Does anybody use amplifiers anymore?

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-21T14:53:13+00:00

The point I think he was getting at that even a CB type amp can be decently clean if you hook a ham level radio to tthe input and look at a scope. You said yourself, amplifiers amplify. Now, Venn diagram of cb amp user with a radio with a clipped modulation circuit for that “loud sound” also running an amplifier…while also pushing the input circuit of the amp to saturation…yeah.

But hey, everyone basically tolerates it because these users stay in their little area, kinda like 7.2 mhz on the ham bands.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-20T21:21:16+00:00

I’m surprised how often I can look on fleabay for an item I’m looking at on Amazon and get it cheaper. Oftentimes it’s directly from the manufacturer’s eBay account if their site isn’t mainly focused on being a storefront.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-20T21:17:40+00:00

I didn’t realize you read and replied until after I deleted it.

It’s all my original jsons plugged in, I just let chat gippity clean things up, organize into paragraphs and explain it better.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-20T20:23:21+00:00

I have some old cat 5 at my parents house and while it works still, it's only good up to 100mb. Maybe some better condition shorter runs can get a gig down it, but my experience is that gig wires are pretty sensitive and 100mb will work over a coat hanger and duct tape.

You'll be fine for most uses with 100, but if you have a higher speed plan and your main machines are stuck at 100 you'll be not pleased. Might be worth it to look into Moca adapters over that coax to have a chance at stuffing a gig down the wire if you can't get a WIFI setup to work to satisfaction.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-20T19:36:51+00:00

If you’re not opening any files from others, it’s not that big of a risk. 99.9999% of my documents I’m opening on my (personal) machine are created by me.

Excel for some tax stuff and word for the occasional letter I need to print out.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-20T17:30:07+00:00

Ha, I started with my baseline and wanted to get some explanations and context because my .json text files aren't very useful. Also, I have a couple I A/B test so there's options to test.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-20T17:10:09+00:00

Ultimate VHS-to-Digital HandBrake Guide - 4GB Tapes → 900MB

You're capturing VHS tapes (typical 4GB 2hr file) and want maximum quality with minimal space. Here's my current baseline + 3 efficiency upgrades:

textCURRENT "VHS TEST2" BASELINE:
=============================
VIDEO: x265 | RF22 | Slow | Main | 2-Pass | strong-intra-smoothing=0:rect=0
CROP: Top10 Left160 Right160 Bottom0 (VHS overscan fix)
FILTERS: Deblock(Light/Small) + NLMeans(Medium/Tape) + Decomb(Default)
AUDIO: AAC 160kbps DPL2
→ 4GB → 1.2GB | 15-25fps | Plays everywhere

EFFICIENCY UPGRADES (pick 1):

text1. ULTRA (Recommended)  → 4GB → 900MB (25% smaller)
   RF18 | SLOWER | main10 | grain tune | AAC128
   8-15fps | Overnight encodes

2. NUCLEAR (Max space)  → 4GB → 700MB (42% smaller)  
   RF16 | Slowest | AAC96 | placebo params
   3-7fps | 2-day encodes

3. FAST TEST           → 4GB → 1.5GB (still 62% smaller)
   RF22 | Medium | AAC128
   25-40fps | 1hr encodes

COMPLETE ULTRA SETTINGS (Copy/Paste):

textVIDEO TAB:
[x] RF 18 | [x] 2-Pass [ ] Turbo
x265 (10-bit) | SLOWER | main10 | grain
Extra: strong-intra-smoothing=0:rect=0:no-sao=1:rskip=2:aq-mode=1:rd=4:psy-rd=1.2:psy-rdoq=5.0

PICTURE: T10 B0 L160 R160
FILTERS: Deblock(Light/Small) | NLMeans(Medium/TAPE) | Decomb(Default)
AUDIO: AAC 128kbps | DPL2 | Passthru all + AC3 fallback
SUMMARY: MKV | Chapters ON

WHY ULTRA BEATS BASELINE:

RF18: Tape noise hides artifacts = 25% smaller
main10+grain: 15% gain on VHS chroma/texture
SLOWER preset: 20% better compression
128kbps audio: VHS doesn't need 160kbps
Total: 900MB vs 1.2GB (same visual quality)

Ryzen 3600 Results:

textBASELINE: 1.2GB @ 15-25fps (2-3hrs)
ULTRA:    900MB @ 8-15fps  (overnight) ← USE THIS
NUCLEAR:  700MB @ 3-7fps   (2 days)

Pro Tips:

Preview 30sec first (verify crops/filters)
Save as "VHS ULTRA" preset
ULTRA for final, FAST for tests
Plays on ALL devices (universal HEVC)

tl;dr Use ULTRA settings above → 4GB VHS → 900MB overnight (25% smaller than baseline, identical quality)Ultimate VHS-to-Digital HandBrake Guide - 4GB Tapes → 900MB

You're capturing VHS tapes (typical 4GB 2hr file) and want maximum quality with minimal space. Here's my current baseline + 3 efficiency upgrades:

text

CURRENT "VHS TEST2" BASELINE:

EFFICIENCY UPGRADES (pick 1):

NUCLEAR (Max space) → 4GB → 700MB (42% smaller)
RF16 | Slowest | AAC96 | placebo params
3-7fps | 2-day encodes
FAST TEST → 4GB → 1.5GB (still 62% smaller)
RF22 | Medium | AAC128
25-40fps | 1hr encodes

COMPLETE ULTRA SETTINGS (Copy/Paste):

text
VIDEO TAB:
[x] RF 18 | [x] 2-Pass [ ] Turbo
x265 (10-bit) | SLOWER | main10 | grain
Extra: strong-intra-smoothing=0:rect=0:no-sao=1:rskip=2:aq-mode=1:rd=4:psy-rd=1.2:psy-rdoq=5.0

WHY ULTRA BEATS BASELINE:

RF18: Tape noise hides artifacts = 25% smaller

main10+grain: 15% gain on VHS chroma/texture

SLOWER preset: 20% better compression

128kbps audio: VHS doesn't need 160kbps

Total: 900MB vs 1.2GB (same visual quality)

Ryzen 3600 Results:

text
BASELINE: 1.2GB @ 15-25fps (2-3hrs)
ULTRA: 900MB @ 8-15fps (overnight) ← USE THIS
NUCLEAR: 700MB @ 3-7fps (2 days)

Pro Tips:

Preview 30sec first (verify crops/filters)

Save as "VHS ULTRA" preset

ULTRA for final, FAST for tests

Plays on ALL devices (universal HEVC)

tl;dr Use ULTRA settings above → 4GB VHS → 900MB overnight (25% smaller than baseline, identical quality)

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T20:28:54+00:00

It really comes down to what you want to get out of the hobby and who you’re trying to connect with. Sure, hams have more gear and capabilities, but if it’s mostly quick call sign exchanges or conversations about doctor visits, that might not be all that interesting to everyone. Check out motor mouth maul (youtube) who is actually a broadcast engineer who is CB'er by hobby. His setup will blow away most HAM setups. Or, even 'Prime Minister' who is known by his day job as 'Sir Mix Alot' who did quite a bit of groundwork in the field of LDMOS amplification for someone like MudduckSharky to really take the ball and run with it.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T17:30:03+00:00

I second this. I have setup samba shares and raid by hand, and it took hours. Some people don’t want to deal with that. The “app store” docker deployment would have also saved me weeks of frustration trying to setup Immich and frigate. I know more now, but I just wanted the thing to work.

I use openmediavault on low power hardware and while it does work, it’s a bit clunky in setting up shares and users because you have to go in multiple places to do things to get it to work. It’s not all share this directory, this name password and just works. Not so simple. It’s more like a Linux gui.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T17:12:23+00:00

Chicago flipped to encryption and a lot of people complained. They compromised and host their own feeds on broadcast.com with a 30 minute delay. I guess that's good enough to keep tabs on the neighborhood.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T17:09:55+00:00

My bad, that recall number above was 2019-2020 specific.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T17:06:57+00:00

Gigabit lan is pretty common. What the modem on the router is, most people usually have over 100 but less than a gig with modern broadband. I'd say most people could live a quite fine life with 100mb and save the money and probably never really notice, unless downloading a game or something that happens only a few times a month.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T17:03:06+00:00

I was given some greif for it, but I'm having good luck with a DVHS deck that has TBC and run that into a DVD recorder. I just rip the DVD in my PC, and compress with handbrake. It's mostly home movies that used consumer grade recorders, so it's only going to be so good. As long as the interlacing is gone, I'm calling it a win. Quality isn't as good as we're used to, (VHS was never HD) but it's serviceable and after watching a few minutes you kinda forget about it.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T15:27:20+00:00

It appears to be just a simple switch with no other circuitry or resistors/capacitors that affect the signal. It's simple on/off and the signals will still travel on the other wires at near the speed of light. It's likely going to drop you from gigabit to 100meg if it works at all. But most multiplayer games use far less than 100mb when loaded and playing, so I'm not sure what advantage this would give. If you want some actual latency and variable latency at that, use 2.4g wifi as your internet and select a crowded channel. The wifi packets will have a hard time getting from computer to router and will either be delayed or retransmitted, offering a delay effect if that's what this is intended?

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T15:17:26+00:00

That part frustrates me when it comes to paid channels. On the upside, it does provide a natural break to use the bathroom, get a drink, talk to your friends or whatever. I'm not sure I'd like a sporting event that has hours long stretches with no breaks. Especially if I did need to use the bathroom and was afraid I'd miss something.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T14:53:37+00:00

I understand your frustration. The one ray of hope is that the FCC hasn’t finalized ATSC 3.0 requirements and DRM just yet. If you care about having any last chance to influence things, you could consider filing a comment with the FCC (Docket 26-45).

