Sunday, June 22, 2014

Xiegu X108: More from Import Communications

Ed at Import Communications shares:
There will be two versions: X108 Standard and X108 Deluxe.
Standard will have no noise blanker and 1 ppm TCXO module.
Deluxe will have noise blanker, 0.5 ppm TCXO module and those plastic handles front and rear.

These extra items are available as options that can be added to the Standard version.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Gadgets and Gimics

For the most part, I'm not spending money on anything but the essentials, so I won't pony up for these, but I thought they were cool.

First, the Rocketfish™ - 3' Lighted Lightning Charge/Sync Cable. The cable is illuminated along its length. The lights show the flow of the charge - fast as it does the rapid charge, slowing as the charge nears 100%, and turning off when the charge is complete.




I also keep thinking about getting a Raspberry Pi, but since I'm not a Linux guy, I might need this Linux Cheat Sheet Shirt.

Via LifeHacker

Friday, June 20, 2014

Xiegu X108: Import Communications

Ed at Import Communications has some more information about the X108.

First, he will be the North American distributor for any of the new Xiegu radios - including the X108. The factory says that the X108 is still in a testing period and there is no definite release date. They will release 30-50 units for testing, but in the Chinese market only. Pricing is not established yet, but Ed hopes to hear something from them soon. They will continue to make the X1M-Pro as the X108 will be at a significantly higher price point - perhaps as much as two or three times higher than the X1M-Pro.

$20 in Quarters for $26.99

Washboard - where they will ship you $20 in quarters for only $26.99. It sounds like an SNL skit.

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."