Prime Day: Baofeng Tech: BF-F8HP - $44.95

Baofeng Tech has a Prime Day Deal on the BF-F8HP HT - only $44.95. (Normally, it is $62.89.)

Prime Day: Baofeng Tech UV-82HP - $44.95

Baofeng Tech has a Prime Day Deal on the BF-UV-82HP HT - only $44.95. (Normally, it is $62.89.)

Prime Day: Baofeng Tech UV-5X3 - $44.95

Baofeng Tech has a Prime Day Deal on the UV-5X3 Tri-band HT - only $44.95. (Normally, it is $59.89)

TYT MD-9600 Mobile Update

On an even more positive note from the BuyTwoWayRadio team:

"Anthony Roque, Sales Manager here at Buy Two Way Radios and co-host of The Two Way Radio Show, received a very positive update last night from TYT. Our demo unit of the much anticipated MD-9600 will be shipping out very soon!!"

And:

"With this announcement, TYT also confirmed a couple of changes from the initial announcement. The biggest and most exciting change is that the MD-9600 will be a dual band (UHF/VHF) radio instead of a separate version for each band." 

TYT MD-2017: Programming Cable Issue

Sounds like a small problem, but I like the open response and I'm sure they and TYT will take care of those affected:

"With our first batch of TYT MD-2017's, we had a few customers call complaining of issues programming the radio. After some back and forth, we identified the issue as being a poor solder within the radio connector on the programming cable. Customers with this issue were not able read their radios from the programming software. 

TYT has confirmed the issue, and are immediately working to correct the problem. We are told that all of our future shipments will have the updated cable, so if you order a radio or a cable from this point forward you won't have to worry about this issue. 

This issue affected a very small number of customers (less than 3%), so we appreciate TYT's willingness to make the fix a priority."

AmateurRadio.com and NooElec SDR Package Giveaway

AmateurRadio.com and NooElec SDR Package Giveaway:

NooElec and AmateurRadio.com have teamed up to give away Software-Defined Radio (SDR) Receiver Packages to 30 lucky ham radio operators worldwide! …plus NooElec will even pay the shipping worldwide! 

The deadline to enter is 14 June 2017 at 18:00 UTC.

TYT MD-380 to MD-2017 Code Plug

It's DMR all the time...

New software converts the MD-380 codeplug for the TYT MD-2017 https://t.co/l3Ii4eCQs9 #hamradio #hamr @HamRadioDMR @hamradio_rr @brickolore

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) June 7, 2017

Retevis RT82: Dual Band DMR HT

Also via Radiosification (comment)...

Retevis Facebook Page:

"RT82 is coming, DMR dual band, similar with MD2017, We R&D with TYT and another company. Software and functions are Programming based on RT3. RT82 can be used for business(like hotel,KTV, big mall, construction site,Logistics,school...), outdoor sports(like hiking,climbing,camping,CS,surfing...), and hams. Ailunce is a brand mainly for R&D hams products. HD1 is the first radio we R&D by ourselves,collecting advice and tips from hams. RT82 has a wider use range. HD1 mainly for hams. You can choose according to your needs.Your satisfaction is our goal. Thanks for your support to Retevis."

Ailunce HD1 Dual-Band HT

Via Radiosification...

The Ailunce HD1 Dual-band DMR HT:

Newest Information of Retevis Ailunce HD1 Digital Mobile Radio
The sample radio of Ailunce HD 1 has been produced out now, and the next step is TESTING. When a new product coming out, it needs to test the communication quality, communication distance, battery charging time, battery working time, frequency programming, other fetures and the accessories compatibility. Then it will be available for all the customers to purchase. Please don’t worry. I will update the newest information to you by the blog. 

Ailunce HD1 is True 2 Slot
Ailunce HD1 provide 2 slot communication, which allows 2 talk paths on one frequency. It could connect the repeater, and it also compatible with Mototrobo Tier Ⅰ&Ⅱ. 

Dual Band Digital Mobile Radio Ailunce HD1
Ailunce HD 1 is dual band handheld radio, it supports VHF 136-174 MHz, and UHF 400– 480 MHz, most digital radios only have single UHF frequency or VHF frequency.  Ailunce HD1 is the combination of them. so it is more powerful than others.

And a little more here.

Connect Systems: CS108G X108G

Connect Systems has the CS108G for $349:

"As you probably know by now, the CS108G is the X108G with slightly different firmware. The hardware is identical. 

