Re: Remember "Bit-Slice" Chips ?

On Mon, 16 Dec 2024, rbowman wrote:

On Sun, 15 Dec 2024 23:06:44 +0100, D wrote:
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This is sad. I've heard that cheap chinese radios (Baofeng?) are
popular. I also feel as if this field is perhaps regulated to death? I
think in some countries there are free bands, but I'm not sure.

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I've heard they're a good value for the price.

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Personally, if it was unregulated, I'd at least be curious! But now,
with tests, and loads of stuff to study, I'd never do it only to scratch
a mild itch.
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Same for me with guns. If they would be unregulated, I'd definitely buy
a gun! Now with all the licenses, testing, competition requirements,
safe storage laws etc. I can't really be bothered. =(
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Only way is to 3d print or build something myself. I've got an Icom dash

mount and a Yaesu handheld that I bought years ago. Sometimes I'll see if
anything is happening but generally there isn't much on 2M.  I renewed my
license this year so I'm good for another 10 years. That's for the amateur
bands. The citizens band is still unregulated but I think the thrill of
that wore off a couple of decades ago. There us an unlicensed Family Radio
Service but the radios have an effective range of a mile or two and can't
use repeaters.
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In this state you fill out a 4473, the form Hunter Biden lied on, they
phone the transaction into NICS, and you are good to go in about 10
minutes. No other paperwork is required.
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I was surprised a couple of weeks ago to find that instead of a paper form
they hand you a tablet to enter the data. There are 20 questions. The
answer to the first, are you an American citizen, is yes, all the rest are
no. The one that tripped up Biden is a trap in this state. I don't use it
but marijuana is legal in this state but illegal on a Federal basis. I
assume a little bit of lying goes on.
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There is a permit for concealed carry but a couple of years ago it was
made legal without any permit. Even then it was 'shall issue' meaning
unless there was some disqualification you paid your $50 and got a permit.
In states like California unless you're Nancy Pelosi you're not going to
get a permit.

Ahhh... the land of the free! We'll see if the long term plans work out. If so, when I retire, I'm coming! Sadly a lot can happen between now and then, but that's part of the charm. ;)