Ed of Import Communications sent the spec sheet for the Xiegu 20W HF Transceiver. (Again, like the X1M, I'm calling it the Xiegu for the moment.) He says that the specs could change before final production. Until he gets the samples to test, he can't say what suggestions for changes he might make.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Xiegu X1M: Import Communications Update and More
Some more details about the 5W QRP HF radio that Ed at Import Communications will be selling...
The 5W HF radio is the X1M from The Valley Association Chongqing Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (Thanks to Neil for pointing me in this direct.) The company URL as well as an image on their web page incorporates the word "Xiegu." YO9IRF calls the radio the Xiegu X1M, so I may go with that until someone corrects me. That's a lot better than The Valley Association Chongqing Science and Technology X1M or TVACST X1M for short.
Ed adds:
X1M_QRP-Transceiver Yahoo Group
YO9IRF Blog
Sparky's Blog
The 5W HF radio is the X1M from The Valley Association Chongqing Science and Technology Co., Ltd. (Thanks to Neil for pointing me in this direct.) The company URL as well as an image on their web page incorporates the word "Xiegu." YO9IRF calls the radio the Xiegu X1M, so I may go with that until someone corrects me. That's a lot better than The Valley Association Chongqing Science and Technology X1M or TVACST X1M for short.
Ed adds:
I have ordered 10 fully assembled and 2 in kit form. These have been shipped and should arrive soon. I have not seen the kits but believe them to only be a "hardware type" assembly. I won't suggest any modifications until after my units arrive and are tested.A round-up of links about the radio - plenty of pics and videos:
X1M_QRP-Transceiver Yahoo Group
YO9IRF Blog
Sparky's Blog
Baofeng UV-5R: UV-5RAX 2M + 220
W2PDQ has a Baofeng UV-5RAX 144/220 Transceiver and shared the following in the comments on the original post:
"It works, with a few small issues. The radio was marked with a decal in the battery compartment as a 2m/440 radio. A call to Radio-Mart told me to check the antenna markings and power up, sure enough the little rubber attenuator is marked 2m/220 and using a charged battery from my 440 unit the display shows 220. When using the latest VIP programming it will allow me to place the 222 freqs in but chirp will not allow it (the chirp is a one month old nightly)
Power on with holding the #3 key says BFB-296. Talked last night on the net with no issues. All the accessories such as the extended battery and car adaptor are also fine. Only distinguishing cosmetic is the front labelling with some reflective type as a dual band If you needed an extra battery for your 2/70 uv-5ra then this is only 35 bucks more for another radio with a 220 band. It was shipped rather quickly also. So far so good."
"Need to get a sma to pl adaptor to check actual power."
Friday, March 22, 2013
Google Keep Retirement Date
Based on Google's history, it's brand new Evernote competitor, Google Keep, is expected to be retired in March 2017. That's why they didn't call it EverKeep. Ha!
Via Slashdog.org
Via Slashdog.org
HAVA Fundraiser and Giveaway Update/Reminder
Last month, I mentioned the HAVA Fundraiser and Giveaway that Linoge is running over at Walls of the City. Time is running out to participate in the giveaway. The last day to make a donation and be eligible for a prize is March 31.
A little about HAVA:
1x HAVA-branded duffel bag (17” x 9” x 11”) courtesy of HAVA
1x HAVA-branded LaRue Dillo Tactical Beverage Entry Tool courtesy of HAVA
1x Leupold LensPen courtesy of HAVA
1x Smith & Wesson 25NRR Ear Muffs courtesy of HAVA
1x HAVA-branded ballcap courtesy of HAVA
1x Mossberg ballcap courtesy of HAVA
1x Surefire EP3 or EP4 (random selection) courtesy of HAVA
1x Surefire G2Z-OD or G2-OD (random selection) courtesy of HAVA
So, to recap, there are four packages that each contain: (1) duffel bag, one (1) Dillo tool, one (1) lens pen, one (1) set of earmuffs, two (2) ballcaps, one (1) set of earplugs, and one (1) flashlight. How awesome is that?
1x Custom-Engraved Ka-Bar Baconmaker courtesy of HAVA
1x “Fist Full of F*ck Yeah” T-Shirt (XL) courtesy of Zombie Tools
1x “Fist Full of F*ck Yeah” Can Koozie courtesy of Zombie Tools
No, it is not the knife that Crocodile Dundee carried in his iconic movie, but something tells me he would not mind having one of his own. >7” length, recurved blade for easy bacon-making (literally), nylon belt sheath for storage, and a set of grip panels that will never allow this blade to slip out of your hands. Plus, the knife has been engraved with HAVA’s logo, which only compounds the awesomeness.
1x Otis Elite Cleaning Kit courtesy of Brownells
1x Brownells Pro Series Hearing Protection courtesy of Brownells
1x MagHolder courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Nature Wars courtesy of Random House
I do not think there is a firearm made that kit cannot clean, and, with a noise reduction rating of 26 and active microphones and speakers, those muffs will protect your hearing but still let you hear range commands. You can read my review of Nature Wars here, but it is definitely worth your time.
1x Otis Elite Cleaning Kit courtesy of Brownells
1x 2 Handgun Storage Rack, courtesy of Armory Racks
1x Nature Wars courtesy of Random House
You can read my review of the 2 Handgun Storage Rack here, but the long and the short of it is that it greatly simplifies storing handguns wherever it is you keep them… as its name probably suggests.
1x Boomershoot Entry, including Friday and Saturday High Intensity events, Saturday dinner, and Sunday Long Range Event courtesy of Joe Huffman
1x Paul Revere’s Ride courtesy of Chris from AK
Boomershoot hardly needs an introduction in my crowd, but if you are unfamiliar with it, here is the shortest description I can muster: you shoot explosive targets at long range. Yes, it is that awesome. I have not read David Hackett Fischer’s book yet, but it appears to document the reasons and motivations behind one of the major events that sparked the American Revolution, and, as such, it is worth a read by any patriot.
1x D.A.R.K. Complete Kit courtesy of Dark Angel Medical
1x Paul Revere’s Ride courtesy of Chris from AK
When it comes to matters of life and death, trusting a company whose staff has in excess of 20 years combined medical experience between them seems like a mighty good start, especially when all of the materials that go into their kits are hand-chosen by them, based on that experience.
1x MagHolder courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Magholder.com-branded folding knife courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Nature Wars courtesy of Random House
These unique, injection-molded plastic magazine holders are designed to hold your magazines sideways, which greatly improves their comfort and wearability. You can read Skas’ review of them here.
1x Diablo Outside the Waistband Holster courtesy of Dragon Leatherworks
1x Munchkin courtesy of Skas
1x ENDO Apparel $25 Certificate courtesy of ENDO
I do not have a single-action revolver myself any more, but if you do have a Ruger Blackhawk or something else like it, how else would you want to carry it? And it only makes sense to include the awesome game I helped get him hooked on – if you have not played it, you should, and if you have, you know what I am talking about.
1x MagHolder courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Frag Gold Edition courtesy of Skas
1x ENDO Apparel $25 Certificate courtesy of ENDO
I cannot say as though I am overly familiar with “Frag”, but it’s official description speaks volumes: “a "first-person shooter" on a tabletop. Move your fighter and frag your foes. Draw cards for weapons, armor, and gadgets. Move through the blood spatters to restore your own health! If you die, you respawn and come back shooting!”
1x 2 Handgun Storage Rack courtesy of Armory Racks
1x Munchkin Zombies courtesy of Skas
1x Zombie Che Guevera Hoodie (XL) courtesy of Zombie Tools
1x Ranger Up T-Shirt Certificate courtesy of Ranger Up
1x Can koozie courtesy of Eagles Nest Outfitters
I did not know what sizes my winners would be, nor what designs people will prefer (I rather likethis one, myself), so you get your choice of one t-shirt from Ranger Up’s all-too-awesome lineup.
1x Munchkin Apocalypse, courtesy of Skas
1x Ranger Up T-Shirt Certificate courtesy of Ranger Up
1x I Don’t Hate Zombies T-Shirt (S, L, or 3XL) courtesy of Zombie Tools
1x Monderno PVC Morale Patch courtesy of Monderno
1x Can koozie courtesy of Eagles Nest Outfitters
Apocalypse is the newest, and, from what I hear, best installation of the Munchkin franchise… should be good training! Regarding the Russian Origami t-shirts, hopefully you are a Large, X-Large, or XX-Large, because that is all I have left!
