Try Google Reader

Apparently Google hasn't heard about the impending demise of Google Reader. The screen shot from my Gmail suggests using Google Reader as a replacement for Web Clips. (I've never used Web Clips.)

And by the way, I'm not happy with my alternatives yet.

Feedly is popular. I'm not sold. It is too pretty. I want bare bones/utilitarian/fast.

Digg is going to make an alternative, but I'm afraid it will be too bloated. I want a single purpose tool.

I am not building my own RSS platform.

And I'm not using Outlook as a replacement since I want my feed on any device, anywhere.

I don't think I care about losing my starred articles, but if you do care, you can sort and save them.

Xiegu X1M: X1MKII

So we have the X1M which is listed as the v2.01 edition on the manufacturer's web page. And Sparky has pictures and specs of X1MKII.

I'm making an assumption based on the name and the fact that he has pictures of the X1M and X1MKII together that they are both Xiegu rigs. It should be no surprise that the naming conventions are creating some confusion - at least for me. (As I go deeper down the rabbit hole, I'm less convinced this is true -keep reading.)

My Google-Fu leads me to this Chinese forum and 49 pages of comments about the X1MKII. I read lots of the pages - too many excited, but irrelevant posts - to make information gathering easy A circuit diagram from the first post.

BG8HT, who is posting this information, has a blog. Here are some specs from a later post including a note about the model being X1N (tentative). Then I see on his blog where the name changes from the X1N to the X1MKII.

Released some details of the parameters:
Model: X1N (tentative)
transceiver Frequency range: 0.5 ~ 30MHz
contain all WAC-band, the amateur bands assurance indicators optimal;
Mode: SSB / CW / NFM / AM / RTTY / the FSK
output power: 8W @ 12.5V
internal standing wave detection, power detection / protection
Output Power 1 ~ 10W ​​continuously adjustable
built-in automatic key, pre-amplifier, pre-fader with AGC, ALC, NB, RIT, SPL.MEM commonly used functions such as digitized FM launch
external ATU interface, audio input and output ports, external PTT control, CI-V interface
receiver sensitivity: better than 0.3uV (available)
transmitter spurious @ harmonics rejection: better than-45dBc (amateur band)

In trying to decipher the translations, BG8HT may have bought the X1M as a kit. I can't tell if he is just testing it and reporting his findings or if he has a closer relationship to Xiegu. I'm even fuzzier on what is going on with the X1MKII. Now I'm wondering if it is even a Xiegu project.

Guns and Radios

moleculo Almost all of the #hamradio people I know around me also own guns...I wonder if that's true across the U.S.? I hope so :)Mon, Mar 25 17:55:48 from TweetDeck

Not all gun owners are hams, but lots of hams are gun owners in my experience. Of course my data may be skewed given my location in Tennessee - and the Nets I listen to and hams I know from around these parts.

Apple Two-Factor Authentication

I've started the process to enable it on my account. If you have an Apple ID, you should consider it, too.

Apple ID: Frequently asked questions about two-step verification for Apple ID

I also don't keep a credit card on file with them. I get gift cards and just add them as I run out of money.

Baofeng UV-3R: Firmware Hacking

I'm way behind on this topic, but I am posting this in case you haven't see it at all. Lior is working on a custom firmware for the UV-3R. (He started with the UV-5R, but moved to the UV-3R when the project looked to be easier.)

If you have suggestions for features, he's started a thread on the UV-3R Yahoo Group.

Not Cheap Chinese Radios

If you get tired of the inexpensive Chinese radios, you could always try something like this.

Frozen Yogurt vs. Ice Cream

When I was a kid, there were lots of ice cream stores. It seems like they are almost all gone and have been replaced by frozen yogurt shops. I guess this is the price of progress.

Just something I've noticed.

Import Communications: 20W HF Transciever

Ed of Import Communications sent the spec sheet for the Xiegu 20W HF Transceiver. (Again, like the X1M, I'm calling it the Xiegu for the moment.) He says that the specs could change before final production. Until he gets the samples to test, he can't say what suggestions for changes he might make.

New DX Contact

Via Lower Columbia Amateur Radio's Facebook Page

Xiegu X1M: Import Communications Update and More

Some more details about the 5W QRP HF radio that Ed at Import Communications will be selling...

The 5W HF radio is the X1M from The Valley Association Chongqing Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (Thanks to Neil for pointing me in this direct.) The company URL as well as an image on their web page incorporates the word "Xiegu." YO9IRF calls the radio the Xiegu X1M, so I may go with that until someone corrects me. That's a lot better than The Valley Association Chongqing Science and Technology X1M or TVACST X1M for short.

Ed adds:

I have ordered 10 fully assembled and 2 in kit form. These have been shipped and should arrive soon. I have not seen the kits but believe them to only be a "hardware type" assembly. I won't suggest any modifications until after my units arrive and are tested.

A round-up of links about the radio - plenty of pics and videos:

X1M_QRP-Transceiver Yahoo Group
YO9IRF Blog
Sparky's Blog