Fake Windows Update

Fake Windows Update is fantastic. Pick an OS and hit F11 to go full screen. It hides the mouse cursor and you can even press Enter for a BSOD.

Remember - only use your powers for good.

Via @bobgoyetche

New RTL-SDR Blog Dongle

RTL-SDR announces a new version of their dongle:

1) Improved ESD protection on the radio front end.
2) Longer SMA connector.
3) Improved front end circuit.
4) Added a software switchable 4.5v bias tee.
5) Added several access pads on the PCB.
6) Added a clock selector jumper.
7) Reduced noise with a modified PCB design.
8) Added an experimental HF direct sampling circuit, which is diplexed out from the SMA connector.
9) Antenna bases now come with a stronger magnet and a conductive copper sticker on the bottom.

You can buy one (with the antenna) at Amazon for $25. (Showing out of stock, but available on 8/19 so you can pre-order.)

WLN KD-C1

I meant to post this last week as there was a nice little discussion about the WLN KD-C1 on Facebook and Twitter last week.

Desmond (www.desmondcrisis.com / @dcrisis) shares that he likes the WLN KD-C1 over the BF-888. It's always nice to hear from someone that's had their hands on the radio - even if it is only ~$20 to try one out.

Podcasts

Arrgh... not enough hours in the day...

BuyTwoWayRadios.com: Is DMR becoming the digital radio standard?

and

Ham Radio 360: Workbench - Meters

Heathkit

Ha!

Ordered a Heathkit... pic.twitter.com/DxIbzQDoHL

— Ham Hijinks (@HamHijinks) August 15, 2016

PowerWerx Custom DC Power Cable Configurator

Use the PowerWerx wizard to Design Your Own Dual Conductor Custom DC Power Cable:

"Design your own custom cable. We build & ship it to you. Specify your connectors, length, gauge and other options. Calculate the price in real time as you design, then add it to your cart. Save and recall previous custom cables in your account or by cable ID"

New Item: Design Your Own Dual Conductor Custom DC Power Cable https://t.co/8q8Fy4tq9B pic.twitter.com/C0gtHtuJHt

— Powerwerx (@Powerwerx) August 10, 2016

Soylent Coffiest

I've been reading about the Soylent products and saw that they are coming out with a coffee version.

ARRL Annual Report Stats

KE9V pulls some interesting status out of the 2015 ARRL Annual Report. The trends seem positive.

NooElec and AmateurRadio.com winners

You get an SDR. And you get an SDR! Any you get an SDR!!

NooElec and AmatuerRadio.com winners.

Plus:

"If you didn’t win and you’re interested in ordering from NooElec, they’ve generously supplied us with a discount code for our readers:

AMRADIOTENOFF – $10 off orders $100 or more.
No restrictions. Valid until 14 August 2016."

Band Plan Plug-in

Another cool thing you can do with SDR...

New Band Plan plugin added to SDR#. Graphical band view and automatic mode configuration. https://t.co/q200lJi74P pic.twitter.com/nl3jyj8XV4

— sdrsharp (@sdrsharp) August 7, 2016