C64 Mini

I need a miniature version of the Commodore 64 like I need a whole in the head. I still want one. A friend of mine had a VIC-20 when we were growing up.

Learning

The modern impediment to learning is attention, not access.

— The Stoic Emperor (@TheStoicEmperor) August 4, 2018

BuyTwoWayRadios.com Web Redesign Promotions

They've announced several deals, but I've been too covered up to post about them...

Last day for our Website Redesign Promotion Event! Freebies and specials on two way radios and radio accessories for business, FRS, GMRS, CB, Ham Airband, and more! https://t.co/HmlJPGqUAi #freebies #discounts

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) July 31, 2018

Snow Crash - Kindle Version for $1.99

Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson is definitely worth adding to your library if you don't already have it - especially for only $1.99.

Via Kinja Deals

Alexa Controlled Microwave

I think I'd really rather have the voice-control built in to the microwave - requiring proximity - instead of being able to yell at an Echo have it issue commands via the cloud. But if you want an Alexa Controlled Microwave you can order it from Amazon for $155 - which includes an Echo Dot.

BTECH UV-25X4 Quad-Band Mobile - Prime Day Deal

You've got three hours or so left to pick up the BTECH UV-25X4 Quad-band Mobile for $99. (It is normally about $130.)

The Sound of Dial-Up Explained

Really cool.

The sound of dial-up explained. pic.twitter.com/MKT2CpHp3w

— J̽eͫsͤsͫeͤ R̽eͭbͤeͣlͫ (@darkseid4nk) July 6, 2018

Data You Need

This is the most important data analysis i've ever seenhttps://t.co/7JhrtSd1hE pic.twitter.com/01XQ23fMTs

— Mike Rosenberg (@ByRosenberg) July 13, 2018

BTECH DMR-6X2: Firmware Updates

Baofeng Tech has released a firmware update for the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89). You can sign up here to get e-mails when they release new firmware.

Changes in 1.01:

Added Support for Multiple DMR IDs
Allow Timeslot Switching as a Side Key Option
Added International Metric Support to the GPS
Allows the Auto-Repeater to be Enabled within a specific frequency range, Auto-Repeater can be seperated between A & B VFO
Minor Bug Fixes

HeyPhone

TIL — the Thai cave rescues were a HAM win! Go, open hardware!https://t.co/MT9MK0ZVBd
(via https://t.co/ZBCbhn6qpm) pic.twitter.com/KzOqgFYxsW

— Star Simpson (@starsandrobots) July 11, 2018

Organic Chemistry

After watching this, I think I should have done better when I took this course (a million years ago).

Tariffs

Via the CS7000 Yahoo Group:

"Today the US government starts charging a 25% import duty for radios from China. Almost all the DMR radios are made in China. We will honor the pre tariff price as long as we have stock of radios we bought before we have to pay extra for the radios. That applies to the CS580, CS800D, CS750, CS800, and CS801. The AnyTone price is set by AnyTone and they have not indicated how the tariff is going to affect the price. I would expert the AnyTone MAP to go beyond the $169 so now would be a good time to get one from us before we are forced to raise our price.

Jerry Wanger KK6LFS
Connect Systems Inc."

Zastone Mini9+

Cute! Wonder if it's Tier2 compliant... https://t.co/aJF9csMp8b

— Jan-Willem Ruys (@Jruys) July 5, 2018

AI

I hope the AI is on my team.

Radioddity Giveaway

See this #AmazonGiveaway for: Baofeng BF-88A FRS Two Way Radio (Upg.... NoPurchNec: https://t.co/1tthMfcXny

— Radioddity (@radioddity) July 3, 2018

Mb2.r5oHf-0t

IT experts name Mb2.r5oHf-0t as world’s safest password. 

Rulers of Europe Over Time

VR-6900 With Band Scope and APRS Display

Copied from an e-mail from VGC:

The Feature

Band Scope VR-6900 support muitl band scope search 1: Frequency Mode Search 2, Band mode Search 3. Channel Mode Search   Wide Band Frequency TX:136-174&400-480MHz RX: 78-108Mhz   108-136MHz     136-174MHz        350-400MHz    400-480MHz   480-520 MHz   High Power Output VR-6900 has adjustable power function 1, UHF : 40w (High) 25 W (Mid) 8W (Low) 2, VHF : 45w (High) 25 W (Mid) 8W (Low)   APRS Display (Optional) TX:136-174&400-480MHz RX: 78-108Mhz  108-136MHz     136-174MHz         350-400MHz     400-480MHz    480-520 MHz   Cross-Band /In-Band Repeater Connector VR-6900 support connect a extra handheld radio to be a Cross-Band repeater or In-Band repeater.   Zone Function VR-6900 support A B C D zone,each zone has 128 channesl.Total 512 channels

BaofengTech DMR-6X2 Review by Miklor

John got his hands on the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89) and his review is here...

He starts:

"Several Dual Band DMR handhelds have been introduced into the market in the past few months. Having owned most of them, I would have to place this one toward the very top of the list. The DMR-6X2 is both VHF and UHF, Tier II DMR digital as well as a FM analog with many features geared strictly toward ham radio use."

And concludes:

"If you think the BTECH DMR-6X2 very closely resembles a D868UV, you are correct, but it is definitely not simply a rebadged Anytone. There are features and enhancements that set these two radios apart. I think BTECH was wise to wait for the bugs to be ironed out before introducing the 6X2 to the market.

If you're waiting for this radio to drop down in price, don't hold your breath. Its features and performance make it well worth the price."

Lots of good stuff in the middle, so read the whole thing.

DMR

Since I posted about the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89), I thought this short discussion about DMR might be helpful.