Trekbike

@willis68 Hey Steve, As an Olight dealer, did you receive any additional info from Olight other than the recall letter they released to the public? Mainly interested to learn if you have to return the original light, or prove it's destroyed, to get a replacement or refund.

I haven't looked at the actual recall forms, are they not requiring people to return the original flashlight as part of the recall?

In the recall letter the wording, "these models may be turned on inadvertently and overheat". Unless I'm mistaken, that means the flashlight was turned on by accident by the owner, not it magically turned on by itself. To me, that goes back on the user. I look at it somewhat similar to a firearm. Don't want the gun to fire, keep your finger off the trigger. Not saying Olight shouldn't have a better design that is less apt to turn on accidently, but personal responsibility today is a lost concept. I still love my M2R Pro Warrior and will likely keep it. And yes, if I turn it on in my pocket inadvertently and burn myself, that's on me.

An airplane is the last thing that's battery powered that I'd want to board.

I'm in. Large.

You can have them hold it at one of their specific drop off locations as well. I recently had Fedex hold my package at the Walgreens near my house.

I ended up selling my KDX220 several years ago. Prior to that I had a KDX200 so 2 strokes still hold a big place in my heart. While Japan got out of 2 stokes, several European companies still offer 2 stroke models. KTM still has a large offering of 2 stroke models as well as Gas Gas. KTM still offers the bike I've wanted for for a bunch of years, the XC-300 2 stroke. https://www.ktm.com/en-us/models/enduro/2-stroke/ktm-300-xc-w-tpi2022.html

@bobsguns With a General license you are able to use most of the HF bands which allow world-wide communications, so it's not limited to line of sight like VHF/UHF. The only HF use exception is, Technicians can use the 10m band 28.3-28.5 MHz. Linked are the bands different license levels are allowed to use. The chart shows some license levels that are no longer issued. Today they issue three; Technician, General, Amateur Extra. https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Regulatory/Band Chart/Band Chart - 11X17 Color.pdf

As mentioned by others, most of repeater sites do use backup power, but at some point most will go down given enough time unless they utilize a good multi power source including solar. For most folks looking to continue to power their radios, the best option is to invest in a a good sized LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery and solar charging. You can use the link below to estimate how long the battery will last given the radio amp draw in the RX/TX mode. Most folks end up listening more than they talk. (In RX mode most mobile/base radios will draw 1.0 - 1.7 amps for reference.) https://www.digikey.com/en/resources/conversion-calculators/conversion-calculator-battery-life Regarding the license level you obtain, it's whether you want to make this into a hobby or have it in case of an emergency. Emergency only, probably a Technician will suffice. I chose to make it a hobby. Getting your General opens up a lot of communication options.

The story linked says if he retires before Feb 4th he forfits 15 million dollars, so expect something after then. https://www.aol.com/news/tom-brady-reportedly-15-million-221805773.html

Yes, getting hooked up with a club is the best way to get advice and help. Some clubs have very active Elmer programs to help out new people to the hobby. The link below is to a site called MTEARS that is focused on severe weather situations. They are able to link together a network of UHF repeaters and communicate a good portion of the state. I believe they conduct weekly check-in nets. http://mtears.org/

Hand held units, or an HT as they are generally referred to by hams are usually limited to 5-7 w due to the proximity to your head. Dual band (VHF/UHF) mobile rigs for your car will typically go up to 50 w. I do have one mobile radio that's VHF only (2m) that's an 80 w. Ham radios are indeed like guns. There's no one that fits all needs, so given enough time, folks will end up with a number of radios for different purposes.

See my comments imbedded above

My brother texted me the other day from his FFL meeting with the ATF at the Shot Show and said new rules on 80% firearms are due around July, pistol braces due in August. He didn't come away with any clue as to what they will do.

I'm thinking those are 300 Blackout cases.

Wouldn't it be less complicated and costly to the general law abiding public to take the approach that if you get a DUI conviction, you permanently lose your car and drivers license? Seems like that would be a pretty good deterrent for most folks. I know it would never fly, but at least it would punish the actual offenders rather than everyone.

I guess the 10,000+ deaths per year due to drunk driving is socially acceptable...

Update. Website says their transfer fee is currently $25. Haven't checked their fees lately but Music City Pawn use to be one of the cheapest around. They have five locations.

@Cruel Hand Luke Showoff... Nice score.

From some of your previous posts, I've come to the conclusion that you work as one of those Men In Black agents....

I think you'll see more and more unruly bahavor at all sporting events since society in general is a much less polite and well behaved populous than in times past.

Never seen an RV puling a Huey as a Toad.

Sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers sent.