A jack of many hobbies and a master of none - spending lots of time on amateur/ham radio, running, and technology.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Christmas Shopping for your favorite Ham
Here are some "neat" ham radio items that you can use to create a list for yourself or decide what to get your favorite ham.
Labels:
Ham Radio
Runbo X5: Android Mobile with UHF
Thanks to an anonymous comment on this post about the Android HT, I present the Runbo X5. The Runbo X5 is a ruggedized Android mobile phone with a built-in UHF (400 - 470 MHz) radio. Clearly, this goes well beyond the basic Android HT we were considering given the mobile phone, IP67 rating, etc. and the price goes up accordingly, but now we have an example of one Android HT implementation.
My Russian is as poor as my Chinese, but I think this post may be correct - the antenna is for the UHF radio, not the mobile phone functionality.
Here is some translated commentary from a review of the previous model, but I think we get the gist of the UHF "intercom" capability:
Here is some translated commentary from a review of the previous model, but I think we get the gist of the UHF "intercom" capability:
"Intercom function is a feature of the Runbo X3, no cell phone, no cell phone card case, within a distance of 3 to 5 km, free flowing intercom, the signal is clear, open distance greater than 10 km . The intercom function is all free, ALICE can freely travel are between the timely sharing the joy of the journey."
Ham Radio Black Friday / Holiday Sale
Ham Radio Outlet has started their Black Friday deals. Some of the deals are one-day only, so head over and check them out.
Cheap Ham has some deals as well including two Wouxun packages:
Wouxun Dual Band KG-UV6D COMMERCIAL HT - VALUE PACKAGE for $184.95
This package includes our famous Wouxun Dual Band KG-UV6D Commercial HT - 2.5K step and TX/RX 137-174, 420-520 with the latest firmware and enhancements. Included with the HT you will receive the following:
2 1700mAh Li-ion battery packs
1 AA Battery case
1 Dual Slot Drop-in Desk Charger
1 USB Programming Cable
1 Speaker/Mic
1 Earphone
1 Battery Eliminator
3 Belt Clips
Dual-Band Antenna
Owner's Manual
Wouxun Dual Band KG-UVD1P HT - 2 Mtr/70cm (UHF) VALUE PACKAGE for $144.95
This package includes our famous Wouxun Dual Band KG-UVD1P HT - 2 Mtr/70cm (UHF) with the latest firmware and enhancements. Included with the HT you will receive the following:
2 1700mAh Li-ion battery packs
1 AA Battery case
1 Dual Slot Drop-in Desk Charger
1 USB Programming Cable
1 Speaker/Mic
1 Earphone
1 Battery Eliminator
3 Belt Clips
Dual-Band Antenna
Owner's Manual
Cheap Ham has some deals as well including two Wouxun packages:
Wouxun Dual Band KG-UV6D COMMERCIAL HT - VALUE PACKAGE for $184.95
This package includes our famous Wouxun Dual Band KG-UV6D Commercial HT - 2.5K step and TX/RX 137-174, 420-520 with the latest firmware and enhancements. Included with the HT you will receive the following:
2 1700mAh Li-ion battery packs
1 AA Battery case
1 Dual Slot Drop-in Desk Charger
1 USB Programming Cable
1 Speaker/Mic
1 Earphone
1 Battery Eliminator
3 Belt Clips
Dual-Band Antenna
Owner's Manual
Wouxun Dual Band KG-UVD1P HT - 2 Mtr/70cm (UHF) VALUE PACKAGE for $144.95
This package includes our famous Wouxun Dual Band KG-UVD1P HT - 2 Mtr/70cm (UHF) with the latest firmware and enhancements. Included with the HT you will receive the following:
2 1700mAh Li-ion battery packs
1 AA Battery case
1 Dual Slot Drop-in Desk Charger
1 USB Programming Cable
1 Speaker/Mic
1 Earphone
1 Battery Eliminator
3 Belt Clips
Dual-Band Antenna
Owner's Manual
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Anytone AT-5888UV: PD0AC Review
I noticed that Dale sold out of the radios in three hours this week. I saw this morning that Ed has more of the rigs for sale and then I saw the review from Hans. Please go to his site to read the entire review.
First, Ed reports these changes:
First, Ed reports these changes:
- Updated Microphone -- Added a built-in speaker in mic's front & a switch to defeat the Channel Up/Down button (which was easy to accidently hit). This switch was also supposed to lock all buttons on the mic, but not sure about that yet.
- Bracket for mounting detachable control head.
- Updated Firmware -- Several menu functions have been added. See the owner's manual for all functions.
- FCC Part 90 Certified -- ID # T4K-5888UV
The first item may address one of the concerns in Hans' review regarding the buttons, but I don't think it would change his conclusion:
"If I may be blunt: many flaws are impossible to live with. If I transmit, I want to be heard. If I listen, I don’t want to be annoyed by noise, distortion and high pitched tones."He even goes on to recommend the Wouxun at this point:
"If I would like to own a Chinese mobile radio, I’d rather put my money in an improved version of the Wouxun KG-UV920R."I think this reminds us, as it certainly is not news, that the Chinese process for design and manufacturing is to roll out models as quickly as possible, let the early adopters identify problems, and then fix the problems in subsequent releases.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
409Shop
So apparently the 409Shop exists in meatspace as well as the cyberworld. LA3ZA has a visit.
"Their address is on their web site, and the word "showroom" really made me expect something larger than what I found. It turns out to be just one small store among hundreds of others in this street."
Friday, November 16, 2012
Mysterious Ring in China
China is building a mysterious ring in Fushun. I know what it is.
Apocalyptic Food Source Gone
Oh, no. What will we eat after the zombies come?
Hostess Brands is Closed.
We are sorry to announce that Hostess Brands, Inc. has been forced by a Bakers Union strike to shut down all operations and sell all company assets. For more information, go to hostessbrands.info. Thank you for all of your loyalty and support over the years.
Anytone AT-5888UV: Name, Numbers, and Dates
More info on the name change and an update on the production timing and volumes from Ed at Import Communications via the Yahoo Group:
Who knows why they do the things they do? To make a distinction between China mainland sales and Overseas sales, Anytone decided to change the model name to AT5888UV for the overseas market. I don't know why didn't they use this new number for the China market, especially since 888 has the meaning of good luck in China.
100 radios are being produced right now. I will get as many as 50 of these but all have been spoken for. Large production will begin Dec 1st and I'm waiting on a shipping date for December.
When I'm given a firm shipping date for December, I will email that information to everyone on my "notify" list and will begin accepting orders. To add your name to this list, look for "Request re-stock notice?" at the bottom of the web page http://www.wouxun.us/item.php?item_id=294&category_id=64
Regards,Ed GriffinImport Communications
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