HF-DATA BADGES

I'm collecting together a pile of radio data widgets/gadgets on my site. http://sites.google.com/site/gw6pfk/HF-data

see example, I'm also working on gadget wrapper for some of the more awkward ones to go on google sits.
I you see any I may be interested in drop me a line.

The UV-3R is a very interesting beasty.

The UV-3R is a very interesting beasty. Can cover 136-174Mhz and 400-470Mhz, up to 99 set channels and a vast array of tone and repeater option. weighing in at 130g and fitting in the smallest pocket, cool ha!

See I like it and take it everywhere with me but why is the user interface designed by a mad man? Here are a few examples:

1/ You have to press a very sticky button to adjust volume or switch it off with a loud beep if you need it quiet.

2/ Setting up a memory channel is so difficult that you could not work it out without the manual which is a little obscure itself.  There is a yahoo group that is and exalt help.

3/ Once you have your 99 memories set you have to remember what they are. 2M I know well so not to bad but 70cm has got me confused on a number of occasions. Not really the rigs fault all together the band plan is a bit odd any way. A name label would be good.

4/ Scanning needs two key presses and it’s all memories or the whole band UHF/VHF.

5/ Antenna you need to swap it for each band and a nice screw fitting.

The last is more of a hardware problem along with the head phone connector that sends it into transmit if you put normal headphones in. it also locks it transmit if you use the one supplied, see ferrite mod on my picture.

With this taken it’s pretty good for its price range does two bands and gives good reports on the air.

Anyone think they’ll do D-star or a 6M rig??

something you should read if you're into Antennas

http://www.strobbe.eu/on7yd/136ant/
it's about LF but very enlightening about all antenna design.
such as  loading coils and their calculation
A good read in my book

UV-3R

Anyone got one of these?