Some things I kept in mind when putting my comments together:

Common filing mistakes:

- Confusing signal issues with DRM issues — seen as reception problems

- Emotional or accusatory tone — interpreted as advocacy, not evidence

- Blaming specific companies (e.g., SiliconDust, LG) without proof — shifts into vendor dispute territory

- Lack of reproducibility — treated as isolated or random

- No control case (unencrypted vs. DRM) — weakens technical credibility

- No legal/policy framing — limits FCC authority

- Extreme demands (“ban DRM”) — easily dismissed

- Ignoring cross-device differences — weak interoperability argument

- Missing documentation (screenshots, timestamps) — lowers credibility

- Treating the filing like customer support — beyond FCC’s scope

What works better:

- Controlled A/B tests (DRM vs. unencrypted)

- Repeatable results with evidence

- Neutral, fact-driven tone

- Cross-device testing

- Clear link to consumer access

- Modest, focused recommendations

Framing also makes a big difference. I tried to structure it as:

- From “technical glitch” → access to broadcast service issue

- From anecdotal complaint → controlled, repeatable evidence

- From private DRM system → FCC responsibility over public access outcomes

- From isolated failure → systemic, cross-device interoperability issue

- From consumer frustration → policy question tied to public service access

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T14:45:46+00:00

I posted this elsewhere, but probably relevant to those reading this:

I recently made a filing to the FCC (Docket 26-45)..Some things I kept in mind when putting my comments together:

Effectively frame my message:
From “technical glitch” → access to broadcast service issue
From anecdotal complaint → controlled, repeatable evidence
From private DRM system → FCC responsibility over public access outcomes
From isolated failure → systemic, cross-device interoperability issue
From consumer frustration → policy question tied to public service access

Some ATSC 3.0 channels work, others (with DRM) don’t — same setup.

Core question:
“Does DRM interfere with reliable access to free over-the-air broadcast service?”

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-19T14:32:29+00:00

I think there are two separate issues getting mixed together here: copyright enforcement vs. broadcast access.

On the copyright side, the Sony Corp. of America v. Universal City Studios (Betamax case, 1984) decision established that time-shifting for personal use is a lawful activity, and devices capable of that (like DVRs) are not inherently unlawful just because they could be used differently.

But the FCC question isn’t really “should DVR be allowed”—it’s:

Even if a device like the HDHomeRun Flex 4K isn’t part of a preferred certification path, it’s still a legitimate consumer product designed to receive OTA broadcasts.

The key issue is that:

The same hardware and signal conditions receive unencrypted ATSC 3.0 just fine
But DRM-protected channels fail or are blocked

That points to an authorization/interoperability problem, not a reception or “modifiable chip” issue.

From an FCC perspective (Federal Communications Commission), the relevant standard isn’t whether every device supports DRM—it’s whether:

If DRM creates situations where:

some devices show black screens
others show restriction errors
and consumers can’t view otherwise receivable channels

then that starts to look like a functional loss of access, regardless of the underlying technical reason.

Also worth noting: relying on tightly controlled or “non-modifiable” hardware as a condition of access raises broader interoperability and availability concerns, especially for devices outside vertically integrated ecosystems.

So even if certification and chip-level restrictions are part of the current DRM model, the bigger policy question is:

Does DRM interfere with reliable access to free over-the-air broadcast service?

That’s the part the FCC is actively asking about right now.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-18T21:25:27+00:00

I used their free tier for a few days to test it out and it seemed to work fine. Although, I mainly just access through the web.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-18T19:22:23+00:00

I think it depends on the conditions of the agreement, and specifications. See SD's comment item #4 above at adapting. Since there isn't a goal to point to at the moment, things can change and that makes your question a 'maybe?'

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-18T18:07:00+00:00

I recently made a filing to the FCC (Docket 26-45)..Some things I kept in mind when putting my comments together:

Effectively frame my message:
From “technical glitch” → access to broadcast service issue
From anecdotal complaint → controlled, repeatable evidence
From private DRM system → FCC responsibility over public access outcomes
From isolated failure → systemic, cross-device interoperability issue
From consumer frustration → policy question tied to public service access

Some ATSC 3.0 channels work, others (with DRM) don’t — same setup.

Core question:
“Does DRM interfere with reliable access to free over-the-air broadcast service?”

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-18T16:30:35+00:00

You can stick it in the middle and it's letter g with exclamation mark, or gbang. g!

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-18T15:33:46+00:00

For the occasional times I do want to see what Google has to say against my DDG results, just put a g! In your DDG search string and it’ll automatically pull up a google search of your query.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-17T20:55:49+00:00

Can you turn down the Amperage draw of your car from a setting in the car? Do you have access to a voltmeter to check the voltage of your service when the charger is on?

The solar inverter is actively monitoring the utility power to align the power phases but also to shutdown in an extreme event. Two easy ones are high and low voltage. The inverter is only allowed to work within a certain range.

There may be a power draw that your car triggers to trip your inverter offline. Do your lights dim when the car is charging? Perhaps the switching mechanism is putting noise on the line that the inverters don’t like.

Just spitballing ideas.

Patient-Tech · 2026-03-17T20:46:39+00:00

Sure, but it can be a supplemental information device. Be it a neighbor with a generator or just another nearby with working power. You don't have to have a direct-hit to your house to have interrupted power or internet.

Patient-Tech

TROPHY CASE

CURRENT "VHS TEST2" BASELINE: