Vertex Standard VX-1210 Manpack Radio Review

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I have just purchased a VX-1210 in (fantastic) used condition. The VX-1210 is a military/Part 90-esque HF manpack transceiver with extended RX down to 500 KHz and TX from 1.6-30 MHz continuous. It has options for a built in SelCall unit, internal automatic antenna tuner, and an encryption unit. I’m going to share my impressions of the hardware, software, accessories, and functionality of this fine piece of equipment. Continue reading Vertex Standard VX-1210 Manpack Radio Review

TP-3200 Repeater Controller: Review and Guide

Finally got around to putting up my GMRS repeater after I got my license this past weekend (real tough…just paid some money to the FCC).

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The controller that shipped with my GM300 repeater was a TP-3200 by Communcation Specialists. It’s a very slick device, clearly targeted primarily at shared repeater systems like GMRS or Business Band rented radios. Continue reading TP-3200 Repeater Controller: Review and Guide

Avoiding “Google” spam: do what others aren’t

This article was written  when I ran Drupal. I have since switched to WordPress, where Akismet is your friend.

Anybody operating popular CMS or forum software in a publicly accessible venue (like this site, that runs the Drupal CMS) has experienced the effect that Google has had on people’s internet conduct.

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For those unaware, Google “unbiasedly” ranks websites based upon a patented and entirely secret PageRank algorithm which looks into a number of factors, including the interconnected fabric of internet hyperlinks into their analysis (as opposed to simply looking at the words on the pages). This is what initially separated Google from the pack of search engines back when the internet was first getting started. Continue reading Avoiding “Google” spam: do what others aren’t

What’s a Database: Tufts university prints $40,000 worth of iClass ID cards to avoid altering their schema

Everything needs a number today. When you upload a picture to Facebook, it gets assigned a UID or Unique Identification number. When you attend a University, you get assigned a UID number.

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Continue reading What’s a Database: Tufts university prints $40,000 worth of iClass ID cards to avoid altering their schema