Baofeng BF-T1 (BF-9100) on Facebook

BF-T1 harmonics: 

"1. When using the amateur radio band of 70cm, then the 2nd harmonic is approximately -30dBc (dB relative to carrier). No detectable 3rd harmonic.

2. These radios appear as though they can be used on the 2m amateur radio band, by going into the programming system.
HOWEVER! When transmitting on 2m. The fundamental is very low and the 2nd and 3rd harmonics are GREATER than the fundamental. Therefore I conclude that these radios must not be used on frequencies, different to those stated by the manufacturer."

BF-T1 measurements via SDR dongle (so take them for what they are worth):

"I have received and programmed the Baofeng T1 but i may have some problems with it. While it works correctly in the UHF it outputs only very low power in VHF."

I agree with Jim:

"It isn't designed to TX on VHF. You should only program VHF frequencies for RX only. For example NOAA weather radio reception."

You can pick one up for cheap on Amazon:

Baojie BJ-218 Software

In the comments on the original Baojie BJ-218 2M/440 Mini Mobile post, some folks were looking the programming software. Someone posted the link to the Baojie downloads page that includes the software.

It also looks like you can use CHIRP:

Yes, the BJ-218 works with the Luiton LT-725UV CHIRP driver as well as the factory software. I have one of each, an LT-725UV and a BJ-218, factory software and files are interchangeable, and I was able to write my LT-725UV CHIRP .img file into the BJ-218 without issue. My only question is when will the LT-725UV driver go from 90% to 100% and leave the Beta stage?

Baofeng BF-T1 (BF-9100)

Some interesting stuff about the Baofeng BF-T1 that Ivan Hazelton shared* on the original BF-T1 post:

Good news! With the programming cable you can program this little rig with 20 channels 400-520MHz and 130-174MHz. Now be aware that the antenna is ... sub-optimal for the 130-174MHz so a suitable replacement will need to be MacGyvered. It'll be great to have a little, >$20, 4oz, disposable, dual band rig. It goes by another name BF-9100A, and the software to program it can be found here or direct linked here (.rar file).  The cable does use a fake PL-2303 serial chip, so you'll also need the drivers off the same page, or direct linked here (.rar file). 

Direct link to BF-9100A/BF-T1 Manual (.doc).

Also, it has CHIRP support.

*I've done some editing so the links work.

Vero Telecom HT Mobile Amplifier - VR-P25

I've put HTs in my car, but never felt the need for an amplifier like the VR-P25.

Frequency Range:	400-470Mhz/136-174MHz/222-225MHz/350-40MHz
Power Input:	2-5 Watts (10%)
Power Output :	20-30Watts
Supply Voltage��	12~15V��DC��
Current Consumption��	4.5~5.5A
Input/Output Impedance :	50 Ohm Nominal
RF Connectors��	RF Input (Radio)-SMA* RF Output(Antenna)-SL-16* *RF connectors can be ordered in any configuration of TNC or N-type per customer's
Size:(HxWxD)	35x115x135(mm)
Weight:	800 g

Technical Writer Job

Baofeng Tech is hiring a technical writer. Position requires that you have an amateur license.

Ham Licenses

Ham licenses chart.

Up: Extra, General, Tech, and Total

This is a high water mark for all three classes and overall licenses.

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

Month	Extra	Advanced	General	Technician	Novice	ARS Total
Dec-17	145,034	41,938	174,206	377,902	9,056	748,136
Nov-17	144,985	42,208	174,162	377,507	9,132	747,994
Oct-17	144,666	42,479	173,694	375,597	9,192	745,628
Sep-17	144,672	42,838	173,601	374,833	9,257	745,201

DMR Radio Comparison

A nice chart comparing the various DMR radios from Baofeng, TYT, Anytone, etc.

Ham Licenses

Ham licenses chart.

Up: Extra, General, Tech, and Total
This is a high water mark for all three classes and overall licenses.

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

Month	Extra	Advanced	General	Technician	Novice	ARS Total
Nov-17	144,985	42,208	174,162	377,507	9,132	747,994
Oct-17	144,666	42,479	173,694	375,597	9,192	745,628
Sep-17	144,672	42,838	173,601	374,833	9,257	745,201
Aug-17	144,654	43,070	173,471	374,378	9,309	744,882
Jul-17	144,387	43,240	173,170	373,653	9,373	743,823

TYT MD-9600: KG4VDZ Video Review

KG4VDZ:

Etymology of Ham Radio

Good info for the next time someone asks about the origin of the term "ham radio" https://t.co/i8O65uEfTr #hamradio

— BobW (@K0NR) September 7, 2017

Zello

Business Insider:

"A walkie-talkie app called Zello is No. 1 in the App Store because of Hurricane Irma"

Definitely better than nothing, but nothing like having some real radio options.

Soldering Irons

The Wirecutter reviews soldering irons and recommends the X-Tronic Model #3020-XTS. The venerable Weller WLC100 comes in second.

Baofeng Tech: MURS-V1

The kind folks at Baofeng Tech sent me a couple of their new BTECH MURS-V1 radios. They introduce the MURS-V1 this way:

"MURS is a two-way, VHF short-distance voice or data communications service for personal or business activities of the general public.

The MURS-V1 is a great introduction to two-way radios as a step-up from common walkie talkies. The MURS-V1 introduces users to common PL (Private Line) tones and terminology. Standard CTCSS and DCS terminology is used without abstract Menu terms (such as "Tone 12") used by bubble-pack radios."

I'll have to recruit the help of my crack team to help me test these MURS radios out.

TYT MD-9600: Firmware Update

TYT MD-9600 Firmware Update Available https://t.co/vleEhgJA0Y #dmrradio @HamRadioDMR #hamradio @brickolore #hamr

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) August 28, 2017

"Some of the TYT MD-9600 owners reported an issue loading channels into their radio using the programming software. The software was reporting that the data was being written successfully, but some or all channels were not accessible on the radio. 

To address this issue, TYT released an updated firmware version (3.28) and an updated version of the programming software (1.18)."

TYT MD-2017: Weak SMA Connector?

Attention :: the SMA connector of the TYT MD-2017 is fragile like a crystal - warning. pic.twitter.com/4ENoAQt4WE

— DMR-Marc Canada Net (@DMRNETcanada) August 15, 2017

Helida SY-UV99: Prepper Radio HT w/Dynamo Crank Charger

WOW! A hand-crank #hamradio
not sure if I'll #SMH, #LOL, or buy one ;)https://t.co/jq73gqZbCN

— HamRadio360 (@hamradio360) July 13, 2017

TYT MD-380 - not G - for $81

MTC has some mislabeled TYT MD-380 DMR HT's for $81.

"OOPS! We have Just received a full mismarked shipment of radios from the factory. We ordered MD-380G which is a MD380 with a GPS installed. What came in was a radio labeled MD380G. But it has no GPS. So we are blowing out these brand new mis marked radios. This is just a normal TYT MD-380 UHF Version that is marked as a MD-380G. This radio does not have a GPS installed. Quantities are limited and once they are gone, they are gone."

Via @HamRadio360.

Prime Deal: Baofeng Tech UV-25X4 Quad Band Mobile - $99

Baofeng Tech has a Prime Day Deal on the UV-25X4 Quad Band Mobile - only $99.00. (Normally, it is $128.86.)

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.)