Last Chance

Last chance to give and be a winner:

"Today is the last day for the Honored American Veterans Afield fundraiser we are running here; if you want your donation to count towards the fundraiser, it has to be made before 2359 (11:59PM, for you civilian types), and all receipts have to be sent to me by 1700 (5:00PM) tomorrow if you want them to count towards the giveaway. 

I have handed out just under 300 tickets to around 30 folks, so your chances of winning one of the 16 awesome prize packages up for grabs is pretty decent, in my opinion, and all it takes is a small donation to a worthy organization that does amazing works for our wounded veterans and soldiers.  And even if you do not win a prize package or whatnot, helping those men and women who put their lives on the line for our liberties and freedoms counts as a “win” in my book. "

Xiegu X1M: Pictures

Some pictures from Ed at Import Communications.

Blogger

Is Blogger next on the chopping block? Since it is easy to monetize (at least more so than Reader), I don't know that it would be at risk. However, who knows. When you don't pay for something, then you can't complain if it goes away. I use it because it is simple and cheap. My only real expense is registering the domain name. I wondered if FeedBurner might go, too. Of course, it can run ads as well so maybe not.

QOD0 to QOD9

LA3ZA QOD0 ... QOD9 - I bet you don't know these Q-codes! la3za.blogspot.no/2013/03/qod7-c… #hamrSat, Mar 30 16:03:32 from TweetDeck

Happy Easter!

TYT TH-UV3R: Tri-Band

I was reading the TYT USA Yahoo Group and was going to post that the TH-UV3R was getting some love from the group members.

That first post mentioned that the TH-UV3R would do 144/440 and 220. The 220 comment brought on a question and then a couple of replies about making the radio tri-band.

First:

"The mod was done in the factory software. Under setup, then model information, Ijust changed the frequency range. 

Freq range 1 400 - 4702 136 - 1743 200 - 246

Works great.."

Second:

"Bryan, it is in tht tyt programing.  Open up the program, read from your radio then go to setup then in the dropdown menu click on model info. You will get a popup box with 4 frequency ranges. The 3rd box has 245 to 246mhz init already but is unchecked. Check the box beside it and change the frequency to your band plan. Be aware this will clear any entries you have already programmed. So be prepared to re-enter your frequencies. 

Good luck,
Barry KF5GC"

A little searching and I see that Sinotel UK is selling it as the "TYT TH-UV3R Tri-Band Handheld Transceiver With Dual Frequency Display."

I had written some about the TH-UV3R and remembered that it was Moleculo's favorite (his review). The eHam reviews are generally favorable, but don't mention tri-banding.

409Shop - $48.50 + free ship

Import Communications - $64.95 + free ship

Amazon - $53.50 + 4.49 shipping

A happy little surprise for Easter.

Running Lingo and Rule Book

I still run despite bad weather and lots of illness around the house, so some running content.


First, we have bibs, rabbits, tapers, and the infamous fartleks... Runner's Lingo

Next is the Runner's Rule Book...


Example rules include:

Rule 1.46 For Pete’s Sake, Stand Still at Red Lights

(Which reminds me of the jogger vs. runner comparison.)

Rule 2.32 Do Whatever it Takes to Finish Ahead of a Costumed Runner

(I got beat by these guys, but I'm not sure I should feel bad about it since they are superheros. Picture from here.)

Lastly, race a world class marathoner...



He runs 26.2 miles at a 4:46 per mile pace. As a point of reference, my best 5k (3.1 miles) pace is 6:35 per mile and I am considered pretty fast for an old man.

Xiegu X1M: A Few Shipping Now

Ed has the complete listing up and says the first few will ship next week. The rest will be available in May.