Because of non support from Xiegu, we are discontinuing the CS108G Radio and selling at our cost. The radios seem to work fine in CW and AM mode but have problems in SSB mode. Some radios work fine but the majority of radios do not. The problems in the SSB mode is as follows: 

1. Spike in the transmitter when PTT first pressed in SSB mode which last 1-2 seconds
2. Continous carrier in SSB mode even when not speaking...3. Hum even when speaking in SSB mode. 

From what other people have confirmed on this site, these problems have been known for a long time but have never been resolved.

Call our office at 818 889 0503 if you want to purchase these radios as is. We will not warranty these radios at these prices."

Satellites

I learned about SatNOGS via the HamRadio 360 Hamvention Day 1 Review. SatNOGS is:

"a global management interface to facilitate multiple ground station operations remotely. An observer is able to take advantage of the full network of SatNOGS ground stations around the world. It's part of the SatNOGS project."

And speaking of satellites, this is a cool visualization of stuff in space (via @InfoSec208).

BaoFeng Tech X-Series Mobiles

I'm way behind on the BaoFeng Tech mobiles, so I'm spending some time looking at them. Who all grabbed one of these? Comments? The UV-25X4 has the highest ratings on Amazon - averaging 4.6 stars over 21 reviews.

The X-Series:

"The X-Series Mobiles introduce our new fully customizable Multi-Color LCD display screen. You can adjust the complete display to be exactly as you want it (with 9 available colors across 10 display elements). Beyond the display, you can fully customize your channels to display their alpha-numeric names or frequency settings.

The X-Series Mobiles also introduces our new dual sync mode! With this option, you can single or dual sync two different channels and display both their frequency and name simultaneously. If you prefer instead to monitor up to four channels; you can single line display a channel's name or frequency. Additionally, as a new feature added: you can even monitor both VFO (frequency) and channel modes simultaneously.

Another feature introduced in the X-Series mobiles is the ability to edit your channel preferences without needing to program a new channel! You can edit tones, additional squelch information, and even add or remove it from your scanning list anytime!

Scanning channels and frequencies has now gotten even easier! A new menu allows you to select scanning resume methods. You can set the radio to start scanning immediately during reboot, resume scanning if you interrupt scanning to transmit, or start scanning soon as it powers on."

BTECH UV-25X2 - 25 watt dual band mobile
BaoFeng Tech link
Amazon link ($114.89)

BTECH UV-25X4 - 25 watt quad band mobile

BaoFeng Tech link
Amazon link ($128.86)

BTECH UV-50X2 - 50 watt dual band mobile
BaoFeng Tech link
Amazon link ($159.89)

TYT MD-2017: Pricing

BuyTwoWayRadios: $219

Grapevine: $219 (Use coupon GARMD2017 for $40 off.)

Which leads me to this article on pricing on the MD-2017.

TYT MD-2017: Menu Options

TYT MD-446: MD380Tools

#MD380Tools now with full support of MD-446 keyb layout - just finished @travisgoodspeed @PD0ZRY @ailunce PR and new builds available soon pic.twitter.com/u1fEVyvJpL

— DL2MF (@DL2MF) May 24, 2017

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

Hytera's One Device to Rule Them all

Update: we're previewing our forthcoming dual mode device, offering LTE, TETRA or DMR and POC functionality in one smart handset! #CCE pic.twitter.com/QaptAViPrd

— Hytera UK (@Hytera_UK) February 8, 2017

Via @travisgoodspeed

TYT MD-2017: Unboxing at BuyTwoWayRadios.com

Unboxing the TYT MD-2017 at BuyTwoRadios.com:

Friday Funny

Via Dustbury:

Checkout some others at (I kid you not) the Electrical Engineering Memes for Fourier Transformed Teens.

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...

Ends with "10-4 over and out" Now hearing from commissioners.

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) May 18, 2017

Unanimous approval - Part 95 reform has passed!

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) May 18, 2017

The most noticeable change here is that a GMRS license is no longer required for most consumer radios.

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) May 18, 2017

Most radios that were FRS/GMRS will now just be FRS. FRS now allows more power, includes previously GMRS-only channels, and is license free.

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) May 18, 2017

Congratulations recreational FRS radio users, most of you are no longer accidental radio pirates https://t.co/bc3cHZ82pj

— Aaron Kuhn (@AKKuhn) May 18, 2017

ICYMI: The FCC updated rules governing your favorite personal radio devices, including, walkie talkies https://t.co/sCbxx4Kika #OpenMtgFCC

— The FCC (@FCC) May 22, 2017

"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"