Mars Rover Spots UFO...Or Does It?

After much global speculation, NASA has at last put out an official statement regarding the true identity of the ‘white spot’ or ‘UFO’ seen on Mars by the Curiosity Rover on June 20th.

...Sadly, the UFO in question turned out to be only as extraterrestrial as a camera glitch.

Interviewed by The Huffington Post, Justin Maki, the main camera operator for the rover, said, "This is a hot pixel that has been around since we started using the Right Navcam (...) In the thousands of images we've received from Curiosity, we see ones with bright spots nearly every week, these can be caused by cosmic-ray hits or sunlight glinting from rock surfaces, as the most likely explanations."

As any photographer will tell you, ‘hot pixels’ sometimes occur during long exposure shots. Such glitches are usually caused by the camera’s sensors momentarily overheating (although they pose no danger to the camera equipment itself).

Amateur photographers occasionally mistake hot pixels for paranormal phenomena as well. In fact, the ghost website ‘Photographing The Paranormal.com’ actually has a section on these little buggers. It warns potential ghost hunters that,

“A perfectly symmetric small red dot in your picture is probably nothing paranormal, especially if it is at the same spot in most of your pictures. That’s actually called a hot pixel, if you spot one, don’t call the press!”

Older astronomy enthusiasts will no doubt be reminded of the discovery of the ‘Martian face’, a famous image captured by NASA’s Viking 1 orbiter in 1976.



Various theorists hurried to suggest that the ‘face’ was evidence of a long-lost Martian civilization (complete with ‘pyramids’ and everything), but it was actually just a large formation, captured by the relatively low-resolution cameras of the 1970’s, that looked a bit like a face.

Modern images, of course, reveal nothing so grand. The ‘Martian Face’ fiasco is now seen as an example of paraeidolia, a psychological phenomenon that sees people finding recognizable patterns in otherwise random sounds and images, examples of which include The Man in the Moon, Rorschach tests and those times when people see the faces of religious figures in ordinary household objects.



So it seems that there was no reason for us to get excited after all (except that pictures of Mars are unassailably cool).

...Of course, the conspiracy nutters are never going to buy it, but hey, what can you do?

What Is a Covert Earpiece?

Can not get over how inexpensive the earpiece is, a tremendous deal for any top-end product!

A covert earpiece is a miniature earpiece worn by an individual while being effectively hidden from plain view. It operates as a radio accessory in times when a user does not want other people to know she or he is communicating with others using radio earbuds. Also known as an invisible earpiece or a surveillance earpiece, a covert earpiece is often worn by government agents, corporate security personnel, undercover law enforcement officers and corporate as well as government spies.

covert earpiece

While many occupations require the use of a radio headset for communication, a covert earpiece is primarily used in instances where communication is of an extremely private and sensitive nature. This is common in cases of private security details and surveillance projects. Sometimes people also use a covert earpiece to defraud businesses and others. Examples of such instances would include someone using an invisible earpiece to cheat on an exam or to defraud a casino by receiving remote information while playing a game.

On-air television personalities may also use a covert earpiece, which is not distracting to viewers, but allows the person to hear relevant feedback from producers and engineers in order to make sure a taping or live appearance flows smoothly. Individuals may also wear a covert earpiece when making a public speech. By doing so, the speaker can receive important cues or changes in a speech without the audience even being aware that communication is taking place between someone located behind the scenes and the individual delivering the speech.

Some covert earpieces are accompanied by a discreet microphone, which enables two-way communication. These are commonly used by security forces with a need for such communication, particularly during surveillance operations. These types of accessories are not only convenient because they feature hands-free operation, but also because they allow undercover security forces to blend in with crowds without having to use a visible walkie-talkie system of communication.



A covert earpiece does not contain any visible wires and is designed to fit inside the ear without being noticeable to the general public. Some devices are even designed to fit on a pair of eyeglasses while amplifying sound inside a person’s ear. An inductive wire is sometimes worn around the person’s neck, but is covered by clothing so as not to be discovered by onlookers. This wire is not connected to the covert earpiece, but connects to a separate radio device that helps modulate sound.

Do All Walkie Talkies Work Together

Mobile technology has greatly improved over the past years. However, cell phones have some inadequacy at some point. They are reliably dependent on network coverage and tend to fail in areas with poor or limited coverage. On the other hand, walkie talkies beat them to this. Do all walkie talkies work together? This is a question being asked by many users or those planning to acquire such devices. To answer this question, one will have to understand how the device works. You have to know the basics involved in operating the device. They are wireless radios that can be easily carried around. One has to understand the technology and the modalities associated with the workings of the walkie talkies. This is the best way to answer the question.

These are battery powered transceivers (it can send and receive a radio message). They operate on half-duplex channels. This implies that one device, on a single channel can transmit one signal at a time though many devices will be able to receive that signal. The radios are primarily designed for short-range communication and transmit signals directly to each other.

All walkie talkies have similar basic components that include a microphone, speaker, antenna, battery and the PTT button. All these features combine to make communication successful. These devices are designed to operate on particular radio frequencies. The United States has designated different frequencies to meet users’ needs. The public are allowed to use the Family Radio Service (FRS) and the General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS). The GMRS or FRS radios operate on the 460MHz range. The government has also set a side frequencies (the Business Band) that corporates can use (it ranges from 450 to 470MHz). Law enforcing agencies such as the police also have their own frequency so that there is no interference from public users. This is helps the agency to prevent their channels from overlapping with those of public users.

As already discussed above, the GMRS and FRS, frequencies are designated for public use. These channels overlap at particular frequencies even though radios that use such channels have several distinct differences.



The FRS radios have a fixed antenna. They are not quite powerful as their power is limited to about 0.5 watts. These features make their use limited to a small area. They are better suited to personal use as they only operate on the FRS bands.

The GMRS radios are more powerful and have a power of about 5 watts. They can also use repeaters to enhance their radio signals and thus boost their range.

There are many hybrid radios now that can be able to operate on both channels. However, only licensed operators are allowed to use the GMRS channel. This is because the GMRS walkie talkies are powerful enough to cause more interference.

Europe has restricted walkie talkies to PMR446 frequencies or those at just around 440MHz. It is illegal to use a radio operating on the PMR466 frequency on the GMRS or FRS channel. Therefore, if you are travelling from Europe to America, it is very important to make sure that your radio operates on the required frequency to avoid getting in trouble with the law.

From the discussion above, it is clear to see that their operation is restricted only by the frequency of the signal and not the brand. When one uses walkie talkies of the same brand, they are least likely to experience problems in signal transmission and reception as they are more similar in operation. However, this does not mean those using different brands will not communicate.

These radios are all about sending and receiving signals. Therefore, signals sent from one radio at a certain frequency can be received by another radio in that range.

What makes these gadgets stand out from cell phones is their simplicity. One does not need to dial any number to call, all you need to do is to push the PTT button when either reaching out to transmit or receiving a transmission. This applies regardless of the brand one has as they all have similar features as discussed earlier.

In conclusion, in more than one word, the evidence suggests that type of brand does not matter. Therefore, do all walkie talkies work together? Yes, they do.

Motorola Solutions and Safeer Integrated Systems Unveil the New TETRA Products & Solutions during the Motorola TETRA Roadshow

Can not get over how inexpensive the Radio is, an incredible deal for a top-end product!

Safeer Integrated Systems (SIS), UAE's biggest and trusted name in the telecommunication industry and Motorola Solutions, market leaders providing telecommunication solutions, along with NEDAA Professional Communication Corporation , Dubai Network Operator Partner Professional Communication Corporation recently held the Motorola TETRA Solutions Roadshow at the prestigious Shangri-La Hotel in Dubai.

The roadshow showcased Motorola's new TETRA Products & Solutions and elaborated on how it offers secure, reliable and efficient communications customized to meet the needs of all customers. The roadshow discussed in details the Motorola TETRA Radios & Accessories, third party applications for Motorola TETRA technology and the New Motorola TETRA releases.



Abdulla Al Falasi, Director Commercial Affairs, NEDAA stated "Motorola / Safeer Roadshow confirms the "Nedaa" uninterrupted endeavors to provide the latest to its valuable clients, a matter that indicates the keenness of the pioneer national Corporation to bring the latest global technologies to the UAE Market and to meet all the needs of its dealers by providing devices of high-value and quality, which are easy to use".

SAFEER has been the solution integrator for Motorola Solutions for over twenty years. One of their most recent accomplishments is the installation of Motorola TETRA system at the biggest automated port in the world, such as DP World

Jihad Sulaiman, General Manager, Safeer Integrated Systems said "Recognizing the importance & strategic role of Nedaa as Professional Communication Corporation in providing one unified communication network, SAFEER Integrated Systems is proud of being a key contributor to Nedaa continuous endeavors in pursuit of excellence in the telecom industry"

Amer Achour, Sales Manager, Safeer Integrated Systems also added "UAE is no doubt one of the most competitive markets in the telecom industry; however we are confident that with our current strategies and partners we will ascend SAFEER to even a higher level"

Aside from the representatives of SAFEER, Motorola Solutions and NEDAA, the roadshow was attended by officials from Dubai Police, Dubai Airport, DEWA, Dubai Civil Defense, DP World, and Protocol Department typically use such products and solutions during their operations.

Star Trek Star ‘Outed’ through Guardian Blunder

Guardian columnist Jane Czyzselska, writing for the newspaper's companion website, mistakenly 'outed' Shakespearean actor and 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' star Patrick Stewart as being gay.

In a column celebrating 'Inception' actress Ellen Page actually coming out as gay, Czyzselska wrote "some gay people, such as Sir Patrick Stewart, think Page's coming out speech is newsworthy because a high-profile and surprisingly politically aware young actress has decided not to play by the rules that so many closeted Hollywood actors are advised to follow if they are to enjoy mainstream success,"

It just so happens that the 73-year-old Shakespearean actor, best known for his roles as Professor Charles Xavier in the 'X-Men' movies and as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the TV series 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' and its companion films - isn't gay.

In fact, Stewart has been married - to Women - three times, most recently in September of last year, when he married American jazz singer Sunny Ozell. He also has two children from a previous marriage.

The Guardian rushed to correct its mistake, adding an addendum at the bottom of the page, but Stewart didn't seem to mind a bit.

"It makes a nice change" tweeted Stewart in response to the 'outing'. "At least I didn't wake up to the Internet telling me I was dead again". At the time of writing, that post has been 'retweeted' 1,181 times.

For those who don't know, Sir Patrick Stewart is a huge supporter of LGBT rights. He vocally supports gay marriage and was even given the 2013 'Straight Ally of The Year Award' from PFLAG.

Fellow 'Star Trek' star William Shatner joined in the fun, Tweeting, "I never get that kind of coverage! I'm jealous!"



The confusion may have arisen because Sir Patrick's best friend is openly gay actor Sir Ian McKellen. If that was the case, Stewart tweeted this response: "I have, like, five or even SEVEN hetero friends and we totally drink beer and eat lots of chicken wings!" Is it just me, or is it impossible to read the above quote without hearing Captain Picard's voice in your head?

On a more serious note, Stewart has often spoken about civil rights, he once said, "From my earliest years as an actor I have always been proud of the support the creative community gives to all forms of human and civil rights,"

In fact, Patrick Stewart is no stranger to fighting the good fight, the actor has been a vocal opponent of domestic violence (working with Amnesty International) and he is also a patron for Refuge, a UK-based charity for abused Women.

... And no, he isn't dead.

the origin of the article is here

The Dead Actor’s Studio

Imagine a young Marlon Brando starring alongside Johnny Depp, or Audrey Hepburn playing rival to Sandra Bullock as Marilyn Monroe stops by for a catty cameo.

Depending on how you look at it, this is either tantalizing ‘fantasy film making’ or else an utterly horrible, cash-in exercise in Hollywood excess. Whatever your viewpoint, it does seem likely that someone, somewhere will try this in the near future.

About three years ago, the news broke that George Lucas, the genius behind the ‘Star Wars’ merchandise (and a couple of related movies), was buying up the likeness rights to a plethora of iconic, yet deceased, leading men and famous actresses from Hollywood’s golden age. His plan? To use a concoction of existing footage, CGI and motion capture to create reasonable facsimiles of classic Hollywood stars and have them appear in future films, despite the notable handicap of being, well, dead.

Initially, it was just for one project, but it raised the prospect of other films being made, as well as a number of interesting philosophical issues.

The majority of critics reacted negatively to the notion of these ‘Franken-films’, some saying that the magic of an individual acting performance would be notably absent in the films, others upset that the actors themselves could potentially ‘star’ in projects that they may not have supported in life.

It really must be said, however, that blockbuster movies like 2009’s ‘Avatar’ and 2011’s ‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ already received plaudits for their use of motion capture techniques and CGI ‘acting’. It is an accepted part of modern cinema, like it or not.

Lest we forget, George Lucas’ own ‘Star Wars’ films also featured a number of purely CG characters. In our era, we are becoming very used to CG characters; even CG versions of real actors are commonplace. It really isn’t a huge leap of imagination (or available technology) to foresee deceased stars headlining blockbusters once again.

We are also living in a world that specializes in the glorification of deceased idols and recycled imagery (take a look at this month’s music magazines and count how many times you see Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain or other dead stars on the covers). Look at the movie magazines as they feature young DeNiro as Travis Bickle, or Ray Liotta as Henry Hill. We, as consumers, are being conditioned to expect our stars to be able to do anything we can imagine, including coming back from the dead.

Why we want it:

The questionhere, to at least some degree, is ‘do we want it?’ but for now, I’m going to be positive and assume that we do...

Bringing classic actors back to ‘life’ would be a daring and controversial decision and would inspire all kinds of debates. It would also, no doubt, stimulate the film industry by providing literally hundreds of thousands of new prospects, pairings and casting choices.

On the downside, it would probably create an updated version of the old Hollywood studio system that would likely prove to be a legal nightmare involving no small amount of heartache for the families of the stars being featured. It could also have the negative effect of holding down upcoming talent.

However, many Hollywood actors do what they do for a shot at immortality and this is, frankly, the closest that they are likely to get to that goal. It would not surprise me at all if ‘likeness rights’ contracts started containing an ‘after death’ clause that specified use of the actor’s image in posthumous film projects.

Culturally speaking, in a world where dead musicians like Hendrix and 2Pac routinely release albums and where popular music is dominated by the ‘sampling’ (and in some cases, outright theft) of other works, or where film texts constantly, almost obsessive-compulsively, reference each other (in whantat has become the intertextual equivalent of an M.C Escher drawing), rehashing the stars of the past seems like an obvious choice.

