In an art gallery window

 

This was in an art gallery window in Cambridge last week. I am informed it is the singer Prince, although I would not know!

Taking stock of the solar cycle

We are not clearly on the downward slope of the latest solar cycle. The downward slope is usually gentler than the rise from the minimum to the next maximum. 

Usually the higher HF bands get neglected as people move to lower bands. I am hoping with FT8 there will be more activity remaining on the higher bands. We'll see. Often CB is busy when 10m seems dead.

One useful resource is the site I often visit to see how things are progressing.

See https://www.solen.info/solar/

Another DXpedition

Just to show how much of a DXer I am not, I have to confess not having a clue where this is!  I am even unfamiliar with T31! If chasing DXCC is your thing, this may be of interest.

10m still in great shape

Stations received yesterday on
10m FT8  using the QDX-M

Yesterday I decided to stay on 10m FT8 RX all day using my tiny QDX-M which is smaller than a pack of cards. In all, 1851 stations were spotted from all around the world. We maybe on the downward side of solar maximum, but conditions remain superb.

QDX-M 10m

The map shows the stations received here yesterday on my QDX-M on 10m FT8  with just the low endfed wire.

Corruption in high office

Events of the last few weeks have confirmed to me that powerful billionaires command a lot of power and influence in the world. This is not in just one country. 

It would appear that powerful men and women are able to influence the workings of governments and the functioning of countries, being able to avoid justice and prosecution. 

There are dangerous people in high places.

Sunspots - Sunday March 1st

 Solar flux is 141 and the SSN 44. A=8 and K=2.

Sixbox transceiver

Some years ago I wrote an article in SPRAT and a follow up article last year. To my surprise it was awarded a prize!

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/vhfuhfmicrowaves/homebrew/sixbox

Sibling reunions

Since the early 2000s we have met every year (just about!) for a sibling reunion with my wife’s brothers and wives. Only after my stroke and Covid have we missed.

Her elder brother sadly died, so we created this photo for her remaining brother who will be here in a few weeks.

Russian Rouble

 It looks like the Russian Rouble could fall heavily this year as Russian oil sales fall . 

With the war against Iran by the USA and Israel, we could be in for a rough ride in the world in the months ahead. Maybe this will help Russia?

DXpedition

 

As mentioned before, chasing DX is no longer important to me, whereas to others it may be.