Solar flux is 180 and the SSN 128. A=14 and K=1.
11 Nov 2025
QSL cards
In recent years I have not sent out many QSL cards, but I have received several recently by email.
Most have been useless as the date is shown as 0000.00.00 which must be an error as in this example. I am happy to confirm the contact as long as the details are correct, not otherwise.
I think these are sent out by email when the amateur subscribes.
10mW 10m FT8 (Tuesday)
Today, I am on 10m FT8 with 10mW to see how it goes. The gear was turned on about 0945z.
UPDATE 1020z: No TX spots. It is interesting that I am receiving stations from all over the planet. This implies they could run 15dB less power and still be copied if the attenuator was not there. I guess at 10mW I am more likely to be crushed by a stronger station or be below their noise floor.
UPDATE 1125z: Spots by YL3NF (1567km) and IZ0EWJ (1546km) . Even 10mW FT8 works! I think 5W is far easier, but I shall leave it at 10mW all day.
UPDATE 1420z: Spotted by 7 stations when I was running 10mW FT8 today.
10 Nov 2025
Is Russia heading for recession?
With oil prices falling and increasing sanctions causing China and India to think twice before buying Russian oil (its major export) there is a danger of the Russian economy being in serious trouble.
Solid state batteries
Most agree that electric cars are not there yet.
Early adopters have to contend with lithium-ion batteries, where lithium is in short supply (and often mined by children), limited range, high prices and long charging times.
If ranges were significantly improved, charging would be needed less often. Also price puts many off currently. One answer that always seems to be "just around the corner" are solid state batteries. These promise greater ranges, lower prices and no rare materials.
These seem nearly there, but not quite. With all the research it is likely this will come, but when?
9 Nov 2025
Monday plans
At the moment I am not sure about Monday. I may try 23cm beacon hunting with my SDR receiver or even lower power on 10m FT8. If there is thunder around I may just stay off the air.
Spitting Image
This was originally on terrestrial television, but is now on YouTube. I imagine they avoid some of the censorship this way.
50mW 10m FT8 (Sunday)
I have used the GE3 prefix to distinguish the 50mW signals.
UPDATE 1304z: 59 stations have spotted my 10m 50mW FT8 today. Furthest is OX3HI (3173km).
UPDATE 1449z: 84 stations spotting me. Nothing from the USA or Canada yet.
UPDATE 2012z: 97 stations have spotted me with the furthest KW7MM (8476km) in Arizona. See map.
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