Boafeng DM-5R: Tier II Support

Radioddity has updated the DM-5R listing with this cryptic note about Tier II support:

"Support DMR repeater function (DMR Tier I; support Tier II if upgraded with less than $10)"

Thanks to Don for pointing out the update.

Baofeng Tech UV-5X3: Display Sync

A nice little feature of the UV-5X3 tri-bander (Amazon $64.89):

End Times

Fact.

@ChrchCurmudgeon @john_starke I firmly believe that were are closer to the end times now than we have ever been before in history.

— Vasili1097 (@vasili1097) September 13, 2016

TCP Joke

@bucslife76 @nixcraft Did someone ask for a TCP joke ? pic.twitter.com/CXd7LsowPi

— David de Groot (@DAdeGroot) September 15, 2016

TalkiePi - Raspberry Pi Walkie Talkie

TalkiePi:

"talkiepi uses Mumble for its voice communication protocol. Mumble is an open source, lightweight, high quality voice chat system designed for use by PC gamers. Mumble lent itself perfectly for this use case. There are already software clients for all platforms (Mac, Win, Linux, IOS, Android), meaning you can talk with your talkiepi using your phone or computer, and you're not limited to just talkiepi devices! By utilizing Mumble channels, user registration, and access control lists, you can configure different groups of talkiepis, just like using different channels on a traditional walkie talkie.

talkiepi is built utilizing a Raspberry Pi, USB speakerphone, some basic electronic components, and a 3D printed enclosure. talkiepi runs amumble client that has been designed specifically for push to talk via the push button interface. After it is setup on your wifi network and the software is configured, talkiepi will require little to no maintenance to use."

Via Lifehacker

409Shop Mini Radio Tease

Yeah, so I'm curious...

Mini Radio, coming soon, like the size of an AA battery, please note！#Radio #walkietalkie #mini #battery#409shop #ahuago #surecom

— 409Shop Limited (@409Shop) September 15, 2016

The Amateur Radio Parity Act: Call to Action

Urge the Senate to Support the Amateur Radio Parity Act:

Amateur radio operators provide communications support for, and participate in public service events on behalf of our communities. During and in the aftermath of disasters and emergencies, when other forms of communications are unavailable, we provide communications for first responders and Federal, state and local governmental agencies and non-governmental agencies, and to our neighbors when communications systems are overloaded or fail. Radio Amateurs contribute to the future of telecommunications as we participate in the development of innovative technology in this digital age. Amateur Radio is non-commercial, and we provide our services at no charge to anyone.

We cannot do any of these things, however, unless we can erect an effective outdoor antenna at our residences. 

On September 12, The US House of Representatives passed the "Amateur Radio Parity Act" to protect the rights of Radio Amateurs. Now is the time to contact your U.S. Senators and urge them to support this important legislation.

Baofeng DM-5R

Radioddity is pre-selling the BaoFeng DM-5R Dual Band DMR Digital Radio:

• DMR Digital Radio
• VHF/UHF 136-174/400-480Mhz
• 2000mAH High Capacity Battery
• High Power/Low power
• 5 Watt/1 Watt
• 21CM Dual Band Antenna
• 8-Level Stepped Frequency Selection
• Auto power saving function,Super-Long Standby
• Compatibility Of Digital And Analog Under DMR System
• Supports Individual Call, Group Call And All Call
• Support DMR repeater function (DMR Tier 1)
• 128 Channels
• $69.99
• Available 9/26

There is a nice little discussion on the BARN Facebook page about the DM-5R.

Amazon Echo Dot

I resisted buying an iPad for a long time, because I wasn't sure how much we would use it. I'm quite certain we've gotten our moneys worth and more out of the iPad 2 over the years.

Likewise, I'm wondering if the Amazon Alexa voice activated personal assistant service would prove to be a good value over time. I really didn't want to pony up $180 for the Amazon Echo to try it out.

With the Amazon Echo Dot, I can dip my toes for only $50, so that makes it a little more tempting.

(If you wanted to really commit, you can buy 5 get 1 free or buy 10 and get 2 free with codes DOT6PACK or DOT12PACK.)

CAT Controlled Rigs

Isn't technology amazing?

CAT controlled rig. pic.twitter.com/mojSkyZTx9

— 2E0GQQ (@M6GQQ) September 13, 2016