"You're not on far, Juan Pablo Montoya!!!"

wesrucker247 "You're not on far*, Juan Pablo Montoya!!!" RT @BenVeazey90: @wesrucker247 Is it bad i thought of this? youtu.be/74Obm6bEH80 Mon, Feb 27 22:35:07 from TweetDeck

Video of the actual crash.

* In case you don't speak Southern, far = fire.

How Long is a Nanosecond?

Shorter than you might think... I love when people do something so obvious I would never think of it. Like demonstrating the length of a nanosecond in terms of distance instead of time.


Many thanks to Owen (KF5CZO) (via AmateurRadio.com) for posting the video and notes. Looks like he and I share a like for a simple Blogger template, too.

Editing on 2015-01-30 to specifically mention Grace Hopper, so this will show up in my searches for posts about her.

Ham Radio Deluxe: Support and Version 6.0

Announced on the HRD Yahoo Group:

Tampa, FL February 27, 2012: HRD Software, LLC announced today they have

released version 5.11 of Ham Radio Deluxe. This latest version follows the

release of version 5.1 on Feb 10, 2012 and is another step in the continuing

project of the company to eliminate outstanding issues found in previous

versions of HRD. Rick Ruhl, W4PC, co-owner and lead programmer said, "We'll

continue to update the 5.1x releases with "bug fixes" as the development of

enhancements for the 6.0 release continues.

To facilitate both bug fixes and enhancements to Ham Radio Deluxe, the
development team is to moving the program source code from the obsolete
Visual C++ 6.0 development environment to current Visual Studio 2010
development environment. This major step enables a more straightforward,
bug-free development process and better program integration using the more
powerful VS 2010 and its support tools for enhancements to HRD."

The 5.x releases of HRD are free. HRD Software LLC does have direct paid
support with phone and email for the 5.1x products for an introductory price
of $59.95. This pricing plan includes version 6.0 at no additional charge.
The introductory price expires upon release of Ham Radio Deluxe 6.0.

The scheduled release of Ham Radio Deluxe 6.0 is May 18, 2012 at the Dayton
Hamvention and on line. The MSRP for Ham Radio Deluxe 6.0 with support will
be $79.95 when it is released.

HRD Downloads: http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com

HRD Forum: http://forums.hrdsoftwarellc.com

Baofeng UV-3R: Triple Watch

Set up a triple watch by using the dual watch feature along with the priority channel:

"Andy, I tried not disable the DW and turn PRI ON. It works. It scan two channels on top and one channel on the bottom line. WOW, now I can monitor three channels at the same time."

Bookstore Lists

25 Things I Learned from Opening a Bookstore and the 20 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World.

I actually stopped by Barnes and Noble the other day with my daughter. We "had" to pick up another Elephant and Piggie book (Should I Share My Ice Cream?). I didn't really get to browse, but it did remind me how much I like bookstores. I don't do many impulse buys, but books are what tempt me the most. The fact that I have a dozen books at the house already in the queue kept me from picking up anymore.

Radio Quest

With all the advancements in technology, sometimes it is hard to find the basics.

harrymccracken My mom wanted a radio. It took me way longer to find one than I expected. wp.me/pg9un-eeX Mon, Feb 06 13:59:06 from web

If I Write a Book...

...I want NPR to review it.

Via Business Insider

The First One Should Be Enough

Five reasons you should refuse a police search.

Skylar McThree!

JimmyHyams When skylar mcbee scores at least 10 pts, vols are 10-0. When he scores 3 or less, vols are 2-10.Thu, Feb 23 12:23:29 from Twitter for BlackBerry®

My Twitter Feed

I was amused to find these tweets back-to-back in my feed.

google Cool to see Google Translate help break down language barriers in critical situations goo.gl/8eYtGThu, Feb 16 14:18:13 from web

wesrucker247 Four minutes, 31 seconds of Skylar McBee's accent and mustache. You can't miss this: bit.ly/wuRvT2!Thu, Feb 16 13:57:56 from TweetDeck

An Open Letter to Chris Dodd from ESR

Sing it, brother! Quoting:

"I can best introduce you to our concerns by quoting another of our philosopher/elders, John Gilmore. He said: “The Internet interprets censorship as damage and routes around it.”

To understand that, you have to grasp that “the Internet” isn’t just a network of wires and switches, it’s also a sort of reactive social organism composed of the people who keep those wires humming and those switches clicking. John Gilmore is one of them. I’m another. And there are some things we will not stand having done to our network.

We will not have it censored. We built the Internet as a tool to make every individual human being on the planet more empowered. What the users do with the Internet is up to them – not up to Hollywood, not up to politicians, and not even up to us who built it. Whatever else we Internet geeks may disagree on among ourselves, we will not allow our gift of fire to be snuffed out by jealous gods."

Via Slashdot

Baofeng UV-3R: Survivalists and Preppers

Looks like the preppers see the UV-3R as a handy rig to have around... Survivalist Boards, Survive Kits, and Urban Survival.

Windows 8 Logo

Pogue I love the new logo for Windows 8. Ties in well to the "tiles" concept. ("Your name is Windows. Why are you a flag?") bit.ly/AakTVdFri, Feb 17 17:31:22 from TweetDeck

Heinrich Hertz Doodle

As you can see, I am catching up...

google Today's wavy doodle celebrates Heinrich Hertz, who proved the existence of electromagnetic waves cc: @GoogleDoodles pic.twitter.com/oVpiLWBkWed, Feb 22 13:11:22 from web

Good Company for Lent

So Coach gave up sweets for Lent, too.

wesrucker247 Cuonzo Martin also said he promised wife/boss Roberta that he'd give up sweets for Lent. "So far, so good, but that's a fight I can't win."Mon, Feb 27 12:31:16 from TweetDeck

Next They Will Build a Meth Registry

ciphergoth US crackdown on crystal meth means Sudafed is hard to buy. But meth is easy to buy; here's how to make Sudafed from it. heterodoxy.cc/meowdocs/pseud…Sun, Feb 26 08:02:04 from web retweeted by andrewchen

Baofeng UV-5R: Manual

Ed (ImportCommunications) published a copy of the UV-5R Manual. I've not had a chance to read through it to see if there are any interesting bits.
UV-5R User Manual

Yaesu FT-818

Time to play "Is it real or is it fake?" But, this time it is with a Japansese radio... a Yaesu FT-818? Looks like a photoshop job to me.

The Future of Ham Radios

This comment and the radio mentioned here got me thinking about the future of ham radios.

The variety of these Chinese radios amazes me. I've only been a ham for a short time. After listening to others and seeing the relatively few models that ICOM, Yaesu, etc. put out, I could see how one could become familiar with most of the ham radios.

That was until now... With the Chinese radios coming so fast and furious, it may be a game changer. Ten-Tec may be done with radios in 10-20 years as the original founders leave. Yaesu has spun off the amateur side of the business. In a few years, will we have a market dominated by the Chinese rigs?"

Baofeng UV-5R: First Look Video

Baofeng UV-5R: Menu Options and Language

Interesting comments from Ed via the Wouxun Yahoo Group about the UV-5R:

"This radio appears to be a replica of an HT that TYT is preparing to market. TYT is testing it now. The only visible difference is that the TYT does not have a flashlight (at least at this time it doesn't).

This radio has 43 menu options, but beware of buying one of these unless you speak Chinese. The ones for sale in Guangzhou only speak Chinese and they say English versions are not available yet. So inquire what language it speaks before ordering."

The 409Shop product page does list the manual as being in English. As with many new products, earlier adopters may be in for a quirks.

Fast

I am running a lot right now. At least for me it is a lot. I'm in better shape than I have been in a long, long time. I have no doubt that I would be slower than a 5 second 40 yard run. I do wonder how close I would have been in high school when I was playing/practicing soccer 5 days/week and was about 40 pounds lighter than I am today.

Now I Am Confused

A TYT TH-UV3R... if they could have just thrown a little Wouxun in there, we would have had a trifecta.

Motion Induced Blindness

It came out of no where! A demo of motion induced blindness here.

Poor Worf

Fifteen minutes of Lt. Worf getting his ideas photon torpedoed.



Via Wired Insider

K0NR Says Bye to BNC

Bob (K0NR) surveys the current market and finds that the BNC connector is going the way of the dinosaurs. Much like PS2 and parallel ports are disappearing in the computer world.

Baofeng UV-5R: Yahoo Group

There is now a Baofeng UV-5R Yahoo Group.

Two comments...

1. Quelle surprise! Hams love their Yahoo Groups!
2. That didn't take long.

Baofeng UV-5R: Specs and Pictures

First, I would like thank Chris (NH7QH) at Hawaii Radio Sales for sending me the heads up about the UV-5R. Be sure to support Chris by visiting his website for your Baofeng and other radio needs. (And no, Chris is not paying me to say this.) He's at IWCE now and I hope he comes up with some new toys for us there.

I found out about the UV-5R being "in the wild" while I was at the UT basketball game last night. As I mentioned, PA2OLD sent me this link first. I was very excited to get confirmation that UV-5R was available so soon. No KG-UV920R here. Unfortunately, trying to decipher a Chinese web site on an Android Phone while at a college basketball game with congestion on the mobile network is not fun.

Not too long after that, someone posted anonymously in the comments with the link to the 409Shop listing for UV-5R. And then in quick succession, Nate sent me the link and Carol from the 409Shop responded to an e-mail to inform me that it was available. I felt like Will Bailey in this episode of the West Wing.

On top of all of this, Knology was having major problems in my area, so I had no cable internet at my house. I used the mobile hot spot on my Android phone, but the 3G was painful. It was all I could do to get this simple post up last night.

So here is my more formal post about the UV-5R. I looked on the Baofeng website, but did not see the radio listed yet, so here are the specs from the 409Shop page.


BAOFENG UV-5R 4W
136-174/400-480Mhz

BAOFENG UV-5R The transcevier is a micro-miniature multiband FM transceiver with extensive receive frequency coverage,providing local-area two-way amateur communications along with unmatched monitoring capability

VHF/ UHF  DUAL-BAND TWO WAY RADIO

Frequency Range: 136-174 / 400-480MHz
Dual-Band Display, Dual Freq. Display, Dual-Standby
Output Power: 4 /1Watts
128 Channels
50 CTCSS and 104 CDCSS
Built-in VOX Function
1750Hz Brust Tone
FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz)
LED Flashlight
Large LCD Display
Hight /Low RF Power Switchable
25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable
Emergency Alert
Low Battery Alert
Battery Saver
Time-out Timer
Keypad Lock
Monitor Channel
Channel Step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz
Roger Set


■  Dual band, dual display, dual standby
■  A/B band independent operation
■  128 groups channels storage
■  Shortcut menu operation mode
■  VFO & Memory channels scan
■  Emergency Alarm
■  Tri-color background light selectable
■  0~9 grades VOX selectable
■  PTT & ANI ID
■  FM radio and 25 stations storage
■  Voice companding
■  CTCSS/DCS coder & tone searching
■  PC programmable
■  Wide/Narrow Band(25kHz/12.5kHz)
■  Transmitter time-out timer(TOT)
■  High/Low TX power selectable
■  Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)

Specifications:

General
Frequency Range 65-108MHz(FM Receive only)
        136-174MHZ and 400-480HZ (TX/RX)        
Channel No. 128
Frequency Stability ±2.5ppm
Antenna High gain DualBand Antenna
Antenna SMA - Female
Antenna Impedance 50Ω
Operating Voltage DC 7.4V
Mode of operation Simple or semi-duplex
Dimension（W x H x D）100 x 52 x 32 mm
Weight 250g （including battery, antenna）
Transmitter
Output power 4W / 1W (Max 5W)
Modulation Mode 16kΦF3E / 11kΦF3E
Maximum deviation ＜5kHz(Wide) / ＜2.5kHz(Narrow)
Spurious Radiation ＜7μW
Adjacent Ch. power  ≤-65dB(Wide) / ≤-60dB(Narrow)
Pre-emphasis characteristics 6dB
Current ≤1.6A(5W)
CTCSS/DCS deviation 0.5±0.1kHz(Wide) / 0.3±0.1kHz(Narrow)
Intermediation sensitivity 8-12mv
Intermediation distortion ＜10%
Earpiece / mic type   Kenwood Plug type

The package contents are listed as:

1 x UV-5R (VHF136-174Mhz UHF 400-480Mhz)

1 x 7.4V 1800mah Li-ion Battery Pack
1 x Antenna 400-480Mhz
1 x Belt Clip
1 x ENG Manual
1 x Desktop Charger ( 100V ~ 240V )+(2pin USA or 3pin UK or 2pin EURO or 2pin Australia)
1 x PTT Earpiece for free


The 409Shop has the UV-5R for $56 USD. Hopefully the description is correct (High gain dual-band antenna) and the package contents (Antenna 400-480MHz) is incorrect. Baofeng should have learned that lesson with the UV-3R when it provided the two band specific antennas originally.

Nate hopes, based on the description, that we can get U/U and V/V. I can't wait for somone to get their hands on one.

Baofeng UV-5R: Now Available

Hat tip to PA2OLD who first posted a comment with this link.

Also, thanks to someone for the anonymous comment to the 409Shop link.

The 409Shop has the UV-5R for $56 USD. It says it is a dual band radio and is 4 Watts. in one section is says it comes with a dual band antenna, but package contents says a 400-480MHz antenna.

More to come!

Baofeng UV-3R: Comparison

Geoff (N3OWJ/4X1GM) provides a great summary of the differences between the UV-3R Original/Mark II and the UV-3R + Plus models. I added the links to his original text.

"From the specs and advertisements, the Mark II and the Plus are thesame radio. The changes are external.

The Mark II takes an antenna with a pin in the SMA connector, the PLUS

takes one with the pin in the radio.

The Mark II uses a 4 conductor earphone plug for the speaker/mic andprograming. The PLUS uses a Kenwood/Woxoun speaker mic connector (2separate plugs).

The PLUS shares antennas, earphones, speakermics and progaming cableswith the Wouxoun and if you have both an original or Mark II and aPLUS you will need two different sets of each.

The Mark II uses the same battery as some of the Nikon and othercameras (but not any Canon), the PLUS uses a special battery.

The Mark II battery has to be taken out of the radio to be charged in the external charger, which is why no one ever does it, they leave itin the radio to charge.

The PLUS has charging contacts on the back and it looks like you charge the battery by dropping the radio into the external charger.

There are videos on YouTube of a car running over the PLUS and it falling from 5 meters with no damage. I would not expect a Mark II tosurvive.

The PLUS is significantly bigger and heavier.

Yaseu AA battery packs for similar radios work on the original and Mark II and there are cheap knock-offs. There are currently no AAbattery packs for the PLUS."

Lent

Last year I gave up Cokes (really anything but water, milk, and coffee) for Lent. As I have been told recently, you shouldn't drink your calories. I still have the occasional Coke or Mountain Dew Livewire (usually as the result of stress), but have dropped them from my daily habits.

This year I am going to give up desserts. I doubt this will continue beyond Lent.

Baofeng UV-3R: +Plus Video

Another video from the 409Shop about the UV-3R+ Plus. My takeaways... the Kenwood style plug looks really bulky on the still small radio and you can charge a battery independent of the radio in the drop-in charger.

Ham Radio Deluxe Business Plan

When the new owners bought Ham Radio Deluxe, I did not expect them to get rich through licensing or support fees. However, I did not count on other revenue streams like the HRD branded Cafe Press clothing, mugs, etc. I am sure hams everywhere will be ordering the Women's Boy Brief in Fuchsia/Pink for $18.19!

Via Vince, KI4VBR

Baofeng UV-5R: Output Power

The question was asked on the UV-3R Yahoo Group if the UV-5R was 5 watts. I don't know the answer to that question, but the UHF TYT TH-F8 is 4 watts and the VHF TYT TH-F8 is 5 watts.

Changing World

For Women Under 30, Most Births Occur Outside Marriage:

"One group still largely resists the trend: college graduates, who overwhelmingly marry before having children. That is turning family structure into a new class divide, with the economic and social rewards of marriage increasingly reserved for people with the most education."

The drivers for skipping marriage... Selfishness? Independence? I'm not a proponent of loveless marriages, but this is still disturbing to me.

Baofeng UV-3R: PA2OLD

PA2OLD from the Netherlands has a plethora of information regarding the UV-3R. His posts are a mix of English and Dutch. Also, check out the pics of his shack while you are there. Impressive!

Baofeng UV-5R: Dual Band?

If this picture is accurate, then the UV-5R is a dual-bander instead of a single band radio like the TYT TH-F8.

Image courtesy of OH6HGN who posted about the UV-5R several days ago.

