Customer Pulls Gun on Comcast Tech

No, it wasn't me. And for the record, I usually find the on-site techs much easier to deal with.

Customer Pulls Gun on Comcast Tech

And an Alarm Clock, too

I was thinking about how my phone had replaced my alarm clock this morning. I had an alarm clock that I used for the better part of 25 years. A while back, my daughter was playing with it and broke the snooze button. It kinda stressed me out - change bad!!!! I replaced it with a similar one, but I never use the alarm functionality on it. I still like to glance at the time in the middle of the night, but I suppose I could get use to doing that on the phone, too.

In just 20 years, a 200x reduction in volume, 1000x in weight, and 20x the speed & resolution! pic.twitter.com/BOEihvHLR5
— Bill Gross (@Bill_Gross) July 29, 2014

Group Policy

Random comment... I love Group Policy.

It is a wonderful tool for lazy admins.

Tech Challenge of the Day

I'm trying to learn some Linux, so I've got Ubuntu installed on an old Dell Mini 10v. That seems to be working well.

The problem is trying to get SSH access over the internet to it. I've got a Comcast/Xfinity SMCD3GNV (Cable modem, wireless access point, router, phone) along with the Asus RT-N66U wireless router. The SMCD3GNV has the public IP on the WAN interface and a LAN interface IP of 10.0.0.1. I can login to it and make changes.

My RT-N66U gets a 10.0.0.2 address from the SMCD3GNV on its WAN port. I've got it configured to have the 192.168.1.1 address on the LAN interface. My clients connect to the RT-N66U - including the Ubuntu box.

I've done some research and apparently I want my SMCD3GNV to be in bridge mode. I called Comcast and they said they put it in bridge mode. I'm not convinced it is actually in bridge mode. When they put it in bridge mode, the WiFi light should stay off according to one article I read. Unfortunately, it occasionally blinks and the admin web page has an icon that is green, but the mouse-over says "Status: Not Connected ; 0 computers connected."

I've tried all sorts of tom-foolery with the port forwarding, DMZ, static addresses, etc. I've tried to take the Asus out the mix by plugging the Ubuntu box into the SMCD3GNV and enable port forwarding to it. Still no joy.

Per this post, if you go into debug mode and enter this: $("#pageForm1").show(); at the console, you can see the Bridge Mode button.

I was going to work on it some more last night, but the storms knocked our cable out. It just was not meant to be. Maybe today or tomorrow or the next day...

iCloud Backup

My iPhone and iPad frequently complain that my iCloud account is full and that they cannot complete a backup. I always ignored it as I don't have anything on my devices that isn't backed up some other way. I saw this HowToGeek article via LifeHacker. It made me realize there is no reason to send my pictures/videos to iCloud when Dropbox is capturing them anyway. Duh. Problem solved.

Triathlon

I completed a triathlon yesterday. I ran, swam, and mowed.

Blog Comment Spam

Blogger cleans them up, but I get tons of comment spam on this ID-51 post. I have no idea why that one is so popular with the spam bots.

Windows Server 2003 EOL

Hey you! Yes, you! The one still running XP. Your Windows Server 2003 goes EOL in July 2015.

Xiegu X108: Many More Pictures

More pictures of the X108 along with unedited labels.

Custom glass protection board.

Transmit mixer ($8)

32-bit ARM microprocessor

BPF module part

Large dynamic low noise preamplifier

Chassis + install aluminum

Bottom

Microphone ALC unit

Imported stereo jack

Transceiver mixer section

The audio output unit

IF section

Front Panel assembly

146.52

The case for monitoring 146.52 simplex:

"If every Ham in the world (or at least the USA) took the time to monitor and make calls on simplex, there would be a more universal feel to the VHF allocation rather than tiny little cells and haunts or local repeater groups."

Via K0NR

TYT TH-9000D: Problems

Russell ‏(@nitro1963) passed along the following via Twitter about the TH-9000D:

@brickolore when u put in repeater inputs eg 477.350 then change power level the input changers to 483.350

@brickolore some will not clone . Audio recieve level is lower. If your only going to use the radio on simplex it may be ok for some people

@brickolore after you programe repeater channels in they should not change after programming input 433.625 output 438.625 eg 

@brickolore many people having problems with the D model tyt th9000D 

@brickolore iv programmed many tyt th 9000 never had a problem until the D model came out 

@brickolore they have changed the wiring on the mic from the 9000 to the 9000D not compatable now

Any other readers having problems?

