Amazon Trade-In PSA

Post Christmas Public Service Announcement:

If you got an old, busted (as in lame, not broken) UV-5R and want the new hotness that is the GT-3, try the Amazon Trade-In service.

Via WiredInsider

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all!

And from some of the usual suspects...

Merry Christmas Eve!

And no surprise, I am posting this as usual.

Kirisun K700: Digital VHF HT

Thanks to Christian for the heads up via this tweet. Just in time for Christmas (well, not if you actually want one), the Kirisun K700 Digital VHF HT for $135.00 (USD).

Brand Name: Kirisun
Storage Channel: 256
Dimensions: 116mm x54mmx30mm
Frequency Range: 136-174MHz
Model Number: K700
Channel Spacing: 12.5KHz
Operating Voltage: 7.5V DC ±20%
Battery: 1500mAH Li-ion
RF Output Power: 4W/ 1W
Color: Black
Weight: 243g

KIRISUN K700 The transceiver is a micro-miniature multiband FM transceiver with extensive receive frequency coverage, providing local-area two-way amateur communications along with unmatched monitoring capability

Features:

Product Features:

Excellent noise suppression, digital voice clarity

Digital / analog compatible analog devices to ensure a smooth transition

Ten million sets of figures key voice encryption, safe and secure

Digital intelligent signaling, richer management scheduling function

Function Description:

1. FDMA frequency division multiple access technology, spectrum efficiency improved several times;

2. support digital mode, analog mode

3. the digital voice encryption

4. a variety of call mode, all call, group call, a call, emergency call

5. PTT default contact (group) call

6. the emergency alarm (single, joint) 3 × 4 modes

7. Stun, activate

8. the working status query

9. the digital power saving mode

10. 1.8-inch large LCD display, support icon display for easy SMS messages, call records read;

11. low power, signal strength, battery capacity display, real-time understanding work status

12. call history, call records can be displayed 20;

13. address book function, support 50 contacts;

14. you can edit SMS function, the default shortcut short message

15. manual dialing

16. calls and SMS ringing Tips

17. firmware programming mode (software upgrades);

General features:

1. in English operation interface

2. the emission of high and low power selectable

3. three-color LED indicates sending, receiving, scanning and other state

4. channel lock, keypad lock function

5. whisper function

6. sub audio / digital tone

7. the end eliminate

8. the monitoring function

9. mixed scanning

10. TOT emission limit protection

11. the calculator

Specifications:

General
Frequency Range	136-174MHz
Channel Capacity	256
Channel Spacing	12.5KHz
Operating Temperature	-25°c~ +55°c
Operating Voltage	7.5V DC ±20%
Battery	1500mAH Li-ion
Frequency Stability	±2.5 ppm
Dimension (with battery and antenna)	116mm x54mmx30mm
Weight (with battery and antenna)	243g
Transmitter
RF Power Output	4W/ 1W
Frequency Modulation	16KφF3E/11KφF3E (Analog) 4FSK(Digital)
Antenna Impedance	50Ω
Modulation Limiting	±2.5kHz
Radiated Spurious Emission	-36dBm < 1GHz -30dBm > 1GHz
FM Noise	45dB 25KHz 40dB 12.5KHz
Modulation Distortion	< 3%
Receiver
Reference Sensitivity	0.25μV 12.5KHz
Adjacent Channel Selectivity	60dB 2.5KHz
Intermodulation	60 dB
Spurious Response Rejection	60 dB
Rated Audio Output	1W
S/N	45/40
Rated Audio Distortion	≤3%

Package Contents:

• 1 x Kirisun K700 Digital Two-way Radio(VHF 136-174MHz)
• 1 x 7.4V 1500mAh KB-760 Li-ion Battery
• 1 x VHF 136-174MHz Antenna.
• 1 x Belt Clip.
• 1 x ENG Manual
• 1 x Charger with Adapter (Provide PSU plug for your Country)
• 1 x Hand STRAP

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Via Says Uncle

Tech Support

Baofeng GT-3: Review by W9MDB

Mike (W9MDB) shares his thoughts on the GT-3 on a post to the UV-5R Yahoo Group:

"My observations so far. 

#1 Same poor performing antenna as what people refer to as the UV-5R "stock"antenna (it's the Baofeng UV-5R Logo antenna)

#2 Battery/charger is not compatible with UV-5R batteries at all - nomodification possible that I see

#3 Speaker sounds a lot better to my ear (I have some high frequency hearingloss and I hear more low freq on the GT-3)

#4 Had to trim my FTDI cable jack as the radio case around the jack is atouch deeper than the UV-5R so the top pin wasn't seating fully

#5 CHIRP speaks to it as a UV-5R

#6 Firmware is BFS311 and reports as BFB297 on power up so should be fullycompatible with UV-5R

#7 The GT-3 software has one more menu than the UV-5R for setting freq rangeotherwise it's identical that I see.

#8 The specifications in the manual are identical to the UV-5R.

#9 I'm seeing better FM performance on my UV-5R then the GT-3. Stationscoming in weaker on the GT-3 with both radios using identical Diamond RH771antennas. My experience contradicts Jerry's review.YMMV apparently.

#10 I'm questioning the weather resistance. I don't see a lot of differencefrom the UV-5R. The speaker grill is quite open and you can see the LEDlight through the microphone hole. The keys don't look like they are sealedto the case. I suppose they might've coated the board (haven't taken itapart yet to see)..that would be the only thing I can think of that mightmake it more water resistant than the UV-5R.manual/box says nothing aboutwater resistant.

Software available here if you want to try the Baofeng VIP software

http://www.radioddity.com/downloads

Mike W9MDB"

Internet Radio: S-1000

From the "what is new is old department"... the Internet Radio Model S-1000.

The documentation "revealed that the company imported the radio from Hong Kong, and were based in Beckenham in Kent. It seems even back then Chinese imports were inaccurate, as the town is spelt ‘Beekenham’ on the warranty card! The box is a little dirty and battered, so the €20 (£17/$27) price tag seemed very fair to me."

No word if it has FCC approval, will be a tri-bander, will do 8 watts, has DTMF, if a Kenwood style plug will work for programming, is AMBE+2™  compatible, or work with Ham Radio Deluxe.

Baofeng GT-3: UV-5R Comparison

A GT-3/UV-5R comparison video from Radioddity



He points out the different chips used in the GT-3 and UV-5R.

And has the following details on the site:

Radio Frequency IC

• Upgrade SQ to enhance the anti-interference ability
• RDA1846S add an new tail tone elimination function,when transmit and receive signal between 50Hz with 55H
• Improve the receiver AGV switching noise when signal strength changes severe

Frequency-Modulated Receiver Chip

The RDA5802N has a powerful low-IF digital audio processor, this make it have optimum sound quality with varying reception conditions

Power Amplifier IC

• Low crossover distortion
• Low quiescent circuit current

LED Flashlight

High lumens degrees

Shell

Upgrade Dustproof， waterproof and drop resistance ability

Baofeng GT-3: Unboxing

An unboxing video of the GT-3 from Radioddity: