New TDXONE TD-Q8 Amateur Handheld
The compact and value priced TDXONE TD-Q8 hand held transceiver provides 4 watts in the amateur bands of 144-148 and 430-450 MHz transmit (136-174 MHz and 400-520 MHz receive). It features 128 memories (for each band) and also receives FM broadcast signals. It can be USB port programmed using a Windows based computer (connection cable sold separately, free software). [June 15]

Yaesu FTDX1200
Yaesu's new FTDX1200 DSP HF transceiver has 160 thru 6 meter amateur transmit coverage that includes 3 roofing filters and a high speed spectrum scope on a 4.3 inch TFT LCD screen. The triple conversion 30 kHz to 56 MHz receiver also features an internal antenna tuner. FFT-1 option board adds AF-FFT scope function , RTTY/PSK31 encode/decode and CW decode. DVS-6 digital voice memory unit can be added for 5 voice channels of 20 seconds each. [June 15]

Yaesu News
Yaesu have discontinued a number of products. Gone from production are the VX-8GR, FTDX9000 (Contest version), FTDX5000 (standard and D versions), as well as the VX-7R handheld (both case colors). Also pricing and availability have now been announced for the FT-1DR Digital HT. It will be sold in a Black and Silver case versions. Two new "mono band" handheld transceivers have been added to the Yaesu lineup. The FT-252 (2 meters) and FT-257 (70cm) [May 08]

New CommRadio CR-1 Software Defined Communications Receiver
The new CommRadio CR-1 communications receiver is a state-of-the-art "standalone" SDR that does not require a computer. It has a 64 x 128 OLED display with EMI filtered lens. Coverage includes:  500 kHz-30 MHz, 64-260 MHz and 437-468 MHz in AM, SSB, CW, WBFM, NBFM modes. (Longwave 150-500 kHz with reduced performance). The radio may be powered via USB or a 6-18 VDC input, also an internal 2600 mah lithium ion battery option is sold separately. All metal case in a extremely compact size measuring 5.64 W x 2.43 H x 6.10 D inches that weighs 1 lb., 12 oz. Made in the USA. [Apr 18]

Icom IC-R20-06 Wideband Receiver Discontinued. New Sport Configuration Available.
Due to California environmental regulation issues, Icom America has been forced to discontinue the IC-R20-06 wide band receiver. This version included the BP-206 Lithium-Ion battery and charger. It is now available in the new "Sport 06" configuration (IC-R20 Sport-06). Actual IC-R20 receiver is identical, but without the wall charger and the Li-ion battery pack (operates from 3 alkaline AA batteries). The BP-206 battery and BC-153SA-52 wall charger/adapter are still available separately. [Apr 11]

Icom ID-51A Muffled “Transmit Audio” Bug Fixed
For US owners of the Icom ID-51A D-Star handheld transceiver that have experienced “muffled transmit” audio, there is now a fix for the issue. It has been corrected with all new production. The “already fixed” transceivers can be visually detected by the indication of a “white membrane” covering the microphone (hole), visible by looking at the front of the radio. For early units (S/N <5001400) that experience muffled transmit audio, it may be returned to Icom service department for warranty replacement of the membrane. In order to qualify for the warranty repair you will need to confirm your unit serial number prior to shipping it back to Icom. US owners must call Icom America’s service department at 800 306-1380 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time) to verify the serial number and for additional instructions. [Mar 22]

New Uniden BC345CRS “AM/FM Clock Radio” Scanner
Uniden has released the new Bearcat BC345CRS “AM/FM Clock Radio” scanner. This updated “analog” model supports narrowband (filtering) and new channel spacing. Is easily selectable for USA or Canadian bandplans. It features 500 scanning channels in 10 banks. It was cleared by the FCC on January 11th. FCC ID: AMWUB371. This radio came into stock at Universal on February 5th. [Feb 05]

New Firmware for the Uniden BCD996XT
Uniden has released a new firmware update for the BCD996XT scanner. This update improves performance on APCO Project P25 sites operating in Linear Simulcast Mode (LSM). A new updater program is also being used. The version 1.07.03 update for the BCD996XT can be found here http://info.uniden.com/twiki/pub/publish/BCD996XTFirmwareUpdate.html [Jan 28]

New Improved Version: "Sangean WR12" AM/FM Table Receiver
Sangean America is now shipping an improved version of the WR12 AM/FM table radio. Some early samples may suffer from a audio problem and a FM "drift" tuning bug. These issues have now been corrected. USA owners who own a original unit can contact Sangean America directly for an exchange. [Jan 24]

Icom ID-51A Now FCC OET Cleared
The Icom ID-51A has now been cleared by the F.C.C. as of January 15, 2013. FCC ID: AFJ339000 [Jan 16]

GRE PSR-800 P25 “Phase 2” Upgrade No Longer Beta
GRE (GRECOM) has now made the P25 "Phase 2" TDMA upgrade an “Official Release” and is no longer in beta. The latest CPU (U1.8) and DSP (U1.3) firmware can now be accessed through the “EZ Scan” PC interface. Version 1.08 of the computer application is updated within the software as usual. [Jan 16]

Kenwood TS-990 Now FCC OET Cleared
The Kenwood TS-990 has now been cleared by the F.C.C. as of January 03, 2013. FCC ID: K44412000 [Jan 07]

AOR LA800 Loop Antenna
The long awaited AOR AR800 loop antenna has finally hit US shores. Coverage is from 10 kHz to 500 MHz (tunable between 150 kHz to 30 MHz). The external control box has 6 ranges. The diameter of the loop is 2 feet 8 inches (80 cm). The LA800 comes with 33 foot (10 m) each of low loss coaxial cable and extension remote cable for remote tuning. [Jan 07]

2013 World Radio TV Handbook Now Available
The 67th edition of the World Radio TV Handbook 2013 is now available. Latest information on medium wave, shortwave, and FM broadcasts and broadcasters, propagation predictions and maps. Country-by-country lists of services and broadcasters, winter shortwave frequencies, clandestine section, and international and domestic broadcasts by frequency and language, television broadcasters, broadcaster abbreviations. John Nelson reviews include the Bonito 1102S RadioJet SDR, Newstar DR111 DRM receiver and the Wellbrook FLG100LN antenna. [Jan 07]

New Firmware for the Uniden BCD396XT and HomePatrol-1
Uniden has released new firmware updates for the BCD396XT and HomePatrol 1 scanners. This update improves performance on APCO Project P25 sites operating in Linear Simulcast Mode (LSM). In the case of the BCD396XT a new updater program is also being used. The version 1.11.01 update for the BCD396XT can be found here info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/view/UnidenMan4/BCD396XTFirmwareUpdate.
HomePatrol-1 version 2.04.01 is updated within the device as owners should already know. [Jan 07]

Sherwood SE-3 MK IV Synchronous Detector