Vizio TV Watches You

I know there is a "in Soviet Russia" joke in here, but I hate to hear that the Vizio TVs are tracking me:

"Vizio's technology works by analyzing snippets of the shows you're watching, whether on traditional television or streaming Internet services such as Netflix. Vizio determines the date, time, channel of programs — as well as whether you watched them live or recorded. The viewing patterns are then connected your IP address - the Internet address that can be used to identify every device in a home, from your TV to a phone."

Other than that, I really like my Vizio (M55-C2) 55-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart TV.  Maybe it is too smart.

Xiegu X108G Outdoor Version

Not only was I behind on all the new mobiles, but I'm also overdue for posting about the Xiegu X108G Outdoor Version. The manufacturer's website is here. They provide a list of authorized sellers. In general, folks that have them seem much happier out of the gate than with the previous iterations.

Ed at Import Communications is selling them for $599.95. His page says, "Xiegu has totally remade the X108."

X108G QRP Transceiver
9 Bands AM / SSB / CW 1 - 20 watts

0.5 - 30 MHz (9 filtered ham bands)

Features:Microphone - multifunctional
CW Filter (500 Hz)
SSB Filter (2.4 kHz)
AGC
S Meter - PO Meter - SWR Meter
Adjustable 1-20 watt output
Modes - AM - SSB - CW
0.5 - 30 MHz (9 filtered ham bands)
High SWR protection
Pre-amplifier / Attenuator
USB control port (uses plain USB-a to USB-b cable)
CW Keyer
SO239 antenna connector
0.5 ppm TCXO Module
Noise Blanker
Front & Rear Handles
4-3/4 x 1-3/4 x 7-1/16 inches
Radio Weight - 1 kg - 2.2 lb
Mic Weight - 0.143kg - 5oz
12.5 - 14.5 vdc / 0.5 - 6.0 amps

Kerchunkers and CB'ers

I'm not sure you can trust these guys. Listen and decide.

The Noise Blankers episode of the @FoTimePodcast is now live. @K5KVN and I share our story. Check it out! https://t.co/EQVGa6jan9

— Andy Holmes, K5PO ⚡️ (@K5PO) December 2, 2015

The Radios

I think I've caught back up on listing all the radios I've posted about on "The Radios" page.

QYT KT-8900R: Tri-band including 220?

So initial indications were that the QYT KT-8900R was a tri-band, but would only do 240-260 MHz. The 409Shop is now selling it for $96 and the posting shows 2M/440 and 220.

Frequency Range: VHF:136-174MHz  /  220-260mhZ
Frequency Range: UHF:400-480MHz
Number of Channel: 200
Channel Spacing: 25KHz 20K 12.5
Phase lock step: 5KHz、6.25 KHz、10 KHz、12.5 KHz、15 KHz、25 KHz
Working Voltage: 13.8V DC±15%
Squelch way: CTCSS/DCS/5Tone/2Tone/DTMF
Frequency Stability: ±2.5ppm
Operating Temperature: -20~+60
Dimension: 98(W) x 35(H) x 118(D)mm
Weight: 408g
Output power: 25W/20W(VHF/UHF)

(This is the video from their page, but appears to be the dual band version of the KT-8900.)


PACKAGE CONTAIN:
1 x QYT KT8900 136-174/220-260/400-480MHz Mini Mobile Radio Transceiver
1 x Microphone
1 x Car Power Cable
1 x Fuse
1 x Mounting bracket
1 x Screw
1 x User"s Manual

Wouxun KG-UV8D: BuyTwoWayRadios Special

From their webpage:

"The standard KG-UV8D regularly sells for $159.99, but for a limited time, Buy Two Way Radios is offering the standard Wouxun KG-UV8D for a special holiday sale price of only $99.99! 

That's right, the 8D is now available at just under $100! This package includes the Wouxun KG-UV8D with black buttons and all the standard accessories in the box, such as dual band antenna, 1700mAh Lithium-Ion battery pack, belt clip, wrist strap, charger tray, AC cable and owner's manual."