1x Russian Origami T-Shirt
1x “walls of the city” Sticker
1x “walls of the city” patch
This package and the next one might be a bit delayed, depending on the production schedule for the patches, but I will send it out as soon as I can.
A little about HAVA:
"As the number of injured men and women returning from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan grew, members of the firearms industry initiated a non-profit partnership called HAVA to aid disabled soldiers as they transition to their lives back in the United States. The ultimate goal is to increase their confidence and hope for the future by reconnecting with their love of the outdoors and the American traditions of hunting and firearms."
CLICK HERE TO DONATE.
Click here to view the rules.
And, with apologies to Linoge for the total copy/paste job, here are the prizes in case helping out a veteran isn't enough incentive.
4x HAVA Duffel Packages
1x HAVA-branded duffel bag (17” x 9” x 11”) courtesy of HAVA1x HAVA-branded LaRue Dillo Tactical Beverage Entry Tool courtesy of HAVA
1x Leupold LensPen courtesy of HAVA
1x Smith & Wesson 25NRR Ear Muffs courtesy of HAVA
1x HAVA-branded ballcap courtesy of HAVA
1x Mossberg ballcap courtesy of HAVA
1x Surefire EP3 or EP4 (random selection) courtesy of HAVA
1x Surefire G2Z-OD or G2-OD (random selection) courtesy of HAVA
So, to recap, there are four packages that each contain: (1) duffel bag, one (1) Dillo tool, one (1) lens pen, one (1) set of earmuffs, two (2) ballcaps, one (1) set of earplugs, and one (1) flashlight. How awesome is that?
“Bacon” Package
1x Custom-Engraved Ka-Bar Baconmaker courtesy of HAVA1x “Fist Full of F*ck Yeah” T-Shirt (XL) courtesy of Zombie Tools
1x “Fist Full of F*ck Yeah” Can Koozie courtesy of Zombie Tools
No, it is not the knife that Crocodile Dundee carried in his iconic movie, but something tells me he would not mind having one of his own. >7” length, recurved blade for easy bacon-making (literally), nylon belt sheath for storage, and a set of grip panels that will never allow this blade to slip out of your hands. Plus, the knife has been engraved with HAVA’s logo, which only compounds the awesomeness.
“Ultimate New Shooter” Package
1x Otis Elite Cleaning Kit courtesy of Brownells 1x Brownells Pro Series Hearing Protection courtesy of Brownells
1x MagHolder courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Nature Wars courtesy of Random House
I do not think there is a firearm made that kit cannot clean, and, with a noise reduction rating of 26 and active microphones and speakers, those muffs will protect your hearing but still let you hear range commands. You can read my review of Nature Wars here, but it is definitely worth your time.
“Organized New Shooter” Package
1x Otis Elite Cleaning Kit courtesy of Brownells1x 2 Handgun Storage Rack, courtesy of Armory Racks
1x Nature Wars courtesy of Random House
You can read my review of the 2 Handgun Storage Rack here, but the long and the short of it is that it greatly simplifies storing handguns wherever it is you keep them… as its name probably suggests.
“Citizen Marksman” Package
1x Boomershoot Entry, including Friday and Saturday High Intensity events, Saturday dinner, and Sunday Long Range Event courtesy of Joe Huffman1x Paul Revere’s Ride courtesy of Chris from AK
Boomershoot hardly needs an introduction in my crowd, but if you are unfamiliar with it, here is the shortest description I can muster: you shoot explosive targets at long range. Yes, it is that awesome. I have not read David Hackett Fischer’s book yet, but it appears to document the reasons and motivations behind one of the major events that sparked the American Revolution, and, as such, it is worth a read by any patriot.
“Preparedness” Package
1x D.A.R.K. Complete Kit courtesy of Dark Angel Medical1x Paul Revere’s Ride courtesy of Chris from AK
When it comes to matters of life and death, trusting a company whose staff has in excess of 20 years combined medical experience between them seems like a mighty good start, especially when all of the materials that go into their kits are hand-chosen by them, based on that experience.
