RH 770 Dual Band Antenna

K0NR has an antenna recommendation for a dual band handhelds.

DCRainmaker Pro Cycling Ride Along

DCRainmaker is my go to resource for information on running watches and other, similar tech. He got to do a ride along with a pro cycling team in their support car. He talks about some of the radio problems and what looks like an Alinco DR-635 makes an appearance.

Soldering Reference

This soldering reference card from @adafruit is the most to-the-point explanation of good soldering practices I have ever seen: pic.twitter.com/DlKuf44NZV

— Michael Stapelberg (@zekjur) January 14, 2018

DMR Contacts

A cool site to generate DMR-ID import files for various radio types.

UHF Android Tablet

I've seen the phones, but this is the first tablet with UHF that I recall.

Now shipping - The first Android Tablet with UHF DMR/Analog Transceiver.
Read more: https://t.co/dime0VS61y pic.twitter.com/W9kY0NO4Gi

— Network-Radios.com (@network_radios) January 14, 2018

Via @K0NR

WB4GBI 145.470 Repeater on Broadcastify

I can listen to one of my favorite local repeaters on Broadcastify without a radio.

K0NR on the Utility Mode

VHF FM: The Utility Mode

Tekk D-30 DMR Handheld Radio

Tekk D-30 DMR Handheld Radio:

Smallest DMR Radio Anywhere!

Smaller than a credit card! 

The D-30 is our smallest and lightest unit. It's "Mini" size, flashlight feature, and it's superb audio, this unit is perfect for coaching, churches, restaurants, retail, and others.
Optionally available with a unique space saving 6-Gang charger, the D-30 is compatible with our other models and all major competitors. 

2 Watts
16 Channels
2000 mAh Battery
Only 5 ounces
3" x 2" x 1"
2 Year Warranty!

Includes one Tekk D-30 UHF digital mobile two way radio, antenna, belt clip, lanyard, AC charger, 2000 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery and one year manufacturer warranty. 

Programming Kit includes Programming Cable and Software

Hat tip to David B for the link to the D-30. Sorry it took me so long to post!

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.