Also, a hat tip to Nate who pointed out the OH6HGN web page.

Baofeng UV-5R: New Baofeng Model

Chris (NH7QH) at Hawaii Radio Sales sent me the following about the new Baofeng UV-5R. (On a side note, Chris is now also selling ham equipment via eBay.)

"Just got this email - looks like it is a TYT TH-F8 - same marks and all mono band, already FCC approved since a TYT."

He also included a couple of pictures - see below. The styling looks more like the UV-3R +. Other obvious features are the charging connectors on the battery pack (so a drop in charger) and the keypad. I am not as familiar with the TYT radios, but it looks like Baofeng is willing to leverage the success of the UV-3R to build its brand by buying radios from multiple companies (Vero Telecom and now TYT). This model also more directly competes with the Wouxun. (I felt like the UV-3R was more of niche radio than a direct replacement for the Wouxun's.) These Chinese radios are keeping it interesting for sure. Maybe Baofeng needs to rebrand a mobile and steal the thunder from the much anticipated KG-UV920R.

Pricing on the TYT TH-F8 is around $50 to $75 on ebay. Here are the specs for the TH-F8.

Single band, dual display, dual standby	■  A/B band independent operation
■  128 groups channels storage	■  FM radio and 25 stations storage
■  Wide/Narrow Band(25kHz/12.5kHz)	■  0~9 grades VOX selectable
■  Chinese/English voice prompt	■  CTCSS/DCS and scanning
■  1750Hz tone	■  PTT & ANI ID
■  Priority transmit selectable	■  0~9 grades squelch level setting
■  LED display mode	■  Keypad beeper setting
■  Transmit over beeper	■  Dual watch/monitor
■  Receive saving function	■  Auto keypad lock
■  Power-on display	■  Battery power voltage
■  Power-on message	■  Repeater offset function
■  Channel name display and setting	■  Reapter shift direction
■  VFO step function	■  Shortcut menu operation mode
■  Emergency Alarm	■  DTMF encoder & decoder(optional)
■  8 groups scrambler(optional)	■  2/5 tone encoder & decoder(optional )
■  Remote skill/stun/activate(optional)	■  High/Low TX power selectable
■  Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)	■  Transmitter time-out timer(TOT)
■  Voice companding	■  Tri-color background light selectable
■  PC programmable	■  Wire clone

Harsh

wesrucker247 This picture has made me laugh for ... oh ... about seven years and counting: yfrog.com/oen3qkpjFri, Feb 17 01:41:31 from TweetDeck

Baofeng UV-3R: Tasteful Colors

Looks like Baofeng took a page out of an old playbook with their colors.

Realistic Flavoradio:

Image courtesy of RetroThing

Git 'R Done Camo Green, Police Blue, Fire Engine Red, Submarine Yellow, andTactical Black
Image courtesy of me

That makes cents

Hallerin It costs 2.4 cents to make a penny. 11.2 cents to make a nickel. Any wonder we have a near 2T deficit. No wonder we can't make a dime!Thu, Feb 16 06:22:07 from web

20 Mins a Day Will Keep the Doc Away

I guess my three hour marathon training runs are overkill then.

Lifehacker: 20 Minutes a Day to Get Fit

Of course, twenty minutes may not be enough if I want to live to be 115.

University of Tennessee, Los Angeles

The USC Trojans continue to build their program using former University of Tennessee talent. Rumor has it that David Cutcliffe may be hired as OC, Jay Graham as running backs coach, and Phil Fulmer will take responsibility for the offensive line. Negotiations are underway to replace Monte with John Chavis according to my made-up sources.

ClayTravisBGID Wow, did Lane Kiffin really hire Tee Martin at USC? Manning for OC next? Seriously, great hire.Wed, Feb 15 21:51:01 from Tweetbot for iOS

Forget Silicon Valley

Chattanooga is the new hot bed for geeks. Y'all come on over to Tennessee and get your 1 gigabit internet connection.

Hope they expand that network on up to my house in Knoxville.

Baofeng UV-3R: F8BDX Review and Information Page

I like reading the reviews on non-English sites. We are all usually saying the same things - at least best I can tell using the built in translation function of Google Chrome. Some of the literal translations are mildly amusing as are just some of the different ways to say things - like dual band or bi-band.

F8BDX Review of the UV-3R

Doctors "Fire" Patients

Be careful if you chose to ignore your doctor's recommendations regarding vaccinating your child. You might get dropped as a patient.

Is this the same as refusing service to politician?

Via Slashdot.org

Starbucks Appreciation Day

I got mine and two more! And don't judge me on my venti vanilla no foam latte.

Baofeng UV-3R: Disassembly and LCD Replacement Video

409Shop released this video for replacing the LCD, but it is also a good video of how to disassemble the UV-3R.

Things that Vols Fans Say

I'm guilty as charged on many of these.
 

Starbucks Appreciation Day Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is Starbucks Appreciate Day. Some might ask, what is Starbucks Appreciation Day? Ya see here, the anti-2A people that want to take away everyone's guns are going to boycott Starbucks tomorrow to show their outrage for the company's non-position position on guns in the stores. Starbucks says that it will go by the local laws and leave it at that.

So the gunnies have decided that we should show our appreciate to Starbucks by stopping by and having a coffee or two. Vote with your dollars! It seems that is often more powerful than the ballot box.

Oh and my pro-tip for those that like the occasional coffee from Starbucks... pick up one of their re-loadable cards. Benefits below. The free syrup could save you 50 cents a visit.

All Welcome level benefits

• Free select syrups and milk options such as soy
• Free refills on brewed or iced coffee or tea during the same store visit
• Free tall (12 fl oz) beverage with one pound of whole bean coffee purchase
• Special exclusive offers and coupons (If you want to receive everything, please make sure you opt-in to Starbucks emails)

After you earn 30 Stars in 12 months (25 additional Stars after initially qualifying for Green level), you will qualify for the Gold level. At this level you earn the following benefits:

• All Welcome and Green level benefits
• A personalized card (unavailable in stores) and Welcome Packet
• The ability to earn a free drink after every 15 Stars.

Baofeng UV-3R: UV-3R + Plus Torture Test

Everyone's impression that the UV-3R + Plus is more rugged is probably true. At least the 409Shop is marketing it that way. First a drop test:



Then they run it over with a van.

The Perpetual, Invisible Window Into Your Gmail

Some food for thought for Gmail users...

arrington Wired Opinion: The Perpetual, Invisible Window Into Your Gmail Inbox | Epicenter | Wired.com wired.com/epicenter/2012…Sat, Feb 11 14:06:20 from Tweet Button

Latte Factor

msuster Yowza! RT @Bill_Gross: Amount the average US worker spends on coffee each year: $1,092! According to Time Magazine 2/6/12 Page 7.Sat, Feb 11 01:08:14 from UberSocial for BlackBerry

Stephen Coleman: The moral dangers of non-lethal weapons

An interesting Ted Talk... in this one, Stephen Coleman discusses the problems of non-lethal weapons. He tells how one police department introduced non-lethal weapons as an option between "shouting and shooting." The data shows that the non-lethal weapons did not replace the handful of shooting deaths, but rather created a whole new category of confrontations with over 2,000 uses of pepper spray.

Another key point is that the perfect non-lethal weapon, one that is "nasty enough that people don't want to get hit with" it, but "doesn't leave any lasting effects," is also perfect for abuse.

Ham Radio Deluxe 5.1 Released

From the press release:

Ham Radio Deluxe v5.1 Release Announcement
HRD Software, LLC
Tampa FL, St. Paul MN, Pittsburgh PA - February 8, 2012

HRD Software, LLC announces the release of Ham Radio Deluxe 5.1. This version
incorporates fixes and some new features for DXers.

"This is our first release since obtaining the source code about 90 days ago,"
said Mike Carper, WA9PIE. "My partner, Rick, W4PC has done an outstanding job
at becoming familiar with the code and developing the applications. We were
fortunate to have a few key resources like Chuck, K7PT and Terry, G4POP to help
us QA the builds as they're developed."

The 5.1 release is being made available at no charge to users registered on the
HRD website. The focus for this release was a few items from the ToDo list �
bug fixes, added rig support, and a few enhancements.

Mike said, "I think we've taken a balanced approach to getting something out
quickly that satisfies a broad range of needs. I hope hams will enjoy the
improvements. Obviously, this is only the beginning. We've got big plans and
high-expectations for HRD in the future."

