Xiegu X108: Better Update

From Fred (VE3FAL):

"Those who have already received the updated radio say it is like night and day between the first batch and the second. Audio on SSB is much cleaner and clearer and the over-driving of the front end has been fixed. AM is also much better sounding according to those using the radio. 

The firmware has been changed as well so the microphone buttons can be programmed by the end user to their choice and option for buttons on the microphone, as well a cw side-tone volume control has been added into the menu options."

And from Ed's Import Communications site:

"-this radio is out of stock- 

the factory is replacing all previously sold radios and stock should return in mid-December"

And also this:

"Xiegu is pronounced 'zee goo'"

Repeater Highway Sign

A nice idea, but I'd probably not catch the frequency as I drove by it. (And some on reddit think it is fake.)

As seen on CBS This Morning #hamradio pic.twitter.com/y9XutfIAOD
— Randy (@K7AGE) December 22, 2014

Xiegu X108: Second Batch

I've not kept up completely with the X108, but it looks like there were several problems with the first batch. Some (most? all?) of the sellers are working with their customers to replace the radios with new ones that have been updated with several fixes. Again, I've not stayed on top of it completely, but it does seem like satisfaction is growing with the owners.

If you want to check out the details, you can catch up in the X108 Yahoo Group.

TDXOne TD-Q3

A step in the right direction in my quest for a tiny 2M radio - except it is UHF - the TDXOne TD-Q3 (409Shop - $28.50 or Amazon - $38). Dimensions are 82 x 47 x 24 mm. The 409Shop says it can be expanded to 99 channels, but everything else says 16.

409Shop:

Model:	TD-Q3
Frequency Range:	UHF 440-480MHz
Channel capacity:	16(can be extened to 99)
Output power:	<=3W
Operating Voltage:	3.7V
Antenna:	Built-in aerial
Working Temperature:	-20°C—+50°C
Frequency Spacing:	12.5/25kHz
Battery capacity:	1800mAh
Color:	Blue
Dimension(Exclude antenna) :	82x47x24mm
Weight(Include Battery):	95g
Feature:
FM radio:		Yes
Emergency alarm:		Yes
Flashlight function:		Yes
Scan function:		Yes
Monitor function:		Yes
Key lock function:		Yes
Volume adjustment:		Yes
Low battery indication:		Yes
Voice purification function:		Yes
TOT(timer-out time) :		Yes
CTCSS/DCS:		38CTCSS/83DCS

Technology

On the one hand, you'd think they'd have something nicer. On the other, I appreciate a company being frugal.

Just visited the WOW! Cable offices. Their lobby setup includes a VHS player and a CRT television. #cuttingedge pic.twitter.com/tdKMOfqJ6C
— Lone Nut (@LoneNutVolFan) December 12, 2014

409Shop "Interesting Electronics"

Everything you need for your bench/lab and then some - but not in time for Christmas because of shipping.

Busy

I've been busy with family, work, and holiday stuff, so I've not been able to post as much. I wish this is what was happening, but it's not.

Life of a #runner. pic.twitter.com/IORz3XCpVx
— Houston Marathon (@HoustonMarathon) December 16, 2014

Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Deal

I decided to go with a traditional laptop at work, but I had the option of a Surface 3 Pro. If you are thinking about one, Amazon has a pretty good deal: $100 off, plus a $100 Amazon gift card.

Via Kinja Deals

Nice Guys

Nice guys should finish first.

SainSonic RST599

Another one to watch over at Hans' place - the SainSonic RST599:

"With 240 memory positions, scramble, three power settings, IP66 classification (dust- and waterproof to some extent) and a seven-color display this model clearly wants to impress us. In other specs (see below) I smell a hint of options normally found on Yaesu radios."

He also says the price is expected to be around $60.