Google Android Ham Radio: The Golf Oscar Oscar Golf One Echo

A fun exercise... what if Google made a ham radio? It is like when I dream about winning the lottery. The G00G1E? I'm sure it would be better than the dual-band P-A-968 Cell Phone. In the Baofeng UV-3R, we've seen that basically a decent SDR can be crammed into a small package. Apple is probably the best at developing the slickest form factor. (Heck, they are even suggesting that we should cut our plugs in half to help slim down our devices. Maybe that would save room for a better antenna.) But, if anyone could pull something wild like this off, it would be Google. All it takes is a couple of Googlers that are hams to take a crazy notion and who knows what could happen. They are all millionaires and could spend a few bucks on a pet project. ;)

I like Rich's suggestions for several features: DSP filtering, CTCSS, APRS, Echolink, and a D-Star alternative codec.

I say bring on PSK31 and a waterfall!



Plug link via Slashdot.org

It is like 9mm, but for rifles!

Since Nutnfancy ended the debate about the best caliber for a handgun, we can now move on to rifles:

"The .223 Rem. is a great cartridge. If you understand its limitations and versatility it is indeed a great one-gun choice. I know it's what I would choose. If the situation arose where I needed a bigger gun, I'd just borrow one."

So to summarize, don't get the largest round and don't get the smallest either. Something in the middle is the best in most situations.

Poor Judge-ment

Man drives car.
Gun slides around.
Man grabs gun.
Man shoots self.

Story at KnoxNews.com

Gary Varvel - Cartoons/Social Commentary

I got one of those e-mails that makes the rounds with "funny" stuff in it. One of the cartoons (see below) did jump out at me, so I tracked the creator down - Gary Varvel. (A minor complaint - I couldn't find an RSS feed for his updates, so I had to follow him on Twitter.) Also, I couldn't find this particular image on his site or anywhere else, so no direct linky. Lots of good stuff from him, so be prepared to spend at least a few minutes browsing around.



Well, before I posted this, I did find an RSS feed for him at Creators.com. I'm going to watch the feed and Twitter to make sure they have the same content.

Faraday Bags

Adam at Equip 2 Endure reviews some Faraday bags designed to protect your electronic gear from EMP damage. The bags are by Tech Protect.



The 8x8 bag below is about $6.


One more item for my shopping list if I ever get serious about prepping. While important, food and water might be higher on the list.

Baofeng UV-3R: Yellow!

Thanks to a comment on the earlier post, I see that the yellow version is now available at the 409Shop.com.

Given the note about quality concerns, I will probably wait until one of the US resellers has it. I don't mind paying a few bucks more to get support and don't desperately need one this minute. I'm still not sure why the color would impact the functionality. Maybe it was just a bad batch.

Rule 1

Tam reminds of us of why we have Rule 1.

I'm famous.

Okay, not really, but some positive reinforcement is always nice.

My site got mentioned in this eHam.net review of the UV-3R.

And my post about the KG-6DUV was linked on Amateur Radio.com.

I never intended for this to become a Baofeng UV-3R dominated blog, but you just have to go with the flow sometimes.

Creating the next terrorist

Linoge has good article that demonstrates the fine line between being prepared to care for yourself and for being able to launch a jihad against the unclean. As has been said before, one man's terrorist is another man's freedom loving prepper.

Maybe I should change that phrase based on the September issue of Parents magazine. The "Keep Your Family Safe" article provides a basic guide for preparing for an emergency. The suggestions include gathering flashlights, food, blankets, etc.



So maybe it should be, one man's terrorist is another kid's concerned mom.

(And a little bonus commentary here... the mother's group at my church will be hosting a local law enforcement officer who will give them advice on protecting their homes and family. I want my wife to go, just so I can find out what he recommends. I suspect he will not be arguing .40 cal vs. 9mm.)

Winter is coming

The Starks frequently issue the warning that "Winter is coming." Despite 90+ degree tempartures, my little one has heeded the warning.