Solar flux is 101 and the SSN 47. A=7 and K=1.
17 Jul 2026
16 Jul 2026
10m 200mW WSPR ((Thursday)
My beacon was turned on at teatime.
UPDATE 2013z: 23 stations have spotted me.
6m 3W FT8 (Thursday)
My gear was turned on at teatime.
UPDATE 2010z: Spotted by 78 stations this evening.
EV prices are falling
Worldwide, the price of electric vehicles (EVs) is falling.
Batteries are far less expensive and getting better with more range and faster charging.
The USA is in danger of being left behind.
The war in the Middle East is also accelerating this change away from fossil fuels.
Reverse Beacon Network
When I find my CW key (!) I must try my HW8 (2W) on the Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) if the bands are dead.
The RBN logs SDR reception and collects the data, so you can see where your CW signal gets.
Very useful when there is little activity.
See https://www.reversebeacon.net/
40s day again
As posted recently, last Sunday was the 40s day at our local museum. It is very popular. This is another view.
Shortwave changing
Shortwave use is changing.
When I was young, there was a raft of shortwave broadcast stations in multiple languages. Many broadcasters have closed for good as most people now get their information by other means including the internet. Some broadcasters have closed to save costs.
Also many amateur bands are far quieter as a result of modes like FT8.
No, things are very different today.
People may think of shortwaves as a backup when the internet or satellites are not available. It would not surprise me if the military reserves multiple frequencies.