Dead icons could spice up Hollywood by adding controversy, class and bankability to the summer’s contrived blockbuster selection. Plus, all their skeletons, secrets and shameful actions are already a matter of public record, so there’s no ill-timed revelatory ‘gossip’ that’s going to rear up and threaten the production.

Even those who oppose the making of such movies will still have to watch them in order to write the requisite bad reviews, this simply proves the old adage that controversy generates cash.

When can we expect it?

Oh snap, it already happened. In the year 2000, actor Oliver Reed sadly died during the filming of Ridley Scott’s ‘Gladiator’. In order for him to finish what would become his final role, the VFX team created a CG ‘mask’ of Reed’s face and used a body double to complete their film.

Remember that car advert with Steve McQueen? It has already begun.

Real, workable CGI stars are already a reality, but the technology does not yet exist to create a completely CG James Dean for a sequel to ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. I’d give it maybe 10-20 years before we start seeing the stars in respectful, tasteful cameo roles, or else old actors performing alongside their younger selves. After that, it’ll be 3-5 years before we see the screen idols like Errol Flynn, Clark Gable and Grace Kelly headlining movies again.

Cool factor 3/5 â€" It really depends on how these ‘stars’ are handled. The results could, potentially, be beautiful codas to a star’s career (which is how they could be sold to the audience), but they could also be horribly insulting, denigrating the work of great actors and actresses. Time is going to tell, as usual...

the source of this post is here

2wayradioonline.co.uk Explains How 2 Way Radios Work

To put it simply, a two way radio similar to that sold by 2wayradionline.co.uk is a device that can both receive and transmit voice messages. In broader terms, it can be said that most wireless communication, and it may include cellular systems, fall under the definition. However, these days, 2 way radio is a term to describe radio system for group call communication. The two way radio comes in several technical names such as Public Access Mobile Radio, Private Mobile Radio, Land Mobile Radio and Professional Mobile Radio. These present times, 2 way radios are often called "walkie talkies". There are several kinds of two way radio systems and some are able to make use of base and mobile configuration, while some re able to utilize a radio network infrastructure.

A typical 2 way radio includes a PTT button, also known as Push-To-Talk button. The button activates the transmitter and the user simply needs to talk to the device to start communicating. The user must release the PTT button in order to receive transmissions from the other line.

A two way radio is able to communicate with other radio devices. However, direct radio communication has very limited range. To overcome the problem, a radio network infrastructure may be used to extend the range of communications. The rest of the article is going to cover more details about how 2 way radios work and other useful information.

Receiving Radio Waves

Just like other forms of Wireless communications, a 2 way radio sends messages over the air. In order to achieve this, the antenna of a way radio contains a specific set of electrons. If the two way radio features multiple channels, then there is specific sets of electrons are each channel. Whenever a radio transmission is received by the 2 way radio, the electrons get excited. The electrons then create electrical impulses. Electrical impulses are then sent to a small processor, which will then convert the electrical impulses to words and sounds that can be understood by humans. The sounds are produced by the speakers within that the way radio.

Keep in mind that there are always radio waves are floating in the air. Because of it, there is always a nondescript sound that may be produced by the two way radios. To solve the issue, a lot of 2 way radios feature a "squelch" setting; and with it, the user can adjust the signal threshold for clearer communications.

Sending Transmissions

Two way radios can also send messages across the air. The main idea is to convert the sound to radio waves. However, the defining characteristic about the way radio is its ability the convert back the radio waves back to legible sounds.

Whenever a user speaks into a 2 way radio, a membrane within the device will vibrate as a response to the sounds. The vibrations are sent to the processor, which in turn converts them to electrical impulses and readies it for transmission.. Finally, the transmission is sent to the antenna which is then broadcasted in the form of radio waves. These radio waves are then received by another device and convert them back to a legible sound.

Multiple Channels

As two way radios are getting more and more popular, it is possible for more than one party communicating in the same line or frequency. This can cause a lot of confusion and interference. To solve the problem, modern 2 way radios are able to utilize multiple channels. 

For a two way radio to broadcast on multiple channels, the device must be able to generate radio waves in multiple frequencies. Furthermore, the device must be able to send frequencies with very little fluctuations. These fluctuations are actually caused by the transmitted voices. The fluctuations can be minimized through “frequency modulation”. The modulated transmissions are then sent to the device’s antenna.

The device must also excite the proper electrons. Once the proper electrons are excited, an outgoing radio wave is then produced. 

These radio waves may be picked up by another device tuning into the same frequency. Furthermore, the device must be within range of the transmitting device. The range of two way radio is usually determined by a couple of factors such as atmospheric conditions, radio’s battery power and the size of the two-radio's antenna. 

Whenever a device picks up the transmission, the receiving radio must filter the signals through an electronic filter known as a bandpass filter. Finally, the transmission is then converted back to sound. 

Why Choose A 2 Way Radio

The two way radio is one of the earliest forms of wireless communication. However, in today's modernized communication environment, a question arises - is the way radio a viable technology? The answer to that question is a yes. This is because the 2 way radio has its own unique advantages that may not be found in other forms of wireless communications. Below are two of them:

Instant Communication - the ability to communicate between two or more parties almost instantly is one of the most defining advantages of the two way radio. A user only needs to press the “Push-To-Talk” button and within seconds a receiver will be able to receive the audio messages. Furthermore, the entire system is set up around the idea of "quick call" and "quick receive". This is the main reason why the organizations rely on the 2 way radio technology for operational and tactical communications. The system can also make use of encryption technology for a more secure communication. 

Group Communications

Another unique advantage of two way radio is its ability to facilitate "group call" or "one-to-many" communications very efficiently. By efficient, it means that the user can communicate with one, hundreds or thousands at the same time. There is no need for a user to repeat the same message if he/she needs to communicate to more than one individual. 

A 2 way radio is one of the earliest technologies used for wireless communications. Even though it is a bit outdated compared to other forms of wireless communications, but the usefulness is still very applicable today. The main idea of how 2 way radios work revolves around on sending and receiving radio waves, which in turn is converted to legible sounds. The idea and technology behind two way radio may be simple, but nevertheless it is still a very well-used form of communication in today’s world.

Motorola Tetra Earpiece: Helping You Get Through the Toughest Challenges

For many decades, Motorola MTP and MTH radios have been meeting the needs of front line personnel such fire fighters, police officers, oil rig workers, and many more. Reliable, efficient, and high quality communication devices are important for these front line service men to make smarter and safer decisions and to ensure the best possible outcomes in performing their jobs. In many instances, the right accessories, such as an earpiece, will help the radio work beyond its limits, especially when faced with tough challenges in the most difficult situations.

Importance of Motorola Tetra audio accessories

Earpieces for Motorola MTP and MTH radios are especially designed to provide dedicated solutions to enhance the radio communication capabilities. They are designed to allow the users to seamlessly connect and communicate without a glitch during any crisis, heightening the levels of public safety. With effective communication, industrial teams can respond more effectively. The reliability of the portable communication radios can make a difference between a mediocre and a successful outcome. 

The earpiece is a unique way of personalizing the radio to help the users face the arduous challenges of the work environment. As every situation requires specific response, choosing the right earpiece is an effective and dedicated solution that will match various communication needs. It is an important radio accessory that will help facilitate timely and effective communication while paramedics are attending a traffic accident, as engineers are responding to an industrial emergency, or as police officers are trailing a suspect.

Choosing efficient radio earpieces 

High quality Motorola Tetra earpiece is among the top choice for emergency and security services because of a number of excellent features, including:

·         Improves sound quality in windy or noisy environments through the unique wind porting and noise-reduction technology

·         Allows users to make emergency alerts when faced with difficulties

·         Designed to stay connected to the radio during extreme conditions

·         Highly-sensitive and powerful to keep communications clear and audible

·         Provides the highest levels of security

Top 5 Radio Earpiece from Motorola Tetra

The following items are five of the highly coveted radio earpieces.

1. Motorola Tetra G-Shape Earpiece for MTP and MTH Radio

This G-Shape earpiece is a practical solution for two-way radio users who want to keep private communication. It is made of a rubberized material to provide more comfort. This radio earpiece is one of the favorite accessory of police officers and other emergency services because it is designed to perform well, even in the noisiest environments. It comes with a hidden microphone at the center of the Push-to-Talk switch; hence, it can be discretely clipped to the lapel or collar. 

2. Motorola Tetra D-Shape Earpiece for MTH and MTP Radio

This general purpose D-Shaped earpiece is popular among a wide range of application. It is ideal for users who are not comfortable wearing covert acoustic tube ear buds. It is most popular among doormen as it can be easily clipped to the collar or lapel, with a hidden microphone, complete with a PTT switch. This D-shape earpiece offers efficiency, reliability, and top performance even in noisy environments.

3. Covert Acoustic Tube Earpiece for Motorola Tetra MTP and MTH 

This clear tube earpiece comes with built-in line microphone, making it ideal for security door supervisors, police officers, nightclub bouncers, paintball players, hotel security, and many more. This hands-free radio earpiece can be clipped onto the shirt, providing discreet and easy means ofcommunication, whether in hospitality, retail, or security industry. It comes with a noise-reducing feature to improve sound quality, especially in a low profile environment.

4. Pro-HD Kevlar Earpiece for Motorola Tetra MTH and MTP Radio

This excellent earpiece is fitted with high quality Kevlar cabling and strain relief system, making it one of the best professional earpieces. This radio earpiece is ideal for security officers and door supervisor because it is designed to seal the ear canal, so users can freely communicate without interruption from the noise around. It also comes with a high-impact, built-in, polycarbonate microphone that provides exceptional sound quality.

5. Motorola Tetra Airwave Earpiece for MTP and MTH Radio

This earpiece is guaranteed to last because it is made from high-quality rubberized materials. It is ergonomically designed to provide comfort and convenience. This earpiece is common among doormen, security officers, and police officers because they are equipped with built-in microphone, which is designed to provide impressive performance even in the loudest environments.

