Infographs

"Ever since the Twin Towers fell, the United States has been at war. The costs of that decade of conflict have been unimaginably high: trillions of dollars spent, hundreds of thousands of lives lost. The numbers are almost too big to grasp, let alone quantify. The graphics below are our incomplete attempt to do so."

Lots of interesting graphics at the Danger Room.

Droid Hams

So I tried to join the Droid Hams Yahoo Group, but I missed the fine print (see below) and was denied.

Description
Droid users that are licensed hams
If you want to join present your call sign otherwise you will be denied

Since I tried to sign up using my Brick account and without mentioning my call, my request was denied. I don't dispute the group owner's right to restrict access, but I think the more open groups have a better chance of success. My supporting data... this group had one message in August and one message so far in September. Not too active.

QotD

One of the accountants at work just recently got his new Windows 7 laptop. Upon hearing that Windows 8 is coming out and will have a new interface, he wondered why they couldn't just release a Windows Classic, so we don't have to keep learning new operating systems.

Baofeng UV-3R: Google Doc FAQ

Psolo (IK1ZYW) has started a Google Doc FAQ for the UV-3R. Not a bad idea if you ask me. There are lots of place holders for the moment, but he seems spot on for identifying some of the critical topics. I'll have to keep an eye on it.

Baofeng UV-3R: MTC Branded

Looks like there is a new kid on the block... Main Trading Company now has an MTC branded version of the UV-3R.


Thanks to Chris, NH7QH, at NH7QH Radio Supplies, LLC (formerly Baofeng-UV3R.US) for the tip.

Waffle House Index

How bad is a given situation? Use the Waffle House Index:

Green means the restaurant is serving a full menu, a signal that damage in an area is limited and the lights are on. Yellow means a limited menu, indicating power from a generator, at best, and low food supplies. Red means the restaurant is closed, a sign of severe damage in the area or unsafe conditions."

Via SaysUncle

Baofeng UV-3R: NH7QH Radio Supplies Updates

Chris from NH7QH Radio Supplies, LLC sent me some updates to share with the community.

First, he has all the colors in stock - including the extremely desirable yellow. (Of course, now I'm tempted to wait on a Mark II.)

Second, he mentioned a new box. I thought this might be related to the Mark II, but I don't think so.

Also, he points to a change in the FCC registration for the ZVMVGC3RX4.

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.