Saturday, August 31, 2013
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Baofeng UV-5R:
John passes along the following:
"The (Chinese) Radio Documentation Project has just gotten its latest update by Jim KC9HI.It is a great resource (and in a convenient PDF file). If you have a UV-5R, you will want to snag a copy.
If you are the owner of a UV5R (or any of it's cousins) this IS the manual.
A copy is available at http://www.miklor.com/uv5r/UV5R-Manuals.html"
Monday, August 26, 2013
Job
So, a funny thing happened to me recently. They came and told me I didn't have a job anymore. I said a few goodbyes and packed my stuff up and left. I hesitated to say anything here, but I figure I should since you might think this would mean more time for blogging, but it's not really turned out that way. I seem to be blogging less. Looking for a job is a full time job. And when I take a break, blogging is not high on my list. I suspect it will ebb and flow.
I'm not ready to hit the panic button today, but I'm taking some cost cutting measures - no more lawn service, reducing my cable bill, stopped contributing to my daughter's college fund, stopped making additional payments toward my mortgage principle, etc. I didn't spend a lot on gas, but that should go down a little since I will be at the house. Also, my lunch expense should go way down since I used to eat out almost every weekday. Discretionary spending will grind to a halt. For example, the family routine of stopping at Starbucks on the way to church every Sunday has stopped. I probably won't run as many races (at $25-30 per) and when I do I'm going to register early to get the discounts.
You might also think this would be a good time to work on my Extra. I thought about that, but I've decided to look at some IT certifications. My recent background is general IT management in manufacturing. Given the change in/decline of manufacturing, I'd be open to working in other industries and for smaller companies. I think my first step will be getting the ITIL Foundation certification. If I want to be more technical, it looks like the CCENT is just one test and the CCNA is two. (I have an old, old MCSE and an even older Novell cert, but nothing from Cisco.) There is also a CompTIA Green IT cert that might be interesting.
Since my parents and my wife's parents are in Knoxville, I'm focusing here for now. I'd really hate to move away. I've been looking around and applied for a couple of positions, but no interviews yet. (I'm not to this point yet, but maybe next week.)
I should add that it has been very humbling to reach out to old friends, co-workers, and classmates and receive so many words of encouragement and offers of help.
Thanks for letting me vent a little. And to reuse a line from a comment I made on another blog... posting will be more or less frequent than usual. So, sorry in advance if I don't get back to you right away.
I'm not ready to hit the panic button today, but I'm taking some cost cutting measures - no more lawn service, reducing my cable bill, stopped contributing to my daughter's college fund, stopped making additional payments toward my mortgage principle, etc. I didn't spend a lot on gas, but that should go down a little since I will be at the house. Also, my lunch expense should go way down since I used to eat out almost every weekday. Discretionary spending will grind to a halt. For example, the family routine of stopping at Starbucks on the way to church every Sunday has stopped. I probably won't run as many races (at $25-30 per) and when I do I'm going to register early to get the discounts.
You might also think this would be a good time to work on my Extra. I thought about that, but I've decided to look at some IT certifications. My recent background is general IT management in manufacturing. Given the change in/decline of manufacturing, I'd be open to working in other industries and for smaller companies. I think my first step will be getting the ITIL Foundation certification. If I want to be more technical, it looks like the CCENT is just one test and the CCNA is two. (I have an old, old MCSE and an even older Novell cert, but nothing from Cisco.) There is also a CompTIA Green IT cert that might be interesting.
Since my parents and my wife's parents are in Knoxville, I'm focusing here for now. I'd really hate to move away. I've been looking around and applied for a couple of positions, but no interviews yet. (I'm not to this point yet, but maybe next week.)
I should add that it has been very humbling to reach out to old friends, co-workers, and classmates and receive so many words of encouragement and offers of help.
Thanks for letting me vent a little. And to reuse a line from a comment I made on another blog... posting will be more or less frequent than usual. So, sorry in advance if I don't get back to you right away.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Online Job Application Systems
Whoever designs these new online job application systems should have to complete the process 100 times before they subject others to it.
I find them incredibly annoying. One size does not fit all. You would not ask the same interviews questions of a CEO and a clerk, yet doing so in a web form is okay. And things like giving you a small text box (about 100 characters) to "Describe your duties" seems dumb to me. Twitter gives you more characters! And don't get me started about duplicating the information in a resume in these same web forms.
I find them incredibly annoying. One size does not fit all. You would not ask the same interviews questions of a CEO and a clerk, yet doing so in a web form is okay. And things like giving you a small text box (about 100 characters) to "Describe your duties" seems dumb to me. Twitter gives you more characters! And don't get me started about duplicating the information in a resume in these same web forms.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
KYD NC-UV90A: Now Availible
Get it while it is hot: KYD NC-UV90A. The site says minimum order quantity of two pieces. Vicky of KYD says the price is $198 USD, but that is not displayed on the Alibaba site.
Specifications
Specifications
1.40/50 Watt
2.13.8V battery voltage
3.PC programmable
4.Dual band (VHF/UHF)
5.199 Channels
2.13.8V battery voltage
3.PC programmable
4.Dual band (VHF/UHF)
5.199 Channels
Dual band receiving
Double Standby
Full-duplexer cross-band
Ø VOX
Ø Keypad
Ø 107 DCS
Ø 50 CTCSS
Ø Priority Scan
Ø Channel Scan
Ø Hi/Low Power
Ø Time-out Timer
Ø 2 TONE/5 TONE (optional)
Ø Scrambler
Ø Compander
Ø ANI Code
Ø DTMF Code
Ø PC Programmable
Ø Busy Channel Lockout
Ø Selectable Squelch Level
Ø CO/TO/SE Scan Switchable
Ø Programmable 25kHz(Wide) 12.5kHz(Narrow) Channel Spacing
Frequency Range (MHz)
VHF 136-174Mhz
UHF 400-470Mhz 450-520Mhz
Type Dual band, Dual standby
PLL Channel Spacing 5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz
Battery Voltage 13.8V ±10%
Antenna Impedance 50Ω
Temperature Range -20°C~+60°C
Frequency Stability ±2.5PPM
Case Size 140X180X43mm
Weight (w/Battery) 1500g
Compatible With American Military Standard (MIL-STD-810C/D/E)
Double Standby
Full-duplexer cross-band
Ø VOX
Ø Keypad
Ø 107 DCS
Ø 50 CTCSS
Ø Priority Scan
Ø Channel Scan
Ø Hi/Low Power
Ø Time-out Timer
Ø 2 TONE/5 TONE (optional)
Ø Scrambler
Ø Compander
Ø ANI Code
Ø DTMF Code
Ø PC Programmable
Ø Busy Channel Lockout
Ø Selectable Squelch Level
Ø CO/TO/SE Scan Switchable
Ø Programmable 25kHz(Wide) 12.5kHz(Narrow) Channel Spacing
Frequency Range (MHz)
VHF 136-174Mhz
UHF 400-470Mhz 450-520Mhz
Type Dual band, Dual standby
PLL Channel Spacing 5/6.25/10/12.5/25KHz
Battery Voltage 13.8V ±10%
Antenna Impedance 50Ω
Temperature Range -20°C~+60°C
Frequency Stability ±2.5PPM
Case Size 140X180X43mm
Weight (w/Battery) 1500g
Compatible With American Military Standard (MIL-STD-810C/D/E)
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Monday, August 19, 2013
Thanks
Thanks to the person (or persons - I can't see any information on who is ordering) for using my Amazon link. I really appreciate the support.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Comments
So, I'm not really ignoring you guys... I just realized I've not been getting e-mails when someone posts a comment. Guess I'll work on fixing that and working through all the ones I've missed.
Get Another Dropbox Gig Free for Mailbox Users
I fill mine up with the mobile uploads from my phone all the time, so another free gig on Dropbox always helps!
Friday, August 16, 2013
Baofeng UV-5R: $32
I've lost track, so is this the lowest it has been?
(Shipping is free with Amazon Prime or if you are willing to wait.)
Via Mark WB3CAI (@marksenk)
Baofeng UV-5R for only $32!!!
(Shipping is free with Amazon Prime or if you are willing to wait.)
Via Mark WB3CAI (@marksenk)
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Living "Atlas Shrugged"
 stonebryson Train derailments, bridge collapses, govt directives. Anyone else feel like we're living "Atlas Shrugged?" #WhoIsJohnGaltMon, Jul 29 15:16:13 from web retweeted by AtlasShrugged |
Name: Stone Bryson
|
Location: Jacomo
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Bio: Poet / Founder of Tabletan / Twitter Junkie /// My Sites: http://t.co/h566b3RbPB / http://t.co/sR063tWItu
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Following: 104 Followers: 219 Updates: 6062
|
Baojie BJ-9900: 409Shop
Thanks to Ken who let me know that the 409Shop has the Baojie BJ-9900 (or BJ9900) on sale for $250 including shipping.
Previous posts about the 9900 are here. I looked back at my posts and saw that Hans was going to get a sample, so a) he didn't get it, b) I missed his review, or c) he got trapped under something heavy and we need to help him out so he can get back to posting reviews.
I hope it isn't the last one.
Previous posts about the 9900 are here. I looked back at my posts and saw that Hans was going to get a sample, so a) he didn't get it, b) I missed his review, or c) he got trapped under something heavy and we need to help him out so he can get back to posting reviews.
I hope it isn't the last one.
Monday, August 12, 2013
True Neutral Elf Cleric (5th Level)
First seen here. I find the "cleric" result interesting. I would have guessed my "constitution" score would haven been higher. Also, I think some libertarian type thinking put me in the "true neutral" zone.
What Kind of D&D Character Would You Be?
I Am A: True Neutral Elf Cleric (5th Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength-14
Dexterity-14
Constitution-12
Intelligence-17
Wisdom-16
Charisma-14
Alignment:
True Neutral A true neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. He doesn't feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos. Most true neutral characters exhibit a lack of conviction or bias rather than a commitment to neutrality. Such a character thinks of good as better than evil after all, he would rather have good neighbors and rulers than evil ones. Still, he's not personally committed to upholding good in any abstract or universal way. Some true neutral characters, on the other hand, commit themselves philosophically to neutrality. They see good, evil, law, and chaos as prejudices and dangerous extremes. They advocate the middle way of neutrality as the best, most balanced road in the long run. True neutral is the best alignment you can be because it means you act naturally, without prejudice or compulsion. However, true neutral can be a dangerous alignment when it represents apathy, indifference, and a lack of conviction.
Race:
Elves are known for their poetry, song, and magical arts, but when danger threatens they show great skill with weapons and strategy. Elves can live to be over 700 years old and, by human standards, are slow to make friends and enemies, and even slower to forget them. Elves are slim and stand 4.5 to 5.5 feet tall. They have no facial or body hair, prefer comfortable clothes, and possess unearthly grace. Many others races find them hauntingly beautiful.
Class:
Clerics act as intermediaries between the earthly and the divine (or infernal) worlds. A good cleric helps those in need, while an evil cleric seeks to spread his patron's vision of evil across the world. All clerics can heal wounds and bring people back from the brink of death, and powerful clerics can even raise the dead. Likewise, all clerics have authority over undead creatures, and they can turn away or even destroy these creatures. Clerics are trained in the use of simple weapons, and can use all forms of armor and shields without penalty, since armor does not interfere with the casting of divine spells. In addition to his normal complement of spells, every cleric chooses to focus on two of his deity's domains. These domains grants the cleric special powers, and give him access to spells that he might otherwise never learn. A cleric's Wisdom score should be high, since this determines the maximum spell level that he can cast.
What Kind of D&D Character Would You Be?
I Am A: True Neutral Elf Cleric (5th Level)
Ability Scores:
Strength-14
Dexterity-14
Constitution-12
Intelligence-17
Wisdom-16
Charisma-14
Alignment:
True Neutral A true neutral character does what seems to be a good idea. He doesn't feel strongly one way or the other when it comes to good vs. evil or law vs. chaos. Most true neutral characters exhibit a lack of conviction or bias rather than a commitment to neutrality. Such a character thinks of good as better than evil after all, he would rather have good neighbors and rulers than evil ones. Still, he's not personally committed to upholding good in any abstract or universal way. Some true neutral characters, on the other hand, commit themselves philosophically to neutrality. They see good, evil, law, and chaos as prejudices and dangerous extremes. They advocate the middle way of neutrality as the best, most balanced road in the long run. True neutral is the best alignment you can be because it means you act naturally, without prejudice or compulsion. However, true neutral can be a dangerous alignment when it represents apathy, indifference, and a lack of conviction.
Race:
Elves are known for their poetry, song, and magical arts, but when danger threatens they show great skill with weapons and strategy. Elves can live to be over 700 years old and, by human standards, are slow to make friends and enemies, and even slower to forget them. Elves are slim and stand 4.5 to 5.5 feet tall. They have no facial or body hair, prefer comfortable clothes, and possess unearthly grace. Many others races find them hauntingly beautiful.
Class:
Clerics act as intermediaries between the earthly and the divine (or infernal) worlds. A good cleric helps those in need, while an evil cleric seeks to spread his patron's vision of evil across the world. All clerics can heal wounds and bring people back from the brink of death, and powerful clerics can even raise the dead. Likewise, all clerics have authority over undead creatures, and they can turn away or even destroy these creatures. Clerics are trained in the use of simple weapons, and can use all forms of armor and shields without penalty, since armor does not interfere with the casting of divine spells. In addition to his normal complement of spells, every cleric chooses to focus on two of his deity's domains. These domains grants the cleric special powers, and give him access to spells that he might otherwise never learn. A cleric's Wisdom score should be high, since this determines the maximum spell level that he can cast.
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Friday, August 9, 2013
Powerwerx DB-750X: Programming Kit
I just don't get it... $39.99 for the software and cable (plus almost $10 in shipping via UPS ground to me)! That really doesn't make me want to get my wallet out for the $300 radio.
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Top Gear
Becoming more and more convinced the guys on Top Gear have the best job in the world. The "Hamster" is driving a 2 million GBP Lamborghini on the episode I am watching. And they pay them to do stuff like this.
Wanhua ATS-500: Digital Radio
candrist @brickolore
have you seen the Wanhua Digital Radio? I don't know much about them. m.aliexpress.com/item/931166152…
Features:
Single Call,Selective Call/All Call
Digital/Analog auto switch
Battery Saver
High/Low power(programmable),Voice Prompt
Scan Function,Manual Scan Switch
CTCSS/DCS
Time-out timer(TOT)
SMS,Voice Recording Function
Talk Range: 10km
Type: Two Way Radio
Brand Name: WANHUA
Storage Channel: 16
Dimensions: 133*59.5*38.5mm
Frequency Range: 400-470MHz
Model Number: ATS-500
Voltage: DC7.4V
Output Power: 5W
Capacity: 1200mAh
Weight: 261g
$243.99 USD
Gone Girl
Random book recommendation from my wife: Gone Girl
I mention it because she was lukewarm when she started the book. All her friends talked about how great it was and couldn't wait till she finished, so they could talk about it. She struggled to get through the first half or so, but now she's seen the light and is very excited about it. And apparently I will be reading it shortly.
I mention it because she was lukewarm when she started the book. All her friends talked about how great it was and couldn't wait till she finished, so they could talk about it. She struggled to get through the first half or so, but now she's seen the light and is very excited about it. And apparently I will be reading it shortly.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Baofeng UV-5R: Noise Canceling Feature
Hans has the details.
I say just move the slower processing unit a few inches closer to the source. That should take care of it and, if you position yourself correctly, you will have stereo sound!
I say just move the slower processing unit a few inches closer to the source. That should take care of it and, if you position yourself correctly, you will have stereo sound!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
Chromecast
Some have complained that the Chromecast is too limited, but I bought it to stream Netflix. If it does anything else, than that is just gravy.
I hooked it up this morning. It took about 10 minutes. Like my thermostat, it advertises a wireless network that you connect to from a laptop/phone/tablet. Once you've connected, you supply the information for your home network and the Chromecast will connect to it.
Once I got it on my network, I opened Netflix on my iPad and told it to send the stream to the TV. It worked like a champ!
The only thing that is a bit clunky is that you have to plug the dongle into a USB charger for power. That keeps it from being 100% wireless all the time, but that's a minor quibble in my book.
I hooked it up this morning. It took about 10 minutes. Like my thermostat, it advertises a wireless network that you connect to from a laptop/phone/tablet. Once you've connected, you supply the information for your home network and the Chromecast will connect to it.
Once I got it on my network, I opened Netflix on my iPad and told it to send the stream to the TV. It worked like a champ!
The only thing that is a bit clunky is that you have to plug the dongle into a USB charger for power. That keeps it from being 100% wireless all the time, but that's a minor quibble in my book.
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