Wells, Vicars’ Close - NOT amateur radio

 This has been the home of vicars for 650 years.

Low cost QRP SDR transceiver

Yet again, I am puzzled how they do this for the price. 

Just over £193 pays for a 5W all mode SDR transceiver. You pay a little more for shipping. This is a lot less than an equivalent Japanese transceiver.

There is a shake-out coming. Expect the Japanese to be facing stiff competition from low cost manufacturers. 

China may not be the source in the future as Chinese wages creep up and costs become higher. Canny manufacturers will be on the look-out for countries that can make things for less.

Once again this is via AliExpress.

Sunspots - Wednesday April 24th

  Solar flux is 219 and the SSN 282. A=8 and K=0.

Close call - NOT amateur radio

The oars of this rowing boat narrowly missed this swan.

Thank you - NOT amateur radio

On my blog is a link to buy me a virtual cup of coffee. This is entirely voluntary. 

However, very many thanks to those that have donated. Any money generated will go towards future projects/research. 

My wish is that you all have as much fun as I have had on your journey through the hobby. I have particularly enjoyed finding out new things and experimentation.

Two things : The journey is more important than the destination (learn from your mistakes) and you can have lots of fun without spending much.

Celebrating our son’s birthday - NOT amateur radio

Yesterday we celebrated our son’s birthday. This was my main course.

Sunspots - Tuesday April 23rd

  Solar flux is 227 and the SSN 283. A=8 and K=2.

Pixie transceivers

These are still available at rock bottom prices on eBay. 

I have built versions for 80m amd 40m and had QSOs with each. With something this simple there are compromises. The RX, in some cases, lacks selectivity and can be overloaded by strong broadcast  stations. Nonetheless they do work and they are hard to beat for the price.

The cheapest I have seen is £1.35, which is less than the price of just 1 part if bought in the UK!

See https://sites.google.com/view/g3xbm4/home/hf-mf-and-lf/homebrew/8040m-pixie-and-micro80-transceivers .

Spring in our close - NOT amateur radio

 Spring has arrived in our close.

How do they do it?

Looking on Ali-Express, they sell a Quasheng uv-k5 (8) dual band 5W hand portable for £13.51, with free airmail shipping. 

Both Ali-Express and the original manufacturer, I presume, make a profit!  

I just cannot see how they do it. It is made in the Far East, shipped by air across the planet and easily cloned I am told.