Wouxun KG-UV950P: US Distributor

Wouxun says that CheapHam.com will be the US distributor for the KG-UV950P. I reached out to CheapHam and they responded very quickly to my request for information about the timing and cost with the following:

"We just started evaluation. No data as of yet.
Very limited quantities currently available, we expect production to pick up towards the end of the year.
We are looking at a selling price in the low $300s probably $319 to $329 range."

WiFi Smoke Detectors

What's the next connected device in your house? How about your smoke detectors?

I can see all sorts of detectors... additional sensors for your thermostat, doors and locks (that I've mentioned before), garage doors, kitchen sensors for smells (is this milk still good?), lights being on/off, etc. Who knows, maybe your radio will be wireless someday.

Xiegu X1M: In the wild

Just a short post by Neil about operating using the X1M in a state park.

Shouao TS-668: Dual Band Mobile

You guys know how excited I was by the Leixen VV-808 mobile... I am on a quest for a simple, inexpensive mobile. I keep thinking if the Chinese can make good, cheap HTs that a mobile should be easy to do as well.

The Shouao TS-688 came across my radar and I thought maybe this is the one. It is even dual-band.

Specs are below.

main functions:

*  Frequency Range:   VHF:136-174MHz   245-245.9875MHz (220-260MHz)                                         UHF: 400-480MHz
*  Output Power:       VHF: 10W/25W/60W                                        UHF: 45W/25W/10W
*  1750Hz Tone	*  CTCSS/DCS setting & scanning
*  0-9 SQL grade setting	*  Frequency/Channel scanning
*  High/Mid/Low power selectable	*  Voice compander
*  Repeater offset shift	*  Keypad lock function
*  Contact book	*  Battery voltage display
*  DTMF/2 tone/5 tone	*  ANI ID
*  Remote kill/ stun/ activate/ revive	*  Emergenvy alarm
*  Wide/Narrow band setting	*  TX inhibit
*  Busy Channel Lock-Out	*  Channel name editing
*  Reverse frequency	*  Talk around
*  Scrambler(Optional)	*  Voice prompt
*  Time-out Timer	*  Auto Power off
*  VFO step setting:5/6.25/10/12.5/20/25/50kHz

Based Functions:
Semi-duplexer channels(UHF/66CH VHF/66CH)
High/Low power output(45W/High 30W/Low)
Large LCD display and button background light
Built-in CTCSS/DCS
Busy channel locked(BCL)
Time-out timer(TOT)
Optional encrypted board
PC and manual programming

That all sounded pretty good. Then I got a reply from the supplier saying that the cost for a single unit was $176 USD. I don't even know if that includes shipping. At that price, it didn't matter.

So what am I missing? Why is it so hard for someone to make a cheap mobile? Or am I the only one interested in them, so there really isn't demand to go down this path?

Certifiable

Many suspected, but now it is official... I am certifiable.

I passed my ITIL Foundation exam today.

Wouxun KG-UV950P: Update

Hans is closer to getting his hands on the KG-UV950P. He's such a tease with his talk of price rumors and features.

First Language

We joke about a warning on an HT charger that can cook meat, manuals that are indecipherable, and instructions that aren't super helpful, but when 30% of the population can't speak the national language, it does not bode well for the mastery of a second. (I know one may not really have anything to do with the other, but it still strikes me as interesting.)

Via Slashdot

Ohm's Law Remix

A new way to teach Ohm's Law...


My take... it should be another tool in the toolbox. If the old way isn't sinking in with a particular student, then see if this approach works. I'm not quite ready to rewrite all the books.

Practice Safe Charging

You don't want to catch (or spread) anything!

Noisy LEDs

LEDs are becoming nosier. I blame the Swedes.