we visited Pompeii in Italy. You may remember it was covered in volcanic ash from Vesuvius in AD79. Effectively it became a time capsule.

Being just a few years after my 2013 stroke I was unsure if I could get around. I was fine. 

What struck me was how similar really life was 2000 years ago. There were shops, takeaways, streets, homes just like now. People were really the same.

160m FT8 RX overnight

Once again, I was monitoring 160m FT8 RX with the IC-705 and earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. 223 stations were spotted here (see map) with the best Asiatic Russia RA0AF (5588km). Nothing across the Atlantic.

Sunspots - Monday October 19th

 Solar flux is 137 and the SSN 82. A=6 and K=0.

160m FT8 RX (Sunday)

My gear was turned on at about 1600z.

UPDATE 1739z:  So far, 76 stations have been spotted. See map.

UPDATE 1921z:  101 stations spotted.

Extreme minimalist QRP

 This video shows the construction of a single valve QRP transceiver.

Still looking good

We live opposite the village museum. Despite being well into autumn, the flowers still look good.

Our local windmill

 

This is our local windmill that forms part of our village museum. Our house is on the left.

Bomb Iran?

I have the feeling that the US administration is getting desperate about the upcoming midterm elections and may consider a last minute "spectacular"  to drive down prices.  This could be a bombing or land invasion of Iran. Let's hope it does not backfire badly.

1968 again?

Those of us old enough to remember may recall 1968 as the year of revolutions. There was the attempted revolution in Czechoslovakia and protests by students in France.  

In many nations today people are not happy.  I have the sense this is happening again.

10m 1W FT8 (Sunday)

At about 1050z I QSYed to 10m 1W FT8.

UPDATE 1152z:  So far, spotted by 23 stations.  My best is a spot of me in Argentina.

Video about President Trump

The Meidas Touch Network is not a fan of President Trump of the USA. You, as always, have to seek out videos from different sources and make up your own mind.

Compromise antennas

Many people are of the opinion (mistaken) that you need big antennas and lots of power to work HF DX.  As this video from VK3YE shows even a compromise antenna works. The answer is try something as you may be pleasantly surprised, especially with FT8 and WSPR.

6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)

 My gear was turned on at about  0925z.

UPDATE 0938z:  3 English stations have spotted me.

70cm activity contest (UKAC)

Contacts made on 70cm SSB in 18 mins

This was last Tuesday evening. I use 10W SSB and my 2m big-wheel omni antenna. I amazed this works as well as it does. Because of my poor voice I usually stay on for about half an hour or less. I usually work over 100km.

On the next night they had the 70cm FT8 activity contest. Most times I spot stations from surprising distances, making me wonder if I am seeing some sort of scatter.

160m FT8 RX overnight

 Once again, I tried monitoring 160m FT8 RX with my IC-705 and the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground. 152 stations spotted with the best Asiatic Russia. Nothing yet from the USA or Canada.

Sunspots - Sunday October 18th

Solar  flux is 132 and the SSN 87. A=6 and K=2.

160m FT8 RX (Saturday)

 My gear (IC-705 and the earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground) was turned on at about 1825z.

UPDATE 1911z: So far, just one spot in Brittany. Is there a website problem?

Russia

 Allegedly, President Trump has signed an executive order than delays some additional sanctions on Russia that the US congress has approved. My reading, my view, (others may differ) is that President Trump is losing patience with Ukraine's President Zelensky. 

According to this video, Russian regions are short of cash. 

At some point Ukraine has to decide to carry on fighting or give in to those nations more powerful than Ukraine. With winter approaching, this is a hard decision.  I am sure both sides have faults (Ukraine and Russia). 

I wish both sides could end the senseless war and come out of it feeling they have won.

10m 1W FT8 (Saturday)

 My gear was turned on at about 0940z.

UPDATE 1134z:  74 stations spotting me so far, many probably via F2 propagation.

160m FT8 overnight

 As usual, I went on 160m FT8 RX overnight.

UPDATE 0737z: Spotted 199 stations.

Sunspots - Saturday October 17th

 Solar flux is 131 and the SSN 81. A=12 and K=1.

160m FT8 RX (Friday)

 My gear is on 160m FT8 RX this evening and overnight with the IC-705 and the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground.

