The TX Factor team are celebrating an important milestone with the release of the 25th Episode of the only UK TV show dedicated to amateur radio. In this packed episode Bob G0FGX gets the authoritative lowdown on the new Elecraft K4 Transceiver from one of the team behind it, Eric Swartz, WA6HHQ. Mike G1IAR tackles the subject that Brits like discussing the most, the weather! He finds out about the WQ Weather Radar by Weatherquest, the company founded by TV Meteorologist and radio amateur Jim Bacon, G3YLA. With recent severe weather events in the UK and around the world we are reminded of how easily the infrastructure of our 21st century communications could be taken offline. There are also many other possible threats to the power grid, the internet and mobile networks that could pose a problem for emergency communications using repeaters that rely on those technologies. Mike and Bob took a trip to Southampton and Portsmouth to meet a team of radio amateurs who are working with their local emergency planning officer to make their repeaters resilient by using point to point rf links utilising off the shelf kit and they demonstrate how easily other repeater groups could adopt the same ideas. DMR is now a widely used amateur radio mode, but one downside is the dreaded code-plug! The RFinder B1 is a rig that offers a world without code plugs or repeater lists and Bob talks to the guys that designed it. No episode would be complete without the free to enter draw and there is a bumper prize pack to celebrate the 25th edition. TX Factor is proudly sponsored by Martin Lynch and Sons and the RSGB. Episode 25 is viewable in stunning HD on all devices from smartphones to smart TV’s and is available at www.txfactor.co.uk where you will also find all our previous episodes. You can also search for TX Factor on You Tube.
04:31 Rfinder B1 - The positive : You don't have to learn Klingon to program it. The other : $999 17:00 Elecraft history 20:27 - 27:33 K4
The RFinder B1 is a spectacular all-up integrated machine. Worth the $$$. Wish I could justify getting one.
I was curious to see what this was about; a simple search revealed it is in reference to a quote taken from a 2009 Hollywood movie entitled "The Princess Bride." Popular culture strikes again...
K4, very nice radio but my goodness, have you seen the price? It needs roofing filters because the price is through the roof!
Original release date for the movie was 1987 It's a cult classic. There's been talks of possibly remaking it, as there are few original ideas left in Hollywood. The fans are not amused.
I enjoyed this episode. Rfinder is really neat and makes it simple to find local repeaters. K4.. very nice rig. Could be on my list. And I enjoyed hearing the story of Elecraft. Thanks for sharing!
I'm not sure I'm going to live long enough to be able to use a K4, or as they keep coming out with extra different add-on things that is really driving the price up, I may be bankrupt before I get one on the air.$$$$$$$$$$$ And now they're saying a lot of the add-ons will not be available till the end of next year 2020 or longer. Even the hand microphone is an extra cost!!!!!!! And don't forget you need another $400 for an antenna tuner too$$$$
That's what I'm trying to get, my K4D but I may die before I get it. In the meanwhile I'll be using a rig that cost half as much and getting enjoyment from it IC7610!!
Meh . I cannot get excited about any rig from any manufacturer that does not actually exist. Like horse racing ... you cannot win the race unless you actually have a horse! ;-) Of course this is just MY take ... your mileage and excitement may vary! K8JHR
