Juentai JT-6188

I saw this post on AR-15.com about getting a Juentai JT-6188 (aka QYT KT8900). The interesting note was that the specs for the transceiver showed it as a tri-bander (2m, 220, 440) on the Amazon page. I say "showed" as the post has seen been changed. I suspect it is only a dual-band, but I'm always happy to get a bonus band.

Paper

What?

NPR just called paper "the iPad of its day." pic.twitter.com/r6e96mOE6H

— Squarely Rooted (@squarelyrooted) May 26, 2015

Via David Burge / @iowahackblog

2 Gbps

Because my 100 Mbps connection isn't enough... Comcast to bring 2 Gbps to Knoxville.

Wouxun KG-UV9D: $179.99 at BuyTwoWayRadios.com

Use the promo code "179UV9D" to get the special pricing.

Special #PromoCode 179UV9D gets you a Wouxun KG-UV9D for $179.99! Limited time offer. http://t.co/bGkKU5BhAQ #amateurradio #hamradio #hamr

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) May 21, 2015

That's a lot better than the $245 price I'm seeing at the 409Shop.

Wouxun KG-UV9D: Software

BuyTwoWayRadios has added a link to the software on the KG-UV9D page under the Resources section. (Direct link here.)

Running Truism

Once you see a three foot snake cross the greenway in front of you, every stick for the rest of the run looks like a snake.

Wouxun KG-UV9D: In Stock and Shipping

BuyTwoWayRadios has the Wouxun KG-UVD in stock and is shipping out orders:

"If you already pre-ordered the 9D from Buy Two Way Radios, get ready. Your new radio is now on its way! If you haven't ordered yet, we have a limited number currently in stock, so if you want one, get it now."

QYT KT8900: Dual Band Mobile

I get the marketing e-mails from 409Shop and the QYT KT8900 dual-band mobile caught my eye - just because the price was less than $100.

Frequency Range: VHF:136-174MHz  UHF:400-480MHz
Number of Channel: 200
Channel Spacing: 25KHz 20K 12.5
Phase lock step: 5KHz、6.25 KHz、10 KHz、12.5 KHz、15 KHz、25 KHz
Working Voltage: 13.8V DC±15%
Squelch way: CTCSS/DCS/5Tone/2Tone/DTMF
Frequency Stability: ±2.5ppm
Operating Temperature: -20~+60
Dimension(W x H x D): 98(W) x 35(H) x 118(D)mm
Weight: 408g

Receiver
Sensitivity
Broadband: ≤ 0.25μV
Narrow band: ≤ 0.35μV

Transmitter
Output power: 25W/20W(VHF/UHF)

BaoFeng Buys Tokyo High Power Labs

On the Onion of Ham Radio:

"BaoFeng (the marketing name for PoFung Technologies) has purchased the remaining assets from the holding administrator representing Tokyo High Power Labs." 

"Details are still a little sketchy, but the rumored HF Transceivers are reportedly being labeled:

• BaoFeng Hurricane (SDR with knobs, 250 watt all band transceiver)

• BaoFeng Tornado (SDR with knobs, 400 watt all band transceiver)

• BaoFeng Tsunami (SDR no front panel, 100 watt all band transceiver)"

"We could not verify at this moment, but the suggested retail price for the Tsunami is $180.00 US."

Via the Chinese Ham Radio Equipment Google+ group

Tytera (TYT) MD-380: DMR HT

Check out the full review here, but the highlights follow:

The Good
Audio Volume and Quality: The audio from this radio is very full, with a good response to low frequencies, making it pleasing to listen to and it will get heard, even in the noisiest environments;
Rugged Construction: This radio is very well built, so it should keep going long after typical ham radio units call it quits;
Multicolor LCD Display: Having a multicolor LCD display on the radio allows for easy use and programming while on the move;
Front Panel Programming: This radio is capable of being programmed via the keypad, allowing users to make changes without the need for the PC;
Antenna Connector: The antenna connector for this radio uses a SMA connection, allowing it to easily be connected to an external antenna;
Price: At $170 USD, this radio is a very attractive option for anyone looking to get started with DMR. 

The Bad
Software Polish: There are a number of oddities within the firmware of the radio that impacts it’s overall user experience;
Bluetooth Capability: This radio is not Bluetooth capable, so the use of wireless audio accessories is not possible;
Desktop Charger: The desktop charger takes hours to charge the radio, plus the green “finished” LED indicator does not turn off, even when the radio is removed from the charge

A video from 409Shop.