National Signing Day

Local Ham Signs With Yaesu https://t.co/pkD35LFPa9 pic.twitter.com/OqVXjvNW8m

— Ham Hijinks (@HamHijinks) December 19, 2018

Life Changing

If you only watch one ham radio related video this year... make it this one:

Hytera

Insert shocked face that anything like this could happen.

Judge says Hytera employees 'unquestionably copied' Motorola DMR technology https://t.co/TOZSQod6m4

— Bob Witte (@BobWEngr) August 29, 2018

BuyTwoWayRadios.com Web Redesign Promotions

They've announced several deals, but I've been too covered up to post about them...

Last day for our Website Redesign Promotion Event! Freebies and specials on two way radios and radio accessories for business, FRS, GMRS, CB, Ham Airband, and more! https://t.co/HmlJPGqUAi #freebies #discounts

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) July 31, 2018

BTECH UV-25X4 Quad-Band Mobile - Prime Day Deal

You've got three hours or so left to pick up the BTECH UV-25X4 Quad-band Mobile for $99. (It is normally about $130.)

BTECH DMR-6X2: Firmware Updates

Baofeng Tech has released a firmware update for the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89). You can sign up here to get e-mails when they release new firmware.

Changes in 1.01:

Added Support for Multiple DMR IDs
Allow Timeslot Switching as a Side Key Option
Added International Metric Support to the GPS
Allows the Auto-Repeater to be Enabled within a specific frequency range, Auto-Repeater can be seperated between A & B VFO
Minor Bug Fixes

HeyPhone

TIL — the Thai cave rescues were a HAM win! Go, open hardware!https://t.co/MT9MK0ZVBd
(via https://t.co/ZBCbhn6qpm) pic.twitter.com/KzOqgFYxsW

— Star Simpson (@starsandrobots) July 11, 2018

Zastone Mini9+

Cute! Wonder if it's Tier2 compliant... https://t.co/aJF9csMp8b

— Jan-Willem Ruys (@Jruys) July 5, 2018

Radioddity Giveaway

See this #AmazonGiveaway for: Baofeng BF-88A FRS Two Way Radio (Upg.... NoPurchNec: https://t.co/1tthMfcXny

— Radioddity (@radioddity) July 3, 2018

VR-6900 With Band Scope and APRS Display

Copied from an e-mail from VGC:

The Feature

Band Scope VR-6900 support muitl band scope search 1: Frequency Mode Search 2, Band mode Search 3. Channel Mode Search   Wide Band Frequency TX:136-174&400-480MHz RX: 78-108Mhz   108-136MHz     136-174MHz        350-400MHz    400-480MHz   480-520 MHz   High Power Output VR-6900 has adjustable power function 1, UHF : 40w (High) 25 W (Mid) 8W (Low) 2, VHF : 45w (High) 25 W (Mid) 8W (Low)   APRS Display (Optional) TX:136-174&400-480MHz RX: 78-108Mhz  108-136MHz     136-174MHz         350-400MHz     400-480MHz    480-520 MHz   Cross-Band /In-Band Repeater Connector VR-6900 support connect a extra handheld radio to be a Cross-Band repeater or In-Band repeater.   Zone Function VR-6900 support A B C D zone,each zone has 128 channesl.Total 512 channels

BaofengTech DMR-6X2 Review by Miklor

John got his hands on the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89) and his review is here...

He starts:

"Several Dual Band DMR handhelds have been introduced into the market in the past few months. Having owned most of them, I would have to place this one toward the very top of the list. The DMR-6X2 is both VHF and UHF, Tier II DMR digital as well as a FM analog with many features geared strictly toward ham radio use."

And concludes:

"If you think the BTECH DMR-6X2 very closely resembles a D868UV, you are correct, but it is definitely not simply a rebadged Anytone. There are features and enhancements that set these two radios apart. I think BTECH was wise to wait for the bugs to be ironed out before introducing the 6X2 to the market.

If you're waiting for this radio to drop down in price, don't hold your breath. Its features and performance make it well worth the price."

Lots of good stuff in the middle, so read the whole thing.

DMR

Since I posted about the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89), I thought this short discussion about DMR might be helpful.

BaofengTech DMR-6X2 Digital (DMR)

From the BaoFeng Tech website:

"BTECH DMR-6X2 Digital (DMR) & Analog Two-Way Radio (with GPS and Recording) 

The BTECH DMR-6X2 is the most versatile dual-band DMR radio available. Designed for both amateur and commercial usage with its large, bright 1.77" color TFT display.The DMR-6X2 can store 4,000 Channels with 10,000 Talk Groups and 150,000 Contacts. 

The DMR-6X2 is a true dual slot DMR radio compatible with DMR Tier I & 2"

Available via Amazon for $169.89.

TYT MD-2017: VA3XPR Review

Check out the VA3XPR review - especially helpful are first two sections (The Good and The Bad) - which concludes:

"The MD-2017 is a great low-cost option for anyone looking for a rugged dual band DMR radio. It is sure to come in very handy for users that live in or travel to areas where there are both VHF and UHF DMR repeaters. At a $159 USD price point for the non-GPS version, users really cannot go wrong with this radio, as it is feature packed, durable, and performs well. While the radio has some usability issues, they are unlikely to adversely impact the functionality of the radio for most users.

Overall, we feel that the MD-2017 is a great value priced dual band DMR radio that is likely to please the most demanding ham radio or light commercial user who needs a dual band DMR radio that can withstand the elements."

Yaesu FT-818: More of the Same

Larry (W2LJ) offers some thoughts on the FT-818 and its incremental change from the FT-817.

My father-in-law loaned me his FT-817 when I first got started. I loved that it was a do anything radio. It's probably why I ended up a VX-3R and the IC-7000. I am a little surprised it was such a small set of changes.

ARRL Requests Expanded HF Privileges for Tech

#ARRL #HamRadio ARRL Requests Expanded HF Privileges for Technician Licensees - ARRL has asked the FCC to expand HF privileges for Technician licensees to include limited phone privileges on 75, 40, and 15 meters, plus RTTY and digital mode privileges... https://t.co/u3DWyAYxN8

— ARRL (@arrl) February 28, 2018

BTECH AMP-25 Series Amplifiers - Miklor Reivew

Miklor reviews the BTECH AMP-25 and concludes:

I was glad to see someone finally develop what is a full featured mobile amplifier capable of DMR as well as all other modes that is small enough to mount in the car, boat, and on top of your computer. This amplifier is Part 90 certified and definitely worth considering.

BTECH AMP-V25 Amplifier for VHF (136-174MHz)
BTECH AMP-U25 Amplifier for UHF (400-480MHz)

BTECH AMP-V25D Amplifier (Supports DMR) VHF (136-174MHz)

BTECH AMP-U25D Amplifier (Supports DMR) UHF (400-480MHz)

BTECH AMP-25 Series Amplifiers

Baofeng Tech introduces a new amplifier series:

"The AMP-25 series do more than just amplify a signal, they also purify your signal as it passes through! We are also thrilled to present a whole new way to connect with amplifiers, allowing you to use a handheld mic and built-in speaker - just as if it were a mobile or base radio (but at a significantly lower cost)."

Prices range from $88 to $105 based on the model.

BTECH AMP-V25 Amplifier for VHF (136-174MHz)
BTECH AMP-U25 Amplifier for UHF (400-480MHz)

BTECH AMP-V25D Amplifier (Supports DMR) VHF (136-174MHz)

BTECH AMP-U25D Amplifier (Supports DMR) UHF (400-480MHz)

NooElec and AmateurRadio.com Giveaway

NooElec and AmateurRadio.com are teaming up to give away 50 prizes including a HackRF One SDR Transceiver Package. The giveaway is open to licensed ham radio operators worldwide and NooElec will pay for the shipping. The deadline to enter is Sunday 25 February 2018 at 20:00 UTC.

Morse Code Tools

I love this RSS newsfeed/Twitter morsereader. I asked for support of international letters a while ago and @dc3dreamer implemented it. Works perfectly for Norwegian æ ø å, as well as Swedish ä ö. #hamr https://t.co/kHCnppttIE

— Sverre Holm, LA3ZA (@LA3ZA) February 18, 2018