Baofeng GT-3: Review by W9MDB

Mike (W9MDB) shares his thoughts on the GT-3 on a post to the UV-5R Yahoo Group:

"My observations so far. 

#1 Same poor performing antenna as what people refer to as the UV-5R "stock"antenna (it's the Baofeng UV-5R Logo antenna)

#2 Battery/charger is not compatible with UV-5R batteries at all - nomodification possible that I see

#3 Speaker sounds a lot better to my ear (I have some high frequency hearingloss and I hear more low freq on the GT-3)

#4 Had to trim my FTDI cable jack as the radio case around the jack is atouch deeper than the UV-5R so the top pin wasn't seating fully

#5 CHIRP speaks to it as a UV-5R

#6 Firmware is BFS311 and reports as BFB297 on power up so should be fullycompatible with UV-5R

#7 The GT-3 software has one more menu than the UV-5R for setting freq rangeotherwise it's identical that I see.

#8 The specifications in the manual are identical to the UV-5R.

#9 I'm seeing better FM performance on my UV-5R then the GT-3. Stationscoming in weaker on the GT-3 with both radios using identical Diamond RH771antennas. My experience contradicts Jerry's review.YMMV apparently.

#10 I'm questioning the weather resistance. I don't see a lot of differencefrom the UV-5R. The speaker grill is quite open and you can see the LEDlight through the microphone hole. The keys don't look like they are sealedto the case. I suppose they might've coated the board (haven't taken itapart yet to see)..that would be the only thing I can think of that mightmake it more water resistant than the UV-5R.manual/box says nothing aboutwater resistant.

Software available here if you want to try the Baofeng VIP software

http://www.radioddity.com/downloads

Mike W9MDB"

Internet Radio: S-1000

From the "what is new is old department"... the Internet Radio Model S-1000.

The documentation "revealed that the company imported the radio from Hong Kong, and were based in Beckenham in Kent. It seems even back then Chinese imports were inaccurate, as the town is spelt ‘Beekenham’ on the warranty card! The box is a little dirty and battered, so the €20 (£17/$27) price tag seemed very fair to me."

No word if it has FCC approval, will be a tri-bander, will do 8 watts, has DTMF, if a Kenwood style plug will work for programming, is AMBE+2™  compatible, or work with Ham Radio Deluxe.

Baofeng GT-3: UV-5R Comparison

A GT-3/UV-5R comparison video from Radioddity



He points out the different chips used in the GT-3 and UV-5R.

And has the following details on the site:

Radio Frequency IC

• Upgrade SQ to enhance the anti-interference ability
• RDA1846S add an new tail tone elimination function,when transmit and receive signal between 50Hz with 55H
• Improve the receiver AGV switching noise when signal strength changes severe

Frequency-Modulated Receiver Chip

The RDA5802N has a powerful low-IF digital audio processor, this make it have optimum sound quality with varying reception conditions

Power Amplifier IC

• Low crossover distortion
• Low quiescent circuit current

LED Flashlight

High lumens degrees

Shell

Upgrade Dustproof， waterproof and drop resistance ability

Baofeng GT-3: Unboxing

An unboxing video of the GT-3 from Radioddity:

PMP - Rita's Process Game

In the PMP Exam Prep book, it recommends playing a game to help memorize the various components of each process group. The game involves cutting out squares that represent each project management process. You mix the squares up and then organize them by process group and see if you can do it mistake free.

Of course, someone has created a way to play the game on-line.

PMP

When I lost my job, I wanted to fill my time with something of value, so I thought about working on some certifications. I earned my ITIL Foundation cert a while back. I got a lot of good advice here and in the real world about what to do next. For many reasons, but primarily because I think it will help me get a job I am very interested in, I am working on my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from PMI.

I've been part of more projects than I care to think about - as an individual contributor or project manager and everything in between. I hope learning the PMP material will make me a better project manager, but at a minimum it should differentiate me from other candidates - and that is very important to me right now. You have to document your project experience and have at least 4,500 hours and a bachelor's degree (or 7,500 without the degree) to be eligible for the certification. In addition, you need 35 project management education hours. I'm happy to say that I completed my application and it has been accepted. Now I just need to study and pass the 200 question exam.

I am using the PMP Exam Prep, Eighth Edition: Rita's Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam book for the core of my study. YouTube is a great resource as well - see a couple of good examples at the end of this post.

Back to the studying, so my projects don't end up like this.

Learn PMP Critical Path In 17 Minutes Flat



Learn PMP Earned Value in 10 Minutes Flat

TN .GOV @ Work

This is just another example of how the government fails to meet the standards of the private sector. I don't seem to recall Amazon.com shutting down during parts of the day and preventing me from just checking the status of an order.

Grace Hopper

Computer pioneer and Rear Adminral Grace Hopper gets honored with a Google Doodle today. A while back I posted a video of her describing how long a nanosecond is.

Baofeng GT-3: Yahoo Group

The GT-3 now has a Yahoo Group. Better buy one so you can participate fully. And since I am unemployed still, I can't rationalize one, so I am counting on you. Yes, you - the one reading this right now.

Mobile QSO Aid Part 2

I figured it out.

1. Post the 2M calling frequency on your car.
2. Be a YL.
3. Have the call sign: N4KED.