iRadio CP-168

The iRadio CP-168 is a mini UHF (400-470 MHz) 2W HT. You can get them on Amazon ($53.80 for a pair) or individually at the 409Shop ($39.50 each). The radio has a neat display (see images), 128 channels, and uses a USB mini connector for charging.

Baofeng UV-5X3: Miklor Review

And speaking of tri-band radios, John has his review of the UV-5X3 tri-bander (Amazon $64.89) up at his site:

"Although the case design is familiar, the radio inside is not. BTech has recently introduced the new UV-5X3 to the US Ham Radio market. This radio is a true tri-band transceiver with internal filters specifically configured for tri-band operation."

And he concludes:

"The UV-5X3 firmware has obviously been reworked to include:
- Tri-Band Support: VHF/1.25M/UHF
- D-ANI (Display incoming DTMF Tones)
- Synchronized Displays
- DTMF audio gain level adjustment
- Add / Remove Channels from Scanning list via keypad (LCD Dot Indication)
- On the Fly scanning by Frequency Range
- 4 Tone Burst options
- Remote Stun, Kill, Revive
- One watt audio output 

It appears that BTech has once again managed to stay one step ahead of the curve. With the 220 MHz ham band operation back on the rise in the US, this radio hit the market at the right time. Even if 220 isn't popular in your area, the additional new features still give it an edge over the traditional dual band series."

Baofeng Tech UV-2501+220 (Gen 3) Price Drop

The Baofeng Tech UV-2501+220 (generation 3) has been discounted about $10 - down to $128.86.

Via Miklor on the Baofeng Amateur Radio Network (BARN) Facebook page.

GlocalMe

I'm not traveling internationally much at all anymore, but the GlocalMe device/service would have been really handy.

2nd year we have brought a glocalme device to Europe. Fantastic/cheap way to have good data. Highly recommend. pic.twitter.com/u0E8wHFJnb

— Michael Arrington (@arrington) August 17, 2016

Garmin Vivosmart HR Deal

So I generally like my Garmin Vivosmart HR. I'm surprised that I don't look at the data (sleep and heart rate) as much as I thought I would. I really like the smart phone notifications.

But, if you are interested, this is a great deal. I paid $130 for mine, so this saves you $30.

The links above is for the non-GPS version. For a running/GPS solution, I must say I am extremely happy with my Garmin 235 GPS watch. It would be close to being my single device solution except I don't think it would be as comfortable to sleep in.

Baofeng Tech: UV-5X3 Tri-band HT

BaoFeng Tech has announced their new lasted HT... the UV-5X3 tri-bander (Amazon $64.89).
From the press release:

"First and foremost, the UV-5X3 was built by adding filtering and support for the 220MHz Amateur band. The original UV-5R was a 4-watt dual-band radio; while the UV-5X3 can now output 5-watts on VHF and 4-watts on both 1.25M and UHF. The UV-5X3 focused specifically on the amateur band frequencies of the 1.25M band during design. The UV-5X3 supports: 65-108MHz (RX only - FM Radio), 130-179.99MHz (RX/TX), 222-225.99MHz (RX/TX), and 400-520.99MHz (RX/TX)"

The announcement also talks about simplified scanning, the option to sync the display (channel name and frequency), CHIRP as the programming software, and more.

Wouxun KG-UV8D: BuyTwoWayRadios.com How-To's

BuyTwoWayRadios.com puts out some good docs...

How to program the Wouxun KG-UV8D

How to reset the Wouxun KG-UV8D to factory settings and English prompts

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.