Later this week BBC Long Wave on 198kHz goes QRT for the last time.
We went by the Droitwich TX yesterday on the train. Sad, but inevitable I guess.
What will happen to the spectrum?
23 Jun 2026
22 Jun 2026
UK politics - momentous day?
As I write this it is not clear what the UK Prime Minister will do, although it is likely that Andy Burnham who is further left wing than the present PM will take office.
We have seen far too many UK Prime Ministers in the last 10 years. I hope the new PM (if there is one!) makes a success.
Already President Trump has weighed in. I would have thought he would want to put his own house in order first.
21 Jun 2026
8m FT8 RX (Sunday)
My gear is on 8m (40.680) FT8 RX. I know activity is way down on 6m.
UPDATE 1711z: No spots. I suspect people are on 6m, 4m and 2m Es.
Meshtastic - the future?
As I mentioned yesterday, there is a small, but dedicated group of experimenters. In my view, these experimeners will increasingly use licence-free bands such as LoRa at 868 or 915MHz.
In my view, Meshtastic and Meshcore are in their infancy. Given this, I expect we will see maturity in the next 10 years. In theory, these rely on mesh networks and don't depend on the internet. In big cities where coverage is good, this is fine. In rural areas, or areas with poor coverage, meshes may not reliably cover an area. Over time, these gaps are likely to be filled in.
I can imagine we will see "mature" data transceivers in the near future.
Is this where real experimenters will be found?
The end of linear broadcasting?
Increasingly people are watching what they want, when they want, using subscription services. At the same time many broadcasters are trying to save money.
To my mind, I can see an end to linear broadcasting.
Instead people will watch what they want, when they want, all using subscription services. For example we may watch the latest news followed by the weather, followed by a film.
In the end I can see the BBC iPlayer becoming a subscription service and the licence fee in the UK going.
Most people will watch TV using subscription services or listen to things on their smart speakers.
Of course, the danger is we become even more dependent on the internet. What happens if the internet goes off either because of periodic issues or, heaven forbid, hacking?
20 Jun 2026
Amateur radio future?
This is a subject that I have raised on this blog many times. It is a fact that in many countries that the average age of radio amateurs is now very high. Fewer young people are joining the ranks and even fewer stay. Radio no longer is the magic it was to old people.
In my view amateur radio splits into two camps. This may be a simplification.
Some now just prefer to operate, increasingly using digital modes like FT8 with CW and SSB sharply declining. Some of these want to rise to the challenge of DXCC.
A few enjoy the challenge of experimentation. This can take many forms.
Another trend is deregulation, with many PTTS not wanting the hassle of dealing with a service that does not generate money.
In the future I can see a day coming when many PTTs will "throw in the towel" and will no longer police amateur radio and the allocation of callsigns. This could go several ways: amateur radio could merge with CB and become licence free. Experimenters will continue using licence free frequencies or paying for the privilage. Other options may emerge.
What is certain is amateur radio will change.
"Our" windmill at sunset
The windmill right next door looked magical.
6m 3W FT8 (Saturday)
 |
| Stations spotting my 3W 6m FT8 today at 1312z |
My gear was turned on at breakfast.
UPDATE 1725z: Spotted by 177 stations.
10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)
My beacon was turned on at breakfast time.
UPDATE 1730z: Spotted by 26 stations.
4m in the Caribbean
A station in the USA has an experimental licence for 4m. This station has been received in the Caribbean, presumably by Es on FT8. I hope it is copied in Europe this summer.
19 Jun 2026
Free AVOs
My local radio club is advertising some faulty AVOs for free. I have no idea what is wrong, but this looks like a steal. At one time AVOs were considered the "Rolls Royce" of multi-meters.
Far East 6m openings
So far, with my set-up, I have not managed to catch any Far East openings on 6m FT8 this summer. They occur as regularly as clockwork about now.
These amazing openings seem to be linked to the formation of noctilucent clouds in the mesosphere. Apparently, with global warming, these are becoming more common.
i guess compared with a beam at a decent height I could be down 10-15dB with my V2000 omni fed with CB coax. This means I could well miss some weak signals. I have spotted 6m Japanese signals in some years.
Patio
Every summer I grow tomatoes. It is probably far easier and cheaper just to buy them in the supermarket, but I like the smell and fun. We have plants growing in pots too. Sadly, until these last few days we have not had the weather to enjoy them.
6m 3W FT8 (Friday)
My gear was turned on at about 0840z.
UPDATE 1106z: So far, spotted by 40 stations.
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