Second Half

I think it's pretty sporting of the North to let the other team have the arms factories for the second half. http://t.co/Ypw3vHb6KT
— Tamara K. (@TamSlick) July 22, 2014

Shrinking

Sorry about the lack of posts... I've been busy:

Figure out how to shrink the conventional power inverter and we’ll give you $1 million → https://t.co/TgZ3CcU6d7 pic.twitter.com/65f89ik5R9
— A Googler (@google) July 22, 2014

Running Ham

Not bad, but I still want something iPod sized.

It's never the wrong time for #hamradio, neither when #running! #hamr #hamradio_ita #vhf #qrp #portable #iamarunner pic.twitter.com/GDu6LqVYF4
— Christian Diemoz (@Chris_Diemoz) July 20, 2014

Xiegu X108: In Production

"Today began assembling verification, testing the machine"

Yellow Perfection

Seriously, I don't know why all this yellow stuff seems to come my way, but here is a fun little "Where's Waldo/Gaston?" (And this made me look at the special ID-51 again - no yellow there. Boo!)

goTenna

Another tool to make your phone act like a radio... this time it is in the form of the goTenna hardware. (As opposed to the Firechat app.)

Basically, you pair the goTenna with your phone and use it communicate when you are in a congested area or in one with no signal.

From the Gigaom article:

"It’s an extremely low bandwidth network, so it’s really only useful for send text messages and GPS coordinates, but it’s extremely long-range thanks to the ultra-low-band frequencies 151-154 MHz frequencies goTenna uses. Lower frequencies propagate further and can punch through or wrap around obstacles like trees. To put that in perspective, the lowest-band mobile network in operation today is at 700 MHz, while Wi-Fi starts another 1700 MHz further up the electromagnetic spectrum chart."

From the FAQ:

"Is goTenna FCC licensed? 

Delivery of goTenna is dependent on FCC approval. At this very moment, goTenna is undergoing FCC testing and we expect to complete this process in a couple of weeks."

$150 for 2 (pre-orders) here.

Icom ID-51: Colors

Straight out of the Baofeng and Realistic playbook (again proving there is nothing new), Icom is releasing a limited number of the ID-51 in a rainbow of colors (PDF).

Sheldon Would Be Proud

Punny Physics!

Cool

My field setup:way more involved than I expected.Thinking of building an enclosure for SDR/Isolator/4AA @SWLingDotCom pic.twitter.com/3872Hi1Ndp
— London Shortwave (@LondonShortwave) July 16, 2014

Callsigns on Facebook

Facebook: You may now use your amateur radio call sign as Alternate Name on profile (via @IW5EDI) https://t.co/pmLD7xVKn3
— Sverre Holm, LA3ZA (@LA3ZA) July 16, 2014

Xiegu X108: COM Port

The X108 shows up as a COM Port. Woo hoo!

Xiegu X108: Videos

CW narrow filter receiver test X108's (No. T401 demonstrator):


X108 VS IC756PROIII weak signal contrast:

Soldering Tips Tips

Soldering tips - when to use which - a primer.

Via LifeHacker

Xiegu X108: Product Page

The Xiegu X108 has made it to the company's website. Product page is here.

Pseudonyms on Google+

Finally, I can be myself... sort of... Pseudonyms Now Allowed On Google+.

Raspberry Pi Model B+

Looks like I drug my feet long enough, so I can order the latest version of the Raspberry Pi... the Raspberry Pi Model B+.

Foaster

Whahahahaaaaa! Want one! RT @isL0uD: This just changed the game pic.twitter.com/yMkBoU5T1n

— Jan-Willem Ruys (@Jruys) July 14, 2014

Dream Job II

They never called for this job, so here is my backup.

Next 4th of July

Via The Blaze

Speed Test

Speed test:

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.

Yellow Makes the Best Antennas

Other colors don't perform as well I bet.

Not sure what it is about yellow, but maybe I need to add a tag for it since I keep having yellow news and stories.

Science!

Prevent your headphones from getting tangled!

Skype

I had to install Skype to test something for my consulting. I told it not to start with Windows. It still does. Bye, bye Skype. Lame.

Who wins today?

Argentines or Clementines?

Xiegu X108: More Pictures

More glamour shots of the X108..

Free Microsoft eBooks - a ton of them!

Hot off the e-presses...

