Tag: EDC
2022 Week 35 – We’re Listening
Some of you might remember back in the early 2000’s IndyScan.com used to be a resource page for Radio Scanner enthusiasts. We started small with the Central Indiana area and eventually grew to cover the entire state. We even had a monthly newsletter and conducted regular surveys to get feedback from our visitors. That was a lot of work and before kids. The site went dormant for several years before I brought it back, creating the Blog you’re reading today.
Working from home during Covid-19 and the civil unrest in Downtown Indianapolis last year rekindled my interest in Amateur radio and police scanning.
A LOT has changed in the years since I was active. Then, there were independent radio systems for every agency, and it took a lot of effort to understand how it all worked. Now the State of Indiana has a massive statewide digital system (Called SAFE-T) that’s very impressive and well documented. In addition, Marion, Hamilton, and Madison Counties have combined their own police/fire radio system into a shared digital system that can interface with the State system.
These days all the system details are published online at a site called Radio Reference. When I got out of the hobby years ago, I remember taking my entire database of information and sending it to the guys at Radio Reference, hoping they could use it to help others in the hobby.
That old database of frequencies is all but useless now with the implementation of the digital wide-area networks. New systems mean new requirements for listening. In order for me to get back into the hobby, I needed to purchase a Digital Scanner. After some research, I decided on the Uniden SDS100 handheld digital scanner. They also make the SDS200 desk/mobile unit, which I purchased shortly after the SDS100 (I was hooked again).
Since I have my Amateur Radio License, I can legally travel with a scanner. So I’ve taken the SDS100 on many road (and camping) trips and enjoyed the optional GPS unit that auto-tunes the local systems as you travel. Of course, you must program all of this, but that’s part of the fun! The SDS200 stays in the home office, where it can be remotely accessed using the ProScan software I have online and connected to the Web. When you connect to the SDS200, you’ll listen to the same thing I am in real-time.
It’s been great to once again follow along with the local police and fire departments and the state agencies as they do their job protecting the public. A lot has changed in the past 20 years, and the new technology is nothing short of amazing. I’m glad I got back into the hobby!
Keeping with the listening theme… Life in Indy has released three public playlists on Spotify.
These are excellent playlists with a nice mix of Central Indiana artists. Check them out, and let me know what you think!
And finally… Last week I mentioned the Tom Bihn Synic 30 backpack. Well, it was delivered last week, and I’m in the process of giving it a proper shakedown. Initial thoughts are good, very good, and I can honestly say it’s exceeded my expectations thus far. I’ll report back with a more detailed review in a few weeks. Stay tuned!
First Impressions – Apple AirPods
After purchasing Christmas presents for everyone on my list this year I decided to get myself a gift. After 3-weeks of waiting the package finally arrived… Apple AirPods!
I love listening to music (mostly Spotify) whenever I can and after seeing the AirPods announcement last fall I was curious about how they performed. Thanks to a lot of media outlets getting advanced units the reviews were out there before the AirPods were even available for order. For the most part they were very positive.
I’ve tried the inexpensive Bluetooth earbuds connected with a cord that is supposed to go behind your head and I’m not a fan. The cord gets caught up in your clothing and makes the entire process rather uncomfortable and annoying. Now, with the AirPods, you can actually go completely wireless and it addresses all the issues I was frustrated with.
The AirPods sound better than the EarPods that come with the iPhones. They are just slightly larger and, in my case, fit very comfortably in my ears. The bass is noticeably improved and the overall sound is very nice. Battery life and bluetooth range is very impressive too.
These are not going to replace my Bose noise canceling over-the-ear headphones that I use when I want to tune the world out but they will be part of my daily carry for those times where I need a little music to make the day go a little better.
It’s to early to say if they were worth the $159 asking price but so far I haven’t regretted the purchase!
Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro Bluetooth Keyboard Case for iPad Air 2
Wow, that title is long! I’ve used the Belkin Qode Ultimate Pro Bluetooth Keyboard Case (Qode for short) since last December and it’s been put into service on a daily basis.
