mezzoman253

Well I've checked all my computers(2 desktops + 1 laptop) and none meet the W11 criteria due to unsupported processors. The TPM 2.0 doesn't seem to be an issue. Two are a few years old, but one is not 12 months old, i7-4790 processor, but was a refurbished machine. So until it becomes absolutely imperative to use W11, I'm sticking with W10, which I'm quite happy with. Rob

From the costal path near Carbis Bay/Lelant.Rob

Spotted on the coastal path above Carbis Bay last Sunday. Rob

Yes, is the short answer, but it depends on the quality of the materials used, and the prevailing conditions where you live. It does seem that the manufacters are using the minimum amount of metal in the production of the antennas now. It looks like metal fatigue due to wind resonances on the elements of the reflector, being longer than the directors they would succumb to it first. Most people will change an antenna and not bother with the coax. It's that that will degrade much quicker than an antenna. So personally I'd go for a complete change if you can. Hope it's not to expensive. Rob

Probably this, https://globe.adsbexchange.com But even that doesn't show everything. Rob

Is there any particular reason there's no Transrail liveries? Seems a glaring omission. Says he who wants a DCC ready/fitted one. Rob

Hi, Plenty of ideas on the web, mostly related to Defender checking its own files. I've tried most of the "fixes" with no result. This is on a Dell laptop. If someone knows the answer, please post. Rob

Hi, I came across this https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-57585105 A bit of a surprise as it being introduced "over the Summer" Apparantly it's been used in Europe for a while now. Most modern cars(post 1992) should be able to use it. There's a website you can check on. Anyone have any more info' on this and it's effects. Rob

Yawn

Yes, I started getting those types a while back and I checked here https://haveibeenpwned.com/ and found one of my email accounts had fallen foul of a data breach just before Christmas last. I forwarded every one to report@phishing.gov.uk without fail and recently they all stopped. I was getting 12-15 a day. Hopefully the source has been shut down, although if you are just starting to get them, it may be not. Rob

It seems to me the solar power industry has attracted the same cowboys as the double glazing industry did years ago. It's the next pot of gold for them. Yes, there are a few very good people out there, but finding them is difficult. Glossy websites and glowing reviews are easily made, and as a ley person how do you know who's talking BS and who's not. Once installed is seems any form of after market support disappears. Apart from any electrical problems arising from poor installation, solar panel systems can generate severe radio interference if not installed properly by competent fitters, people who actually know what they are doing, not someone who knows a bit about electrics. Screened cabling and ferrites on control wiring should prevent any problems. Choosing the right optimiser is critical to this. I'm not against solar panels per se, but if installed it needs to be done correctly first time, and any faults rectified immediately. Rob

You are obviously referring to the shorter URL, as the longer one is for my RMweb layout and I can't change that. The other is hosted by WIX, a well respected self build web page hoster. There are plenty of legit URL's that have a similar formats. I'm hardly likely to post a dodgy URL on here am I? I'd be shunted off pretty sharpish. Anyway your choice. Regards, Rob

As above, Rob

Is that because it's HTTP rather than HTTPS? The link goes to HTTPS, but of course you wouldn't know that. I can rectify that. Rob

OP: Just got back from my trip out. Many thanks to whomever sorted this out. Glad it was just an error rather than a hack. Rob

Hi, could someone please ring Hattons and advise them of the situation. I'd do it, as the OP, but have to go out now and will be driving, so won't have the email details to hand, thanks. Rob

Well I went to the Website to send them a message as the phones aren't manned out of office hours. Unfortunately there was an error after hitting send, so I can't be sure the message went off. Wait until tomorrow I suppose and call. Rob

This may be something or nothing. The attached shows the email from Hattons. It doesn't feel right, but seems to come from Hattons. Anyone else had one of these, and are Hatton's sending them out? Seems a bit of a waste if they are. Rob

Ordered from a seller on the 5TH, got an email to say dispatched with a tracking number, expected delivery today the 9TH. So I checked the tracker as I wanted to know if they would actually arrive today. The site showed still at the depot. Just after checking the postman arrived with the packet. Why use a tracker if it's not updated by anyone. Rob

Seems the ICO & Ofcom are about to do something regarding scam calls, see https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/216439/nuisance-calls-joint-action-plan-2021.pdf How long it will take is another matter. Mid 2020's seems the earliest date. Rob

At the moment, you do not have to have a Smart meter by law. You may find if you switch provider or tariff, that the better new tariffs will have a caveat saying you can have the tariff but only if you sign up for a Smart meter. I managed to get a 2 year deal that suited me only if I " Would allow Smart meter marketing", so that's not having one but agreeing for them to contact me about having one. As yet, one year in, they have not contacted me. However it will get more and more difficult to avoid having one whilst getting a decent deal. The energy companies are forcing you down that line by pricing. Rob

Mig 29's Rob

I think this is the start of the Smart motorway campaign to make them safer. Rather than actually do something material. But I could be wrong. Rob

I found this interesting video on polar and non-polar cleaners https://youtu.be/nXH1_ZUfWCE So IPA is out and WD40 Switch cleaner or Lighter fluid are in. NOTE: WD40 SWITCH CLEANER and NOT the regular stuff which is POLAR. Rob

Memorable contacts:- During the top of the last sunspot cycle I put up a very low sloping dipole for 10 Metres. The top was at about 5 metres and the bottom at 2 metres. I'm normally to be found on the VHF bands, so to operate on HF was a new experience after 40 years on VHF. One morning in early December 2013 I was tuning around that band and heard a weak SSB signal(5/6) calling CQ. It was an Australian station! So I gave a call and he came back to me and gave me a report of 5/2. When I told him I was using the said dipole and just 100W, he was quite surprised. We had a chat for about 5 minutes and then said our goodbyes. I've got his QSL card to confirm I wasn't dreaming. The other memorable contact was with a Ukraine station on 432Mhz SSB. It was a few days before Christmas 2006. A high pressure system had moved in and it was extremely cold and foggy. This allowed extended distances to be worked on VHF. Again I heard the station calling CQ and called him back, he sent 5/5 and he was 5/2. After we signed off, I noticed my power was down on the meter and then realised instead of 50 watts my output was only 20 watts because of a high SWR reading(3:1). The very cold conditions had frozen the moisture on the antenna so detuning it enough to raise the SWR. QSL also received. Current station details at qrz.com Rob G8HGN