Hams in Space

(You have to read the title of this post like the intro of this video.)

True, they spent the big bucks and are sending a TYT MD-380.

New transceivers headed to the ISS. No truth to the rumor that NASA is going to cut costs and use Baofeng radios https://t.co/SEBTAUSgTK

— BobW (@K0NR) February 28, 2017

Fields of Fire

I've been getting most of my books via electronic loan from my public library. It's a shame they won't have Marko's latest: Fields of Fire (Frontlines Book 5).

The timing is good as I'm like #5 or worse on all the books in my library's queue, so I'll pony up a whole $5 for this one and have something to read now. (The other books are still $1 for the Kindle version if you need to catch up.)

Ten-Tec and Alpha RF

Some notes about the rebirth of Ten-Tec and Alpha RF.

Xiegu X5105: Pre-production Testing

Fred Lesnick, VE3FAL:

"This is a pre-production model and we are awaiting new firmware to be able to update some of the many issues with it."

Check Cashing Better Than a Bank?

Interesting article - I had always assumed they were a more expensive option.

Professor @LisaServon explains why check cashers and payday lenders can be the smart choice https://t.co/59VlkElXIi pic.twitter.com/C3UR7NAapz

— Business Insider (@businessinsider) February 12, 2017

The first part of this quote gives me pause, but the latter I can see as a real issue:

"If Carlos is like many small contractors operating in New York City, he relies at least in part on undocumented workers, who are unlikely to have bank accounts. If Carlos deposited his check in a bank, it would take a few days to clear — too late to deliver cash on payday. Or maybe the check was a deposit for a job he had just been contracted to do, and he needed supplies to get started. If he couldn't start right away, he risked losing the job to another contractor." 

Amazon Discount

Today only and kinda random, but Amazon is giving you $8.62 off of any order over $50 with code:

BIGTHANKS

Via Kinja Deals.

SDR and Android

USB antenna?

SDRTouch is also really cool on Android (even working w/ USB-C) #SDR https://t.co/Ch3lWCsyEi pic.twitter.com/CQ83iyTDaT

— ⚡️oɔɐq |+| baco⚡️ (@lordbaco) February 12, 2017

Painful

Watt, Hertz, Morse https://t.co/tldt2fnVk3 #mondaymotivation pic.twitter.com/VcqgPdiN7I

— Evan Kirstel (@evankirstel) February 20, 2017

TYT MD-380: $96 at MTC

Get the TYT MD-380 DMR HT with programming cable for $95.98 at MTC.

Linc Smartphone Walkie Talkie

So I'm still not sold on buying an add-on radio for a smartphone that I'm going to replace every couple of years, but I have to admit the Linc solution is pretty cool. It does FRS/GMRS, but what makes it interesting is the amateur radio options:

Linc Smart Walkie Talkie is also great for Amateur radio operators! Unlock the dual band (2m & 70cm) feature with your verified callsign and gain access to APRS tracking and Packet Radio capabilities. Linc can join your existing gear and help make some fun projects!

• Packet Radio

• Repeaters

• RoIP Repeaters

• Beacons

• Tracking devices (APRS)

• High altitude ballooning

• Long range mesh networks

• Scanning public safety frequencies

• Weather stations

• And much more!

Linc Smart Walkie Talkie operates on 2m & 70 cm band!