X1M QRP Transceiver

 Xiegu Technology

Distributed in North America exclusively by Import Communications

 

 

Compatable via RS232 connector with Ham Radio Deluxe (Choose Icom IC-718)

Frequency range RX & TX:  0.1 ~ 30 MHz*
Modes: SSB & CW
Power output: 5 Watts
Operating voltage: 9.6 ~ 14.5 vdc
Operating current: 0.35 ~ 1.2 amp
Receiver Preamplifier:  Yes
Memory Channels:  100
RIT Function:  Yes
Automatic Internal CW Keyer:  Yes
Backlight On/Off:  Yes
Keyboard  lock:  Yes
Dimensions:   3-13/16 x 1-9/16 x 6-1/8 inches
Weight:   0.65 kg  ~  1.43 lbs
PTT Microphone:  Included

* 5 Ham Bands configured separately

Band 1:   3.5 ~ 3.9 MHz

Band 2:    7.0 ~ 7.15 MHz

Band 3: 14.0 ~ 14.5 MHz

Band 4:   21.0 ~ 21.45 MHz

Band 5:   28.0 ~ 29.7  MHz

Receiving sensitivity: better than 0.45uV,

RF output power: ≥ 4.5W

Frequency stability: better than 0.5ppm

Frequency accuracy: better than 0.5ppm

Operating voltage: 12.0 ~ 14.0V DC

Receiver Standby Current: 0.5A

Emission current: 1.5A Max

Xiegu X1MKII: Availibility

Ed (Import Communications) continues with the updates by saying that the X1MKII should be available in July. No pricing yet.

Xiegu X1M: Availability and Pricing

Ed of Import Communications passed along this update on the X1M.

"Import Communications has sealed the deal to be the only distributor for this company for North America. Twelve radios are on the way and 100 have been ordered for May 1 delivery. Orders for these will be accepted on my web site this weekend, as I find time to get the information posted. The factory suggest a retail price of $329. The introductory price for the first 100 will be $299 with free shipping."

Also, Ed is investigating an option for a tuner/battery pack unit for use with the X1M - much like the old Index Labs QRP Companion.

Ed also clarified that BG8HT (that I discussed here) is one of the designers of the Xiegu radios.

And before I could finish the post I see that Ed has started updating his site for the Xiegu radios.

Extra Class Study Materials

My father-in-law loaned me this, so I could study for my Extra Class exam.

Maybe if I pass, I can reward myself by buying some new gear.

Google Reader - Google Takeout

Google Takeout of your Google Reader data:

"If you'd like to download a copy of all your Reader data before then, you can do so through Google Takeout. You'll receive your subscription data in an XML file, and the following information will be downloaded as JSON files:

• List of people that you follow

• List of people that follow you

• Items you have starred

• Items you have liked

• Items you have shared

• Items shared by people you follow

• Notes you have created

• Items with comments"

The DDoS That Almost Broke the Internet

arrington The DDoS That Almost Broke the Internet post.ly/AJ8GF via @CloudFlare Wed, Mar 27 14:38:54 from Tweet Button

Financial Disclaimers

This may be a while over due, but I have created a page that will list my current financial relationships through this blog.

It will stay at the top as the ReadMe page.

To save you a click, here is the meat:

Google AdSense - you will see the ads on my pages. If you click them, then Google pays me. Please don't click them if you aren't interested in the products. It isn't fair to the advertisers. But if you are interested in something, have at it. 

Amazon - I have an Amazon Affiliate account. When I use my account to create links to items on Amazon, Amazon pays me if you buy something. I also get paid if you use the search box and buy something. It doesn't cost you anything extra and I cannot see who buys what. I can see that someone bought a radio or some knitting needles - but not who. Your privacy is protected by Amazon. If you'd like to support the blog, feel free to use the search box - again at no extra cost to you. 

I do not have any financial relationship with any of the radio suppliers. We communicate and I share information that I think my readers will enjoy. I have purchased radios, etc. from them, but I've paid the same price as everyone else.

Icom ID-51 D-Star HT

moleculo I'm really liking this Icom ID-51 D-Star HT. Not quite the swiss army knife of HTs like the VX-8, but really good at what it does #hamradioWed, Mar 27 13:40:14 from TweetDeck

His review is here: Icom ID-51A Review: VHF/UHF D-Star Handi-Talkie with GPS

Xiegu X1M: Videos

Operating the X1M...

Operating the X1M v2.01...

X1MKII (X1N) Receiving Test Video

A video the X1MKII (aka the X1N)...

Chinese Radios and Server Names

It will come as no surprise that most of the hits to this site are for the Chinese radio news... but I regularly see  hits to this post about server names. It isn't a ton of traffic, but enough to show up in the dashboard as one of the top five some days.

It was something that amused me, but was pretty much a throwaway post.

But now it bugs me because I don't know why it is still getting hits.

Maybe there is an overlap of people who like the Chinese radios, but hate the crazy naming conventions and are looking for comfort in simple, standard server names - like my TNFS01 or TNMAIL01.

I'm gonna actually have to learn how to use the analytics to see if I can see what is driving traffic to it.

The internet is a strange and wondrous place. Be careful out there.

Airbag for my iPhone

I need an airbag for my iPhone.

Xiegu X1M: Ed Update

Interesting news about the kit vs. built options:

"Twelve radios, 2 kits and 10 wired, have been shipped from the factory to my office in China. They have been forwarded to the US and hopefully they will arrive next week. The kits are not kits as we usually think of them. There is very little difference in the kit and wired costs, leading me to believe a kit only requires installing the boards, screws, knobs and etc. No actual wiring.

I had not planned for the existence of this radio to be made public until I had a chance to test it myself but the cat was let out of the bag by a friend of mine. I have been working for over a month with the factory for an exclusive US distributorship for their products. This has been somewhat of a chore because no one at the factory speaks English and their production output appears to be very slow right now. Hopefully this will all work out soon.

I have already ordered an additional 50 radios but I don't know how soon they can be produced. It took two weeks to get the first dozen made. 

If I have time this weekend I will put a notification list on my web site so that anyone interested will be notified when stock is available. If at all possible, I will try to have some of these for sale at Dayton. I will at leasthave one displayed there.

Regards, 

Ed Griffin
Import Communications

www.importcommunications.com"

Try Google Reader

Apparently Google hasn't heard about the impending demise of Google Reader. The screen shot from my Gmail suggests using Google Reader as a replacement for Web Clips. (I've never used Web Clips.)

And by the way, I'm not happy with my alternatives yet.

Feedly is popular. I'm not sold. It is too pretty. I want bare bones/utilitarian/fast.

Digg is going to make an alternative, but I'm afraid it will be too bloated. I want a single purpose tool.

I am not building my own RSS platform.

And I'm not using Outlook as a replacement since I want my feed on any device, anywhere.

I don't think I care about losing my starred articles, but if you do care, you can sort and save them.

Xiegu X1M: X1MKII

So we have the X1M which is listed as the v2.01 edition on the manufacturer's web page. And Sparky has pictures and specs of X1MKII.

I'm making an assumption based on the name and the fact that he has pictures of the X1M and X1MKII together that they are both Xiegu rigs. It should be no surprise that the naming conventions are creating some confusion - at least for me. (As I go deeper down the rabbit hole, I'm less convinced this is true -keep reading.)

My Google-Fu leads me to this Chinese forum and 49 pages of comments about the X1MKII. I read lots of the pages - too many excited, but irrelevant posts - to make information gathering easy A circuit diagram from the first post.

BG8HT, who is posting this information, has a blog. Here are some specs from a later post including a note about the model being X1N (tentative). Then I see on his blog where the name changes from the X1N to the X1MKII.

Released some details of the parameters:
Model: X1N (tentative)
transceiver Frequency range: 0.5 ~ 30MHz
contain all WAC-band, the amateur bands assurance indicators optimal;
Mode: SSB / CW / NFM / AM / RTTY / the FSK
output power: 8W @ 12.5V
internal standing wave detection, power detection / protection
Output Power 1 ~ 10W ​​continuously adjustable
built-in automatic key, pre-amplifier, pre-fader with AGC, ALC, NB, RIT, SPL.MEM commonly used functions such as digitized FM launch
external ATU interface, audio input and output ports, external PTT control, CI-V interface
receiver sensitivity: better than 0.3uV (available)
transmitter spurious @ harmonics rejection: better than-45dBc (amateur band)

In trying to decipher the translations, BG8HT may have bought the X1M as a kit. I can't tell if he is just testing it and reporting his findings or if he has a closer relationship to Xiegu. I'm even fuzzier on what is going on with the X1MKII. Now I'm wondering if it is even a Xiegu project.

Guns and Radios

moleculo Almost all of the #hamradio people I know around me also own guns...I wonder if that's true across the U.S.? I hope so :)Mon, Mar 25 17:55:48 from TweetDeck

Not all gun owners are hams, but lots of hams are gun owners in my experience. Of course my data may be skewed given my location in Tennessee - and the Nets I listen to and hams I know from around these parts.

Apple Two-Factor Authentication

I've started the process to enable it on my account. If you have an Apple ID, you should consider it, too.

Apple ID: Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID

I also don't keep a credit card on file with them. I get gift cards and just add them as I run out of money.

Baofeng UV-3R: Firmware Hacking

I'm way behind on this topic, but I am posting this in case you haven't see it at all. Lior is working on a custom firmware for the UV-3R. (He started with the UV-5R, but moved to the UV-3R when the project looked to be easier.)

If you have suggestions for features, he's started a thread on the UV-3R Yahoo Group.

Not Cheap Chinese Radios

If you get tired of the inexpensive Chinese radios, you could always try something like this.

Frozen Yogurt vs. Ice Cream

When I was a kid, there were lots of ice cream stores. It seems like they are almost all gone and have been replaced by frozen yogurt shops. I guess this is the price of progress.

Just something I've noticed.

Import Communications: 20W HF Transciever

Ed of Import Communications sent the spec sheet for the Xiegu 20W HF Transceiver. (Again, like the X1M, I'm calling it the Xiegu for the moment.) He says that the specs could change before final production. Until he gets the samples to test, he can't say what suggestions for changes he might make.

New DX Contact

Via Lower Columbia Amateur Radio's Facebook Page

Xiegu X1M: Import Communications Update and More

Some more details about the 5W QRP HF radio that Ed at Import Communications will be selling...

The 5W HF radio is the X1M from The Valley Association Chongqing Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (Thanks to Neil for pointing me in this direct.) The company URL as well as an image on their web page incorporates the word "Xiegu." YO9IRF calls the radio the Xiegu X1M, so I may go with that until someone corrects me. That's a lot better than The Valley Association Chongqing Science and Technology X1M or TVACST X1M for short.

Ed adds:

I have ordered 10 fully assembled and 2 in kit form. These have been shipped and should arrive soon. I have not seen the kits but believe them to only be a "hardware type" assembly. I won't suggest any modifications until after my units arrive and are tested.

A round-up of links about the radio - plenty of pics and videos:

X1M_QRP-Transceiver Yahoo Group
YO9IRF Blog
Sparky's Blog

Baofeng UV-5R: UV-5RAX 2M + 220

W2PDQ has a Baofeng UV-5RAX 144/220 Transceiver and shared the following in the comments on the original post:

"It works, with a few small issues. The radio was marked with a decal in the battery compartment as a 2m/440 radio. A call to Radio-Mart told me to check the antenna markings and power up, sure enough the little rubber attenuator is marked 2m/220 and using a charged battery from my 440 unit the display shows 220. When using the latest VIP programming it will allow me to place the 222 freqs in but chirp will not allow it (the chirp is a one month old nightly) 

Power on with holding the #3 key says BFB-296. Talked last night on the net with no issues. All the accessories such as the extended battery and car adaptor are also fine. Only distinguishing cosmetic is the front labelling with some reflective type as a dual band If you needed an extra battery for your 2/70 uv-5ra then this is only 35 bucks more for another radio with a 220 band. It was shipped rather quickly also. So far so good." 

"Need to get a sma to pl adaptor to check actual power."

Google Keep Retirement Date

Based on Google's history, it's brand new Evernote competitor, Google Keep, is expected to be retired in March 2017. That's why they didn't call it EverKeep. Ha!

Via Slashdog.org

HAVA Fundraiser and Giveaway Update/Reminder

Last month, I mentioned the HAVA Fundraiser and Giveaway that Linoge is running over at Walls of the City. Time is running out to participate in the giveaway. The last day to make a donation and be eligible for a prize is March 31.

A little about HAVA:

"As the number of injured men and women returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan grew, members of the firearms industry initiated a non-profit partnership called HAVA to aid disabled soldiers as they transition to their lives back in the United States. The ultimate goal is to increase their confidence and hope for the future by reconnecting with their love of the outdoors and the American traditions of hunting and firearms."

CLICK HERE TO DONATE.

Click here to view the rules.

And, with apologies to Linoge for the total copy/paste job, here are the prizes in case helping out a veteran isn't enough incentive.

4x HAVA Duffel Packages

1x HAVA-branded duffel bag (17” x 9” x 11”) courtesy of HAVA
1x HAVA-branded LaRue Dillo Tactical Beverage Entry Tool courtesy of HAVA
1x Leupold LensPen courtesy of HAVA
1x Smith & Wesson 25NRR Ear Muffs courtesy of HAVA
1x HAVA-branded ballcap courtesy of HAVA
1x Mossberg ballcap courtesy of HAVA
1x Surefire EP3 or EP4 (random selection) courtesy of HAVA
1x Surefire G2Z-OD or G2-OD (random selection) courtesy of HAVA
So, to recap, there are four packages that each contain:  (1) duffel bag, one (1) Dillo tool, one (1) lens pen, one (1) set of earmuffs, two (2) ballcaps, one (1) set of earplugs, and one (1) flashlight.  How awesome is that? 

“Bacon” Package

1x Custom-Engraved Ka-Bar Baconmaker courtesy of HAVA
1x “Fist Full of F*ck Yeah” T-Shirt (XL) courtesy of Zombie Tools
1x “Fist Full of F*ck Yeah” Can Koozie courtesy of Zombie Tools
No, it is not the knife that Crocodile Dundee carried in his iconic movie, but something tells me he would not mind having one of his own.  >7” length, recurved blade for easy bacon-making (literally), nylon belt sheath for storage, and a set of grip panels that will never allow this blade to slip out of your hands.  Plus, the knife has been engraved with HAVA’s logo, which only compounds the awesomeness. 

“Ultimate New Shooter” Package

1x Otis Elite Cleaning Kit courtesy of Brownells 
1x Brownells Pro Series Hearing Protection courtesy of Brownells
1x MagHolder courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Nature Wars courtesy of Random House
I do not think there is a firearm made that kit cannot clean, and, with a noise reduction rating of 26 and active microphones and speakers, those muffs will protect your hearing but still let you hear range commands. You can read my review of Nature Wars here, but it is definitely worth your time.

“Organized New Shooter” Package

1x Otis Elite Cleaning Kit courtesy of Brownells
1x 2 Handgun Storage Rack, courtesy of Armory Racks
1x Nature Wars courtesy of Random House
You can read my review of the 2 Handgun Storage Rack here, but the long and the short of it is that it greatly simplifies storing handguns wherever it is you keep them… as its name probably suggests. 

“Citizen Marksman” Package

1x Boomershoot Entry, including Friday and Saturday High Intensity events, Saturday dinner, and Sunday Long Range Event courtesy of Joe Huffman
1x Paul Revere’s Ride courtesy of Chris from AK
Boomershoot hardly needs an introduction in my crowd, but if you are unfamiliar with it, here is the shortest description I can muster: you shoot explosive targets at long range.  Yes, it is that awesome.  I have not read David Hackett Fischer’s book yet, but it appears to document the reasons and motivations behind one of the major events that sparked the American Revolution, and, as such, it is worth a read by any patriot. 

“Preparedness” Package

1x D.A.R.K. Complete Kit courtesy of Dark Angel Medical
1x Paul Revere’s Ride courtesy of Chris from AK
When it comes to matters of life and death, trusting a company whose staff has in excess of 20 years combined medical experience between them seems like a mighty good start, especially when all of the materials that go into their kits are hand-chosen by them, based on that experience. 

“EDC” Package

1x MagHolder courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Magholder.com-branded folding knife courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Nature Wars courtesy of Random House 
These unique, injection-molded plastic magazine holders are designed to hold your magazines sideways, which greatly improves their comfort and wearability.  You can read Skas’ review of them here. 

“Carrying in Style” Package

1x Diablo Outside the Waistband Holster courtesy of Dragon Leatherworks
1x Munchkin courtesy of Skas
1x ENDO Apparel $25 Certificate courtesy of ENDO
I do not have a single-action revolver myself any more, but if you do have a Ruger Blackhawk or something else like it, how else would you want to carry it?  And it only makes sense to include the awesome game I helped get him hooked on – if you have not played it, you should, and if you have, you know what I am talking about. 

“Gunny Gamer” Package

1x MagHolder courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Frag Gold Edition courtesy of Skas
1x ENDO Apparel $25 Certificate courtesy of ENDO
I cannot say as though I am overly familiar with “Frag”, but it’s official description speaks volumes:  “a "first-person shooter" on a tabletop. Move your fighter and frag your foes. Draw cards for weapons, armor, and gadgets. Move through the blood spatters to restore your own health! If you die, you respawn and come back shooting!” 

“Zombie Apocalypse Preparation” Package

1x 2 Handgun Storage Rack courtesy of Armory Racks
1x Munchkin Zombies courtesy of Skas
1x Zombie Che Guevera Hoodie (XL) courtesy of Zombie Tools
1x Ranger Up T-Shirt Certificate courtesy of Ranger Up
1x Can koozie courtesy of Eagles Nest Outfitters
I did not know what sizes my winners would be, nor what designs people will prefer (I rather likethis one, myself), so you get your choice of one t-shirt from Ranger Up’s all-too-awesome lineup. 

“Normal Apocalypse Preparation” Package

1x Munchkin Apocalypse, courtesy of Skas
1x Ranger Up T-Shirt Certificate courtesy of Ranger Up
1x I Don’t Hate Zombies T-Shirt (S, L, or 3XL) courtesy of Zombie Tools
1x Monderno PVC Morale Patch courtesy of Monderno
1x Can koozie courtesy of Eagles Nest Outfitters
Apocalypse is the newest, and, from what I hear, best installation of the Munchkin franchise… should be good training!  Regarding the Russian Origami t-shirts, hopefully you are a Large, X-Large, or XX-Large, because that is all I have left! 

“Motte” Package

1x Russian Origami T-Shirt
1x “walls of the city” Sticker 
1x “walls of the city” patch
This package and the next one might be a bit delayed, depending on the production schedule for the patches, but I will send it out as soon as I can. 

“Bailey” Package

1x Russian Origami T-Shirt
1x “walls of the city” Sticker
1x “walls of the city” patch

Import Communications: Exclusive and New Baofeng Versions

I had not previously posted anything about the Baofeng F-11 from Import Communications. It is a custom version of the UV-5R specially made for Import Communications with an exclusive firmware (USA349). Some have been critical of the F-11 for being slightly more expensive and having no real difference from the UV-5R (see this thread). I've not got one in my hands, so I can't say it is any better, but I would also remind them that part of the price is the service you get with it. (For example, I have seen where Ed is updating the firmware on the Anytone AT-5888UV radios he sold.)

In any case, the reason for my post is that Ed says he is about to have a 2M/220 version of the F-11:

"I will have a 2m/220 version of my Baofeng F-11 in a couple weeks."

I know that will make some people very happy.

He goes on to say that he will have a new Baofeng HT to compete with Wouxun and TYT:

"I will also have a new dual band HT from Baofeng using the more expensive chip, which can provide more user features than the present Baofeng radios. This will put the radio more in line with the Wouxun and TYT models."

Did I mention it sounds like it will be a fun summer for radios?

Import Communications: QRP HF Radios

Ed of Import Communications is branching out and will be offering some low power/QRP HF radios:

"I will soon be the US distributor for a small Chinese company that will produce two models of HF QRP radios. One model is ready now, with samples on the way. It is 5 watts, 0.1-30 MHz, SSB/CW with built-in keyer and is compatible with Ham Radio Deluxe. The other model will be available in May and is 0-20 watts with built in antenna tuner."

He sent a subsequent update and said the 20 watt radio will begin sales in June.

It is shaping up to be an interesting summer with some new offerings from the Chinese manufacturers.

TYT TH-9800: Rumors of its death...

Rumors, perpetuated by me nonetheless, of the death of the TYT TH-9800 may have been greatly exaggerated.

Chris pointed out the Andrews Communications site has the TYT TH-9800 as coming available in March for   $399AUD ($416 USD).

Ed from Import Communications provided some more specifics along with the timeline as he sees it:

"My samples for the TH-9800 will ship early April and mass production will begin in May.  I'm not sure if they will be ready for sale by Dayton, but I will at least have one on display... I had one on display last year.

And the coverage for the TH-9800 are as follows 

HF:    RX/26-33MHz;TX/26-33MHz

VHF: RX/47-54MHz;TX/47-54MHz (Optional)

VHF: RX/66-88MHz;TX/66-88MHz (Optional)

VHF: RX/108-135MHz

VHF: RX/136-180MHz;TX/136-176MHz

UHF: RX/320-399.995MHz;TX/350MHz-390MHz

UHF: RX/400-512MHz;TX/400MHz-470MHz or 440MHz-512MHz

UHF: RX/750-950MHz

I have not verified the "optional" VHF ranges but I'm guessing there will be different versions for different countries."

Nate's Open Letter to TYT

My post about the TYT TH-9800 got Nate thinking and the result is the following open letter from him to TYT.

If TYT will take an advice from me (Nate)... 

It is no secret that Chinese radio manufacturers like following the lead of other successful brands for a good reason, they sell.

The problem is that instead of bringing new ideas (or even good old proven ideas) they start playing with different packages and name labels which just add to the consumer's confusion, and doesn't generate more sales (writing "Hot 2013" in-front of last year's product doesn't really do anything).

I think TYT/Baofeng/others should "re-create" a very successful radio series Kenwood had in the 1990's, the Kenwood TM-642 / TM-742 / TM-842 / TM-942.

Today's technology should be able to cut down costs, and since TYT don't currently have any Dual band mobile radios, it wouldn't compete with other products they are already deeply invested in (which is probably why Kenwood stopped making them).

Creating a radio as a platform has many advantages, such as quick design phase, simple to manufacture, test, repair, and certify which saves the manufacturer money and lets the buyer get what they need (think how successful was the IBM compatible PC and how it shaped forever the computers we use today).

Radio as a platform means that the manufacturer will spend the time designing the radio itself, as a unit with a CPU, display, buttons, memory banks, software, speakers, RF, data and microphone jacks and expansion slots for modules , and than produce simple modules that will answer the demand from ham radio operators, and commercial entities world wide.

Modules: Each module should contain the specific RF parts for the band it is designed for such as Frequency generators, Mixers, Filters, and Power amplifiers.

There are at-least 9 Amateur bands that should be made: 10m, 6m, 4m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 33cm 23cm and 13cm.

Some of these bands can be used for commercial needs as well, if the software allows locking the radio to specific memory channels, and of-course if there is a need for a different band, all they need to do is create the appropriate module.

I'm going to concentrate in the question: Why can Chinese manufacturers count on revenue from selling modular/platform radios to ham radio operators world-wide?

1. Both in the Americas (1.25m and 33cm) and Europe (4m) these old/new bands are gaining a lot of popularity, while there is very little equipment for these bands being sold today, whoever is going to fill up the gap is going to win this game.

2. A lot of hams around the world can enjoy the universal bands of 23cm and 13cm, that the only reason why these aren't popular is that there is virtually no radios for it in a decent price.

3. There are no new triple band radios being made today, and if you look in eBay for any of these old Kenwood triple band radios, you'll see they still bring a very pretty penny (a lot of money) even after 20 years!!!

4. It will be very hard for hams to resist buying one radio to get into one more band, if they have their traditional 2m/70cm in it too, for example 2m/1.25m/70cm in the US and 4m/2m/70cm in Europe, and new hams looking for their first radio would want to get one too.

5. Buying more than one: I think that if there will be such a wide availability of all these bands, some hams will buy a second or even a third radio. Some hams will buy them for redundancy, some because they are collectors (these hams will probably buy all the module options), also a lot of hams put these mobiles in their cars, and since these will have the ability to have unique bands (bands they can't access on the their base station) , they will want to get at-least one more for the home too, and let's not forget these repeater owners that will get them just to extend the capability of their multi-band repeaters. 

6. Increasing sales and Accessories: these radios will require tri-band antennas for different band options, duplexers, and triplexers, this will add the manufacturers more revenue.

7. Innovation sells: look how much time and effort consumers put down talking about crappy poorly designed radios, in blogs, and in forums, even non shows, if there was an option to buy a triple band radios, people would most definitely buy them.