Ft991 Hamlib error with WSJT

 As you know, I love FT8 and enjoy working this mode. However, yesterday WSJT suddenly threw a Hamlib error at me and wouldn't communicate with the rig. I spent a lot of frustrating time rolling back drivers etc, which didn't work. Finally after a careful look at the port setting I unchecked the 'Use FIFO buffer' This cured the problem and everything is now working.

Webcam on Wunderground

 I have a camera that I have used to upload weather pictures to Weather Wunderground. It starting playing up so had to do a reboot on it. Everything was fine apart from it wouldn't show my webcam as online. Camera was saying FTP Success, but no video. After a bit of head scratching, and Google searching it turns out the file was to large, quick adjustment and everything works. You can view it at

https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/webcam/chrisg4kvi/6/2020-11-30

The mystery of the hidden wifi signal.

I have been frustrated by a hidden WiFi signal that follows my 5G network. After searching around I checked the MAC address which started ffa8. This turned out to be our Google display in the lounge. It was set with Guest mode activated. Turning it off solved the problem. So, so simple!!

Furloughed

I am currently furloughed from my Bus driving job as a result of having diabetes. I'm obviously not ill and its often frustrating not to be able to do things like DIY. However, its for a very good reason. I have though been able to some online courses and, of course play lots of radio and pick up a couple of awards.

It's my birthday coming up and my Wife very kindly bought me two new aerials.

One a 50/2/70 vertical and the other a 2/70 beam. The vertical is up and working extremely well.

New Aerial

Following my purchase of a Yaesu FT991, my first new radio for over 20 years, I have been having fun on HF and more specifically FT8. This mode is fantastic. I am amazed just how far a lowish power signal can go. Anyway, back to the aerial. I have for a long time used a 20m dipole. Works OK but not very well on lower bands. So, after a long while I finally got round to converting it to a doublet. I am very pleased with the results so far. Some little tweaking and a little extra 300 ohm feeder is required to improve ease of use.