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.

Licenses

High-water marks for Extra, General, and Tech - I'm still not on board with the hobby is dying crowd. Novice and Advanced can only go down - deaths, expirations.

Month	Extra	Advanced	General	Technician	Novice	ARS Total
Oct-15	139,309	48,631	172,276	361,564	11,104	732,884

Source

Happy Blogversary to Me

Five years today... 3,000+ posts and 2,000,000+ hits.

Garmin 620

I've enjoyed my Garmin 610 for years now. It's had a few hiccups, but it works and the battery is still going strong, so I'm not inclined to shell out for an upgrade. If I was in the market, I'd definitely grab the Garmin 620, since it is discounted to $200 now.

Via The Wirecutter

Do I feel lucky?

Well, do ya, punk?

Command line Russian roulette. pic.twitter.com/qk09i8O1LY

— John Fitzpatrick (@j_c_fitz) November 6, 2015

Wouxun KG-UV9D (Plus)

BuyTwoWayRadios has announced a new version of the KG-UV9D:

"The KG-UV9D (Plus) has all of the standard features of the KG-UV9D, plus cross-band repeat capability. It also has 6 additional menu items, most of which are related to cross-band repeat configu
ration.

While the Plus does look nearly identical to the standard 9D cosmetically, on closer inspection there are noticeable differences. The buttons on keypad of the UV9D are somewhat square, but the buttons on the 9D Plus are rounded. The speaker grill on the Plus is wider, and the knobs on top are shorter and wider. The PTT button looks and feels different as well, with a bit more play on the edges. The chassis of the UV9D Plus is also a little thicker, measuring about a millimeter or so more than the regular 9D.

However, both radios use the same battery, belt clip, desktop charger, case and other accessories, plusthey use the same Kenwood K1 accessory connector, which means if you already have a 9D, adding a 9D Plus to the mix really won't be much of an issue."

The radio is being sold as part of a special package that includes:

• The Wouxun KG-UV9D (PLUS) Two Way Radio
• Two Li-Ion Battery Packs - yes, two of them
• Multi-Band High Gain Antenna
• Dual Band Stubby Antenna
• Two Belt Clips - one for each battery
• Charger Tray
• AC Adapter
• 12V DC Adapter - to charge in a vehicle!
• Battery Eliminator - to power directly in a vehicle!
• C-Ring Earpiece with PTT - nice!
• Speaker Microphone - another nice extra!
• Leather Case
• SMA Male to UHF Female (SO-239) Adapter - to connect a mobile antenna!
• USB Programming Cable/USB Driver CD/Programming Software CD

The package is only being sold as a limited edition and you get everything for $229.99. 

Baofeng UV-5RE: Special Function Problem Sale

Marketing is key!

Special Function Problem Sale