Having an efficient earpiece connected to a portable radio can help users focus on the important job at hand. A lightweight radio earpiece allows users to talk freely and hear clearly even while they are working. It also offers added efficiency, comfort, and functionality in varying situations and challenges. During the toughest situations, the best possible audio quality is essential to keep communications loud and clear. 

Launch of Motorola Connector Website

This month we are proud to announce the opening of the Motorola connector resource site, Motorolaearpiece.co.uk is the best resource for all types of Motorola earpieces and connectors. With advice and news of the latest connectors and earpiece styles, motorolaearpiece.co.uk is there for you and your questions. Currently with 7 connectors in circulation for an even larger range of radios, finding the correct connector and earpiece for the radio you're using can be difficult, and that is the reason that the website was created.

Motorola started in the early 90's with the GP300 series radios and the 2-pin configuration, of a 2.5mm plug and a 3.5mm plug with a 8mm distance between the pins. this method worked really well and was copied by many other companies and used on their radio. This connector was carried on for the CP040 radio, brought into circulation in 2005.

In the late 90's, the GP340 was brought onto the market. A re-mastering of the multi-pin connector seen on the GP900 and this allowed for a new wave of earpieces. instead of the TX and RX mono style 2-pin connector, the multi-pin allowed for faster programming, VOX control, TX and RX control as well as future proofing for any future accessories.

Using the GP340 model, this inspired Motorola to use a multi-pin connector for all their future radios. When the digital generation came along in the late 2000's, Motorola created the DP3000 range of radios, that included the DP3400 and DP3600 radio. Instead of using the already widely used GP340 sstyle connector, a newly designed connector was created, primarily to create a new range of earpieces for themselves.  Recently Motorola have created the DP2000 range of radios, with another new connector, this increases the confusion of the user, expecting one earpiece to work on all Motorola radios, instead they have a complicated mix of connectors to choose from and select for their radio.

With 3 other connectors available for the Motorola radio portfolio, including the MTH/MTP connector, used mostly on the Tetra radios, the new SL4000 connector, for the slim line mobile phone style radios and the similar, but not interchangeable leisure range single pin connector.

As we have shown above Motorola have a wide range of motorola connectors and earpieces, This new website is designed to guide and assist those people that are confused which earpiece and connector they need for their radio. Motorolaearpiece.co.uk has information that no other website has, providing a connection chart to match the radio your using with the correct connector and some example earpieces from around the internet.

Can you watch films on the apple ipad mini?

Commonly, the apple ipad Mini is ok for viewing movies (as well as doing basically everything else). The processing power is about the same as a apple ipad 4, so there is no real difficulty there and the playback is usually as easy just as one android’s bottom (Star Trek joke).

The only real concern with the iPad Mini may be the lack of a ‘Retina Display’, the stunning display tech featured on apple ipad 3 – 4, iPod Touch (4th – 5th Gen) and iPhone 4 – 5 (among the rest). The apple ipad Mini does suffer a little with the deficit of a Retina Screen, however it’s probably not a problem.

There is, evidently, the matter of that 16GB apple ipad Mini struggling to store information, however, but that’s mostly common sense

Gareth Beavis, in the authorized ‘TechRadar.com’ appraisal of the Ipad mini, said:

“The iPad mini suffers from the same thing that all the other iPads do: namely that the 16GB version, which is the poster child of the new cut-size range, is too small to really pack with the movies and apps that you want”.

 He followed on to talk about the iPad Mini’s lack of file compatibility. This is, as far as I’m concerned, the Mini’s largest disadvantage as the media tablet.

“There’s the other issue here: the lack of file compatibility. The iPad mini will play .mp4 files fairly easily, but if you fancy chucking on a DivX or AVI option then that’s out of the question. There are third party applications you can use, but these can be extremely buggy and cost extra to put on your tablet…But that’s the griping out of the way – as a video player, the iPad mini is excellent. It’s just the right size and weight to hold two-handed in landscape mode, and if you’re OK with it not feeling as secure in one hand, a decent heft to hold with a single set of digits”.

 I feel that Beavis provides a pretty good rundown of the positives and negatives.

In a different place, the Head of Tech on the Daily Telegraph, Shane Richmond, addressed the smaller screen size in the review, when he wrote,

“In practice the smaller screen size is not much of a problem and it is because of that 0.9-inches, which gives 35 per cent more screen area than the Nexus 7 or Kindle Fire HD”.

Additionally, the 7″ size in fact makes the apple ipad Mini easier to hold when watching a film; the device really uses its petite stature for a bonus. Moreover, the screen remains to be above sufficient. Devindra Hardawar, of ‘Venture Beat.com’, wrote,

“Movies and games don’t look as sharp as they do on Retina Display-equipped iPads, but it’s a more than worthy tradeoff. It takes a discerning eye to notice the benefits of Apple’s Retina Display, but anyone can immediately recognize how much more convenient the iPad mini is. (And naturally, that’s a problem that will be fixed in future models when Apple brings Retina Display quality to the iPad Mini.)”