I get pulled into a lot of meetings at work and client sites and I always grab my iPad to take notes in Evernote. Having a fully functional keyboard makes that task so much easier. I can type pretty well with the on-screen iPad keyboard but the physical alternative is so much better.
The Qode offers good protection of the iPad, front and back. One of the things I really like about the keyboard is it’s a separate piece so you can easily detach it and use the iPad on its own. You can also attach the Apple Smart Cover as an alternative while leaving the back of the iPad covered and protected.
As with any portable device there are usually some compromises. The only one I can think of with the Qode is the keys are a little on the small side, but nothing drastic. Switching back and forth between the MacBook Pro and the Qode is pretty effortless.
The Qode offers multiple backlight levels as well as two angles of viewing for the iPad screen. Battery life is rated at 1-year with normal use and I can honestly say that claim is conservative. 9-months of regular use and I’m sitting at around 50% battery capacity.
When activated (by propping the iPad into one of two magnetic slots) the Qode instantly connects to the iPad. It has a lot of shortcut keys you can program as well as dedicated keys for cut/copy/paste/volume etc. You can even pair it up with a second device (phone?) and toggle back and fourth with dedicated buttons.
All in the Qode ads about 1-pound of additional weight to the iPad. not bad when you consider you are getting a nicely padded rear shell and a fully functional backlit and aluminum clad keyboard on the front.
This has been an awesome addition to my daily carry and you can pick one up yourself for around $100 on Amazon.
Every Day Carry – P-7 Suspension Clip
The P-7 Suspension Clip by TEC Accessories is one of those EDC accessories that makes a lot of sense once you see how well it works. I try to keep a small key chain but even what I carry can be a little bulky in some situations. The P-7 helps keep your keys and accessories from bunching up in the bottom of your pants pocket.
By clipping the P-7 to the edge of your pocket the keys can hang vertically and all but disappear. It also keeps your keys from falling out of your pocket accidentally.
When I received the P-7 in the mail it was even smaller than I expected and adds very little bulk to your key chain once installed. The clip is very sturdy and all but impossible to bend during normal use.
If you have more items on your key chain than you want, and hate the way it gathers at the bottom of your pocket, give the P-7 a try!
Need a Little Light?
Light is something we all need. Whether naturally or artificially generated light is necessary for humans to discern distance, color and motion. For years I’ve carried some form of light or another, normally in the form of a small flashlight on my key chain.
My key chain light of choice for the past 10 years was a Photon light. Small, inexpensive and very durable the Photon has been useful in countless situations throughout the years. Recently while reading the Every Day Carry blog I stumbled upon a new light that I just had to try.
The Streamlight Nano has some pretty impressive specs:
- Up to 8 hrs. run time
- Machined aircraft-grade aluminum with anodized finish
- Powered by 4 alkaline button cells (included)
- 100,000 hr. lifetime high-intensity LED
- LED available in white (10 lumens)
- 1.47″ x .51″
- .36 oz.
But I think the most impressive spec is the price! This light can be purchased for less than $10 on Amazon and it’s worth every penny.
Now 10 lumens does not seem like a lot of light, especially when compared to other lights like the $40 Quark Mini 123 which can pump out 180 lumens, but it’s perfect for everyday tasks like looking under a desk, or simple task lighting. I’ve used it for lighting up a dark hallway and changing the air filter on my car at night. The tiny size all but guarantees it’s going to be with me at all times.
Top – Surefire 6Z
Middle – Quark MiNi 123
Bottom – Streamlight Nano
Operation is simple. Twist on, twist off. That’s all there is to it. No special functions or flashing patterns with this one. Compared to the Surefire 6Z and Quark Mini the Streamlight is practically non-existent.
The unit comes with button cell batteries (4 of them) as well as a split ring and spring-loaded clip. Once installed on a key chain it’s not even noticeable.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive key chain light that really performs I recommend you check out the Streamlight Nano. If you do, leave a comment below and let me know how you like it!