Ham Radio Deluxe Follow-Up

Wow - this is crazy: reddit mega thread re: HRD blacklisting.

Ham Radio Deluxe on Slashdot.org

For all the wrong reasons...

Gandalf_the_Beardy quotes a report from The Register:The Register reports on the story of Jim Giercyk, an amateur radio enthusiast who had his copy of the popular Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) software revoked after posting a negative review. Other radio hams have followed up with us regarding claims that this was not an isolated incident and others may have had their license keys blacklisted for being publicly critical of the company. And just to be clear: by blackballing keys, installed copies of the software stop working. Giercyk, a professional musician in South Carolina, U.S., says that after his dealings with HRD Software (which has since reinstated his software key) and the statement made by the developer's co-owner Dr Michael Carper, he takes issue with claims made by the company. Giercyk, aka N2SUB, told us on Tuesday: "The issue is not the refusal of service, the issue is that HRD disabled my software, and then offered to enable it in exchange for the removal of an online review of their product. It's extortion, not refusal of service." Giercyk also said that since he went public about his blacklisting last week, he has received messages from other users who have stories of their software keys being revoked by HRD without their knowledge for speaking up about having a bad support experience. A number of other readers pointed out a collection of bad reviews posted on hobbyist site eHam by customers who had their license keys blacklisted. HRD told us some of those users could have written their assessments after requesting a refund and deactivating their software, thus their licenses will appear revoked. Meanwhile, Reddit threads and follow-up discussions to Giercyk's catalyst forum post reveal similar stories of keys being revoked after critical comments about Ham Radio Deluxe have appeared online. Other sources allege some amateur radio forums have in the past deleted posts critical of HRD.

Leixen VV-898: BuyTwoWayRadios Backpack Radio Notes

BuyTwoWayRadios Backpack Leixen VV-898 Radio Notes:

"From the beginning, many hams suggested using the VV-898 in a go-box. Apparently Leixen caught wind of this idea, because they did just that, with the launch of two new variations of this micro mobile, the Leixen VV-898P and VV-898SP UHF/VHF Dual Band Mobile Backpack Two Way Radio."

"The VV-898 Backpack Radio is mounted in an enclosure with everything needed to function as a battery powered mobile device capable of instant-on operation virtually anytime, anywhere. It has a rechargeable Li-Ion battery designed for extended periods of operation and a radiator fan with and on/off switch to keep it cool while transmitting out in the field. While it does use the 400mW speaker already built into the radio, a speaker jack is located on the side of the unit for more flexibility and external audio configurations. It includes a 13.8v AC adapter to recharge the battery or to power the radio when used as a base station."

"Like the stand alone mobile versions, the VV-898 backpack radios are available in two models. 

Leixen VV-898P - This is the 10W model. It has a 6A Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. Price: $159.99. 

Leixen VV-898SP - This is the 25W model. It has a 10A Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery. Price: $179.99"

Ham Radio Deluxe

I completely missed all of this... HRD support ends for the old, free version. The Yahoo Group is gone. But there is a new Yahoo Group.

Ham Drama

If the drama surrounding the legality of certain ham radios isn't enough for you, then hop on over to the Ham Radio Deluxe Yahoo Group. It is always exciting times when they release a new version.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: wa9pie
Date: Saturday, December 22, 2012
Subject: [ham-radio-deluxe] Considering the upgrade from 5.x to 6.x
To: ham-radio-deluxe@yahoogroups.com

As most of you know, I'm one of the three partners that acquired HRD from Simon so that HRD can continue as a product. The statement I'm about to make represents my perspective - not necessarily that of my partners.

Much conversation will ensue about whether or not folks should stick with the 5.x version (FREE forever) or purchase the 6.0 version.

Most of the folks who start these threads I call "baiters". Baiters gain great enjoyment from "starting shit" (as we say here in The States) in an effort to begin a "war of words" that is designed to drive people away from the product. For that reason, we banned a bunch of "baiters" a year ago and life has been better here for the rest of us. So... don't be a "baiter". If you post here, contribute to a dialog that improves HRD for everyone.

As for whether you should upgrade to 6.0 or continue using the 5.x FREE version we put thousands of hours in to improve from 5.0b... well, some will say, "5.x does everything thing I need it to do." Well then, awesome... be my guest then... use 5.x for FREE for as long as you like.

I saw a post earlier that said that the "v5 version is already the best available software." Uh... well... that's absolutely NOT true. To be honest, I still log in another (15 year old) logging program because the 5.x version is substantially deficient in assisting serious DXers and awards seekers (like me). So in 6.0 we've added - what I think are - the most powerful "Worked Status Indicators" and awards reporting there is. We've added FSK. Multiple modes in the waterfall. One place to enter station information now eliminates the need to enter the same info in every application. And more...

So... it's our job to create and implement compelling features so that folks will see the benefit in buying v6.0. I think we've taken major steps in that direction. I hope you'll see the improvements as valuable.

Mike, WA9PIE

Ham Radio Deluxe

I've given up on trying to keep tabs on Ham Radio Deluxe. There has been way too much drama since the new owners took over. The transition has been a little bumpy to say the least. The Yahoo Group has been flooded with complaints about the pricing and bugs in the newer releases. It seems to have brought out the worst in some hams. From a development perspective, it appears they took the classic "ready, fire, aim" approach.

I expect that things will level out and some lessons learned will make things smoother going forward, but hold on to your hats for now.

Ham Radio Deluxe: Support and Version 6.0

Announced on the HRD Yahoo Group:

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

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

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

project of the company to eliminate outstanding issues found in previous

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

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

enhancements for the 6.0 release continues.

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

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

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

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

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

Ham Radio Deluxe Business Plan

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

Via Vince, KI4VBR

Ham Radio Deluxe 5.1 Released

From the press release:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ham Radio Deluxe

As suspected, Ham Radio Deluxe may no longer be free. The new owners are conducting a survey to see what people might pay. You can vote here.

Ham Radio Deluxe State of the Union

If you happen to be around Tampa in early December, you can get an update on HRD - straight from the horse's mouth.

"An exciting last minute addition to the Tampa Bay Hamfest forum schedule. An overview of Ham Radio Deluxe, where it is today and where it is going will be given by Rick Ruhl W4PC. Rick is the President of W4PC Software and Managing Director, HRD Software, LLC, FL. They are the new owners of the software package."

The Thirty-Sixth Annual (2011) Tampa Bay Hamfest
December 3rd & 4th, 2011
Manatee Civic Center - Palmetto, Florida

Ham Radio Deluxe has been Sold!

After some speculation about the future of HRD, there was an announcement on the QRZ forurms:

"Development to continue on HRD....
Today, Simon accepted an offer for Mike Carper WA9PIE, Randy Gawtry, K0CBH and Rick Ruhl W4PC to purchase the source and rights to ham Radio Deluxe.
We plan to continue the development and support of this fine product."

In a second post, he continues:

"Details forthcoming. I just ask for everyone's patience. An official announcement will come from myself, Randy and Mike in the next few days."

I would be very surprised to see it remain completely free - at best, I hope for a freemium model.