UPDATE 2008z: 132 stations spotted.

6m 1W FT8 (Friday)

 My gear was turned on at about 0550z.

UPDATE 0620z:  Just 2 English spots so far.

UPDATE 1607z:   Spotted mainly in England (see map) but some continental stations have spotted me too.

UPDATE 1721z: Spotted by 14 stations,

160m FT8 RX overnight

 Overnight, 192 stations were spotted using the earth electrode “antenna” in the ground. All were in Europe.

Sunspots - Friday October 16th

 Solar flux is 126 and the SSN 104. A=9 and K=3.

Midterm elections

In a few weeks time the USA is expected to vote in the midterm elections. Assuming these go ahead, they could affect the mix in congress and even the senate. 

Assuming President Trump does nothing to interfere, the Democrats could hold the balance of power, which could severely "clips the wings" of President Trump.

160m FT8 RX (Thursday)

 My gear (IC-705 and the earth electrode "antenna" in the ground) was turned on earlier this evening.

UPDATE 2140z:   So far, spotted by 136 stations with the best DX RD8X (3144km).

All change

Marshalls was at one time one of the biggest employers in Cambridge, UK. 

In recent years they have lost a big contract maintaining military aircraft. It is closing the airport in the next few years. 

They clearly think there is more money selling the land for houses. There was once a car dealership here (12 dealerships?), but now all bulldozed for houses.

10m 1W FT8 (Thursday)

My gear was turned on just after breakfast.

UPDATE 1706z:  151 stations have spotted me today. See map.

Ukraine

From my reading, the US government is trying to make Ukraine give in to Russia. Personally I find this sad.

The Knowledge this morning said that allegedly President Zelensky feels betrayed by the USA; it halted attacks on Russian oil refineries just as the USA had wanted. Now these attacks are being restarted and the war goes on.

In my view, the world is changing: for now, those with power and wealth rule the world, sadly.  I think the world is due for a big shock. Maybe then we will wake up.  Assuming we are not wiped out, I can see the world changing markedly in the next 20 years.

160m FT8 overnight

 Once again I was on 160m FT8 RX using my earth electrode “antenna“ in the ground. 132 stations were spotted with the best Asiatic Russia at 5588km.

Sunspots - Thursday October 15th

Solar flux is 123 and the SSN 124. A=9 and K=2.

10m 1W FT8 (Wednesday)

 

My gear was turned on at about 0810z.

UPDATE 0822z:  4 stations have spotted me with the best a station in Armenia.

UPDATE  1600z:  116 stations have spotted me. See map.

160m FT8 overnight

 Last evening and overnight I went on FT8 RX again. 128 stations were spotted but nothing yet from across the Atlantic. 

Sunspots - Wednesday October 14th

 Solar flux is 136 and the SSN 102. A=13 and K=2.

Yemen and Iran

The war in the Middle East is spreading and my personal view is President Trump is like a rabbit in the headlights, not knowing what to do next. 

If he escalates does he have the munitions? Putting more soldiers in harms way would be deeply unpopular at home.

He is looking for a way out without losing face.

10m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)

Stations spotting me

As it was very quiet on 10m WSPR, I decided to switch to 10m 1W FT8.  Immediately my screen was filled with stations from the USA.

UPDATE 1534z:  Spotted by 61 stations with most in the USA. I can only assume that, although WSPR is popular on some bands, most 10m users prefer FT8 to WSPR. It looks like 10m FT8 beckons tomorrow! See map of stations spotting me. 

UPDATE 1548z:  70 stations have spotted me.

Stations spotted here on 10m FT8 RX

UPDATE 1609z:   162 stations spotted on RX. See map.

Nice surprise

 

All summer we have picked blackberries to have with breakfast. This morning, not really expecting to find any, I walked up to the bush and found 12 ripe!  

These were picked and had with breakfast.

10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)

 My little beacon has been on since breakfast.

UPDATE 1302z: No spots yet. Usually I start getting spots around lunchtime.

Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge, UK

We walk past here most weeks. Some travel across the world, whereas we can see it for nothing. 

This college was where some of the scenes from the comedy film "Porterhouse Blue" were filmed.

6m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)

My gear was turned on after breakfast.

