"John,
Do you think that the phrase:
>>refined our audio and changed our RDA chip set placement to improve performance to audio filtering.
is referring the CTSS audio "picket fencing" issue that requires us to disable CTSS decode on all channels?"
And the reply:
"Lorrin,
I know that the RDA chip was changed and there were some major firmware changes.
I did several hours of test driving with the +220 and I could not make it fail.
R-CTCSS has no adverse impact on the receiver.
The pulsing/chopping that is prevalent in some of the other similar models is not in my beta radio.
In the box:
Mounting Bracket and Hardware
Remote Speaker Mic and Mic Bracket
Inline Fuse and DC Connectors
FEATURES
25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable (Wide/Narrow Band)
FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz)
Large Tri-color LCD Display (3 Selectable Colors)
High /Low RF Power Switchable
50 CTCSS/ 104 DCS Tones
5Tone Support
2Tone Support
Voice Inversion (Scrambling) Support
Tone searching/scanning
Dual standby
PC programmable
Transmitter time-out timer(TOT)
Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)
Remote Stun/Kill
So in addition to 220 MHz, the Baofeng Tech UV-2501+220 will...
"...still have the full UV-2501 enhancements:
- Display Sync
- Scrambler
- The wider coverage range (up to 520mhz)
- Menu and Programming lock-out
- The larger HD mic (not the low end mics shipped with QYT / Juentai variants)"
And...
"...more tweaks not seen in the UV-2501:
- H/L power switching from Mic (adjustable in VFO and MR modes)
- Audio Out Jack
- Built in Cooling Fan (allowing the mobiles to now be installed in tight spots)"
Based on the all the posts on the interwebs about the similar radios, the addition of the cooling fan is a huge improvement!
As if I wasn't excited enough, it sounds like they've got a few more things coming soon.
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.
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.
"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."
"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."
