Hi all well, I purchased one of those Chinese radios at the Ft Wayne swap. Installed the so-called software and the drivers but it doesn't work. I am running Windows 7 32 bit. I tried going to Prolific's site and getting another copy. Still the software doesn't read the radio. Any suggestions would be appreciated.  73

UPDATE: Did finally get an answer to my email. It was in their "junk" inbox.  It stated that HRD 6.0 was with the beta team.
Anyway, new software is issued and if need be, updates to the software are issued. You will never have bug free software.

I have sent several emails to HRD, LLC trying to find out if the new program 6.0 is close to release. I have not received any replies.
I then tried their support email and it's dead. There hasn't been any updates since August to HRD. It's now end of October and nothing.
I was just wondering if they are still open for business and developing HRD. Anyone have an ideas?  Thanks.

I went, I saw and I spent on some fleas. Not impressed with this year's turnout but hey, it's Dayton.
How about shortening the hamfest to two days? Friday and Saturday. Sunday, they flea market is practically
empty. Sunday would be a good travel home day. Oh well, see you in 2013.

Happy 155th Birthday Henrich. Thank you for finding the invisible radio wave that makes our hobby possible.

I agree with G3RZP. How many times has the FCC levied a notice of liability on this lid? I would like to know how much in legal fees this dolt has spent. I am just plain tired of hearing about the jerk. Just send in the US Marshall's and arrest this guy, give him his day in court and then lock him him.

Ok thanks. I always carry my amateur radio license just in case a leo gets interested in my radios and antennas on my car. Thanks again.

It depends how involved an individual wants to get. I have seen bare bones stations with just a radio and one antenna. I have also visited stations were the operator has spent thousands of dollars on radios and antennas and other equipment. Amateur radio is just like other hobbies how much do you want to spend? My neighbor just purchased a new set of golf clubs. With bag, cart and clubs he spent over $2,500! Boy you sure could get a nice HF radio for that amount.
 

I am going to Chicago for a few days and would like to take my handheld. I have not flown since 9/11 and the new restrictions. Is it going to be a problem to pack this radio in a carry on bag? Any suggestions?  73

Yes we do have a responsibility to support AES or HRO. I do. I have not purchased any piece of equipment from such sites as eBAY, etc. The ham's in California especially are very lucky to have so many stores close by. Here in Michigan, we don't have a decent radio store. The nearest one to me is in Cleveland, Ohio the AES store. That's a good two to three hour drive from me and with the cost of fuel, it's cheaper to have it shipped. The only issue that concerns me is the tax issue. In Michigan, we are "supposed" to declare all our online or out of state purchases in our yearly state income taxes called a use tax. Unfortunately, most Michiganders don't do it. I am guilty of that. Although in years past I have stated what the tax would be at 6% sales tax.
Many of my purchases where at the Hamvention from either AES or HRO. I did pay Ohio state sales tax on that purchase. If attendance at local swap and shops is declining and a person doesn't attend the Hamvention, where else would a ham purchase new or used gear? HRO will ship it for free if the purchase is over $100.  Even the mighty Hamvention's attendance is dropping over the years.
Granted some of the newest and greatest radio equipment is out of most ham's financial reach. Would anyone really pay $15,000 for a Yaesu FT DX 9000MP? I sure couldn't afford that pricey rig.

Depending on band conditions, I use PSK31/63/125: <40 watts; RTTY: 50 to 75 watts; FELD-HELL: 50 watts. OLIVIA: 40 watts. Again, depending on your antenna and band conditions. When conditions are good, I will use <20 watts for most digital modes. Some modes tend to be better in poor conditions. Two years ago, I did an experiment and turned my power down to 5 watts. I made a few contacts. Considering line loss and antenna efficiency, the radiated power most likely was less than that. I can't wait for better conditions to see how far I can get on 5 watts in the digital modes. I hope this helps. 73 

As far as I know Tom is still in the antenna business.  I purchased one of their outstanding 24 foot 10-40 meter verticals about three weeks ago and I have sent Tom several emails, that he has answered. Maybe something is up with their web site or servers.

When a storm is approaching, I disconnect my antennas and ground them with alligator clipped leads to my earth ground. The earth ground I have are four eight foot copper coated rods placed one foot apart in a square configuration inter-connected with number 0 copper wire. This ground serves not only an rf ground but electrical safety ground. If the storms are predicted to be severe, I will unplug everything from the mains. So far this has worked for me here in southeastern Michigan, north of Detroit. As they say, your mileage may vary in your location. I found it to be an inexpensive quick solution. Now if money is no object, go with the PolyPhaser grounding system. This is a professional setup with an accompanying price.

Thank you for the reminder. I am one of those. I then upgraded to tech, general, advanced all at the FCC offices! No VE's sessions back then. Finally, upgraded to extra in 2000 just before the stroke of midnight and the 20 wpm code requirement expired. I passed the code test at 11:59 pm and made extra at 12:00 sharp.  I still have my first license.

I don't know what has happened to AES over the years to degenerate to this low customer service level. I have used AES for years but did switch about 5 years ago to HRO because of the attitude encountered at AES. I told them that I am a repeat, loyal customer and would like a little help on a subject. I got attitude! It seemed like they really didn't want to be bothered by my questions. I switched to HRO and I am glad I did. I have purchased quite a bit of equipment from HRO and every time it was treated with respect, courtesy and they gladly answered my questions and concerns. Yes, I do like their shipping policy as well. I will use HRO for all my amateur radio equipment needs. (No I don't work for them)