Cost

I just posted about the Raspberry Pi A+ and the last quote was about how much the A+ cost in terms of Starbucks coffee. I've used the same metric for thinking about buying an app on my phone. My stream of consciousness led me to the latte factor next. Which then got me thinking and I realized the Starbucks comparison does not include a key factor - time.

I'm cheap, so the following may not surprise anyone... I'm going to start thinking about the Starbucks comparison this way - using a few assumptions:

A cup of Starbucks is $4.
My average annual rate of return over the long term is 6%.
I have twenty years until I retire.

That means the Raspberry Pi A+ that is "the cost of 4 Starbucks coffees" with my calculations will cost: $52.

Efficiency

Perfection is the enemy of good. Also, there is such a thing as good enough.

Raspberry Pi A+

So they released the Raspberry Pi B+ recently and now the A+ is coming:

“It’s easy for people to look at the Model A and think it’s just a cheaper variant of the B. When they look at it like that they might as well just go for the deluxe model since it’s only an extra $10,” explains Upton. “I feel like some people missed out on why the lower-power model like the Model A can make sense. If you’re building something with robotics, or essentially any project that doesn’t need Ethernet networking, it’s a great fit.” 

Eben also thinks it would make a mockery of the original $25 computer promise if they didn’t continue with the Model A: “It’s also really important to us because it’s our flagship product. It was our original stake in the ground and where it all started.”

The article continues:

“It gives people a really low-cost way to come and play with Linux and it gives people a low-cost way to get a Raspberry Pi. We still think most people are still going to buy B+s, but it gives people a way to come and join in for the cost of 4 Starbucks coffees.” 

Refurb Amazon Kindle Paperwhite - $79

I'm tempted... Refurb Amazon Kindle Paperwhite for $79.

VRF

I like the CBT Nuggets training... I learn best when I can hear/see something first. (I was reminded of this when I struggled with my PMP training. Just picking up the book was like slogging through mud. I watched the videos first and then everything clicked.) Life has gotten in the way of studying for the CWNP, but I pick up random tidbits through the stuff going on at work and things like this Micro Nugget.

TYT TH-UV6R

TYT TH-UV6R dual band HT for $49.70 at the 409Shop:

"The TYT TH-UV6R is a mid size dual band radio, about the same size as the Baofeng UV5R, and features a built in high brightness LED flashlight, 2Tone / 5Tone DTMF encoding, and 8Group’s scrambler and repeater compatible frequency offsets and CTCSS PL tones. 

This radio is well supported with accessories and can be programmed via computer using the optional programming cable."

Specifications:

Model	TYT TH-UV6R
Frequency stability	±2.5ppm
Modulation ( wide/narrow)	16KΦF3E/11KΦF3E
Max frequency deviation ( wide/narrow)	<=5KHz/<2 .5khz="" span="">
Spurious radiation	<7uw span="">
Pre-emphasis character	6 dB
Emission current	≤1.6A(5W)
CTCSS / DCS ( wide/narrow)	0.5±0.1kHz/0.4±0.1 kHz
Intermediation sensitivity	1-10mV
Intermediation distortion	<5 span="">
RF Sensitivity	-122dBm(12dB SINAD)
Audio Power	1W
Audio Distortion	<5 span="">
Blocking	≥85dB
Intermediation(wide/narrow)	≥60dB  / ≥55dB
Features:
Dual band	Dual Display / Dual Standby
Frequency Range	136-174Mhz* / 400-470Mhz* (Ham Band Only)
SQL	0-9 grades
Step	2.5k / 5k / 6.25k /…. / 25k
FM radio	25 stations storage
CTCSS/DCS	50CTCSS / 104DCS
Wide/Narrow Band(25kHz/12.5kHz)	√
Shortcut menu operation mode	√
Time-out Timer (TOT)	√
VOX function	1-8 grades VOX selectable
Voice companding	√
DTMF encoding and decoding	√
Backlight brightness setting	√
Scanning function	√
Keypad lock function	√
Signal strength indicator	√
LCD display	√
Battery voltage display function	√
Channel name display and editing functions	√
Busy lockout function	√
Wire clone function	√
Emergency alarm function	√
Low battery alarm	√
Power saving function	√
High/Low TX power selectable	√
Chinese and English voice prompt	√
PC software programmable	√
Monitor function	√
PTT&ANIID	√

PACKAGE CONTAIN
1 x TYT THUV6R VHF 136-174MHZ /400-480MHZ AMATEUR TWO-WAY RADIO
1 x Antenna
1 x Li-ion battery pack
1 x Charger
1 x Belt clip
1 x User´s manual

Tiny 2M

One of these for $12 and a few more components plus some sort of miracle increase in my intelligence and I can have the tiny 2M radio for my runs.

Xiegu X108: VE3FAL1 Demo Videos

Fred (VE3FAL1) has several videos demonstrating the X108. I've embedded a few below.

X108 on SSB



X108 vs. TJ5A CW SS 20meters





X108 TJ5A Comparison 10meters W1AW KP2

Jingtong JT-168

Jingtong JT-168 (VHF/UHF 136-174/403-470) at the 409Shop for $60.50.

Features:
Single-stage, dual display, dual standby
Frequency range: 136-174 / 403-470.
128 groups of channels storage
FM radio with 25 station memory
Broadband and narrowband 25kHz / 12.5kHz compatible
VOX function, level adjustable
English voice prompts
CTCSS / DCS encoding and decoding, and automatic scanning function
Transmit priority channel selection
Squelch level functions. Level adjustable
Indicator Set
When listening to the radio, walkie-talkie function monitor
Battery voltage display function
Channel name display and editing functions
Shortcut menu operation mode
Emergency alarm function

Specifications:

Model	JT-168
Frequency Range	VHF 136-174 MHz / UHF 403-470MHz
Channel storage	128
RF output power	4W
Frequency stability	±2.5ppm
Sensitivity	<0 .18="" span="">μV
Frequency power	≥400MW
Emission current	≤1.5A
Standby current	72mA
Li-ion Battery	2000mAh
Dimensions (W x H x D)	108 x 51 x 25 mm
Weight	140g (include battery pack)

Help a Curmudgeon Out: Shortwave Recommendation

The Adaptive Curmudgeon is looking for suggestions for an inexpensive shortwave receiver. Got any ideas for him?

I feel like there is good info at the SWLing blog. They also have reviews and a database of shortwave radios.