“EDC” Package
1x MagHolder courtesy of MagHolder.com1x Magholder.com-branded folding knife courtesy of MagHolder.com
1x Nature Wars courtesy of Random House
These unique, injection-molded plastic magazine holders are designed to hold your magazines sideways, which greatly improves their comfort and wearability. You can read Skas’ review of them here.
“Carrying in Style” Package
1x Diablo Outside the Waistband Holster courtesy of Dragon Leatherworks1x Munchkin courtesy of Skas
1x ENDO Apparel $25 Certificate courtesy of ENDO
I do not have a single-action revolver myself any more, but if you do have a Ruger Blackhawk or something else like it, how else would you want to carry it? And it only makes sense to include the awesome game I helped get him hooked on – if you have not played it, you should, and if you have, you know what I am talking about.
“Gunny Gamer” Package
1x MagHolder courtesy of MagHolder.com1x Frag Gold Edition courtesy of Skas
1x ENDO Apparel $25 Certificate courtesy of ENDO
I cannot say as though I am overly familiar with “Frag”, but it’s official description speaks volumes: “a "first-person shooter" on a tabletop. Move your fighter and frag your foes. Draw cards for weapons, armor, and gadgets. Move through the blood spatters to restore your own health! If you die, you respawn and come back shooting!”
“Zombie Apocalypse Preparation” Package
1x 2 Handgun Storage Rack courtesy of Armory Racks1x Munchkin Zombies courtesy of Skas
1x Zombie Che Guevera Hoodie (XL) courtesy of Zombie Tools
1x Ranger Up T-Shirt Certificate courtesy of Ranger Up
1x Can koozie courtesy of Eagles Nest Outfitters
I did not know what sizes my winners would be, nor what designs people will prefer (I rather likethis one, myself), so you get your choice of one t-shirt from Ranger Up’s all-too-awesome lineup.
“Normal Apocalypse Preparation” Package
1x Munchkin Apocalypse, courtesy of Skas1x Ranger Up T-Shirt Certificate courtesy of Ranger Up
1x I Don’t Hate Zombies T-Shirt (S, L, or 3XL) courtesy of Zombie Tools
1x Monderno PVC Morale Patch courtesy of Monderno
1x Can koozie courtesy of Eagles Nest Outfitters
Apocalypse is the newest, and, from what I hear, best installation of the Munchkin franchise… should be good training! Regarding the Russian Origami t-shirts, hopefully you are a Large, X-Large, or XX-Large, because that is all I have left!
“Motte” Package
1x Russian Origami T-Shirt1x “walls of the city” Sticker
1x “walls of the city” patch
This package and the next one might be a bit delayed, depending on the production schedule for the patches, but I will send it out as soon as I can.
“Bailey” Package
Import Communications: Exclusive and New Baofeng Versions
I had not previously posted anything about the Baofeng F-11 from Import Communications. It is a custom version of the UV-5R specially made for Import Communications with an exclusive firmware (USA349). Some have been critical of the F-11 for being slightly more expensive and having no real difference from the UV-5R (see this thread). I've not got one in my hands, so I can't say it is any better, but I would also remind them that part of the price is the service you get with it. (For example, I have seen where Ed is updating the firmware on the Anytone AT-5888UV radios he sold.)
In any case, the reason for my post is that Ed says he is about to have a 2M/220 version of the F-11:
He goes on to say that he will have a new Baofeng HT to compete with Wouxun and TYT:
In any case, the reason for my post is that Ed says he is about to have a 2M/220 version of the F-11:
"I will have a 2m/220 version of my Baofeng F-11 in a couple weeks."I know that will make some people very happy.
He goes on to say that he will have a new Baofeng HT to compete with Wouxun and TYT:
"I will also have a new dual band HT from Baofeng using the more expensive chip, which can provide more user features than the present Baofeng radios. This will put the radio more in line with the Wouxun and TYT models."Did I mention it sounds like it will be a fun summer for radios?
Import Communications: QRP HF Radios
Ed of Import Communications is branching out and will be offering some low power/QRP HF radios:
"I will soon be the US distributor for a small Chinese company that will produce two models of HF QRP radios. One model is ready now, with samples on the way. It is 5 watts, 0.1-30 MHz, SSB/CW with built-in keyer and is compatible with Ham Radio Deluxe. The other model will be available in May and is 0-20 watts with built in antenna tuner."He sent a subsequent update and said the 20 watt radio will begin sales in June.
