RatTail

I never had a rat tail, but my high school coach did ask me if my mother knew my hair was getting so long. Maybe it's time I got a RatTail.

#Emergency #VHF #radio communication 2X range with Rattail Antenna Booster #ham Amazing Video https://t.co/z6vRkqVb1o #aircraft #coastguard

— Ian Soutar (@SchoolElectric) December 8, 2015

The End of Amateur Licensing?

A question was asked about the future of amateur radio licensing.

I don't think it would go away - frequencies with privileges might change, cost might go up, etc. Even a simple test and a few dollars make for a non-trivial hurtle to ensure someone is really interested. It also gives more teeth to enforcement.

Wouxun KG-D901: 2016 Release

Wouxun says the KG-D901 will be released next year. They also say there will be a KG-D900 - it will not have a keypad like the D901. So, it is real, but no firm date for it to be in someone's hands.

Beartooth

Speaking of VHF/UHF radios that work with your smartphone http:https://t.co/rjRiD8lHqT

— BobW (@K0NR) December 4, 2015

Along the lines of the goTenna... the Beartooth:

"Beartooth is a software defined radio peer to peer communication platform that encases your phone and doubles your battery life. Our proprietary software defined radio allows your smartphone to communicate even without cellular or wifi service. We allow for Push to Talk "PTT" voice communication, text messaging, and geolocation sharing on our offline maps."

And:

"Our product will require FCC approval. We are currently working with attorneys and technical advisors who specialize in FCC approval. Our products are designed to meet the technical and legal requirements of the FCC, and we anticipate a favorable part outcome."

The audio on this video is spotty and you still only get high level info, but they do mentions amateur radio as a target market (along with consumers.)

Order is Important

BuyTwoRadios.com Giveaway

TWRS #podcast 100 episode #drawing! Enter to #win a weather radio or BTWR swag bag! https://t.co/6zVkQNkHAc @amatradio @brickolore @blubrry

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) December 7, 2015

Wouxun KG-D901: DMR HT

Is it real? Will it be real? I had seen the image before. The BuyTwoWayRadios guys discuss what we know - which is basically only what you can see in the picture below. Wouxun won't confirm or deny the existence of the DMR radio.

Image via Simon The Wizard

Sergeant Major Daniel A. Dailey on Leadership

A top ten list:

"No. 10. Never forget that you're just a soldier. 

That’s all you are. No better than any other, but just one of them.
You may get paid a little more, but when the time comes, your job is to treat them all fair, take care of them as if they were your own children, and expect no more from them of that of which you expect from yourself."

Surface > iPad?

Maybe, sorta, a little bit.

Leixen VV-898: What's it good for?

The right tool for the right job...

A closer look at the Leixen VV-898 - what can it do? https://t.co/Ohc5YtPsWK @amatradio #hamradio #amateurradio #hamr

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) December 4, 2015

"The Leixen VV-898 seems like a plain, low power unimpressive little radio, but it really does have a lot to offer. Is it a 125W PEP powerhouse Icom mobile or a feature rich Wouxun KG-UV920P-A? Of course not! Considering its small size, weight and unassuming looks, when you take a closer look at the Leixen VV-898, in some ways it seems even better."