Today, I have 3 aims. We'll see if they are achieved!
1. To go on 10m QRP WSPR with my beacon.
2. To go on 8m QRP FT8 TX with my QMX+
3. To mend the PL259 plug (re-solder) on my V2000 antenna for 6m, 2m and 70cm.
UPDATE 1140z: Well, 2 objectives net! I am on 10m QRP WSPR and have mended my V2000 antenna plug. I seem to have issues with my PC not producing audio on any band. I may have to re-install WSJT-X in case that has got corrupted.
As we were out for most of the day, amateur radio had a rest. Whenever I am in the house I can usually be founds on some band on WSPR or FT8. Not today.
Firstly, we wanted to visit the Clink prison museum and secondly we had lunch with our daughter-in-law and our granddaughter.
The museum was gruesome, but worth a visit. The meal was excellent.
Many old timers have fond memories of Heathkits. Their kits were excellent with building manuals that step-by-step showed you how to build the item.
Someone restarted the company some years ago, and I think this is still going. I won't say "strongly" as the last time I looked they had a very limited range at very high prices! Sadly, it has a very limited range. I suspect they must have a very loyal customer base. By my judgment they would have closed several years ago. I wish them well, but they need far more kits at reasonable prices. The competition from the Far East must be crippling.
My introduction to radio was a Heathkit Electronics Workshop for Christmas 1961 bought for me by my dad. Little did he know it was the start of a career and hobby. Even now this hobby still gives me loads of fun.
I still like the form factor of the "Benton Harbour Lunchboxes". These were a series of AM transceivers for 11m CB, 10m, 6m and 2m. At the time these were ideal, although their wide super-regen receivers would struggle today.
My QMX+ at 2W on 40.680 MHz USB was turned on FT8 at about 0945z.
UPDATE 1920z: Just EA7KBX (1661km) has spotted me.
