Zastone ZT-2R+

I don't know if the ZT-2R+ is truly an update to ZT-2R which is the Yaesu VX-2R clone. Here is a review of the ZT-2R+, but it doesn't offer any comparisons to the original. I will mention that Hans liked the original ZT-2R.


Description
The ZT-2R+ is one of Zastone’s newly launched miniature dual band, dual standby handheld wireless walkie talkies. With an aluminum housing, this hand held radio is shock proof and durable. With its anti-slip design, the grip is comfortable. With a 0.5-999Mhz wide band signal receiver, it is easy to hear communications coming through the walkie talkie. This ZT-2R mini walkie talkie can meet your needs, as it has over 1300 memory channels with sailing, shortwave and weather related channels. It easily supports HAM technology, making this a popular preferred product.

Main Features
1. Miniature dual band handheld transceiver
2. 0.5-999Mhz Wide Receive Band
3. Over 1300 memory channels
4. Sailing, shortwave, weather channel
5. CTCSS and DCS codec
6. Tone scan and independent tone mode
7. WIRES connection shortcuts
8. Rugged aluminum housing
9. Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS)
10. Dual tone multi-frequency
11. Automatic power saving
12. Busy channel lockout

General
Frequency Range	Wide Receiver Band List(RX List) BC Band 0.540-1.8 MHz SW Band 1.800-30MHz 50MHz Ham Band 30.000-79(59)MHz FM Band 76(59.000)MHz-108 MHz Air Band 108.000-137.000MHz 144MHz Ham Band 137.00-174.000MHz VHF-TV Band 174-222.000MHz Action Band 222-420.000MHz 430MHz Ham Band 420-470.000MHz UHF-TV Band 470-800(729).000MHz/(757-774MHz) Action Band2 800-999.000MHz(USA Cellular Block) TX & TX Frequency 144-146(148)MHz 430-440(450)MHz
Channel NO.	1300
Operating Voltage	3.6V
Temperature Range	-20°C~+60°C
Frequency Stability	±5ppm
Volume(mm)	47*81*23
Weight (g)	132
Transmit
Output Power	1/1.5/2/3W
Modulation	F3E
Spurious Radiation	< -60 dB
Adjacent Ch. power	< -60 dB
CTCSS/DCS deviation	< 5KHz
Audio Distortion	≤5%
SNR	>35 dB
Receiver
Sensitivity	0.18 uV - 3 uV
Adjacent CH. Sensitivity (W/N)	≥55dB
Audio Power	50 mW 100 Mw
Audio Distortion	≤5%
Intermediation	≥55dB

Standard Accessories：
ZT-2R+ Radio *1
3.7V 1500mAh Battery *1
Charger *1
Antenna *1
Back clip*1
Manual EN*1

Via Chinese Ham Radio Equipment on Google+

Baofeng Tech: Baofeng UV-82HP

Much better news for the Baofeng UV-82HP coming from John's review on Miklor.com:

"- The original UV82 took a traditional UV5R, and added design features such as an upgraded case design and Dual PTT switch. (comparison) 

- Next came the UV82C which included the options to synchronize the Dual PTT function to emulate a Single PTT, and the ability to lock out the VFO to prevent accidental field programming. 

- Next came the 8W F8HP. This was the radio that started the HP / TP movement. 

- An expanded feature added is R-Tone, a repeater tone for those requiring a 1000, 1450, 1750 or 2000Hz audible tone for access. This is not to be confused with CTCSS or DCS. Prior models provided Tone Burst for 1750Hz only. 

The UV82HP now includes all of the above features in one package. The PTT synchronizing, VFO lockout, High Power, R-Tone, and newest generation chipset. 

It has kept the traditional UV82 case design to ensure compatibility between all existing options, including Dual PTT Spkr/Micr, battery cases, holsters, battery eliminators, etc."

QYT KT8900: Miklor Review

Some bad news (at least for now) for those of us that were interested in the QYT KT8900 / Juentai JT-6188...

John's review at Miklor lists the cons including some serious ones:

"The Audio issue is serious.
The inability to use the software on a Windows PC is disappointing.
No external Speaker jack. The port in rear is for programming cable only.
No 2.5 kHz steps (relatively minor compared to above)"

Specifically:

"- No Audio on an Active Channel
This one is a bit nasty.
When changing or returning to an Active Channel, no audio is present. You must press [EXIT], or press the PTT to open the squelch. If you are in the scan mode, it is possible the radio will stop on an active channel, but no audio will be heard.
This is also found in Section 3 at the Miklor FAQ.
- Humming Sound
Not major, but worth pointing out. When a signal is present and the audio is fully turned down, there is a humming / buzzing sound that comes through the speaker. When the volume is turned up, the sound is no longer noticeable. This is not a Power Source issue."

Read the whole review here.

Google Trends - Chinese Radios

Just messing around with Google Trends... any other interesting comparisons or surprises?

Baofeng Tech - Baofeng UV-82HP

And now the Baofeng UV-82HP is showing available at Amazon for $65.

Baofeng Tech - Baofeng UV-82HP

Baofeng Tech sent an e-mail announcing the Baofeng UV-82HP. Quoting from their website:

"WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE?
* It has 3 Power Levels (1, 5, 7 watt)
* VFO/ MR (Frequency Mode) can be locked via software
* The Dual Push-to-Talk Switch can be synchronized via software to simplify operation of the radio
* A new 80 Page In-Depth User's Guide
* It includes the High Gain V-85 Antenna to Optimize Performance
* Full Accessory Compatibility with ALL UV-82 accessories
* Multiple TONE Burst Options on a NEW user Menu. Selectable Tone Burst Options Include: 1000hz, 1450hz, 1750hz, 2100hz"

You can order the Baofeng UV-82HP at Amazon for $65. (At the moment, it is showing as "currently unavailable," but the press release said it is available now.)

ARRL Extra Class License Manual Kindle Version

The ARRL announces that the Extra Class License Manual is now available in a Kindle version:

"The Kindle edition from Amazon completes the suite of ARRL license manuals available in e-book format."

Lively Exchange of Idea

Funny...

College Encourages Lively Exchange Of Idea http://t.co/zqvLbvrMSu via @theonion

— Michael Arrington (@arrington) June 11, 2015

Juentai JT-6188: Programming

John's got the step by step instructions for programming frequencies into the JT-6188/KT-8900. I wonder how much of the problem was related to this:

"All programming MUST be initially done in the Frequency Mode only. From there you have the option of assigning the entered data to a specific channel for later access in the Channel Mode if desired."

Juentai JT-6188: Price Increase at Amazon

The price of the Juentai JT-6188 has gone up to $115 at Amazon. You can still get QYT KT8900 for about $100 at the 409Shop. This reminds me of the VV-808 that had an introductory price that quickly went away. I hope the KT8900 stays at around $100.