It is shaping up to be an interesting summer with some new offerings from the Chinese manufacturers.
TYT TH-9800: Rumors of its death...
Rumors, perpetuated by me nonetheless, of the death of the TYT TH-9800 may have been greatly exaggerated.
Chris pointed out the Andrews Communications site has the TYT TH-9800 as coming available in March for $399AUD ($416 USD).
Ed from Import Communications provided some more specifics along with the timeline as he sees it:
Chris pointed out the Andrews Communications site has the TYT TH-9800 as coming available in March for $399AUD ($416 USD).
Ed from Import Communications provided some more specifics along with the timeline as he sees it:
"My samples for the TH-9800 will ship early April and mass production will begin in May. I'm not sure if they will be ready for sale by Dayton, but I will at least have one on display... I had one on display last year.
And the coverage for the TH-9800 are as follows
HF: RX/26-33MHz;TX/26-33MHz
VHF: RX/47-54MHz;TX/47-54MHz (Optional)
VHF: RX/66-88MHz;TX/66-88MHz (Optional)
VHF: RX/108-135MHz
VHF: RX/136-180MHz;TX/136-176MHz
UHF: RX/320-399.995MHz;TX/350MHz-390MHz
UHF: RX/400-512MHz;TX/400MHz-470MHz or 440MHz-512MHz
UHF: RX/750-950MHz
I have not verified the "optional" VHF ranges but I'm guessing there will be different versions for different countries."
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Nate's Open Letter to TYT
My post about the TYT TH-9800 got Nate thinking and the result is the following open letter from him to TYT.
If TYT will take an advice from me (Nate)...
It is no secret that Chinese radio manufacturers like following the lead of other successful brands for a good reason, they sell.
The problem is that instead of bringing new ideas (or even good old proven ideas) they start playing with different packages and name labels which just add to the consumer's confusion, and doesn't generate more sales (writing "Hot 2013" in-front of last year's product doesn't really do anything).
I think TYT/Baofeng/others should "re-create" a very successful radio series Kenwood had in the 1990's, the Kenwood TM-642 / TM-742 / TM-842 / TM-942.
Today's technology should be able to cut down costs, and since TYT don't currently have any Dual band mobile radios, it wouldn't compete with other products they are already deeply invested in (which is probably why Kenwood stopped making them).
Creating a radio as a platform has many advantages, such as quick design phase, simple to manufacture, test, repair, and certify which saves the manufacturer money and lets the buyer get what they need (think how successful was the IBM compatible PC and how it shaped forever the computers we use today).
Radio as a platform means that the manufacturer will spend the time designing the radio itself, as a unit with a CPU, display, buttons, memory banks, software, speakers, RF, data and microphone jacks and expansion slots for modules , and than produce simple modules that will answer the demand from ham radio operators, and commercial entities world wide.
Modules: Each module should contain the specific RF parts for the band it is designed for such as Frequency generators, Mixers, Filters, and Power amplifiers.
There are at-least 9 Amateur bands that should be made: 10m, 6m, 4m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 33cm 23cm and 13cm.
Some of these bands can be used for commercial needs as well, if the software allows locking the radio to specific memory channels, and of-course if there is a need for a different band, all they need to do is create the appropriate module.
I'm going to concentrate in the question: Why can Chinese manufacturers count on revenue from selling modular/platform radios to ham radio operators world-wide?
1. Both in the Americas (1.25m and 33cm) and Europe (4m) these old/new bands are gaining a lot of popularity, while there is very little equipment for these bands being sold today, whoever is going to fill up the gap is going to win this game.
2. A lot of hams around the world can enjoy the universal bands of 23cm and 13cm, that the only reason why these aren't popular is that there is virtually no radios for it in a decent price.
3. There are no new triple band radios being made today, and if you look in eBay for any of these old Kenwood triple band radios, you'll see they still bring a very pretty penny (a lot of money) even after 20 years!!!
4. It will be very hard for hams to resist buying one radio to get into one more band, if they have their traditional 2m/70cm in it too, for example 2m/1.25m/70cm in the US and 4m/2m/70cm in Europe, and new hams looking for their first radio would want to get one too.
