Leixen VV-808: F4FWH

(Once again Google Translate in Chrome to the rescue... even though I took 4 years of French, I never used it, so it is gone. Even with the translation, I'm a little fuzzy.)

F4FWH's initial impressions and pictures are here. Some (translated) notes...

"After it turns out that the package contains what is advertised by the merchant, except for the microphone which is a DTMF microphone, but do not like the microphone Kenwood photos on this description."

Wish I understood this one:

"After a first handling it seems that this knob on the hook frontage has some places, but did not test other TX, it is possible that this problem is only present on my model."

And this one:

"After the initial startup, or the TX is set to off amateur frequency bands, I threw an eye on the record, that as the seller had told me is only in Chinese and this is why he advised me to take the programming cable."

A good bit of information to have - the username and password for the software:

Client Code: ham
Password: 12345123

And after the first QSO on a repeater:

"and tells me that my serious lack of modulation."

New and Catching Up with Hamgear

Hans has come across some new radios/brands.

Chicom CH-UVQ9 - dual band HT (2M/220)
Chicom CH-3300H - 65 watt VHF mobile with all the controls on the speaker/mic.

Luiton LT-333 - another HT, but with the reverse LCD.

And one I should have posted about a long time ago...

Boafeng BF-666S / BF-777S / BF-888S - cheap mono band professional (channelized) HT.

(Oh wait, I did post about the BF-666S once.)

USA! USA! USA!

I, for one, say that this change is long overdue: OTM Executive Order regarding band identifiers.

Running Form

I made the comment that my daughter had better running form than I did...

My "friend" found examples of other people with better running form...

Leixen VV-808: First Hands On Review

m42duster took the plunge and ordered a VV-808. After playing with it for a few hours, his impression is quite favorable. Some highlights:

• Easy to program manually
• Front 4 buttons are programmable (short and long press)
• Main knob is multi-function
• Internal speaker is loud and has good tonal quality
• Transmit audio received good reports
• Display is easily readable

"So far, this little rig is pretty cool and should fit my intended use perfectly. I find it to be worth the money I paid." 

Click here for the full review.

Networked Devices at Home

I have marveled at how many devices I have on my network at the house. Beyond the usual smartphones, tablets, printers, game consoles, and even laptops; I now have my thermostat on my wireless. I can control the HVAC from anywhere via a webpage or app. It was pretty cool (no pun intended) to be on vacation and remotely change the heating/cooling schedule to save a few pennies since we were out of town. (I ended up not getting a Nest even though I still think it is neat.)

I had to get a new controller for my irrigation system - it was only as I was checking the thermostats program that I realized I should have asked about one with network connectivity. It would have saved a lot of running around the house - start zone 1, walk to check it, walk back to start zone 2, etc.

If I ever have to replace the cipher lock on my front door, maybe I need to upgrade to an August lock.

Mars

Mars... not MARS...

We can't get people to Mars yet, but if we do, hams are already wondering what propagation would be like and one speculates about how things might work.

Leixen VV-808: Alpha Display

Found this picture showing the alpha display here.

Tek Recon-Soft

A NERF-like, Laser Tag-like, Call of Duty-like game - a real virtual 3D first person shooter. Kickstarter project is here.

Leixen VV-808: Software and Company Site

The VV-808 product page is here. And thanks to Steve, here is a link to the software download for the VV-808.

Leixen company profile (via Google Translate):

"Ray Line Electronics Co., Ltd. Quanzhou was founded in 2008, is a professional wireless intercom development, production and sales of high-tech enterprises. Company is located in radio communications developed coastal cities - Quanzhou, Fujian Province. Has developed a full range of "LEIXEN" series radios. Widely used in construction, telecommunications, public security, security, flood control, restaurants, residential property management and other departments and areas.

Since its inception, has been focusing on product quality and after-sales service, product appearance, performance and quality to invest a lot of technology to consolidate and development. Team of engineers with years of experience to provide a strong technical support."