So I'm Back

Looks like I missed a lot of fun things on the radio front during the last week and I hope to get caught up. See, I wasn't here. I was there. There being Disney World (fun) and then Atlanta (not fun).

We took our daughter and went with another family to see Mickey. Six plus luggage for a fun few days in Orlando via a rented minivan. It was a blast. We saw plenty of princesses and rode lots of rides. The Toy Story Midway Mania at Hollywood Studios may be the best.

We then started home on our 600 mile return trip. Unfortunately, that put us in Atlanta as the storm hit and they closed every school, the government, and every business at the same time. Atlanta's roads couldn't handle that on a regular day much less when the roads are getting slick. At one point, it took us almost exactly an hour to go one mile. We decided to find shelter and made it to the Crown Plaza. (We were too slow in deciding to seek shelter I have determined in my AAR.) I thought the six of us would probably end up spending the night in the lobby.

There were some people there for a conference. Two of them took pity on us and decided they would bunk together and give us a room. I am so grateful for their gift. We ended up with another lady in our room that had a 15 month old with a broken leg. They were Atlanta locals, but couldn't get home either. So, five adults, two pre-school girls, and the infant. The hotel brought up a crib. The mother slept on the coach. The girls in our group had the beds and the two dads had the floor. The infant was not happy - hungry, teething, who knows - and would cry/scream every 15 minutes. I have bruises on my hips from "sleeping" on the floor. And I can't tell you how grateful I was to be there. It could have been so much worse.

Before we bedded down, I should also mention that the Crown Plaza opened up their restaurant and fed everyone for free. They were even giving away drinks.

The next day, the six of us moved four miles to home of a friend from church back in Knoxville. He and his family took us in for the night. We got hot showers and more food. I even got to watch the UT basketball game on TV. They were so generous.

We left the next morning and made it back to Knoxville yesterday afternoon - safe and sound. I'm leaving out a lot of details. It is all a bit of a blur still. But, I'm back and need to catch up on home stuff, the job search, my PMP studies, and some radio news.

I'm very happy to be home.

Gun Box

So a gun case that opens with an RFID chip on a bracelet. I'm not sure I feel that is a good idea. I guess it is no worse than having a key that can be taken. Or even a combination that you are "encouraged" to share. I do like that you can get an extra RFID sticker. Maybe put it inside a book cover.

It is a lot prettier than other gun cases I have seen. Add a couple of fake antennas and people would think it was a wireless router.

A clear positive is that it has two USB ports for charging devices.

Via Uncrate

VHS Opportunity

Looking at this chart, I may invest in VHS. I think it is due for a come-back. No DRM. No privacy issues.

Minority Report - Commerce Division

For get Sunday deliver. Forget delivery by drones. Amazon is going to use precogs to ship before you order.

Actual story at the WSJ via Slashdot.

Caldwell AR-15 Magazine Charger

This AR-15 magazine loader puts my Uplula to shame.

Worst Passwords

Here are the worst passwords of 2013.

I should be safe. Mine is:

123456password12345678qwertyabc1231234567891111111234567iloveyouadobe123123123adminletmeinphotoshop1234monkeyshawdowsunshine12345password1princessazertytrustno1000000

Books in a Twitter World

From @rablivingstone:

Via Business Insider

Logos

I like to see re-imagined logos.

Hipster NFL Logos

NBA as Football/Soccer

Prepper Cabinet

Just write a check ($14,500) and have them drop-off a fully stocked cabinet.

+ Cabinet De-Humidifier, Dry Rod
+ Power Bar - 6 Outlet, included with cabinet
+ 12 ft 20 Amp Grounded Extension Cord
+ 3 Prong Adapter
+ Master Lock with Changeable Combination
+ Adhesive Contents Decal for Interior Left Door
+ Wolfram Decal for Doors
+ Sea Bags for Taking Items with You
+ New MillenniumEnergy Bar Pack, 36,000 Calories, 5 Year Life
+ Mainstay Food Ration, 36,000 Calories, 5 Year Life
+ S.O.S Emergency Food Ration, 36,000 Calories, 5 Year Life
+ Aqua Box Case, 24 - 8 ounce water packs, 5 Year Life
+ Water Filter, Katadyn Base Camp - Gravity Blue Bag
+ Water Purification Tablets
+ Coffee Filters, Tapered, Brown, Premium - Qty 100
+ 100 Gallon Bathtub Liner, with pump & pipe
+ 5 Gallon Collapsable Water Container, Clear Plastic
+ 5 Gallon, Square Water Containers
+ 2.6 Gallon Collapsible Bucket
+ Siphon Hand Pump
+ Counter Rack for 5 Gallon Water Bottles, Silver Metal
+ Dispenser & Valve for 5 Gallon Water Bottles, 55 mm,
+ Multipurpose Threaded Valve Cap for Water Jerry Can
+ 4 ft RV hose to attach to hot water tank
+ Garden hose shut off nozzle
+ Solar Charger - Nomad 13 with Battery Pack
+ Goal Zero Guide 10 Plus Power Pack w/4 AA NiMH Rchrg Bttrs
+ Midland - Hand Crank Radio, ER102 NOA AM/FM Emg
+ Midland - 24 mile Rand Two Way Radios
+ Lanterns, Coleman CPX 6
+ Coleman CPX Rechargabel Power Cartridge
+ 100 hour liquid parafin candles, package of 6
+ Spot Light, Waypoint
+ Solar Rechargable Flashlights
+ Flashlights, Stream Light
+ Petzl Duo LED Headlamp
+ Enduro Streamlight, Small Headlamp
+ Waterproof Match Case with Stormproof Matches
+ Stormproof Matches
+ All Weather Lighter
+ Marine Rescue Flares - 4 Pack
+ Butane Cartridge for Lighter
+ Marine Rescue Horn, 8 Oz
+ 12 Pack Glow Sticks, 3 Colors - Orion
+ 3 minute smoke flare, 40,000 cubic feet, Pack of 12
+ 1 minue smoke flare, 13,000 cu ft, Pack of 12
+ Orion USCG Orange Distress Flag
+ Orange Spray Paint
+ Rite n the Rain Full Size Notebook
+ Lumber Crayon
+ Pencils, box of dozen
+ Batteries - AA, Rechargeable, NiMH
+ Batteries - D, Alkaline
+ First Aid Kit - AMK Guide 1
+ Women’s First Aid Kit
+ Trauma Pack
+ SOL 2 Person Emergency Bivy
+ 12 x 14 Tarp
+ General Poncho
+ Hot Hands Hand Warmers, Box
+ 100 ft bundle of 3/8 Roap
+ Surgical Masks, 3M N95HC Particulate & Surgical,R Qty 20
+ Nitrile gloves, 30 pack
+ Collapsable Sea to Summit Bucket, 2.6 Gallon
+ Fresh Bath Body Wipe - 10”x8”, 8 pack
+ Dial Soap - 4 Bars
+ Luggable Loo
+ Lava Hand Soap
+ Toilet Paper - Charmin
+ Cloth Hand Towels - 18 Pack, Micro Fiber
+ Luggable Loo Double Duty Bags - 32
+ Therma Cell - Olive Green Standard
+ Therma Cell Replacement Pack 4 Butane, 12 Mats
+ Natrapell 8 hour, 12 individual wipes - DEET Free
+ Bleach - 1 Gallon, Concentrated Bleach
+ Vinegar - Household 2 Qt
+ Contractors Weight 42 Gallon Plastic Bags, 24 count
+ Propane Camp Stove, 2 Burner Coleman Titan
+ Propane Tank Adaptor - to grill style propane tanks
+ Propane Cylinders Small for Stove
+ Coleman 5 Pc Family Cookset, non-stick, red
+ Camp Coffee Pot, 9 Cup blue enamel
+ Polycabronate Plates, Bowls & Cups - 4 Setting
+ Box Disposable Silverware
+ 3 Piece, Non Stick Camp Utensil Kit, Spatula, Fork & Spoon
+ Sturdy Can Opener
+ P-38 GI Can Opener
+ Collapsable Sea to Summit Sinks
+ Kitchen Towells - 12 Pack, 100% cotton
+ Dish Brush, 12 inch
+ Hard Nylon Scrub Pads, Scotchbrite Heavy Duty Pads, 3 pk
+ Paper Towell Roll
+ Kitchen Knife
+ Liquid Dish Soap - Dawn Ultra 24 oz
+ Box of ZipLoc Bags - 1gallon, 24 count
+ Fuel Siphon Kit
+ Funnel - Goose Neck, Fuel, Galvanized
+ XRP Sawsall & Hammer Drill w/Batteries & Case, 18 Volt
+ Sawsall Course Pruning Blades - 12”, 6 pack
+ Sawsall Metal Blades - 9” General Purpose, 6 pack
+ Drill & Tool Bit MultiPack (3 Sets), 77 Pc Drl,Drv,Impc Ready
+ Biel Fire Axe Tool & Hydrant Wrench
+ Gerber Camp Axe, Extra Long
+ Bow Saw - 36”
+ Bow Saw Blades, 36” Replacement Blades
+ Crow Bar - 36”- Bostich
+ Sledge Hammer - 8 lb, Fiberglass Handle Smooth & Check Faced
+ Short Handle - 24” Mini Fixed Blade Square Shovel
+ Short Handle - 24” Mini Fixed Blade Spade Shovel
+ 18” Bolt Cutters
+ Framing Hammer, 22 oz, steel shank, checkered face
+ Crescent Wrench - 12”
+ 8 Piece Screwdriver Set
+ Channel Lock Pliers - 12” Square Bite
+ Sheet Metal Shears, Yellow center cut, 18 gauge
+ Vice Grip - 12”
+ Razor Knife - Classic 99
+ Razor knife blades, 50 pack
+ Box of 3” Coated Coarse Thread Deck Screws, Phillips
+ Nails, 16 Nails, 5 lbs, Common, Bright
+ Canvas Military Style Tool Bag
+ Wire Nuts, min 2, #14, max 4, #12 - qty 100
+ Small Zip Ties, 8” - 30 Pack
+ Large Zip Ties, 18” - 15 Pack
+ Electrical Tape, 60 ft
+ Duct Tape, 1.88 x 55 yds, Highgrade Scotch
+ 4” Pipe Plug, Threaded, Test Titan Mechanical Plug
+ 3” Pipe Plug, Threaded, Test Titan Mechanical Plug
+ Goggles
+ Safety Glasses/Goggles
+ Ear Plugs, 8 count, multicolor, foam disposable
+ Dust Masks - Box of 20, Fiberglass & Gypsum
+ Rubber Coated Work Gloves - XL
+ Leather Work Gloves - Large, Cowhide Basic
+ Leather Work Gloves - XL, Cowhide Basic
+ Blaze Orange Work Gloves
+ Utility Shutoff Tag - Water
+ Utility Shutoff Tag - Gas
+ Utility Shutoff Tag - Electric, with double sided tape

Via Uncrate

Ten-Tec

Ten-Tec, here in my backyard, is having a change of leadership.  It sounds like they are staying committed to ham radio for now. I've heard some speculate that might not always be the case.

Vero Telecom VR-6600P Coming Soon

Hans has an update on the Vero Telecom (VGC) VR-6600P. Previous coverage here of this Yaesu FTM-350 lookalike.

Baofeng UV-B5: Flashlight Mod Part II

In case this mod to add a flashlight to your UV-B5 is too much work, try this.

Ham Radio Growth

Ham radio continues to grow in the US - at least in terms of licenses. (This Reddit discussion got me thinking about it.)

Why?

1. Morse code is no longer a barrier to entry.
2. Cheap radios mean cost is not a barrier to entry.
3. The prepper/survivalist movement includes interest in communications.
4. Ham radio on TV!

Running

I ran today. I ran more miles (13) than the temperature this morning (12 degrees American).

At least I didn't have this problem.

Don't Walk

Dance!

Google's Next Acquisition

Google's Next Acquisition: Skydrop - the Nest of irrigation systems. Time for someone to create an open-source controller!

Via Uncrate

50 GB of Box Cloud Storage Free

So I've used Dropbox, SkyDrive, and Google Drive. I'm adding Box to the list since they are offering 50 GB of free storage. I don't put anything sensitive out in the cloud, but 50 GB handles several years worth of pictures.

Via Lifehacker

Tomato Head Expands

For my Knoxville readers... Woo Hoo! More Tomato Head!

Surecom SR-112 Simplex Repeater

The Surecom SR-112 Simplex Repeater at the 409Shop for $69.90.

SR-112 Radio record simplex repeater Controller The SR-112 is a multi-function voice recorder device that connects to virtually any handheld, base, or mobile radio. It features exceptional voice recording quality and higher capacity than any other comparable device on the market. Simplex Repeater A simplex repeater records incoming transmissions and retransmits them on the same frequency. This has the effect of doubling the time required to transmit a message, but while a traditional repeater typically costs thousands of dollars and might be semi-portable at best, a simplex repeater can be set up with a single handheld radio and operated from batteries. This makes it perfect for disaster response, home or campground use, and any place where radio range needs to be extended but the cost and complexity of a traditional repeater can’t be justified. Voice Mail The SR-112 s voice mail function operates like a telephone answering machine, allowing users to record messages for later retrieval. Up to 3 incoming messages can be recorded, total recording  message  up to 180sec Auto message send system 15/30/45 minutes  setting Major Features- 3 of message box for record - Auto Messge send out at 15/30/45mins -Up to 180 seconds total recording time -DTMF remote control for all functions -19.2 KHz sample rate for excellent voice clarity -Operates from 14500 3.7V Li-ion or external 5-24 V DC supply -build-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery support 72 hours long life operation -User to change the DTMF remote control password by radio -User set the Repeater Operates On/Off by DTMF -Audio output adjustable in hardware and by remote command -Audio in Level display -Auto Battery level display (20%~100%) -Provides audio Input  level display  ( for adj. best sound ) -Provides signal roger beep setting -DTMF signal dispaly -Works with most popular CB,FRS, PMR, Amateur radios,Mobile Radio (optional of Cable) -1 year warranty on complete unit, 5 years on flash memory

Open Source Thermostat

Build an open-source thermostat. (Via Bunnie Studios)

Can I also get an open-source refrigerator?

Google's Business Plan

Google's Business Plan

Step 1: Control your thermostat
Step 2: Control the weather
Step 3: PROFIT

HT Antenna Reference Chart

First, there was the Antenna Connector Types - Pictorial Guide. Now, they have posted a chart that lists the compatible HT antenna connectors by manufacturer/model.

Antenna Connector Types - Pictorial Guide

A helpful pictorial guide to antenna connector types.

Working on New Content

I should have something amazing for you any minute now////////////////////////////////



Via The Blaze

New Job Playbook

This is one of those mostly just for me type posts. For a couple of the jobs I have been interested in, part of my preparation includes thinking about what I would do in the first 30 - 90 days. Of course it would vary by job, but these are some of the things I might want to do:

• Create or review the service portfolio/catalog - especially understanding the relationships between systems
• Review projects - recently completed, underway, and proposed
• Spend one-on-one time with the IT staff - review their background, link their roles to services and projects
• Meet with key stakeholders in the lines of business/departments
• Meet with key suppliers/partners and review contracts
• Review any recent customer satisfaction survey data or conduct a survey
• Review expense and capital budgets including YTD/previous year actuals
• Review current IT policies and procedures
• Review recent audit findings (governance, controls, security)
• Complete a basic maturity assessment

With all that information, I would really want to focus on the differences. For example, do the stakeholders and IT team members both see the same problem areas? Do they agree on where IT is most effective? Are the projects aligned with the needs as expressed by the stakeholders? Is the money spent going toward the things that are most important? Are we training people before we start bringing in technologies?

I'd also take a look at the service catalog to see if there are opportunities for consolidation/integration. Are there services we should move in-house or be better off buying?

Ultimately, this analysis would lead to the strategic plan that would set goals for the coming years. It would, more than likely, result in changes to the day-to-day operations.

American Girl PSA

If American Girl happens to you, below are some helpful hints.

If you hold the dolls upside down when changing their clothes, their hair stays out of the way.

When changing their clothes, put both arms forward and gently squeeze them together. This makes it much easier to get the arms through the sleeves in most outfits.

Some shoes are hard to get on. For a difficult pair, start with the doll facing away from you. Place your thumb on the doll's heel. Start putting the shoe on and put your index finger on toes; applying pressure towards the heel. Squeeze the sides of the shoe with other hand and slide it over the heel.

Traditional Music

For those of you who like traditional music, I present:

Sand

Hugh Howey just released his new book, Sand, on Amazon. I really liked the Silo Saga series and the way he does business (you can get DRM free versions directly from him), so a little promo for the new one. His site is here.

Wouxun

Ed shares some more of his thoughts and details of his experience working with Wouxun - including some e-mail exchanges. Based on what he reports, I don't blame him for wanting to move on. Forgetting for a moment the issue of a memory loss defect (no pun intended), it sounds like the business relationship steadily grew worse for multiple reasons. I'm curious if all the other sellers were required to handle warranty problems the same way. Also, I don't really understand the pricing policy strategy.

Have a read and I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

My World Has Been Turned Upside Down

Via 40 maps that will help you make sense of the world. Also from that page, it appears that some countries are too busy drinking spirits to drink coffee.

Links

Here are some Links to keep you busy over the week-end.

Via @EdwardMKE

Internet of Things and Security

I've seen several articles about the Internet of Things (IoT) being big in 2014. I am, in general a fan of the advantages of connected devices and the cloud, but I'm not unaware of the problems.

Bruce talks about the security issues of the IoT and routers:

"And the Internet of Things will only make this problem worse, as the Internet -- as well as our homes and bodies -- becomes flooded with new embedded devices that will be equally poorly maintained and unpatchable. But routers and modems pose a particular problem, because they're: (1) between users and the Internet, so turning them off is increasingly not an option; (2) more powerful and more general in function than other embedded devices; (3) the one 24/7 computing device in the house, and are a natural place for lots of new features."

Hans pointed out an example of a security issue on my post about the WRT54G router.

Part of my hope is that companies will take this issues more seriously. Security should be planned just as any other requirement for the application or tool. The market should severely punish companies like SnapChat that approach security issues with arrogance. And Nest had a painful, confusing experience when some of their smart/connected thermostat users were left without heat. I'm sure it will get worse before it gets better, but like given time I expect these devices will mature... or we will quit using them. At least the ones we have a choice in.

And maybe I don't want my toothbrush connected after all.

Hogue iPhone Case

I really like my Magpul iPhone case. It doesn't add much to the size/weight, but offers enough protection that I think it would survive a drop or two.

I see that Hogue is getting into the iPhone case game. Lots of people like the Hogue grips, so this might be a good match for a case. They've got several options... all of which are out of my price range.

Via FoxNews

TN Governor's Race

He's thrown his hat in the ring. And something will be just like the purity of that apple.



Via The Blaze

Wouxun: Main Trading Company Comments

MTC shared this message and talked about Ed's comments:

"Any Chinese products that you may see on our site are fully backed by us with a great warranty. We do not sell everything that comes down the pike. We do sell products that we have tested, beta tested with some of our great customers and put them on the market only when we feel that we can stand behind them. We have heard horror stories about folks buying some imported products with no real warranty or return policy from foreign websites pretending to be in the states or even from some popular U.S. auction sites. Some of these customers were shipped radios with foreign voltage chargers, knock offs, copies, DOA units and worse. When they found out they had to pay more than the unit cost to send it to China for warranty or deal with some crazy company here in the states working out of their extra bedroom with no real radio knowledge , the were sorely disappointed."

They focus on the warranty and service they provide, but, other than a general comment about testing and being selective, they don't really address the issue that Ed claims exists.

Icom IP100H WLAN Radio

Radio or wireless VoIP PTT phone?

The Icom IP100H:

"The simplicity of this new system is that the communication is licence free and via a Wireless Local Access Network (WLAN) point….it literally uses the same technology we use to operate our tablets, mobile phones or PC’s. 

Icom’s new IP Advanced Radio System provides organisations with a simple radio system which is only restricted its range by the coverage area of a wireless LAN network. The communication range can easily be extended by adding more access points on an IP network. 

Main Features  

• Licence free radio system using a wireless LAN.
• Users can roam among deployed access points
• Dispersed sites can be connected over an IP network (VPN)
• WPA-PSK or WPA2-PSK encryption protects your conversation security 
• No licence fee, no call charges 
• Use two way radio communications in previous areas where there was no coverage. 
• Up to 100 users can be loaded on a system and all users can communicate at the same time 
• The IP100FS remote communicator shows user position information based on access point information 
• Individual, Group conference call, All call, Area call, Priority call
• Full-duplex communication: Talk and receive simultaneously like a phone call (Optional headset required for IP100H)
• Press to talk operation like a conventional transceiver
• Unique Area call function can call any user who is accessing the specified access point
• Remote stun, kill, revive and monitor function (Transmit from IP100FS only)• Status call and short data message with vibration alert
• Auto provisioning function helps easy transceiver configuration
• IP Phone and analogue transceiver interconnection with VE-PG3 
• IPX7 waterproof construction (IP100H only)"

Wouxun Defects: The Other Side

After all the posts about Ed's divorce, Hans had a couple of Wouxun sellers comment on his site.

UK:

"We have sold THOUSANDS of their entire range and bar a very very low percentage of failures, have not encountered the problem he reports."

Netherlands:

"While he sold at least 500 dual-band Wouxun models, he only ran into the problem once."

So is Ed unlucky? Did he get bad lots? Is he wrong? I've worked with the Chinese enough to be aware of some of the cultural differences that can create problems. I've had problems with our plants in Mexico and Italy, too. It's just easier when everyone thinks (mostly) the same way. But ignoring some of the communication and ordering problems, the question remains: is there a big quality problem with Wouxun radios? The data is not very clear. I took what Ed posted at face value. We've all seen quality problems with the Chinese radios, so it was all to easy to just run with his comments.

I'm going to do some more analysis and get back to you.

AnyTone AT-3318UV-C

I posted about the AT-3318UV-A, but Ed also mentioned the AT-3318UV-C. He says it is:

"a true dual band radio. It will receive two signals at the same time and it will even cross band repeat. This radio will sell in the price range of the KG-UV6D."

On the Yahoo Group, he adds:

"Retail will be $199.95, but may sell for a little less from time to time.Shipment of only 30 will be delivered mid-Jan.
500 more will follow soon, depending on the Chinese New Year schedule.
I will put up an ordering page in a day or so."

Pew Pew Pew

Via Tactical Advantage Corp:

Internet of Things - Toothbrush

Thermostats. Fitness monitors. Even trash monitors for pay-as-you-throw to encourage recycling. This one caught me by surprise. It can report how long you brush, the zones in the mouth, and the frequency to you ... and your dentist! So next time someone says they need to brush their teeth, you can tell them there is an app for that!


Via Uncrate

WRT54G

The WRT54G router has been reincarnated as the WRT1900AC. I had one of the WRT54G routers and recommended it to many others. I'd be interested in the new one, but not for $300. I'll stick with my ASUS RT-N66U for half the price.

HF-One: HF-One MKII Kit

I'm not real sure what is going on, but the kit version of the HF-One MKII sounds easy to put together.

"The next package, you only need a screwdriver to assemble OK, multimeter may also be unobtainable."

Maybe even something I could do if they do start shipping them.

BCS MVP

Red Lightning... link here if the embed doesn't work.


Via Deadspin

Laser Pointer

"Jerome M. Hauer, Gov. Andrew Cuomo's director of homeland security, took out his handgun and used the laser sighting device attached to the barrel as a pointer in a presentation to a foreign delegation, according to public officials."

Via Say Uncle

Shoes

If you find something you like, stick with it. Especially if you don't have a lot of money and can use an Amazon gift card to buy the out of production model for cheaper than anything at the local running stores.

The ASICS GT-2170 times three (pair). I don't know how many miles the oldest pair had (probably 400+), but the middle pair has 500+ miles. The newest pair has 3.01 miles.

LOL

"Did you hear the one about the midget psychic who escaped from Folsom? Police are looking for a small medium at large."

Impact and Perception

I posted about the Wouxun problem.
Hans posted about the Wouxun problem.
Matt posted about the Wouxun problem.
David posted about the Wouxun problem.
It is making the rounds on the Yahoo Group.
It is making the rounds on the forums like eHam.net, QRZ, and AR-15, CalGuns.net.
[ EDIT TO ADD: ] The QRPer posted about the Wouxun problem.


That's in less than 24 hours. I know we don't represent a huge part of the total internet, but for the Chinese radios, we are what I like to call a non-trivial number. Wouxun had a huge lead on the other manufacturers. The KG-UV920R was a disappointment. Losing the guy that bought these radios to the US market is another step back. Culture issue? Poor management? Inability to manufacture? With alternatives like Baofeng, AnyTone, and a multitude of others, more problems or perceived problems* will make them go the way of AOL.

* Especially considering the price increases as they became more popular. My first Wouxun was less than $110.

Wouxun Defects

In addition to announcing the AT-3318UV-A and the end of his relationship with Wouxun, Ed takes some parting shots about the quality of the Wouxun radios, the warranties, and services:

- "flop" of a dual band mobile
- ordering difficulties
- lack of a real warranty, only repairs
- memory loss problem on all dual band radios

The last one has the most direct impact to owners. According to Ed, all dual bands have a chip that may go bad causing the radio to revert to Chinese, display the channel numbers, and sometimes erase the programmed channels. Reprogramming the radio might fix it - or only until the power is cycled again.

Best and Worst of 2013

I was going to do a list, but I've been lazy busy. Lucky for me, Hans has updated his "China’s Best and Worst" list for 2013. He does his rankings based on the technical analysis.

Looks like I am going to do a list of sorts after all...

HTs
From a non-technical perspective, I would say looking at the GT-3 has been fun. I'd like to get a ZT-2R as its wide-receive might make it a better micro HT to have around than the UV-3R.

Mobiles
I got to play with the KG-UV950P and learned quite a bit during the testing process. (Thanks again to Buy Two Way Radios for the loaner.) I also was really excited about the VV-808 when it appeared as an inexpensive single band mobile.

HF
The Xiegu X1MKII has taken off - so much that I've not kept up with all the news/mods/firmwares/etc. And I wish that I'd see more about the HF-One MKII.

As for 2014, hopefully we will continue to see advances across the board including the digital radios that are starting to appear. (And hopefully I will get a job, too!)

AnyTone AT-3318UV-A

I had not seen much from Ed at Import Communications. Now I know why. He is ending his relationship with Wouxun. He is selling off his current inventory of the Wouxun KG-UV6D for $109.95 (inc free AA Pack).

And for his next big announcement, he is introducing a line of AnyTone radios - the AT-3318UV. (Astute readers will recall that Buddy asked me what I knew about this radio in July. My answer was not much.) I suspect these will become more popular just because of the visibility that Ed will bring to it.

First off is the AT-3318UV-A for $99.95:

• 6 Watts VHF
• 5 Watts UHF
• 136-174 MHz & 420-520 MHz & FM Broadcast
• Wide Band & Narrow Band
• 2.5 kHz tuning step for splinter frequencies
• 5/Tone encode and decode
• 199 Channels with Alpha Tags
• Squelch level adjustable for each channel
• Squelch tail elimination
• CTCSS that really works - when scanning channels, radio will stop ONLY when CTCSS tone is present
• VFO Scanning - frequency limits can be set for both VHF & UHF
• Channel Scanning - scanned channels can be ADDED or REMOVED via the keypad
• Frequency Reverse button - exchanges TX & RX frequencies
• Talk Around button - sets TX frequency to repeater's output frequency
• Programmable by computer
• EASY to manually program
• Keypad totally lockable to meet FCC Part 90 requirements

There is a Yahoo Group setup for the AT-3318UV.

I'll post more as I learn more.

Baofeng GT-3 and BF-E500S

I got a reply from the 409Shop regarding the BF-E500S and if it shared internals with the GT-3:

"sorry, since we haven't GT-3 and we don't know that"

As a reminder, the response from Baofeng said:

"I am sorry that I do not know the radio in 409 shop is same or not with our GT-3. I think you should confirm this with them."

To sum up... your guess is as good as theirs.

Magic Smoke Captured in HD

Hans has the video.

ZasTone DP-680

UHF digital...

Looks

Christian Diemoz @Chris_Diemoz Looks like a new #dPMR from #Zastone is out: DP-860. aliexpress.com/item/New-Launc… #hamr #hamradio @brickolore @radiosification 09:57 PM - 03 Jan 14

Peyton

Because we don't have much to cheer for with the current state of our football program, we can focus on our glorious past.

Baofeng GT-3: Names

So the story goes like this...

Hans and I found the Baofeng A52 and B-580T a while back.

Rob pointed out the GT-3.

Then Nate found the BF-E500S that appears to be a GT-3.

Now, Martyn says the A52, B-580T, and the GT-3 are all the same.

Applying the transitive property, that would mean A52=B-580T=GT-3=BF-E500S, so I e-mailed Baofeng and asked if the radios were the same and they replied:

"I am sorry that I do not know the radio in 409 shop is same or not with our GT-3. I think you should confirm this with them."

I've tweeted and e-mailed 409Shop with no reply on the BF-E500S yet. Back to the Baofeng reply:

"B580T is same with A52, same internally but different shell with GT-3. "

If they are the same, where did the "BAND" button go?

6-in-1 Programming Cable

I love things like this 6-in-1 cable for programming various radios. Of course, with the problems people have with counterfeit chips, poorly fitting connections, COM port confusion, etc. maybe it isn't the best idea to introduce another variable.

Discovered here.

Baofeng GT-3: Best of Comments

Pulling some good info out the comments left on various posts...

Michael:

I have had my GT3 for 3 weeks now. I'm very pleased with it, The new hardware inside is different. It seems a bit quieter and more stable, than other models I have purchased from Baofeng, and the audio volume is comparable to the UV-82. The software features are similar to previous Baofeng radios. It is easy to manually program. There is no "free" Baofeng software for this GT-3 model yet. Chirp does not have it yet either. I chose RT Systems programming software, which make it very easy to program. I have used it on a local repeater systems here. And changing repeaters is a simple process. The screen has a black background, and is very easy to program by computer. Transmitting is clear, and other contacts have said the audio is crisp, and quite running at 5 watts. I have used the radio for simplex operation, and clarity of voice on flat open terrain is exceptional for 2 - 4 miles. Repeater operation is solid also. I also like the Baofeng UV82. In addition I have a ICOM ID 51 D-Star radio, but find myself on the Baofeng's most of the time for general use. Also because I cannot use a earmic on the ICOM radio without an adapter. Overall I'm very pleased with this Baofeng GT-3. Top items that make this radio very worth while:
1. Light weight, (Due to the closed cell plastic)
2. Compact size (Even the rubber antenna is small, but does not compromise on gain).
3. Improved hardware exceeds previous models.
4. Unique look compared to other Baofeng radios.
5, Better hardware and performance for 2014.
The Chinese seem to be listening to their american customer pool.

Mike (website):

Brick i just got mine today, Cant go wrong with it. 

Pros:
The squelch works now.
Audio sounds much tighter now on the RX at any volume
The radio is more sensitive (at least to me it is)
I can see the screen in very low light when the backlight is not on
The feel of the radio is nice.
The light is much brighter 

Cons:
The stock antenna is still junk.
I don't like the rubber around the main knob
Hopefully the silk screening on the keypad does not wear off like the other models do.

Loretta, Geek Squad has checked your device in for repair

I mentioned that I got in early with a gmail account and people mistakenly use my address as their own.

I just got an e-mail from the Geek Squad.

"Hello Loretta, 

Your device has been checked in at the Geek Squad® Precinct at your local Best Buy® store. We look forward to repairing it and getting it back to you soon."

I'm going to take a wild guess here... if Loretta doesn't know her e-mail address, fixing the device is going to be an uphill battle.

Gummy Candy Cleanse

The reviews of the Sugarless Gummy Candy are comedy gold.

Coin

Coin:

"Q. What is a Coin? 

A. Coin is a connected device that can hold and behave like the cards you already carry. Coin works with your debit cards, credit cards, gift cards, loyalty cards and membership cards. Instead of carrying several cards you carry one Coin. Multiple accounts and information all in one place."

Leveraging the existing card form factor and transaction process (aka the swipe) is really smart. I'm surprised it will only store 8 cards at a time on the Coin.

Baofeng GT-3: Programming

There are always people having problems with programming their Baofeng radios. For those that prefer video tutorials, here is one featuring the GT-3, but might be helpful to UV-5R users.

TYT TH-9800: Walk-thru Video