Baofeng UV-3R: Mark II

The internet is all a twitter with news that there is a new version of the UV-3R - the Mark II.



No one knows yet, but speculation abounds that the loud volume and other issues may have been fixed. Also, perhaps this version will work with a speaker-mic. The only certainties are the new dual frequency display and a dual-band antenna.

One of the VeroTelecom sites has been updated to mention a dual display version. FleetwoodDP has them on their site with the new info as well.

Andy posted on the UV-3R Yahoo Group with some additional info:

"Got an email today from 409 shop. I asked about whether the Mark 2 is able to do dual receive FROM the memories (Mk1 cannot, you have to dual watch in VFO mode only). Apparently you can (hooray). The cycle between the frequencies is apparently every 5 seconds. Also you can do VV/UU/UV modes too. The Mark 1 cannot, it can only switch between a VHF and a UHF frequency."

I'm disappointed to see a new Yahoo Group for the UV-3R Mark II. I'd be surprised if they are so different that it is worth a new group.

I'll post more as people start getting their hands on the Mark II.

Ready for some Good News

Bruce is gone. Kiffin ran off. NCAA investigations. Pat is sick. The Vols were dropped from the ESPN Gameday intro. Peyton's neck is broken. And now, Eric Berry is out with a torn ACL.

We are due for some good news.

Ham Radio Deluxe has been Sold!

After some speculation about the future of HRD, there was an announcement on the QRZ forurms:

"Development to continue on HRD....
Today, Simon accepted an offer for Mike Carper WA9PIE, Randy Gawtry, K0CBH and Rick Ruhl W4PC to purchase the source and rights to ham Radio Deluxe.
We plan to continue the development and support of this fine product."

In a second post, he continues:

"Details forthcoming. I just ask for everyone's patience. An official announcement will come from myself, Randy and Mike in the next few days."

I would be very surprised to see it remain completely free - at best, I hope for a freemium model.

What is your name? Top Ten Replies to the TSA

As I mentioned earlier, I got selected by the TSA for additional screening and one of their super sophisticated terrorist detection mechanisms is to ask "What is your name?" Despite my disposition for being a smart ass, I answered with my name. Here are the Top Ten answers, I should have given:

10. Eric Stratton. Damn glad to meet you.
9. أنا لا أتحدث الإنجليزية. (Arabic for "I don't speak English")
8. Barack Hussein Obama
7. Bob Smith
6. John Galt
5. Death to the Infidels!
4. What do you want it to be? (With a wink.)
3. Osama bin Laden
2. Saddam Hussein
1. Is this a trick question?

Baofeng UV-3R: Factory Reset

Most UV-3R owners have probably already figured out that the manual is wrong, but for those that haven't... to do a factory reset, hold the U/V button down while turning the radio on. While unfortunate, it has been amusing to see all the "RTFM" replies that direct folks to an incorrect answer on the UV-3R Yahoo Group.

Baofeng UV-3R: LED Size

For those interested in swapping out the LEDs, they are 0603 size, i.e. 1.6mm x 0.8mm.

Android Nook

Less than 24 hours with it, but I like it.

Booktrack Adds Music and Sound Effects To Ebooks

Now, if they could just add moving pictures, books would be awesome!

Booktrack Adds Music and Sound Effects To Ebooks - Slashdot

And another thing...

After examining my boarding pass and drivers license, the TSA agent asked me what my name was. I'm thinking she should know after looking at those two documents, but I tell her anyway. What kinda of stupid terrorist won't know the name on their ID? Yet another effective security measure if I ever saw one.

Lottery Winner

I just won the TSA lottery and got selected for additional screening. An alarm went off after a swab of my hand was tested. (Really appreciated the giggles and chorus of "ooooo" from the dozen agents/officers/other uniformed people when the machine buzzed. At least I was quickly moved to the area, so they could go back to chitchatting.) During my fondling session, they told me some lotions will trigger the alarm. Sounds like a good system to me. I feel safer already. I didn't pitch a fit as I want to get home today, but I expressed my displeasure to several of them and used the words "ridiculous" and "security theater." The only funny part was the raised eyebrow from one of the agents when he saw them pull a couple copies of American Rifleman (trips are when I catch up on my dead tree reading) from my bag. There are pretty pictures of some Kimbers on the back.