UPDATE  1306z:  Mostly English stations have spotted me with just one at any distance  - EA1NL (1289km). See map of stations spotting me.

160m FT8 and WSPR compared

As an experiment I went on 160m WSPR RX overnight. As conditions could have been different this can only be an impression rather than a fair test. 

My impression is that FT8 is more popular than WSPR at least on this band. 

Only 12 different stations were spotted on WSPR whereas there were hundreds on FT8. WSPR is still used, but many now prefer FT8.

The map shows the stations spotted on 160m WSPR last night. DP0POL is actually /MM on a ship crossing the North Sea.

Sunspots - Tuesday October 13th

 Solar flux is 123 and the SSN 93. A=7 and K=3.

160m WSPR RX overnight

 For a change, I am trying 160m WSPR RX rather than FT8 this evening and overnight.

UPDATE 1812z:  Just 2 UK spots so far.

6m 1W FT8 (Monday)

My gear was turned on at breakfast time.

UPDATE 1143z:  So far 7 stations have spotted me mainly in England with one spot from Germany.

Indian battery - interesting

 For a while now China has been dominating the world battery market. India has announced a technology that might change that.

10m 200mW WSPR TX (Monday)

My TX beacon was turned on at breakfast.

UPDATE  1036z:  As usual, spots from the Canary Is. and also 4X1DA (3592km). See map from WSPR Rocks.

160m FT8 overnight

 Last night was a disappointing time on 160m FT8 with 127 stations spotted. I may try again this evening. Most of the stations were European.

Optical Illusion

 

This has been on before. It has the appearance of spirals, but they are not.

Sunspots - Monday October 12th

 Solar flux is 122 and the SSN 94. A=13 and K=1.

160m FT8 RX overnight

This evening and overnight I am again monitoring 160m FT8.

UPDATE 2106z:  47 stations spotted. Nothing outside Europe yet.

The first steps to peace?

According to the BBC, Ukraine and Russia have agreed an "energy ceasefire".  I really hope this is the start of the long road to peace. This is such a waste of lives and property.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6pvg4jyz1m0o

UPDATE 1615z:  This is a Trump announcement. Russia has not (yet?) agreed to it. President Trump wishing?

From afar

 What is happening in the USA is being watched by the world.  It looks like the USA has walked into a mess. 

As I have said many times before, every single person I have had dealings with from the USA has been kind and generous.

DX Explorer video

This is a channel I enjoy and I hope you do too. He never claims to be an expert, but is not afraid to have a go.

6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)

 My gear was turned on after lunch. 

UPDATE 1429z:  Just 4 English stations spotting me. No DX.

10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)

My beacon was turned on after lunch.

UPDATE 1437z:   3 stations have spotted me with the best Brazil. See map from WSPR Rocks.

Amateur satellites

Thanks to Tim GW4AXE, my new challenge is to be amateur satellite operation. He tells me some software really helps. See https://oscarwatch.org . 

I think my first step will be FT4 RX using the V2000 omni antenna. I need to download the software later.

Back in the early 1970s I remember the thrill of hearing east coast USA stations on 2m SSB RX via Oscar 6 and 7. My only satellite QSO was 2m to 10m (I think) but I cannot recall the satellite. It must have been near sunspot minimum when 10m was quiet. Probably some time in the 1980s?

UPDATE 0930z:  Excuse my total ignorance but what are “TLEs” please? It sounds like I should know, but don’t!!

UPDATE 1335z:  What should have been really easy wasn’t for me because of my brain fog. I was expecting to get a standard download but instead was presented with a load of GitHub files. I downloaded what I thought was the right one, then nothing. For now I have given up. My brain fog is the result of my 2013 stroke - it’s like walking through treacle all the time and my head is never clear.

160m FT8 RX overnight

 Using my invisible earth electrode “antenna “ in the ground 265 stations were spotted . Nothing yet from across the Atlantic.

Sunspots - Sunday 11th

 Solar flux is 126 and the SSN 99. A=46 and K=3.

160m FT8 RX (Saturday)

Once again, I am on 160m FT8 RX this evening and overnight.

UPDATE 2008z:  160 stations spotted so far.

AI and intelligent life in the universe

We seem to be at a threshold where we are capable of making AI machines that are far more intelligent than humans.

