"A walkie-talkie app called Zello is No. 1 in the App Store because of Hurricane Irma"
Definitely better than nothing, but nothing like having some real radio options.
Sunday, September 10, 2017
Zello
Business Insider:
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Soldering Irons
The Wirecutter reviews soldering irons and recommends the X-Tronic Model #3020-XTS. The venerable Weller WLC100 comes in second.
Friday, September 8, 2017
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.I'll have to recruit the help of my crack team to help me test these MURS radios out.
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."
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
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...
I assume this will work with my new $29 Eufy Genie Echo Dot clone.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
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
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.
Monday, August 28, 2017
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)."
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
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
Wednesday, July 19, 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.
Thursday, July 13, 2017
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