Ham Radio for the Win

Some good press...

Dummies

409Shop Dummy Loads

The Radios

Wow... it has been probably a year since I updated the list. I bet I added 40-50 to The Radios page.

Radioddity Baofeng RD-5R: Software Update

Radioddity released an update for the software for the RD-5R.

National Signing Day

Funny...

Local Ham Signs With Yaesu https://t.co/Yu9urfI3Lj #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/L8EwiDNemz

— Ham Hijinks (@HamHijinks) February 7, 2018

Ham in a Can

I post a lot about Alexa and other similar devices, but I had not thought about adding one to the ham shack.

Radioddity Baofeng RD-5R: $75

Radioddity posted the RD-5R on their site and you can order it for $75.

Radioddity Baofeng RD-5R: DMR HT

Based on the UV-5R form factor, Radioddity is releasing a new DMR HT... the RD-5R:

As the first Radioddity-Baofeng co-produced DMR, RD-5R is featured with solid quality and affordable price. The FM radio function, LED flashlight and built in VFO mode make it stands out from other DMRs.
Sticked with classical design of the 5R family, this time RD-5R is a true dual band dual time slot DMR.

Fingers crossed that this will be a better radio than the DM-5R. Projected price is approximately $70 USD. In the comments, they note that the "RD-5R share pretty much the same CPS with GD-77 and hopefully this will make it a lot easier" to program and thus it will have all the GD-77 DMR functionality.

FT8

OH: “I thought JT9 and JT65 were like fish in a barrel. FT8 is like fishing in a barrel with dynamite.”

— London Hackspace ARC (@m0hsl) January 24, 2018

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.