If we can do it, imagine a civilisation that is just a tiny bit more advanced than us. Imagine a civilisation 1000 years more advanced or 1 million years more advanced.  Look how we have developed technologically in just 100 years!

It is quite possible that what in the past we would have interpreted as biological might actually be something else altogether.  

This brings into question what is life. Do AI creations have a sense of their being? Do they have thoughts? Do they feel pain and happiness?

Are all humans AI creations?

10m 200mW WSPR TX (Saturday)

 My beacon was turned on shortly after breakfast.

UPDATE 1430z:  5 stations spotting me and the best is Brazil.

160m FT8 RX overnight

Once again I was monitoring 160m FT8 RX with my earth-electrode "antenna" in the ground.

In all, 189 stations were spotted,mostly in Europe. See map.

2m activity contest

Earlier this week was the 2m activity contest (UKAC) organised by the RSGB.  As usual, I went on briefly with my 10W and big-wheel omni antenna. I only stop on briefly because of my poor voice and low power. It is hard for me. 

The map shows the stations contacted.

Russia- USA diesel deal

One could be forgiven for thinking that the current US government is not interested in what happens in Ukraine. As I understand things, most people in the USA want Ukraine to win and live in peace. 

It seems to me what the current motives of the US administration are:  get fuel prices down and try to get the best results in the mid-term elections. If I am wrong, I stand to be corrected.

Is the world now run by rich people only interested in themselves? I am saddened if this is the case. 

High office in any country of the world should come with the interests of the citizens of a nation first and foremost. I see little evidence.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5lye9z4xw4yo

6m 1W FT8 (Saturday)

My gear was turned on after breakfast.

UPDATE 1600z:   Just 5 English stations have spotted me all day. See map.

.

Sunspots - Saturday October 10th

Solar flux is 121 and the SSN 93. A=11 and K=2.

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.

Morning coffee

Have you noticed how many UK garden centres now have cafes? It would not surprise me to know that they make as much money in the cafes as they make on plants!  

This morning, after getting some compost and bulbs, we called into their cafe for brunch and coffee.

Is Russia testing NATO resolve?

With a number of drone probes, it looks like Russia is testing NATO's resolve, especially as President Trump seems friendly with Putin and sees many of the USA's traditional allies as enemies. 

In the past the USA was seen as reliable: not any more sadly.

6m 1W FT8 (Wedesday)

 My gear was turned on at about 1030z.

UPDATE 1047z:  Just one English station spotting me.

10m 200mW WSPR TX (Wednesday)

 My beacon was turned on at about 1030z.

UPDATE 1044z: No spots.

630m WSPR (Wednesday)

Overnight I left my 630m WSPR RX on. 12 stations were spotted with the best CU8/NU6F (2799km). Again, just using the earth electrode antenna in the ground that nobody can even see!!

Sunspots - Wednesday October 7th

 Solar flux is 113 and the SSN 77. A=11 and K=1.

630m WSPR RX (Monday)

 As usual, I am on 630m WSPR RX this evening and overnight.

UPDATE 2005z:  7 stations spotted so far.

Getting ready?

 

This was one house in our village yesterday. 

I think they take Halloween seriously!

10m 1W FT8 (Tuesday)

Spots of me at 1428z

This morning, I am on 10m FT8 with 1W.

UPDATE 1717z:  29 stations spotting me so far.  28 stations spotted here on RX. My best spot on 1W  FT8 TX is 9J2FI (7996km).

481THz tests

Before my 2013 stroke I really enjoyed experimenting "in the field".  I experimented from very very low frequencies right up to optical. These days I experiment from home. I can drive, but generally do not.

Autumn

At the moment we’ve very mild weather for October. Tomorrow it should be colder and wetter. At the moment the trees in our garden are mostly in leaf although things could be very different in a a few weeks. 

When the photo of the sunrise was taken this morning, it was clear. Then it fell misty. 

The tree in the back garden (still green and in leaf) was taken yesterday.

160m FT8 RX overnight

Although most stations were spotted last night, I had my RX and earth electrode antenna in the ground on all night. In all 172 stations spotted. See map.

Sunspots - Tuesday October 6th

 Solar flux is 100 and the SSN 58. A=24 and K=3.

