Baofeng UV-5R: Schematics

Via RadioScanner.ru, a direct link to a PDF Schematic of the UV-5R. It is interesting that the file name is F8UV-1846 (bottom right in the drawing). I wonder if the F8 is for the TYT TH-F8 and the UV is for the UV-5R. Just some idle speculation on my part.

iPad Usage

Apparently iPad user purchase patterns are different from other mobile users thus making them more valuable:

"A lot of really good businesses build their business model around getting to 10% conversion rate to purchasers within 6 to 12 months. It’s simply amazing that we’re seeing 10% conversion to purchase within the first week for iPad users.

Second, the Custora model forecasts that iPad users are worth twice as much 2-year revenue vs. non-iPad customers."

And it seems we are learning new ways to use our iPads. With all the "cloud" services, I'm surprised that the demand for more disk space is going up. Perhaps the magic of syncing across devices actually drives the need for more space when all your pictures, videos, apps, and files start showing up on your tablet. I am seriously thinking about an e-ink Kindle to use as a pure e-reader, so the second graph makes sense to me.

New ARRL Membership Benefits in June

Pretty cool...

arrl Coming Soon: New ARRL Membership Benefits: The ARRL is excited to announce two new membership benefits that will... bit.ly/GCnwGiTue, Mar 20 10:34:50 from twitterfeed

"In addition to the print copy of QST, all members will have access to an online digital edition of QST -- at no extra cost. You will be able to access QST from anywhere -- on nearly any computer, laptop, mobile device, smartphone and tablet (including Apple iPad, iPhone, iTouch and devices using the Android operating system).

Members will also gain access to archived issues of QST from December 1915 to the present; previously, only issues through 2007 have been available to members. If you are familiar with the current periodicals archive, that platform will be expanded to include all of QST from December 1915 through December 2011. A second, new archive will be introduced for issues beginning January 2012, featuring enhanced functionality including full-text search."

Baofeng UV-5R: Giveaway

Not here, but at AmateurRadio.com. Go there to win a Baofeng UV-5R in a giveaway sponsored by ImportCommunications.com. You must be a licensed ham in the US or Canada. Enter before 27 March 2012 20:00 UTC to be eligible.

Kudos to Matt and Ed for another giveaway!

I should also mention that Ed says he will shipping the UV-5R radios tomorrow.

Voice-Mail

We have a hundred year old voice-mail system at work. The one feature I really, really want in a new system is for it to automatically delete hang-ups. I get tons of calls everyday from unknown numbers. I suspect they are sales calls, so I don't answer. The calls go to voice-mail. They stay on the line long enough so that I get to hear them typing (or other background conversations when they are in a call center), but then hang-up without really leaving a message.

I want the new system to zap those without me ever having to check them. Do any voice-mail systems do that today?

All Your Device Are Belong to Us

There isn't a ton of technical details to be had in the presentation, but it seems too easy for all of these devices to be hacked/disrupted. I agree that a better user interface on the P25 radio might solve the encryption problem, but I still think people will be one of the weakest links.

 

(All Your Device Are Belong to US is a reference to this.)

Google Ad for Springfield XD and Surefire

"It's funny how calm you can be with a Springfield XD in your hand," writes Gundotra. "And for extra measure, my Springfield XD stays by the bedside tonight."

Gundotra is a Senior Vice President, Engineering at Google. I tried to find the original Google+ post, but the link didn't work. Deleted?

Via Business Insider

TYT TH-UV3R

The TYT TH-UV3R is getting the once over by the UV-3R group.

Baofeng: Value

From a post by Soxy on the Transmission1 forum:

"if any rep from baofeng monitors this site is'nt it about time you got these radio's right.after the uv-3r mk-1 then the mk-2 and the mk-3 and now the uv-5r there are still major issues.come on get it right and stop ripping your customers off and coming out with useless excuses."

I'm not sure why this bothers me so much. The outrage? The grammar? The lack of specifics (relating to the "useless excuses"? The incorrect model names? The sense of entitlement? The sense of powerlessness?

No one is making this person buy these radios. Most reasonable people understand that, in the real world, there are trade-offs. Pay less, get less. He can't be bothered to use capitalization or do any proof-reading for a few sentences, but someone else better darn well make a perfect product and make it super cheap.

I did not reply on the board as I generally prefer to avoid feeding the trolls. Since logic does not appear to be his strong suit, trying to persuade him with more logic is likely to fail.

Baofeng UV-5R: Picture with the Case Removed

Here is the first picture I have seen of the a UV-5R that has been taken apart. The picture is from Jester316 at the AR15 forum. I'm sure more will follow as others crack open the unit. I wonder if a Waccom version has the BFUV-5R stamp on it.