"Largest collection of FREE Microsoft eBooks ever, including: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Office 2013, Office 365, Office 2010, SharePoint 2013, Dynamics CRM, PowerShell, Exchange Server, Lync 2013, System Center, Azure, Cloud, SQL Server, and much more!"

I may have downloaded a few.

Via Lifehacker

Skywarn Advisory for the UT Football Team

Skywarn Weather Radar has a forecast of extreme intensity with heavy squats and a lot conditioning in Knoxville today pic.twitter.com/LiQ4o6ufcj
— Dave Lawson (@UTCoachLawson) July 7, 2014

SX-2000 - ICYMI

Holiday week-end here in the States, so a re-post of the SX-2000 touch-screen QRP transceiver link.

SX-2000 Information

From the arifidenza.it forum starting in April:

"I had in mind for a long time to realize an HF transceiver complete with all the functions of a commercial apparatus. Unfortunately, the time available and not 'how much and instead of my usual carry the usual "simple" QRP x complicate life so I decided to go overboard with this fantastic new project.  

The first phase 'was to design homes with all the dimensions are then passed to the VFO and that 'an apparatus for the TOP homebuilt. Everything is' run by a powerful micro ARM 32bit associated with a Touch Screen. All the apparatus and 'managed via Touch Screen and in the future' will also be a FFT band style IC-7800. 

The project and needless to say 'very ambitious so I'm working with my friend IZ7JXJ specialist equipment QRP transceiver has achieved excellent x 70MHz and multiband hf so we're a good hands . I'll take care 'of all the various digital and design while him across the analog part. VFO and 'very complex and will be implemented once x time x other features now let's start with the fundamentals - Dual VFO A / B - Split, Rit - Meter and digital Smeter - Keyboard Touch screen - Dual managing all parameters and this' first draft of the monster ................ HF Transceiver SX-2000 

PS for followers of MetroVna PRO coming up short versions  

LITE HAPPY EASTER
73 ' Antonio IZ7LDG"

And:

"Then x VFO knob position, and 'almost inevitable due to lack of space on the front but it did not' yet final so let's see what I can come up. I'm coming back to us by completing the VFO and this' first prototype. 

I managed to contain the entire circuit which includes: - Micro 32bit - Touch Screen IC - IC USB port in a really small PCB that lies behind all the color display 3.2. Obviously a lot of work to design a single-sided PCB that contains more 'than 100 runs three 0.25mm smd integrated. At the end the result is' everything works great ....... I had some trouble with the touch screen and the realization of the PCB strictly HOME MADE but the end result has paid off. 

This' very first prototype to test the logic and develop the software. Next step and 'all interfacing to the QRP that I imagine on a single I2C bus. Among DDS, filter and switching board there will be a hundred different I / O pins so everything must be designed with a certain criteria. The philosophy and 'minimize the components simplify installation and rely 100% on a high-tech device of the latest generation. 

attach some pictures. The first and 'how will' on the radio and the second 'part of the logic of the third and VFO' VFO combined with a QRP IZ7JXJ made ​​by a guru of QRP . With a minimum of wiring would already 'ready a small tri-band. His QRP includes everything 10x16cm namely: - IF - BFO - Filter Board RX & TX - AGC - Final 5Watt Currently the three bands are 10/15/20mt but can be added to other bands at will. the analog part and 'was carried out on double-sided PCBs and is' a mix between SMD and conventional components x facilitate mounting. Returning to the VFO and 'was also implemented a USB port x interface the radio to the PC using an emulation YAESU CAT compatible with the standard, so use hamradio deluxe or similar programs.  

73 ' Antonio IZ7LDG"

And:

"Today as it pours out I have dedicated myself to change the case of the apparatus HF. Indeed, the arrangement of the microphone connector could be a little 'uncomfortable under the VFO knob so I changed the layout of the front. I took the opportunity also to eliminate some redundant switch now all controls are easily accessible on the touch screen display. All the logic and the analog part will be 'handled by the touch screen like in most modern commercial equipment of last generation. entire project will be 'meticulous attention to detail we are not going to make a ILER MULTI-BAND hihi as seen and reviewed many of them around. 

I'm trying to contain the size of the apparatus in a case 87X180x210mm just more 'top of a 897-ft. Weather permitting and 'developing even the analog RTX by IZ7JXJ but this and sent to the next episodes .... I ride a few pictures of the second prototype ........ I recommend xi used sparingly Scopiazzae

73 ' Antonio IZ7LDG"

And:

"You see that I'm on vacation? Hihihi So today I continued with the installation in homes. After piercing milled etc ... I also installed the logic you around some pictures to you the judgment ....... 

73 ' Antonio"

And someone says:

"It will be the small Italian Elecraft? The 'aesthetic is very appealing and the touch screen is very sensitive, when we listen to him?"

I like that - the "Italian Elecraft." That's a good goal. At the risk of getting in trouble, I will add that I told my wife that I was branching out and posting about an Italian radio. Her immediate reply was that she "learned  to drive in an Alfa Romeo and that this radio would look pretty, but she hoped it worked well!"

Back to the posts:

"still touches a lot of development work and planning that's why the collaboration with 4 hands and your head. The project 'very complex and I personally do not like things carelessly but I found those who are' even more 'picky me. 

I could design a QRP from scratch but I definitely would have got 2 standard equipments so better one at the TOP on which to focus the experience of both. Having stated this, the apparatus 10/15/20mt 'already' ready and it 'designed by Raul really wisely. With the exception of the VFO circuit and all the 'content in a PCB 10x16cm say everything including the final and even the band filters. Unlike other projects here are ONLY 4 relays' not 10/20 as in other organ systems around.Secrecy and 'all in the design. A sample in the output filter board has only 3 relay which in combination switch the L / C to reduce almost to zero all the harmonics, unnecessary use relay 6 'to achieve the same result. That 's the philosophy "simply and simplicity" the purpose and' a great apparatus not collect unnecessary components that make Pies that the om mounts. 

Back to us we are evaluating whether to add the low bands QRP to existing or redesign everything from scratch. wonder 'what choice will be' adopted for the tests and the results' as good and 'also excellent sensitivity' and dynamic apparatus. This 'a first test ON-AIR 10m DX DX 20 meters We are only there will be other tidbits ABC news' 

73 ' Antonio IZ7LDG & IZ7JX"

And IZ7JXJ chimes in:

"Hello guys ......! so I can say that in the tri-band showed it was not designed for this LOOK .... I drew the usual VFO with alphanumeric display 2X16 NORMAL and the AD9951 DDS as ..... therefore inexpensive everything. things now become more beautiful then most challenging. 'm drawing again a SEVEN bands to match the VFO IZ7LDG. bands will contain 80, 40, 20, 17, 15, 12 and 10m ... .. Not easy to do with as he wishes FEW components Antonio (LDG) but let's see what comes out. To (iz2hfg) ..... You can not expect the result of a TS990 with the technology that we use here dear ..... will certainly MORE MODEST the result .... but .... THE PRICE!! .... ULTRA for these results are already there .... their commercial appliances. then I consider all of these types apparatus, even if they are beautiful to look at, TOYS made ​​with a lot of passion for the Autocostruzioni ..... Who thinks he's a genius because it does these things ........ it is another thing .. according to me ..... ....! .... The problem is the time in this last period I do not have much available then we will have to wait a while '....... and have a little 'patience. 

Greetings to all .... 73 ​​' RAUL RODA (IZ7JXJ)"

And the last word:

"The mission and 'replicate the success of MetroVna building a QRP high-end that is not a killer but a TS-990 QRP killer . Up to now I have not seen a home made ​​project really lived and technologically advanced in this segment of the radio except a few rare examples like the PICASTAR but had no large following because of the exorbitant costs x achievement. We will be 'much more' simple slender and especially more 'economical former all. I think that's the location where to place the project. Clarified that we do not lack the enthusiasm and expertise to make it happen and the only obstacle 'on time and on budget but the end result will be' up ........ SX-2000 QRP KILLER 

73 ' Antonio IZ7LDG & IZ7JXJ"

SX-2000 Touch QRP Transceiver

I know, I know... not another Chinese HF rig that we don't know much about. Actually, it's not a Chinese transceiver - this one is Italian! And with a touch screen!

Missing from the USA-BEL Game

This is what we needed..

Pi Kappa Phi = Winterfell

Our most famous brother passed away, our chapter got disbanded, and no one is allowed to live in the house.

Howard Baker dead, fraternity house empty, chapter suspended: Pong is like the Winterfell of UT.
— Creepy Old Pong (@CreepyOldPong) July 2, 2014

Drones at Field Day

Via Jeff