HT Repeater Box for $20?

Radioddity is selling the RPT-2D Two Way Radio Repeater Box for Two Transceivers Station DIY for $28. But, if they get 200 likes on Facebook, they will drop the price to $20.

Via reddit

Reading by Street Light

This is one of the most vivid examples of life without electricity at home: http://t.co/s88OQpRDbL pic.twitter.com/eAIDTnf9sH
— Bill Gates (@BillGates) June 27, 2014

Leixen VV-898: Updated Software

EA7LX comments that there is a new version of the VV-898 software:

"It gave an error on FM radio frequency despite you change it or not. It was a MODAL ERROR so you had to kill the program and never send the info to the radio. It has something to do with "." PERIOD and "," COMMA in regional settins being different from chineses. I have had the same problem with Windows7 Spanish and WindowsXP English. Now it works. Note that the date of the downloadable file has changed but it keeps th same version and release numbers."

Leixen downloads are here.

Pofung - Evolution

I didn't recall the image, so this may be a dup, but here you go anyway.

Via AR-15.com

IoT with Google Nest

It is amazing the connections that will be possible with the IoT and devices like Google Nest.

Some of the “Works With Nest” automations which Nest is talking about: 

• Mercedes-Benz cars can alert a Nest thermostat to when you’ll arrive home so that it can begin adjusting the temperature while you’re on your way.

• Logitech Harmony universal remotes can be programmed to control a Nest thermostat.

• A Nest thermostat can tell a Whirlpool washer and dryer that you’re not at home, allowing them to switch to slower, more energy-efficient cycles.

• When your Jawbone Up24 wristband knows you’ve woken up, it can tell a Nest thermostat so that it can tweak the temperature.

• LIFX light bulbs can flash if your Nest Protect smoke detector goes off, and fool prowlers by turning on and off randomly when your Nest thermostat tells them that you’re not around.

• The excellent IFTTT service for DIY automation works with the Nest thermostat and Nest Protect smoke detector, letting you write your own recipes, such as one which alerts the neighbors by text message if smoke is detected at your home.

• Starting this fall, the Google Now smartphone app will let the Nest thermostat know when you’re on the way home, and will allow you to set it through an “OK Google” spoken command.

Xiegu X108: Pre-order at Import Communications

Ed has posted the X108 kits for pre-order at Import Communications. The Standard edition kit is $595.00, but on sale now for $535.50. Likewise, the Deluxe edition is normally $695.00, but available for $625.50. Sale prices are good through July 15. He should get the kits in late July.

Bad Dog

Country Song

So, some good news in that my consulting gig has turned into some significant hours. I worked an actual full 40+ hours last week. I'll get another 40 this week and it may continue into July.

On the other hand, this week-end has been a bit like a country song... a flat tire, the US Men's National team giving away two points yesterday, and I got attacked by a dog while running on the greenway this morning.

I'm waiting on the flat to be fixed and I've got my leg cleaned up. If the team can tie or beat Germany, then things will be back on track.

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.

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