Hey there, I'm Matt. I've been playing around with electronics and technology for decades. I earned two Microsoft certifications (MCT and MCSA) and I worked as a Level 2/3 IT technician for over a decade, but decided to pivot to a different role in broadcasting a few years back. I became a licensed amateur radio operator in 2019, and followed up with a GMRS license a few years later. I'm also a retired volunteer (1st Lt.) from the Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force Auxiliary where I was a public affairs and communications officer. I'm passionate about self reliance, bending tech to your will, and sharing my discoveries with you for your benefit! When it comes to tech, I've got you covered.
Viewpoints provided are my opinions.
SDG
Channel cover image used by permission from www.htnovo.net/2018/04/download-circuit-overload-t… under the following Creative Commons License: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en
Matt Covers Tech
Yes, I got one, yes it's cool, but I don't think it's worth a video. It's a UV-5R with some extra stuff. Pretty cool that Baofeng has been around for 25 years though.
2 months ago | [YT] | 6
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Matt Covers Tech
If you're looking for a backup generator, this is a pretty good deal at $451.98 on Amazon for a 4k running watt inverter that's quiet. I've used a WEN for a while now. If I were currently in the market, this is the one I would buy. (Affiliate Link) amzn.to/4bPcSD5
3 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1
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Matt Covers Tech
Built a solar Meshtastic node. I think it will need a bit more height, but it seems to be operating well and just made it through some heavy rain without issue. Solar panel gives about 35%-40% charge per one hour of sunlight, and it sips battery power provided you turn off Bluetooth. I you want to build one, you will need to either buy or 3D print a case to hold the Heltec V3 and battery, that get glued to the inside of the junction box with silicone adhesive. You also need to route the antenna cable out of the case so it can connect to the external. Also, you'll need some silicon waterproofing from your local hardware store to seal off any holes you make in the junction box for the solar panel cable or external anteanna. Affiliate links below:
Antenna - amzn.to/4sIhtxQ
Solar Panel - amzn.to/4s9rHY8
Junction Box - amzn.to/3P7wCdt
N Bullkead Connectors - amzn.to/4s9rHY8
N Adapter - amzn.to/46UpEyx
Internal Adapter - amzn.to/4sJnbPT
Heltec V3 Meshtastic Board and 3000mAh battery - amzn.to/47Gxa06
4 months ago | [YT] | 5
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Matt Covers Tech
I had picked up a pair of the clear Baofeng UV-21R radios and had hoped to make a review on them, until I checked them for spurious emissions. Very dirty and violated FCC standards for amateur VHF use. I made the decision a while ago that I would not review such radios on the channel if I knew ahead of time they were dirty. Such a shame and so frustrating. I really like the design, and you could use them for UHF since the standard isn't the same, but why bother? I was hopeful after the success of the UV-5R Mini (more on that soon!) that these would be good, but that was far from the case. NEXT!
4 months ago | [YT] | 3
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Matt Covers Tech
I made a 3D print of my 3D printer on my 3D printer. 🤯
5 months ago | [YT] | 2
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Matt Covers Tech
The Retevis HA1UV (which I have a video of) is on sale at Amazon. The base model is $54.14 plus another 10% off that if you use the coupon. This is an excellent, spectrally pure, IP67 waterproof VHF-UHF amateur radio. Far better than any other radio in this price range. amzn.to/4mS1lGr (affiliate link)
Also at this price, it's a no brainer.
#Retevis #Ailunce #ha1uv #PrimeBigDealDays #PrimeBigDeal #primedeals #PrimeDay2025 #radio #hamradio #amateurradio
9 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1
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Matt Covers Tech
The unlockable Retevis RT95 mobile VHF/UHF radio is on sale for $85.50 on Amazon today! Be sure to use the code/clip the coupon U8CB5QA9U8VH.
Retevis RT95 - amzn.to/4nHNJ1Z (Affiliate Link)
Nagoya UT-72 Mobile Antenna - www.amazon.com/Authentic-Genuine-Nagoya-UT-72-Magn…
This is the radio I use in my vehicle. Pairs well with a Nagoya UT-72.
#retevis #rt95 #anytone #hamradio #deals #sales #mobileradio #ham
#deals #amateur #radio #amazon
9 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 2
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Matt Covers Tech
Heltec V4 is now out. Meshtastic firmware is still in development. I would probably wait a few months for them to get the bugs out of it before grabbing one.
Here are the specs:
-Base on ESP32-S3R2 & SX-1262, supports Wi-Fi b/g/n, BLE, and LoRa communication.
-2MB PSRAM and 16MB external Flash, more suitable for UI and complex system.
-LoRa Transmit Power: High-power version 28 dBm, Low-power version 22 dBm
-PC casing protects the screen and integrates FPC 2.4G antenna.
-Form factor and pin compatibility with WiFi LoRa 32 V3.
-PC casing protects the screen and integrates FPC 2.4G antenna.
-Added SH1.25-2Pin solar panel interface, and SH1.25-8Pin GNSS interface.
-Optimized lithium battery management.
-Low power consumption is less than 20μA.
heltec.org/project/wifi-lora-32-v4/
#lora #meshtastic #heltecv3 #heltecV4
9 months ago | [YT] | 0
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Matt Covers Tech
The excellent (and fully unlockable) Retevis RT95 25W Mobile Radio is on sale right now on Amazon for $106.87 before tax with code TXVU33O5.
I just picked one up for myself to install in my vehicle. This is the same as an Anytone AT 778UV/UVII but around $20 less! I'm a big fan of Retevis these days. Affiliate link: amzn.to/3TQkQmS
#retevis #rt95 #anytone #hamradio #deals #sales #mobileradio #ham
1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 1
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Matt Covers Tech
If you're interested in getting a FlashForge 3d printer, you can use code WELCOME10OFF for $10 off the total of your order.
www.flashforge.com/
1 year ago | [YT] | 0
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