Following the 5.1 release, HRD Software intends to focus on more fixes and
significant feature enhancements for v6.x with a target release at the Dayton
Hamvention 2012.

HRD Downloads: http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com

HRD Forum: http://forums.hrdsoftwarellc.com

Baofeng UV-3R: UV-3R + Plus First Look Video

The new case makes it look much larger than the other models. Also, the drop in charger is a nice improvement.

Baofeng UV-3R: Step Size Video

A quick video on setting step sizes on your UV-3R.

Nest Thermostat

I posted back in October about the Nest Thermostat. I thought it looked to be a cool device. Given that Honeywell is suing Nest, it must be good. Nest responds and says they will fight the good fight.

Use it or lose it: Repeaters

WD4AM spins the dial and cannot find anyone on the repeaters in his area. He posits that hams are too busy watching American Idol to monitor the repeaters. This doesn't seem to be a problem in the Knoxville area as there are a lot of guys using the W4GBI repeaters on a regular basis. Knoxville maybe the exception to the rule.

Mayfield Skim Milk

So I've been drinking Mayfield Skim Milk for as long as I can remember. The last two gallons I have gotten have had a very bad taste - the milk hasn't gone bad, but the flavor is all jacked up. I mentioned it to my dad, another milk connoisseur, and he said he had noticed the same thing. I'd hate to change brands after all these years, but this stuff is undrinkable.

We are taking ours back to Kroger and I already sent a note to Mayfield via the Contact Us/Product Related Concern.

Anyone else notice the problem?

Free FFL Transfers through March at CCA Outpost

Wow. Free transfers at the new Coal Creek Armory Outpost until the end of March. Info at the CCA Outpost Facebook page.

Wouxun KG-UV6D: Three New Versions

Three new versions - exclusively from Ed at Import Communications:

ALL VERSIONS FEATURE:

• 199 Memory Channels
• RPT Button*
• Lockable S/D Button**
• Tuning Knob functions when Keypad is locked
• IP55 (Dust and Water Jets rating)
• Uses all the same accessories as the other Wouxun dual band radios
• Uses the same antenna connector as other Wouxun models. (Not all 6D's are like this)

*When in Frequency Mode, the RPT button will quickly cycle through SIMPLEX, +OFFSET, -OFFSET, +REVERSE and -REVERSE to access repeaters. It can also be programmed for other functions.
** With the radio in "single display" mode, and with the Keypad, MENU and S/D buttons locked, the end user will only be able to turn the radio on/off, change channels and talk. This is perfect for the non-radio user. Nothing they do will get them lost in menu-land.

VERSIONS ARE DETERMINED BY FREQUENCY RANGE & TUNING STEP

KG-UV6D-2.5 (full range coverage for public service) $175.00

• 2.5 Khz Tuning Step - compliant with new FCC rules for Land Mobile Service
• TX & RX - 136-174 & 420-520 (frequency range can not be changed by owner)

KG-UV6D-IC1 (full range receive, ham band transmit) $140.00

• 5 Khz Tuning Step - the standard for Amateur Radio
• RX - 136-174 & 420-520
• TX - 144-148 & 420-520 (frequency range can not be changed by owner)

KG-UV6D-IC2 (full range coverage for ham, MARS, public service) $150.00

• 5 Khz Tuning Step - the standard for Amateur Radio
• TX & RX - 136-174 & 420-520 (frequency range can not be changed by owner)

Baofeng UV-3R: Popular Radio

I really think Baofeng found a sweet spot with the price point of the UV-3R. They may not have a huge profit margin in each radio, but they make up for it in volume. Given things like the group buy from the Indiana Gun Owners forum and interest on survivalist/prepper blogs, it isn't just hams who are buying it.

Baofeng UV-3R: Expanded Frequencies Prevent Transmit Hint

Norm Goodkin (K6YXH) has a good idea to prevent an accidental transmission outside the allowed frequencies:

"If you have your UV-3R set to allow Tx on some out-of-band frequencies, but have others that you absolutely never want to Tx on, you can set the Tx frequency to null and you've got an Rx-only memory.

For example, if you put the NOAA Weather channels into memory, you certainly don't want to ever Tx on them. So, using the programming software just put your cursor on the Tx frequency and hit Delete. Note that you might see 0.00001 instead of a null Tx frequency, but the radio will not Tx on that channel. Don't type in a zero, because that might result in something like 136.000."

