25 Mar 2026

Windmill fantail


We are lucky enough to live right next door to a fully restored 200 year old windmill. The fantail ensures the main sails always point into the wind. Today, the shadow of the fantail was on the museum next door (see photo).

See https://burwellmuseum.org.uk/

Lady Day (March 25th)

This used to be a very important day in the UK. It is Lady Day, which marked the day of the annunciation of Mary in the Christian calendar.

In secular affairs it was a Quarter Day on which long contracts were often settled. 

I remember it as the day in 1959 when we moved house!

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Day

10m 200mW WSPR (Wednesday)


 Although my beacon has been on since before breakfast, no spots yet.

UPDATE 1611z:  Spotted by 4 stations with the best PP5ZX{10058km). See table.

Sunspots - Wednesday March 25th

 Solar flux is 128 and the SSN 113. A=16 and K=3.

24 Mar 2026

Iran crisis

 Most days I watch the Joe Blogs videos. Escalation in the Iran war is a real risk.

 

Donut batteries - really a solid state battery with no lithium?

For weeks I have been following the 2 bit Da Vinci videos on the Donut batteries recently announced. It really looks as if this is real.

I truly think we are on the edge of a real breakthough at last.

10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)

 At about 1505z, I changed to 10m WSPR with my beacon.

UPDATE 1544z: 4 spots by EA8BFK (2880km).

10m 5W FT8 (Tuesday)

 Later I hope to go on 10m FT8, mainly RX.


UPDATE 1505z: 24 stations spotted on TX. See map.

Sunspots - Tuesday March 24th

 Solar flux is 124 and the SSN 94.A=28 and K=3.

23 Mar 2026

Pebble HF

 

A lot of excitement has surrounded the launch of a single HF band radio kit for less than $50.  It is multi-mode and is a 5W 20m rig. 

All being well it should be available in July. Most of the parts are already placed on the PCB.

See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6cWHiaaO9w&t=18s.

See https://www.pebblehf.com