RAF Fairford

The USA has evacuated all its bombers from RAF Fairford. It looks like their intelligence has indicated a possible terrorist threat, presumably from Iran. They were using the UK base as a staging post to bomb Iran "for defensive purposes". Personally, I am glad that they have gone.

See https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cmy56yvv1kxxo .

160m FT8 RX (Monday)

In a few moments I propose to try 160m FT8 in the evening and overnight with my earth electrode antenna in the ground. 

In theory the loop should get better as the frequency decreases and the skin depth increases.

UPDATE 1613z:  My RX was turned at about 1605z.  No spots.

UPDATE 2130z: 90 stations spotted.

80m and 20m FT8 RX

 At the moment I am on 80m FT8 RX using the electrode antenna in the ground. I think 80m is probably the highest frequency where it will be any good as an antenna.

Maybe I should try 20m FT8 RX with the endfed antenna?

UPDATE 1545z: So far, 428 stations spotted on 20m FT8 RX. It's too easy on 20m FT8 RX.

How far we have come

In the early 1990s (I think) my Psion 3a seemed the height of perfection. 

It had no internet and the additional drives that plugged in were I think 125k, which seemed huge back then.

At the time it felt a great leap forward. It had a monochrome display, but we knew no better.  

These days it looks very backward. I think somewhere I still have mine.

Trump speech

 Recently President Trump made a speech in Ohio.

Museum cafe

About once a month we volunteer in the museum cafe across the road. 

The museum is amazing and must be one of the best local museums in the country. 

We enjoy chatting to visitors who, without fail, are amazed by the extent and content.

When little, our grandchildren always wanted to go. One even thought the grass outside the windmill was part of our garden!

See https://burwellmuseum.org.uk/

Fungus

 

We saw this recently in the local area. I am not sure what it is called.  

A Google search is called for!

Monday plans

 At the moment I fancy trying something different. I am not sure what. 

Maybe a different band for FT8? 

I shall probably still go on 10m WSPR TX with my beacon.

630m WSPR receive

 As is usual now, I was on 630m WSPR RX last evening and overnight and spotted CU8 for the first time. 

This is the furthest I have spotted on the band in many years at 2799km. The map shows where I spotted stations.

Permanence

 One of the lessons getting old teaches you is nothing lasts for ever. 

Things that have always seemed the same change. Grandchildren grow up, people die , places change.

 At one level things seem the same but always things are changing.

The passing of time is very odd. Nothing is for ever, except perhaps love.

Sunspots - Monday October 5th

 Solar flux is 92 and the SSN 55. A=36 and K=4.

10m 200mW WSPR (Sunday)

My beacon was turned on at about 0645z.

UPDATE  1548z:  6 stations spotting me with the best 5Z4GO (7269km). See table.

UPDATE 2034z: I see I was spotted by V51RS in Namibia which is the best DX.

St Ives near Cambridge

Last week we went here on the guided bus from Cambridge. It is a great ride. 

St Ives is on the River Great Ouse.  The chapel on the bridge in the photo dates from the 1400s.

We had something to eat then sat by the river in the sun.

6m 1W FT8 (Sunday)

 My gear was turned on at about 0745z.

UPDATE 0817z:  Spotted by 5 stations with the best GI.

630m WSPR last evening and overnight

My 630m WSPR RX and earth electrode antenna in the ground was on. 

In all, 10 stations were spotted with the best in Poland and Norway. See map by Phil VK7JJ of WSPR Rocks.

Sunspots - Sunday October 4th

 Solar flux is 93 and the SSN 53. A=7 and K=3.

Electric truck batteries

We are approaching a tipping point with EVs. With the price of diesel and supply security, this may make this happen sooner.

10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)

My TX beacon has been on since about 0945z.

UPDATE 1022z: So far, spotted by I0UVN (1542km) 5 times.

UPDATE 1824z:  15 stations have spotted me with the best PY2NMB (9542km) in Brazil. See table. One of the spots was from Svalbard way up in the Arctic. Brrr!

6m 1W FT8 (Saturday)

 My gear was turned on at about 0945z.

UPDATE 1019z:  5 English stations spotted.

Encarta

 

In the late 1980s we were amazed that an encyclopaedia could be contained on a single CD ROM. 

These days we just go on Google or similar.

It was amazing at the time.