All things measured, the apple ipad Mini is ok for watching films, but I personally recommend you opt for the tablet with additional storage space (and also that you keep in mind the file type limitations of that iPad Mini).

can be found on my blog

The bone conducting earpiece, what makes it unique to other earpieces

Music is a big part of daily life but it may be for nearly as long as Humans have now been on this planet. I often point to a finding of the 40,000-year-old flute dating back to the ice age as evidence for this, but in fact, all of the proof you need is all around you, each day. We remember ballads and songs long after the people who 1st composed them have died and rotted away (a thought which I find curiously reassuring) and the music industry, love it or hate it, is always a huge business.

On the other hand, while the ice age musicians probably survived during a world of stark violence, frozen, dull wastelands and tough, ‘kill or be killed’ inter-cave politics, they never had to cope with road works, transport lorries, screaming babies or drunken crowd-rousers on their way to the stag night. Lucky buggers.

Today’s listener has to deal with all that and much more, which can make listening to the music not only difficult, but additionally dangerous.

Now, though, modern science has stumbled across a means in which you’ll be able to still listen to your favorite songs, even if you’re wearing earplugs (no, I have not been sniffing discarded paint cans once more). It’s called skeleton conduction tech and no, despite the marginally odd name, it actually doesn’t hurt…

According to recent studies, exposure to any noise over 100 decibels wears away a membrane known as a myelin sheath and leaves your internal ear liable to problems like tinnitus and temporary deafness, that may be the start of even more important problems. Bone conduction technology is made to bypass the most sensitive portions of the ear and reduce the risk of inner-ear harm.

How? Well, in order to understand that, we need to first identify with how our ears truly work. (HERE COMES THE SCIENCE-Y BIT) Essentially, noise travels though the air, these sound waves are intercepted by several structures inside the ear and are ultimately translated and transmitted into our brains (if it helps, imagine it like the encoding/decoding of digital information, like that which guides the actions of the wireless mouse).

The sound waves first encounter a piece of cartilage (yes, similar stuff that a shark’s skeleton is made of), which allows to focus the sound, this is named a pinna (but you can call it your outer ear without appearing too silly). 

Then, the sound waves pass into your middle ear, this is filled up with air and also contains both your auditory canal plus your eardrum (my little brother burst his when he was little and virtually burst mine crying about it). The eardrum vibrates, passing the sound through to a ossicles, which are three small bones (that are in fact pretty essential to your sense of steadiness, I’m told). These tiny bones transmit the sound to the cochlea, that’s a fluid-filled infrastructure that ‘encodes’ the signals for our brain to ‘decode’.

Bone conduction tech vibrates the bones of the skull, sending the noise directly to a cochlea and bypassing the rest of the ear entirely. The nerve impulses transmitted to the mind are exactly the same, but the sensitive instrument of the ear doesn’t have to deal with the hassle of, to quote Anchorman’s Brick Tamland “LOUD NOISES!”

This process seems to be totally safe; actually, the legendary deaf composer Beethoven applied a rudimentary version of this method to be able to create his most famous works. He attached a rod linking his piano and his head and, as such, was able to hear the music he was playing.

So here you go, rather then exposing your sensitive ears to louder and louder volumes, to drown out the environment noise, it is possible to alternativily stick your earpugs in and play your music at the proper volume. Make no bones about it (groan!)

Does Wearing Headphones Increase the Amount of Bacteria in your Ears?

So, the short answer to your question is that anything you put in your ear will increase the bacteria levels present, simply by sheer dint of the introduction of a foreign object to your ear. You can consider this to also be true for cotton buds, earplugs and, of course, your index finger. Microorganisms tend to reproduce well in hot and humid environments and the ear, like the mouth and nose, certainly have all the right conditions for a germ-orgy of sorts (sorry for the image).

It has been said that using headphones increases the bacteria levels in your ears over 700 times.

To whatever degree this somewhat alarming statistic is true or false is, quite frankly, virtually impossible to determine. Put simply, there are just too many variables in the equation. Issues arise like ‘how many other people have used the headphones (are they shared devices like audio museum tours)?’ ‘How much bacteria is in the average person’s ear in the first place?’ or even ‘where are the headphones stored when not in use?’

All of these questions (and many, many more) would need satisfactory answers before we could start picking our way toward a definitive answer. According to our old friend Cecil Adams of www.straightdope.com, the ‘700 times’ factoid has its origins in a 1992 study in which experts measured bacteria found on 20 headsets of the type used by commercial airlines. According to Adams, the amount of microorganisms present on the ‘phones increased by 11 times, not 700 (as is often reported). A year later, the New York Times ran an article that is, according to Adams, the root of the old ‘700 times’ bit.

However, it should also be said that many different kinds of bacteria are vital to living organisms like us and, at any given time, there is an almost indescribably huge level of bacteria operating in your body. Yes, there is an increase in your in-ear bacteria if you use headphones, but it’s really not much different from the bacteria levels you encounter in your day-to-day life.

You may worry that this increase in bacteria can be damaging to your health (that is, after all, a reasonable concern). However, unless you suffer from regular ear infections, or any other easily aggravated ear-related ailments, the answer is a pretty definitive ‘no’.

Maybe if you dangle your headphones in the toilet before use, or get a flu-riddled relative to cough on them, you may have some trouble, but otherwise, the content of your ear is likely to be far more bacteria-friendly than the contents of your pockets (where the headphones are usually kept before use – if I’m any guide, that is).

The PD782, PD785 & PD702 Hytera Radios, what makes them so good?

The PD782, PD785 and PD702 Hytera radios are affordable, as well as being easy to use and providing high quality audio. This is a good combination when it comes to two-way radios, a technology that, by definition, needs to be durable, easily replaceable and effortlessly useable in case of emergency.

The parent company, Hytera, have been operating since 1993 and in that time they have developed a strong reputation as an industry leader. In short, they are in the process of cultivating a trusted international brand. Hytera are an emerging brand with a considerable track record for producing quality technology at premium prices.

Another likely source of Hytera’s recent success is the effectiveness of the Hytera earpiece available from earpieceonline. The Hytera multi-pin earpiece is designed for use with the PD702 and PD782 radio models. It features excellent playback, as well as being solid and durable. This Hytera earpiece is available for around £40.00 and is a professional level model, proving highly effective for many modern surveillance exercises.

Returning to the two-way radio discussion, Hytera radios include a number of advanced features, including a robust design, as well as a full colour LCD display, something that is a rarity in today’s market. There are also a high number of messaging options.

The PD785 is IP57 rated. This means that it can even be completely submerged for up to 30 minutes without obtaining any significant damage. It can also switch between analogue and digital mode and features full digital encryption.

Hytera have received a boost in sales because they have created a series of products that are up-to-date, hardwearing and professional. Two-way radios need to be reliable as a matter of fact, which is why these products are selling so well. 

REVIEW OF THE MOTOROLA DP2400

A two-way radio has to be able to work quickly and efficiently. It has to be simple to use, robustly designed and multi-faceted enough to appeal to a variety of users. Fortunately, Motorola are very, very good at fulfilling these criteria. So, with that in mind, we put the DP 2400 through its paces.

THE SPECS

The clarity of digital audio is undeniable. But if you still prefer analogue, then don’t despair. The DP 2400 is completely comfortable handling both analogue and digital signals.

But there’s a lot more it can do besides that.

The DP 2400 can even use its ‘IP Site Connect’ function to expand the capability of the device via the Internet. In addition, the ‘capacity plus’ function can use a single-site trunking system to enable over a thousand voice or data transfer-users without adding any new frequencies. It can even use an (optional) ‘linked capacity plus’ feature (a multi-site version of the ‘capacity plus’ function) that works in tandem with the IP functionality to ensure even broader fields of communication over greater distances.

There’s even an enhanced security function.

The Motorola DP 2400 comes in both VHF and UHF forms.

THE PRICE

At £284, this is a reasonably priced, yet high spec, device. With the release of the 3400, we can reasonably expect the price to drop a little more as well soon, but probably not by an incredible amount, as both models do seems to specialize in slightly different areas.

Overall, it does look like Motorola are offering a good radio-based product for your money, yet again.

THE PERFORMANCE

The design is hardy and utilitarian; this is the sort of two-way radio a security guard or professional soldier might use. Its tough, square edged and no-nonsense, but it still looks modern and professional. On top of this, the Motorola DP2400’s ease of use makes the simplicity of the design a perfect marriage of model and operation.

As with most of Motorola’s designs, the DP 2400 is a tough little doohickey. The bodywork is so tightly sealed, in fact, that it is almost completely dust and sand proof and has a water protection rating of IP55 (that means you can use it in the rain, but you probably can’t take it snorkelling).

The audio performance of the DP 2400 is nothing short of spectacular. It even adjusts the levels to compensate for background noise automatically.

In fact, so high performance is this radio, that it actually meets US military standard 810 C D E F and G.

The only negative we could find was that the design was slightly bulky and the battery was a little heavy, however, the battery life is so good that we really don’t mind. Besides, it’s reassuring to be absolutely sure that you aren’t about to lose the product (you’d soon notice if you dropped it).

As an optional extra, you can even get a function that will interrupt an existing signal in order to deliver critical information without waiting for a line to close/open.

THE VERDICT

It really does seem as if Motorola have thought of everything this time around. What we’ve got here is a two-way radio that is pretty close to perfection. It seems to do anything you could possibly want it to and, when ‘pimped out’ with all the optional extras, it will surely do a lot more besides.

There aren’t really any downsides with this product, it works extremely well, is pretty much top of the line in its price range and is bang up to date technologically. What more can you ask for?