The Iran war

In my view, President Trump has made matters in the Middle East and the world far worse. 

With Israel, he started a war. I assume President Trump was expecting a more pro-Western government to emerge? This has not happened. Iran has emerged stronger.

Iran has long been known as having a nasty government, but the USA is, sadly, seen by many in the world as a bully. This is so sad as when I have been involved with people in the USA they have, without fail, been warm, kind and generous.

The world has been cushioned by the release of strategic reserves, but these cannot go on for ever.

The world is in great danger of a financial shock as a result of the war against Iran, that badly misfired.

6m 2W FT8 (Saturday)

 My gear was turned on at about 0620z.

UPDATE 1924z: Spotted by 241 stations today. Tomorrow I shall probably try 500mW FT8. QRT soon.

10m 200mW WSPR (Saturday)

My beacon was turned on at 0620z.

UPDATE 1923z: 49 stations have spotted my little beacon. QRT soon.

6m 3W FT8 yesterday

You can tell we’re in the Es season as I was widely spotted across Europe on 6m FT8 yesterday. 

In all, 237 stations spotted me. 

Outside the Es season mostly it’s white noise. 

Portable operation

Especially when the weather is good (as in most of the UK recently), many enjoy portable operations with SOTA and POTA becoming popular. 

It is not uncommon to leave something at home, especially if lots are being packed. 

MLS has produced a video recommending some of the products they sell.

Sunspots - Saturday July 18th

 Solar flux is 105 and the SSN 26. A=4 and K=1.

2m 5W FT8 (Friday)

 For a change, I am on 2m FT8 with 5W to the big-wheel omni antenna.

UPDATE 1537z:  So far, spotted by 10 English stations. Furthest is G7RAU (460km) in Cornwall.

Sinclair

In his time Sir Clive Sinclair was a real innovator. 

In my early days at work, I was once asked for my advice from Sir Clive about antennas for his pocket TV. I think there was a possibility of my company developing ICs jointly with Sinclair.

Wisely, I think he chose a different antenna, but it was a highlight of my early years!

Meshtastic v Meshcore? - the jury is out

For those unfamiliar with these license free mesh systems, the jury is out.

It reminds me a bit like VHS v Betamax. It also reminds me of the early days of the internet, when things were far from mature. It would not surprise me if things quickly mature and one system soon dominates.

In cities where the coverage is good, these systems. that do not depend on the internet, probably work quite well. In rural areas or where coverage is poor, it is probably of limited use at the moment.

I have never used either ...... yet. At the moment I am waiting! I hope it's better than pocket calculators where I waited and waited.😊

Free food

We have loads of blackberries in our garden. 

We always have some with breakfast and my wife makes a lovely blackberry and apple crumble which is great with ice-cream.