Wouxun KG-UV8D Plus

BuyTwoWayRadios announces the KG-UV8D Plus:

Voice CompanderThe KG-UV8D Plus now supports companding, which is a form of compression to improve the signal to noise ratio for clear audio. 

Non-Standard CTCSS/DCSMost radios typically follow a standard set of CTCSS and DCS codes, and radios such as the KG-UV8D have this pre-set list to choose from in the menu of the radio. The KG-UV8D Plus allows you to manually enter non-standard CTCSS and DCS codes into the radio. 

ScramblerThe KG-UV8D Plus is now equipped with a voice scrambler. Since this radio is only approved for use as an amateur radio in the US, and hams are not allowed to scramble their signals, this is not a feature most operators will likely use. However, every country has its own regulations, so the addition of a scrambler may be useful in other parts of the world. 

Backlight AdjustmentOne of the most useful upgrades to the KG-UV8D Plus is the ability to adjust the timing and intensity of the backlight for the LCD display. This is the same upgrade incorporated into the KG-UV9D Plus and is a long time coming. This feature should be in every two way radio with a display. 

FM Radio Frequency Storage and RetrievalThe KG-UV8D Plus now allows you to store up to 20 preset frequencies into the built-in commercial FM radio. Some operators do use the FM radio to hear their favorite local commercial radio stations and will likely find this to be a very handy feature.

And:

"The KG-UV8D Plus currently sells for $119.99, only $10 more than original KG-UV8D with the 2600 mAh high capacity battery upgrade, and you get the bigger battery, too."

Baofeng Tech: UV-2501+220

Great news for everyone that has been looking at the Baofeng Tech UV-2501 (or variants) and wishing it actually supported 220 MHz:

"This month [Baofeng Tech] will be introducing the UV-2501+220. The name says it all - also we have refined the firmware to allow easier power switching, refined our audio and changed our RDA chipset placement to improve performance to audio filtering."

So 220 MHz and a few more enhancements as well! More info will follow as I get it.

Comcast Problem Tweeting Autobot

Genius:

"A Reddit user became so frustrated with paying Comcast for 150 mbps internet but not receiving the prescribed speed, so set up a bot using a Raspberry Pi to tweets complaints at the ISP.

The bot constantly performs speed tests to check if the internet is up to scratch, and if it drops below 50mbps an automatic tweet to Comcast with the speeds is generated."

Via @amyengineer

More FTDI Problems

So back in October of 2014, an updated FTDI driver prevented non-genuine/fake chips from working. It appears Windows Update is pushing out a driver that is causing new problems.

So if you are buying a cable to program your radios, you can save yourself some trouble and get one with a genuine FTDI chip.

Via Slashdot.org

More .22LR

Twenty percent more .22LR production coming from Federal/CCI manufacturer:

"I talked to Dan Compton at the Shot Show about what was going on with .22 production. Everyone is interested in the situation with the ongoing .22 ammunition bubble for the last three years. Store shelves have been empty more often than not. Dan is a Senior Product Line Specialist for Vista Outdoors, which includes CCI and Federal brands. I also talked with other people at the Vista booths and in the industry. 

Over the last year, the decision was made to increase .22 rimfire production. Now it will take about a year to implement that decision. Part of that decision is based on the belief that the overall market has expanded to include more new shooters, young shooters, women and urban shooters."

Via the Weapon-Blog

Build Your Own Full Size Phone Controlled BB-8

A lot more work than I willing to take on, but very cool.



Via @AmyEngineer

Dog Runs Half Marathon

Not only does the dog finish, but she ran it faster than I ever have. Maybe I should try that barefoot running.

The Art of Manliness: The Ultimate List of Hobbies for Men

Ham radio is the second item on the list:

"Looking to be a part of a tight-knit community with a focus on radio and communication? Look no further than ham radio. While the internet has taken radio’s place as the dominant form of communication, a vibrant community of amateur radio enthusiasts still exists. Radio hobbyists enjoy communicating directly with people from all over the world while expanding their knowledge of radio theory. In addition, most ham radio operators provide a public service to their communities by acting as relays in the event of emergencies or natural disasters."

More:

"And of course you’ll need the equipment. Buying new will set you back a pretty penny, but you can find good deals on used radio equipment on eBay."

Or, as we know, you could buy some inexpensive Chinese radios.

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