Thursday, June 19, 2014

Game of Thrones vs. The Princess Bride

Game of Thrones vs. The Princess Bride

Xiegu X108: Clarifications

First, a clarification from me... I should have put more detail on the post about the X108. My usual readers know that I don't actually sell radios here. I just copied the Google translation of the forum post about the X108. At the moment, I've not even been able to find a place to purchase the X108.

Second, a clarification from Bill, VK7MX, who went through the translated mess and tried to figure out what everything actually meant.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Wouxun KG-UV8D: HRO Version

HRO is advertising a version 3 of the KG-UV8D, but according to Wouxun this is not really an upgrade. HRO mentions black buttons (instead of green) and I think this may create some fake drama around the various versions.

(Based on recent traffic on the Yahoo Groups, I expect someone to ask if swapping one color of buttons for another will allow them to transmit/receive on 11 meters.)

Xiegu X108: Video

Xiegu X108: Update

X108 Update (and pics):

X108 is the X1 one series. It is a single-conversion shortwave transceiver. In strict accordance with standard industrial design, design optimization transceiver channels, improve the overall receiver dynamic range and SNR; To enhance SSB and CW transceiver performance, specially customized military-grade crystals, crystal filters for the production of IF. X108 machine configured 2.4k and 500Hz for SSB , CW filter, the filter performance is excellent, comparable merchandise machine crystal filters to ensure excellent frequency characteristics of the machine. In addition, the machine is also equipped with AGC , S meter, power meter standing wave, NB (module) function, the operator can meet their daily needs. RF transmit channels using imported MOS tube, the machine APC circuit to ensure the machine is kept constant RF output power level of each band, and also according to the actual needs, adjust the output power level, and have a high VSWR protection. Overall performance indicators to meet the national standard, FCC (or CE ) certification requirements.

Receiver characteristics
Low noise, single-conversion superheterodyne receiver;
Double-balanced diode mixer, providing excellent dynamic range;
Receiver sensitivity: . 0 2 uV (preamp open);
Narrow-band double-tuned band-pass filter, to achieve coverage of all amateur bands ( WARC band);
6 emission in low-pass filter, the filter function to provide excellent performance;
IF channel AGC ( AGC ), providing a constant in the amplifier gain;
Preamplifier and switchable attenuator;
Excellent performance of narrowband IF crystal filter shape factor of up to 1.7 ;
Multi VFO mode , can vary the frequency of work;
Provide S meter, power / SWR meter display;
Optional NB modules;
Optional front panel knob;

Transmitter characteristics
Power adjustable, from 1W ~ 20W ;
Dedicated RF power tube, superior performance;
High VSWR protection, durable, safe and reliable;
Stray radiation rejection: ≥ 40dBc
Standard CW amplitude newspaper;
Automatic key rate adjustable;

Receiving frequency range: 0.5 ~ 30MHz
Transmitting frequency range: all WARC bands ( HAM band)

Work mode:
SSB ( J3E )
CW ( A1A )
AM ( A3E )

Frequency Stability: 1.0 ppm @ -10 ℃ ~ +60 ℃ (standard)
0.5 ppm @ -20 ℃ ~ +75 ℃ ( military regulations, optional)
Receiver sensitivity: . 0 2 uV

Optional:
SSB 2.4kHz (-6dB)
CW 0.5kHz (-6dB)

Dynamic Range: 95dB
RF Power Output: 20W ;
Spurious rejection: ≥ 45dBc
Carrier suppression: ≥ 45dBc
Antenna Port Impedance: 50 Omega
Operating voltage: 12.5V ~ 14.5V DC ;

Current
Receive 0. 75 ​​A ( Max )
Transmitter 7A ( Max )

With multifunction digital microphone in hand, can achieve full function control, such as digital set-frequency operation;
Equipped with a USB port for easy connection to PC end, realize software control;
32 channel storage;
RIT fine-tuning;
Front panel to protect the handle (optional);
Dimension: 120 * 45 * 180 ( mm )




X108 production is currently being prepared and is expected in 25 days you can get a production machine. X108 is divided into standard and high version in two versions, specific pricing as follows: Standard Edition: 2280 yuan / Taiwan, including the Standard Edition host, hand microphone, power cord, CW plugs, packaging (accessories). High version: 2680 yuan / Taiwan, Standard Edition contains all the configuration, front panel knob, NB modules, high version identifier starting a discount for X1M old user has another offer, so stay tuned! Have everyone's support, we will do better!

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Free Tektronix 2225 100MHz Scope (you pay shipping)

Not here on my blog, so don't get confused and comment below. The giveaway is at http://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio.
"I purchased a digital scope at Dayton and I'd like to get rid of my space hungry analog scope. It would be a great one for a newbie. I got it for free so I'll pay it forward. I just ask that you pay for shipping, should be about $50, its pretty heavy. I'll include probes. The scope isn't in the best of shape but both channels work. The pots could use some cleaning with DeOxit probably. It's free... (almost) 
Oh for the comment - leave me a comment on what you plan to build that you will use the scope for or something interesting like that. Your comment has no impact on whether you'll win or not, just gives me something to read other than "I WANT IT" 
I'll do a random lottery drawing at 00:00 UTC on June 20th based on the comments on this thread. Please US hams only."

Monday, June 16, 2014

More Amplifier News

When I saw all the information about the Xiegu amplifiers (XPA100XPA20), I thought I would check with Ed at Import Communications. He says he should have an American designed 20W amplifier that matches the X1M form factor available in kit form by the end of the month.
Organize your shack with SmartJars:
"SmartJars® are the easiest way to get organized fast!In three simple steps, stuff goes from distributed clutter to organized and elegant: 
1. You put your stuff in a SmartJar®. 2. You snap the SmartJar® Dock on to pegboard. 3. You put the SmartJar® in to the Dock. Ordered. Easy to find. Laid out just the way you want."


Via KK Cool Tools

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Brick O'Lore After Dark III

A new guy in town walks into a bar and notices a large jar filled to the brim with $10 bills. The man approaches the bartender and asks, "What's up with the jar?"

"Well, you pay $10, and if you pass three tests, then you get all the money."

"What are the three tests?" asks the man

"Gotta pay first."

So the guy gives him the $10 bucks, and the bartender adds it to the jar.

"OK, here's what you have to do. First, you have to drink that whole bottle of pepper tequila -- the WHOLE thing at once -- and you can't make a face while doing it. Second, there's a pit bull chained up out back with a sore tooth. You have to remove the tooth with your bare hands. Third, there is a 90-year-old woman upstairs who's never had an orgasm in her life. You gotta make things right for her."

"Well, I know I've paid my $10 bucks," says the man, "but I'm not an idiot. No wonder you've collected so much money -- that's impossible!"

The new guy proceeds to drink several whiskeys, and eventually, he gets up his nerve.

"Wherez zat teeqeelah?" he slurs.

He grabs the bottle of pepper tequila with both hands and downs it, gulp by gulp. Tears are streaming down his cheeks, but he doesn't make a face. Next, he staggers out back. Everyone in the bar hears a huge scuffle outside -- barking, yelping and growling, then silence.

Just when they think the man must be dead, he staggers back into the bar with his shirt ripped and gashes across his body.

"NOW," he says, "wherez at ol' lady with the sore tooth?"

Knoxville HamFest

My daughter and I took a quick trip to the Knoxville HamFest. It was her first one. We went late, so I missed what I heard was a good bone yard. I'll post a couple of pictures and more later, but I will say I was a little surprised to see a Leixen VV-898.