2m FT8 yesterday

For about 30 minutes, as usual, I went on the 2m activity contest.  I worked 4 stations with my 10W, poor voice and big-wheel omni antenna. 

Just before finishing, just for fun, I put out a call with 5W 2m FT8. Immediately I was spotted by PA2M (312km). 

It is so much easier on FT8. In all my years with 10W in the 2m activity contest, I don't think I have worked a single station in mainland Europe.  I think the main issues are my low ERP, my short time active and my poor voice.

Quartet Jazz Standards Podcast

My son, who is a professional jazz pianist, was featured on a recent podcast.

See https://www.quartetpodcast.com/2462355/episodes/19257777-episode-50-tim-lapthorn-piano-yesterdays?t=0

Sunspots - Wednesday June 3rd

 Solar flux is 146 and the SSN 133. A=6 and K=3.

PC chips

 It would appear there is a big push to smaller ICs and lower power consumption. Huawai may have made a breakthrough in how ICs are made. See this video from 2 bit DaVinci.

8m FT8 RX (Tuesday)

 My gear was turned on at 1215z:

UPDATE  1246z:  Just one spot of a station in northern Spain -  EB1B (1050km).

There appears to be a general lack of activity on 8m. I know my antenna is not the best and is fixed.  I do not regret re-applying for a TX permit.

Meidas Videos

It would appear President Trump of the USA is in a mess. Iran is making life hard for US negotiators. 

There would seem to be no easy way out with the USA coming out with power and believing this is a victory.  

Yes, they have inflicted a heavy blow to the Iranian navy and air-force, but the Iranians still have drones and control of the Strait of Hormuz. 

In my view, this was a war that should not have been fought.

It seems, allegedly, the US administration was banking on regime change to a regime more in support of western values. This has not happened. 

Arguably, Iran has emerged stronger on the global stage and the USA weaker.  

It has been hard for people to be clear of the objectives for this war. One of the videos I enjoy is the Meidas Touch.

6m 3W FT8 (Tuesday)

My gear was turned on just after 1000z.

UPDATE 1016z:  Spotted by 34 stations already and 29 stations spotted here.

UPDATE 1447z:  After seeing rumours about a 6m opening to the USA, I gave up on 8m and returned to 6m FT8. No joy so far. 105 stations have spotted my 3W 6m FT8 today - mostly Europeans.

Toad in the compost (again)

Yesterday. I was planting some bedding plants in the front garden. 

I mixed my own compost with some commercial compost. 

Imagine my surprise when a toad was spotted in the commercial  compost. 

It may be the one I spotted a few weeks ago.

10m 200mW WSPR (Tuesday)

 I was a bit concerned about thunder, but at the moment it is clear here, so my beacon was turned on at 1000z.

UPDATE 1302z: Spotted by 17 stations already!!  Good Es, especially this morning.

Sunspots - Tuesday June 2nd

 Solar flux is 132 and the SSN 146. A=9 and K=1.