Thursday, October 4, 2012

Tying Your Shoes

You are doing it wrong. I've got a new pair of running shoes and I was going to experiment with the Runner's Knot. Maybe I should try this way, too.

Debate Zinger

OVERREACTING___ MISS TEEN SOUTH CAROLINA THINKS OBAMA NEED TO ARTICULATE MORE BETTER!!!! #Debate2012 #USAMERICANSWed, Oct 03 21:31:51 from Twitter for iPhone

Crossover 27Q

The Chinese continue to crank out the inexpensive electronics. In this case, it is not a radio, but a monitor - the Crossover 27Q. It is said to use the same LCD panel as the Apple Thunderbolt Display. Yet another opportunity to save a lot of money if you are willing to take a risk.

HamSphere - Virtual Ham Radio

Anyone play with HamSphere? I'm just curious as it seems to be a neat idea. Free for 15 days to play around, but there is a fee after that. Looks like they are working on iPhone and Android apps.

Baofeng UV-5R: Pricing Updates

The following is from Nate:
"Jun's Electronics A.K.A HamCity.com now sells the Baofeng UV-5R for $55.
They also sell the Kenwood USB programming cable for $12.
Shipping via UPS ground is about $12
Total: $79
So just $22 more is not too bad if you are like me and don't want to risk it or wait for 3-4 weeks (409shop).
If you need a second radio, or have the Kenwood USB programming cable already (or don't care about programming your radio from your computer):
Hamcity.com - UV-5R: $55
Shipping via UPS ground: $11 (not a typo, Jun's website charges you an extra buck to ship the cable with radio).
Total: $66
Not too bad, only $19 more, than 409Shop.

I've used the following for comparison: 

409Shop - UV-5R : $47.Kenwood USB programming cable: $8.Free postal shipping.
Total: $55
Kight Radio have just recently updated his website:http://www.kightradio.com/ - It looks good, but I think that the website is still in it's beta phase, because it seems like some features don't work.
He has a free shipping promotion with the coupon code: OCT30
You might be able to nab a UV-5R there for $60 if you don't need the programming cable (only $13 more than 409Shop, for a US seller).
(He sells the programming cable for $15)."

I had also noticed that the KightRadio site had been updated. Here is the direct link to his Chinese Radio News/Blog section.

Monday, September 24, 2012

The Digital Optimist

An interesting and optimistic view of the power of technology.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Wouxon KG-UV920R: Review by Hans (PD0AC)

Hans reviews the KG-UV920R. His conclusion:
"The KG-UV920R isn’t a bad radio, but for €299.00 I expect it to be as good as the competition. That’s not the case – yet. If the described problems are solved, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy one."
Check out his review for his reasoning. Sounds like a couple of fixes and a price reduction and it could still be the radio we were all hoping for.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Wouxun KG-UV920R: FCC ID

The KG-UV920R is now in the FCC database.

FCC ID: WVTWOUXUN09


Wednesday, September 12, 2012

AnyTone AT-588UV: Import Communications Flyer and Survey

Ed sends out the following regarding the AnyTone AT-588UV. Sounds like it is the Chinese mobile we have all been waiting for. Please note his request for feedback via a survey at the bottom of his message.

Wouxun.US

Import Communications
September 11, 2012


Picture of Anytone AT-588UV
AnyTone

AT-588UV

Dual Band Mobile

Detachable Head
Cross-band Repeat
50/40 Watts Output
758 Memories
AM Aircraft Receive
Wide-band FM Receive
2013 FCC Compliant

After the dismal performance and high price of Wouxun's dual band mobile radio, I'm excited to share information about the AnyTone AT-588UV. I have been testing this radio for a couple of weeks and I'm impressed. I think this will be the Chinese dual bander that takes the market.

It's computer programmable and the control head separates from the radio via a CAT5 cable. This radio is easy to manually operate because there are no sub-menus and there are matching controls for the left and right sides. Either side can be set for VHF or UHF or both the same. It has dual receive (two signals at once) and when transmitting, you can set the off side to be muted if desired. Unlike the Wouxun, with the AnyTone, you can scan one side while monitoring the other side. It only takes a couple button pushes to set up cross band repeat. And unlike the other brand, this cross band repeat actually works! It has AM Aircraft receive plus 220-260 MHz receive (sorry NO 220 transmit).

The company has given me this timeline for availability. They plan to produce a small run at the end of September and hopefully full production by the end of October. I suggested they make a larger test run because I've found nothing major that needs improving. I've made a few suggestions for firmware changes which they quickly approved. This company is interested in producing a good product. When the AT-588UV is available to purchase, I will send an announcement to this mailing list.

The owners manual is not yet available but I have a list of the various functions. I will post this information and the programming software on my web site as soon as I can. This will take you to that location.

Question Poll

To get a better understand on how the AT-588UV will be used and some options that may be needed, I have written a pool of questions. The results of this survey will help convience the manufacturer of any changes that need to be made or options added. Your participation will be appreciated. Here is a link to the poll:
http://6FJ.r.mailjet.com/0em7GMJs/1mZIWU/aiQ8tN/docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform


Best Regards,
Ed Griffin

Wouxun.US / Import Communications
PO Box 451 - New London - NC - 28127
info@importcommunications
www.importcommunications.com


Wouxun KG-UVD1P: Fakes

Kight Radio thinks he has come across some fake copies of the KG-UVD1P:
"BIG NEWS - BEWARE - We found copies of the Wouxun KG-UVD1p, these copies are almost exact copies and you can not tell by looking at them. They are being sold for a much lower cost then the real UVD1p. Many of these have been sold to Hong Kong so this will explain why Hong Kong is selling them so cheap including postage. BEWARE, if you are ordering from Hong Kong , you might be buying a copy ! In the next few days I will update everyone. I purchased one to compare to the REAL one. I am looking for something that will tell the real from the copy."