Social Media Explained

• Twitter
• I'm transmitting on 146.940.
• Facebook
• I transmitted on 146.940.
• Foursquare
• My QTH is EM75.
• Instagram
• Here is a picture of my rig.
• Youtube
• Here is a video of my rig.
• LinkedIn
• I'm good at ham radio.
• Pinterest
• Okay, this one has me stumped since I have a Y chromosome, but I am trying it out.
• Quora
• I have a question about ham radio.
• Yahoo Groups
• I have a question about ham radio and I want to read a lot of flame wars.
• Last FM
• If I listened to anything besides CW, I would listen to music here.
• Google+
• I'm a Google employee who likes ham radio.

Inspiration here.

Baofeng UV-3R: APRS

A detailed report of an APRS project using our beloved UV-3R.

Windows 8 + Kinect

Some Windows 8 laptops will include the Kinect sensor system (similar to the Xbox, but tweaked to work at shorter distances). I may have to work some magic and get one at the end of this year. I think the Kinect is the "what's next" beyond the now ubiquitous touchscreens.

Dems scared to oppose SOPA

An interesting theory:

"Despite widespread opposition to SOPA from bloggers on the left, Democrats in Congress (and the administration) were reluctant to oppose the bill outright. The MPAA was not shy about reminding them that Hollywood has been a reliable source of funding for Democratic candidates, and that it would not tolerate defections."

Via Slashdot.org

Baofeng UV-3R: Expanded Frequencies - Versions

Based on everything I have read, if you have the original UV-3R, you might be able to access the expanded frequencies. It seems there are differences in the firmware, so some support it and others don't. If you have a Mark II, your chances are much better. It is hard to say if there are firmware versions in the Mark II that don't support it or if people aren't updating the .ini file correctly.

Beatbox and Flute. Why not?

Pogue She beatboxes on the flute. This is why YouTube was born. youtu.be/pCWCThMhr_MSat, Feb 04 00:08:26 from TweetDeck

Classical Music Deal

SammyWalrusIV Enjoy classical music but don't know where to start your collection? 316 Songs for $9.99 (24 Hours of Classical Music) itun.es/iSx9kHSat, Feb 04 08:56:18 from web

Baofeng UV-3R: UV-3R + Plus

A new version... the UV-3R + Plus. I wonder if we should call it the "plus plus" or maybe the "plus squared." Andy points out that it has a Kenwood type plug. The buttons look a little different to me, too.

Dungeons and Dragons Alignments

In case the Firefly example wasn't enough...

aots Finally, one graphic explains the entirety of Dungeons and Dragons alignments! And here it is. g4.tv/yv3L0bWed, Feb 01 21:00:31 from HootSuite retweeted by SimoneBoyce

The Influence of the iPhone

Digeratii Before and after the iPhone: pic.twitter.com/wz9TpipCFri, Feb 03 01:42:44 from Photos on iOS retweeted by asymco

Wait. What?

Its_Death "Now!" "When do we want it?""What do we want?" "Linear time!"Mon, Jan 30 11:49:01 from TweetList Pro retweeted by tim

Atlas Shrugged - The Movie Part II

So we are going to get Part II after all of Atlas Shrugged. Press release here.

Red Bull F1 Car at Harper Infiniti

I've seen the Williams BMW F1, but never a championship winning car:

"Harper Infiniti is pleased to announce that the Red Bull Formula 1 World Championship winning race car, sponsored by Infiniti, will be on display Saturday February 4th. at Harper Infiniti, 9737 Kingston Pike.

The Red Bull Formula 1 Team has won the last two Formula 1 World Championships for both constructors and drivers. The car will be on display all day and everyone is invited to come to Harper Infiniti to see this rare racer. Enjoy free refreshments served in the showroom and register for free door prizes to be given away."

Via Smoky Mountain Region PCA

Knock, Knock

I was thinking I needed one of these Star Trek style door chimes.

 But maybe I really should try this project.

 

The Hunger Games Movie

Another Harry Potter type story... I'm a little iffy on the selection of actors, but I want to see it anyway.

Who killed the internet?

The answer is funny and sad.

The Bark Side

Not sure what the link is to VW, but I like the video.



Via Slim