Showing posts with label Ham Radio. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ham Radio. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

TYT MD-446: MD380Tools


Looks like I've not posted previously about the MD-446, so it gets a link.

Hytera's One Device to Rule Them all


Via @travisgoodspeed

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Yaesu FT-65R: W0STU Review

Straying a bit from my usual Chinese radios, but I thought it was interesting to see W0STU's review of the FT-65R and some comparisons to the Chinese HTs. He sums up:
"The new Yaesu FT-65R is a nice update to the FT-60R, just not a perfect one in our view. Returning a VFO knob and the regular SMA antenna jack would get much closer to the perfect update. The updated menu structure and display are unquestionably nice mods, with just enough legacy characteristics to make the learning transition a breeze. The relocated function key and the operator-programmable keys are master strokes. The transceiver’s performance characteristics are top-notch, much superior to that observed in Chinese-branded and manufactured HTs. The bottom line — we will add the FT-65R to our list of recommended, basic, first radios for the new Technician licensee, and we may even find ourselves regularly snagging this HT off the shelf as that “go to” radio when heading out the door."

Part 95 Reform

Part 95 reform proposal...

"FCC MODERNIZES PERSONAL RADIO SERVICES RULES
  --
WASHINGTON, May 18, 2017 – Today, the FCC took steps to update the Personal Radio Services rules, also known as Part 95 of the Commission’s rules, in order to modernize them, remove outdated requirements, and reorganize them to make it easier to find information. 
Significantly, as part of this effort, the FCC addressed more than two dozen proposals submitted by interested parties.  Today’s action will result in a more consistent, clear, and concise set of rules that will better serve the needs of the public. 
The FCC Personal Radio Services rules cover a wide variety of wireless devices that are used by the general public.  These devices generally use low power levels, communicate over shared radio frequencies, and usually do not require an individual FCC license for each user.  Some common examples of Personal Radio Services devices are walkie-talkies; radio control toy cars, boats, and planes; hearing assistance devices; CB radios; medical implant devices; and Personal Locator Beacons. 
The revisions adopted today reflect a comprehensive reform that will simplify, streamline, and update these rules.  These changes will ensure that these rules reflect technological advances, recognize the 21st century uses of the Personal Radio Services, and are easy for the public to use and understand.
Specific reforms adopted in today’s Report and Order include:
- GMRS/FRS Reform: The Commission will increase the number of communications
channels for both General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) and Family Radio Service
(FRS), expand digital capabilities to GMRS, and increase the power/range for certain
FRS channels to meet consumer demands for longer range communications. 
- CB Reform: The Commission will update the Citizens Band (CB) rules, which are
decades old and contain outdated requirements that are no longer needed, including
labeling requirements and a limit on use of channels when conditions allow long range
communications.  The Commission will also clarify that hands-free devices can be used
with CB radios. 
-  Overall rule reform: The Commission will remove outdated and unnecessary rules,
change other rules to increase clarity and reduce potential confusion, and reorganize and
streamline all Part 95 rules to make them easier to understand.  The Commission will also convert rules to plain language format to make them more user-friendly. 
Action by the Commission May 18, 2017 by Report and Order (FCC 17-57).  Chairman Pai, and Commissioners Clyburn and O’Rielly approving and issuing separate statements. 
WT Docket No. 10-119; RM No. 10762; RM No. 10844"

Tuesday, May 23, 2017

Hamvention

I read RobertaX's post about the Hamvention, but I confess I've not listened to the podcast yet - yet!

Ham Radio 360 Day 1

Ham Radio 360 Day 2

Linux in the Ham Shack Day 1

Linux in the Ham Shack Day 2

Sounds like they got some rain there:

I wonder if that created any scooter problems.

And some other tweets:



TYT MD-2017: Samples Landed

It's real!

Thursday, May 18, 2017

TYT MD-380: Morse Code Narrator

More features via custom firmware for the TYT MD-380:


Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Part 95 Updates - Follow @2wayradios

Xiaomi MiJia HT

It lives!

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Ham Licenses

Ham licenses chart.

Up: Extra
This is a high water mark for the Extra class license.

Down: Overall, Advanced, General, Technician, and Novice
Advanced and Novice will only go down since no new licenses are being issued for these classes.

MonthExtraAdvancedGeneralTechnicianNoviceARS Total
Apr-17143,83543,842172,747373,1699,558743,151
Mar-17143,73944,117172,793373,4879,670743,806
Feb-17143,37944,392172,558372,4369,753742,518
Jan-17143,35844,732172,682371,9989,882742,652
Dec-16143,33745,071172,807371,56010,012742,787

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Xiaomi MiJia HT

Following...

Monday, March 27, 2017

TYT MD-2017: BuyTwoWayRadios.com Giveaway

Free (Almost) Antenna

Just pay US ($3.50) or Canada ($2.50) shipping:

FREE SMA TELESCOPIC VHF/UHF DUAL BAND ANTENNA
YES! This antenna really is free, just pay shipping and handling. Due to the popular nature of this offer please allow 2-4 weeks for shipping...WANT IT QUICKER? FOR ONLY $4.99 WE WILL BUMP YOUR ORDER TO THE TOP OF THE QUEUE. JUST CHOOSE SOONER THAN LATER AS YOUR SHIPPING TIME!..Orders limited to one per person. Orders of more than 2 will be cancelled. LIMITED TIME ONLY*** YOU MUST BE A LICENSED AMATEUR RADIO OPERATOR TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS OFFER ***.*** INCLUDE YOUR CALLSIGN IN THE NOTES OF THE ORDER DURING CHECKOUT ***.*** ORDERS WITHOUT A VALID CALLSIGN WILL BE CANCELLED ****** CALLSIGN MUST MATCH YOUR NAME ***.Have you ever been on the fringe of your favourite repeater and wished you had just a little bit more power? Have you ever been out in the field working simplex and wish that you could pull in that weaker station a bit better? A 1/4 wave would do the trick, but why carry an extra antenna when you don't have to? Get the best of both worlds. Portability in "Rubber Duck" mode, extended range in 1/4 wave mode.
 
  • 136-174Mhz / 400-480Mhz
  • 16CM in "Rubber Duck" mode
  • 48CM fully extended

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Happy Anniversary!

Hopefully it is a happy one... if not, you may be in trouble if you are getting a radio and she's getting something from PSA.

A post shared by Ham Radio (@hamradio360) on

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Xiaomi MiJia HT

The pictures and specs got me interested.
  • VHF frequency 136-174 MHz.
  • UHF Frequency range 403-470MHz.
  • 8 Days standby time.
  • Up to 17 hours of talk time.
  • Cost price around $35
Then I watched the video and realized it was a lot bigger than I thought. And then there was a question about the availability of English menus. Meh - wait and see.

Friday, March 3, 2017

InfiniiVision 1000 X-Series Oscilloscopes


Via @K0NR