Baofeng Tech: MURS-V1

The kind folks at Baofeng Tech sent me a couple of their new BTECH MURS-V1 radios. They introduce the MURS-V1 this way:

"MURS is a two-way, VHF short-distance voice or data communications service for personal or business activities of the general public.

The MURS-V1 is a great introduction to two-way radios as a step-up from common walkie talkies. The MURS-V1 introduces users to common PL (Private Line) tones and terminology. Standard CTCSS and DCS terminology is used without abstract Menu terms (such as "Tone 12") used by bubble-pack radios."

I'll have to recruit the help of my crack team to help me test these MURS radios out.

Alexa and Cortana

The new Laverne and Shirley...

"Available later this year, this collaboration will allow you to access Alexa via Cortana on Windows 10 PCs, followed by Android and iOS in the future. Conversely, you’ll be able to access Cortana on Alexa-enabled devices like the Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Echo Show."

Which leads to interesting questions...

What happens if Amazon does a deal with Apple but Microsoft doesn't? "Cortana, ask Alexa to tell Siri to call mum"?

— Tim Bradshaw (@tim) August 30, 2017

I assume this will work with my new $29 Eufy Genie Echo Dot clone.

Eufy Genie (Amazon Echo Dot Clone)

I've been thinking about getting another Amazon Echo Dot for a while now. I was especially tempted when they were available as refurbs for $40.

So, it should be no surprise, that I bought the Eufy Genie for $29. Eufy is a division of Anker - which has a good reputation for the quality of all their phone accessories.

The Eufy Genie is very similar to the Echo Dot, but is missing a few features like Bluetooth and the ability to complete calls between Alexa devices. I've never used the Bluetooth, so that's a non-issue for me and Eufy says additional features will be added via firmware updates. I read a few reviews and folks were split on saving a few dollars vs. getting the actual Echo Dot. For me, I think I'll be happy with it even if it isn't perfect. We have one Echo Dot today and I wouldn't mind having several more. If this works well then I can save some money, but otherwise it might go in a less used location.

Eufy Genie Amazon page. 

TYT MD-9600: Firmware Update

TYT MD-9600 Firmware Update Available https://t.co/vleEhgJA0Y #dmrradio @HamRadioDMR #hamradio @brickolore #hamr

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) August 28, 2017

"Some of the TYT MD-9600 owners reported an issue loading channels into their radio using the programming software. The software was reporting that the data was being written successfully, but some or all channels were not accessible on the radio. 

To address this issue, TYT released an updated firmware version (3.28) and an updated version of the programming software (1.18)."

Refurb Microsoft Surface 3 - $254

Tempted... Refurb Microsoft Surface 3 - $254.99.

TYT MD-2017: Weak SMA Connector?

Attention :: the SMA connector of the TYT MD-2017 is fragile like a crystal - warning. pic.twitter.com/4ENoAQt4WE

— DMR-Marc Canada Net (@DMRNETcanada) August 15, 2017

Wireless - Truth

I am a Comcast customer, so I have installed their certificate that lets me easily connect to their hot spots that are almost ubiquitous. The downside is the marginal associations to a network that aren't actually usable.

Helida SY-UV99: Prepper Radio HT w/Dynamo Crank Charger

WOW! A hand-crank #hamradio
not sure if I'll #SMH, #LOL, or buy one ;)https://t.co/jq73gqZbCN

— HamRadio360 (@hamradio360) July 13, 2017

TYT MD-380 - not G - for $81

MTC has some mislabeled TYT MD-380 DMR HT's for $81.

"OOPS! We have Just received a full mismarked shipment of radios from the factory. We ordered MD-380G which is a MD380 with a GPS installed. What came in was a radio labeled MD380G. But it has no GPS. So we are blowing out these brand new mis marked radios. This is just a normal TYT MD-380 UHF Version that is marked as a MD-380G. This radio does not have a GPS installed. Quantities are limited and once they are gone, they are gone."

Via @HamRadio360.

Prime Deal: Baofeng Tech UV-25X4 Quad Band Mobile - $99

Baofeng Tech has a Prime Day Deal on the UV-25X4 Quad Band Mobile - only $99.00. (Normally, it is $128.86.)