Baofeng Tech: UV-2501 and UV-5001 Miklor Reviews

John has been involved with the Baofeng Tech UV-2501 and Baofeng Tech UV-5001 development. He's got a review up that covers actual power output and the new features. He also talks about the issues that do not exist in the Baofeng Tech versions of the radios:

"Early first generation models of similar radios had two audio issues.
- When changing or returning to an Active Channel, there was no audio present until the PTT or EXIT button was pressed.
- During a channel scan, a loud tone was heard when stopping on an active channel, requiring a PTT reset. (or turning off the beep tone)."

He also does a comparison of the UV-2501 and the KT-8900/JT-6188.

QYT KT-8900R: Tri-band Mobile

Good news, bad news. Good news... QYT is working on a 25W tri-band mobile. Bad news... it is 136-174 MHz, 400-480 MHz, and 240-260 MHz.

From the Making Stuff Up Department

And while I'm stirring up trouble on Twitter and posting about the Baofeng Tech UV-2501 and Baofeng Tech UV-5001, should I read anything into the fact that both radios are explicitly listed as "analog" two-way radios?

Crank up the rumor mill - the digitals must be on the way. ;)

I have no shame.

Baofeng Tech: BTECH UV-5001

And now some more details on the dual band 50W mobile Baofeng Tech UV-5001 ($149.89).

The Baofeng Tech website mentions a few key features that differentiate it from the other similar radios:

"Synchronize Display Mode
Scrambler/Inversion, DTMF, 5Tone, 2Tone, CTCSS, and DCS Calling Modes (Remote Kill/Stun Supported)
VFO Lockout
Menus, Programming, and Reset Lockout
Auto Power Off Function
Dual Watch Delay Time: Allows the receiver to stay on the secondary channel longer after incoming transmission - customize the delay up to 50 seconds; This avoids manually channel switching when you are engaged with simultaneous contacts on two frequencies"

(For those of you following along, this will look just like the features of the UV-2501 from the previous post.)

And now to the specs...

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
BTECH UV-5001 Mobile
Mounting Bracket and Hardware
Remote Speaker Mic and Mic Bracket
Inline Fuse and DC Connectors

FEATURES
25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable (Wide/Narrow Band)
FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz)
Large Tri-color LCD Display (3 Selectable Colors)
High /Low RF Power Switchable
50 CTCSS/ 104 DCS Tones
5Tone Support
2Tone Support
Voice Inversion (Scrambling) Support
Tone searching/scanning
Dual standby
PC programmable
Transmitter time-out timer(TOT)
Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)
Remote Stun/Kill

UV-5001 MOBILE SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency range:
[TX] 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz
[RX] 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz, 68-108MHz (FM Broadcast)
Channel Capacity:
200 Channels
Channel Spacing
25KHz (wide band)12.5KHz (narrow band)
Sensitivity
≤0.25μV (wide band) ≤0.35μV (narrow band)
Operation Voltage
13.6V DC ±20%
Frequency step:
2.5-25KHz Selectable
Antenna:
Antenna Connector: SO-239
Stability:
±2.5ppm
Output power:
50W / 10W
Audio Power Output
1000mW/10%

Baofeng Tech: BTECH UV-2501

Some more details on the dual band mobile Baofeng Tech UV-2501 ($114.89).

The Baofeng Tech website mentions a few key features that differentiate it from the other similar radios:

"Synchronize Display Mode
Scrambler/Inversion, DTMF, 5Tone, 2Tone, CTCSS, and DCS Calling Modes (Remote Kill/Stun Supported)
VFO Lockout
Menus, Programming, and Reset Lockout
Auto Power Off Function
Dual Watch Delay Time: Allows the receiver to stay on the secondary channel longer after incoming transmission - customize the delay up to 50 seconds; This avoids manually channel switching when you are engaged with simultaneous contacts on two frequencies"

The specs...

WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
BTECH UV-2501 Mobile
Mounting Bracket and Hardware
Remote Speaker Mic and Mic Bracket
Inline Fuse and DC Connectors

FEATURES

25KHz/12.5KHz Switchable (Wide/Narrow Band)
FM Radio (65.0MHz-108.0MHz)
Large Tri-color LCD Display (3 Selectable Colors)
High /Low RF Power Switchable
50 CTCSS/ 104 DCS Tones
5Tone Support
2Tone Support
Voice Inversion (Scrambling) Support
Tone searching/scanning
Dual standby
PC programmable
Transmitter time-out timer(TOT)
Busy channel lock-out(BCLO)
Remote Stun/Kill

UV-2501 MINI SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency range:
[TX] 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz
[RX] 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz, 68-108MHz (FM Broadcast)
Channel Capacity:
200 Channels
Channel Spacing
25KHz (wide band)12.5KHz (narrow band)
Sensitivity
≤0.25μV (wide band) ≤0.35μV (narrow band)
Operation Voltage
13.6V DC ±20%
Frequency step:
2.5-25KHz Selectable
Antenna:
Antenna Connector: SO-239
Stability:
±2.5ppm
Output power:
25W / 10W
Audio Power Output
1000mW/10%

Baofeng Tech: New Mobile Radios

I'm late to the party as usual these days, so I'll keep apologizing, but continue to work under the "better late than never philosophy."

Baofeng Tech announced two new mobile radios more than a week ago:

"We're excited to unveil the UV-2501 and UV-5001 Dual Band Mobile Radios. We have spent the last several months refining our first mobile radio release. The UV-2501 is a Mini Mobile VHF/UHF radio capable of 25 Watts Output. The UV-5001 is a full-size Mobile VHF/UHF radio capable of 50 Watts Output.

These may look similar in appearance to other radios, but we have re-built our mobiles from the ground up with a new menu system, audio and bug fixes, exclusive enhancements, and much more - with insight and improvements given to us from amateurs nationwide."

The similar radios are the JT-6188 and KT8900 that I've posted about. I like the naming of these - I'm a simple man, so UHF-VHF-50 Watt, version 01 makes sense to me for the UV-5001.

Leixen VV-898SP: Tokmate Version

Lyle points out that the VV-898SP Manpack is available on Amazon as a Tokmate VV-898S for $219 including the antenna and USB programming cable.

And why do I always feel like these notes are directed at me:

"The housing is detachable and the radio can be used alone, but the user must not take the radio apart, otherwise he/she should bear the relevant responsibility"

Kindle Book Cyber Monday Sale

I'm going to pick up a couple of cheap Kindle books from the Cyber Monday sale at Amazon.

I've never read any of the Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser series by Fritz Leiber, so I'm going to get the first one: Swords and Deviltry. I'm also gonna try Bruce Sterling's Schismatrix Plus. Both are just $1.99.

Baofeng UV-82HP: Cyber Monday Deal

I missed the Black Friday sale, but you can get the Baofeng UV-82HP for $48 between 11:40am (Eastern) and 2:40pm (Eastern) today. That price saves you about $17.

Grab one or two, so your tree can start to look a little like this.

Leixen VV-898: MTC Black Friday Sale

I'm slow, but MTC has the VV-898 for $59.99.

Leixen VV-898SP and VV-898P: Manpack

Next up from Leixen is the VV-898SP (25W) and VV-898P (10W) manpack/backpack/piggy back radio.

"Two-stage dual display, dual-tone multi-frequency / two tone signaling / identification code, Stun / remote Halo / activation, voice encryption 

No keyboard player supports microphone UP / DOWN. Power 25W / 10W / 5W"

Leixen VV-898S: Mobile

I got an e-mail from Leixen pointing out a couple of new radios. First, is the VV-898S. (They aren't posted on the English version of their website, so I've let Chrome do the translating for me.)

"Two-stage dual display, dual-tone multi-frequency / two tone signaling / identification code, Stun / remote Halo / activation, voice encryption 

No keyboard player supports microphone UP / DOWN. Power 25W / 10W / 5W"

D&D in VR

There is now an app where you can play Dungeons & Dragons in VR. https://t.co/G5Z97GZ6Er pic.twitter.com/fYdL09mkFx

— Peter Rojas (@peterrojas) November 16, 2015

Garmin 220

Despite the fact that GPS always overestimates the distance, I still wouldn't run without it. I linked to the Garmin 620 on Friday, but if $200 is too much for your budget, you can try the Garmin 220 for $166.

DC Rainmaker review of the 220 and 620.