5. Buying more than one: I think that if there will be such a wide availability of all these bands, some hams will buy a second or even a third radio. Some hams will buy them for redundancy, some because they are collectors (these hams will probably buy all the module options), also a lot of hams put these mobiles in their cars, and since these will have the ability to have unique bands (bands they can't access on the their base station) , they will want to get at-least one more for the home too, and let's not forget these repeater owners that will get them just to extend the capability of their multi-band repeaters.
6. Increasing sales and Accessories: these radios will require tri-band antennas for different band options, duplexers, and triplexers, this will add the manufacturers more revenue.
7. Innovation sells: look how much time and effort consumers put down talking about crappy poorly designed radios, in blogs, and in forums, even non shows, if there was an option to buy a triple band radios, people would most definitely buy them.
If TYT will take an advice from me (Nate)...
It is no secret that Chinese radio manufacturers like following the lead of other successful brands for a good reason, they sell.
The problem is that instead of bringing new ideas (or even good old proven ideas) they start playing with different packages and name labels which just add to the consumer's confusion, and doesn't generate more sales (writing "Hot 2013" in-front of last year's product doesn't really do anything).
I think TYT/Baofeng/others should "re-create" a very successful radio series Kenwood had in the 1990's, the Kenwood TM-642 / TM-742 / TM-842 / TM-942.
Today's technology should be able to cut down costs, and since TYT don't currently have any Dual band mobile radios, it wouldn't compete with other products they are already deeply invested in (which is probably why Kenwood stopped making them).
Creating a radio as a platform has many advantages, such as quick design phase, simple to manufacture, test, repair, and certify which saves the manufacturer money and lets the buyer get what they need (think how successful was the IBM compatible PC and how it shaped forever the computers we use today).
Radio as a platform means that the manufacturer will spend the time designing the radio itself, as a unit with a CPU, display, buttons, memory banks, software, speakers, RF, data and microphone jacks and expansion slots for modules , and than produce simple modules that will answer the demand from ham radio operators, and commercial entities world wide.
Modules: Each module should contain the specific RF parts for the band it is designed for such as Frequency generators, Mixers, Filters, and Power amplifiers.
There are at-least 9 Amateur bands that should be made: 10m, 6m, 4m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 33cm 23cm and 13cm.
Some of these bands can be used for commercial needs as well, if the software allows locking the radio to specific memory channels, and of-course if there is a need for a different band, all they need to do is create the appropriate module.
I'm going to concentrate in the question: Why can Chinese manufacturers count on revenue from selling modular/platform radios to ham radio operators world-wide?
1. Both in the Americas (1.25m and 33cm) and Europe (4m) these old/new bands are gaining a lot of popularity, while there is very little equipment for these bands being sold today, whoever is going to fill up the gap is going to win this game.
2. A lot of hams around the world can enjoy the universal bands of 23cm and 13cm, that the only reason why these aren't popular is that there is virtually no radios for it in a decent price.
3. There are no new triple band radios being made today, and if you look in eBay for any of these old Kenwood triple band radios, you'll see they still bring a very pretty penny (a lot of money) even after 20 years!!!
4. It will be very hard for hams to resist buying one radio to get into one more band, if they have their traditional 2m/70cm in it too, for example 2m/1.25m/70cm in the US and 4m/2m/70cm in Europe, and new hams looking for their first radio would want to get one too.
5. Buying more than one: I think that if there will be such a wide availability of all these bands, some hams will buy a second or even a third radio. Some hams will buy them for redundancy, some because they are collectors (these hams will probably buy all the module options), also a lot of hams put these mobiles in their cars, and since these will have the ability to have unique bands (bands they can't access on the their base station) , they will want to get at-least one more for the home too, and let's not forget these repeater owners that will get them just to extend the capability of their multi-band repeaters.
6. Increasing sales and Accessories: these radios will require tri-band antennas for different band options, duplexers, and triplexers, this will add the manufacturers more revenue.
7. Innovation sells: look how much time and effort consumers put down talking about crappy poorly designed radios, in blogs, and in forums, even non shows, if there was an option to buy a triple band radios, people would most definitely buy them.
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