GPS disruption

[jeff]

It could be back to a chart and stopwatch navigation for all of us this year with solar flares predicted to interfere with GPS operations at their peak of intensity.

But of course we all use maps anyway and GPS is only for secondary navigation isn't it so no problem really? BBC article on the subject here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8494225.stm

[Mike]

These 11-year solar highs are , however, good news for radio hams and CB users - "skip" can bring in transmissions from faraway places.

I remember on a previous one years ago I was chating on CB to a farmer in his tractor in Kansas - but the signals can fade as quickly as they arrive. Maybe time to all dig out our old illegal CB's !!

It can, however, be a nuisance to TV viewers, as it can cause co-channel interference - at least it did on analogue - not sure of the effect it will have now we've all switched over to digital.

Mike

[jeff]

HI Mike, I can remember (with legal CB when it first came in) managing to reach Scotland under those conditions and thinking that was pretty good! Only stayed connected just long enough to exchange addresses to send a post card confirming the contact!

[keith.s.]

Damn, and there's me thinking the solar flares might bring a bit of sunshine for us during the summer, it's about time. Pleeease let us have some decent flying weather this year.

Crossing everything I have two of!!

Keith

[jeff]

I was flying today Keith. Went over to snowy Wiltshire to visit Old Sarum. Must admit it was a bit lively in places though, (and bloody cold -5.0 deg at 2000 feet)