10m WSPR QRP TX (Monday)

 As mentioned earlier, I am not on the radio whilst we have a guest. All being well, I should be on tomorrow.

Crimean Cannon - NOT amateur radio

This cannon outside Ely Cathedral was a gift to Ely after the Crimean War from Queen Victoria. 

It is a Russian cannon draped in the Ukrainian flag at the moment. 

Note the colour of the grass! We had a shower this afternoon. 

Goldfinch - NOT amateur radio

These colourful little birds are very common these days. They are probably one of the most common birds we see and hear. They are one of the most colourful birds in the UK. 

8m experiment (Monday)

As mentioned a few days ago, we have a guest, so I have not been on the radio.

If the thunder risks are low, I may be on later Tuesday.

Thunder risks

As I have mentioned many times before, I am definitely no expert on thunder and lightning. 

My philosophy is simple: if there is any risk disconnect everything. 

That is antennas, PCs, mains plugs, mains earths etc.. Although the chances of a direct strike are low in the UK, they are not zero. Also, surges in main voltages with storms in the vicinity can cause damage. Always treat storm risks seriously. I keep and eye on approaching storms. If there is any risk, I take these precautions. 

If you want to try to prevent damage from a direct strike, very thick straps are needed as lightning can be very powerful.

See https://www.lightningmaps.org/

Fine House and Garden - NOT amateur radio

This fine house and garden are near the entrance to Ely Cathedral. 

Sunspots - Monday August 15th 2022

 Solar flux is 126 and the SSN 104.  A=7 and K=2.

10m QRP WSPR TX (Sunday)

 As I am being "sociable", my 10m gear is not turned on today. To get to the shack I have to walk through the guest's bedroom, which I am avoiding.

Holidays - NOT amateur radio

One of our sons and wife is staying with his inlaws and family in Australia. Our other daughter in law is with her mum and dad and children in Brittany and we have a relative staying with us. Holidays! 

8m experiment (Sunday)

As we have someone staying, I am being sociable and staying off the radio, so 8m QRP FT8 TX is very unlikely today. Sociable is a concept I shall have to learn, HI.