Folding Step Stool

Yeah, this is kinda random, but it fits with my useful tools page I am working on.

We bought this small, folding step stool and a more substantial wooden step stool for our daughter. The folding stool was great for her. It is light weight, so she could easily move it around to different places. And, since it folds up, it was easy to tuck out of the way. I find I use it all the time to get to the top of cabinets or to change a light bulb.

The best part... it is only $10 at Amazon.

Via Kinja Deals

Public Service Announcement

The more you know...

Reminder: leaving X-Band #repeater on in van will kill battery after 4 days w/o starting and sub-freezing temps. #hamradio #hamr #hamlessons

— K4CDN (@FoTimePodcast) January 25, 2016

TYT MD-380: Shmoocon Firetalks 2016 Video

I've been reading on this TYT MD-380 hacking stuff, but didn't catch that Travis Goodspeed is an East TN/Knoxville guy.

"Tablet" Problems

During the AFC Championship game, the Patriots had problems with their Microsoft Surface tablets. One of the commentators said they were going to use them with them with cables. So maybe it was wireless problems?  In any case, this is funny:

"They're having some trouble with their Microsoft Surface tablets." "You decide NOW to not call them iPads?" -- Microsoft execs, probably

— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) January 24, 2016

Baofeng UV-5RZ: The End

Guess we are done... Baofeng UV-5RZ. They've run out of letters, so no more radios. Sad face goes here.

Thanks to Nate for the link.

No Throat Mic - Not an operator

Image via reddit - love the comments.

TYT MD-380: Yahoo Group

The obligatory Yahoo Group for the TYT MD-380.

Free DMR Guide

Speaking of DMR radios, Matt has a link to a free DMR guide he really liked:

"Last night I downloaded and read a free 28-page PDF guide called the Amateur Radio Guide to Digital Mobile Radio by John Burningham W2XABavailable on the TRBO.org website. It made everything come together for me. If you’ve been interested in getting into DMR, download this and read it tonight. Well worth the hour it took!"

TYT MD-380: Updating Firmware

TYT MD-380 firmware update process.

TYT MD-380: Purchasing and Videos

I posted about being able to hack the TYT MD-380 and pointed to my Amazon link for purchasing. I forgot that my friends at BuyTwoWayRadios.com have them as well. (Remember modifying the radios may void your warranty, so don't expect them or anyone else to replace the radio if you brick it!)

The BuyTwoWayRadios site has a couple of videos about the MD-380: