Ham Drama

If the drama surrounding the legality of certain ham radios isn't enough for you, then hop on over to the Ham Radio Deluxe Yahoo Group. It is always exciting times when they release a new version.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: wa9pie
Date: Saturday, December 22, 2012
Subject: [ham-radio-deluxe] Considering the upgrade from 5.x to 6.x
To: ham-radio-deluxe@yahoogroups.com

As most of you know, I'm one of the three partners that acquired HRD from Simon so that HRD can continue as a product. The statement I'm about to make represents my perspective - not necessarily that of my partners.

Much conversation will ensue about whether or not folks should stick with the 5.x version (FREE forever) or purchase the 6.0 version.

Most of the folks who start these threads I call "baiters". Baiters gain great enjoyment from "starting shit" (as we say here in The States) in an effort to begin a "war of words" that is designed to drive people away from the product. For that reason, we banned a bunch of "baiters" a year ago and life has been better here for the rest of us. So... don't be a "baiter". If you post here, contribute to a dialog that improves HRD for everyone.

As for whether you should upgrade to 6.0 or continue using the 5.x FREE version we put thousands of hours in to improve from 5.0b... well, some will say, "5.x does everything thing I need it to do." Well then, awesome... be my guest then... use 5.x for FREE for as long as you like.

I saw a post earlier that said that the "v5 version is already the best available software." Uh... well... that's absolutely NOT true. To be honest, I still log in another (15 year old) logging program because the 5.x version is substantially deficient in assisting serious DXers and awards seekers (like me). So in 6.0 we've added - what I think are - the most powerful "Worked Status Indicators" and awards reporting there is. We've added FSK. Multiple modes in the waterfall. One place to enter station information now eliminates the need to enter the same info in every application. And more...

So... it's our job to create and implement compelling features so that folks will see the benefit in buying v6.0. I think we've taken major steps in that direction. I hope you'll see the improvements as valuable.

Mike, WA9PIE

Big Hit

Wow. You probably had to be watching the game to get the fill effect, because South Carolina had just been robbed by a horrible call.

M&P Magazines

I am going to be the best read guy around... I got some extra magazines for the S&W M&P9.

Magpul Magazines

I got a few magazines to go with my lowers - and at a reasonable $12.50 each instead of $100 for a used one.

Playing with Instagram

Funny how filters that reduce the clarity of a picture make it seem better. First, a Christmas gift from a friend. His family used to own the grocery store in Norris, but now it is a meat and craft beer market. Next are some familiar Chinese radios and one Japanese interloper.

Wouxun KG-UVD1P: Display Problem

So I had been using the KG-UVD1P as my mobile rig (video here). Over time, the heat in the car must have taken its toll on the radio as the display does not work. I'm not the only one who has had this problem. Sorry for the poor iPhone video, but there isn't much to show, so I think it will suffice.

 

First World Problem Solver

Funny... you got first world problems? We got answers.

COM Port Display

Not a bad idea for those with chronic problems, but I've never had much difficulty looking up what COM port is being used. Ed has an app that can help.

LA3ZA This solves a common problem for hams - want one! "USB to serial with COM port LCD display" dangerousprototypes.com/2012/12/26/usb…Wed, Dec 26 13:25:46 from TweetDeck

Worth Its Weight in Gold

Unfortunately, the average human brain only weighs about 3 pounds, so you may have a hard time stuffing it all in.

GriffinLamar 6 pounds of radio knowledge. :) #ham #radio #book #ARRL instagr.am/p/Tus7nqBMPX/Thu, Dec 27 01:24:56 from Instagram

Rare and Random

One review of the data suggests that 2012 was a really bad year and not (in statistical terms) a trend.

Mass shootings are rare and random. Does that make it better or worse? I don't know. It does suggest to me that focusing on the prevention of mass shootings might not be the best approach. As a society, we should look at using our resources to reduce overall violence.