Somewhere in my head I thought that cellphone transmissions operated under part 15, I guess I presumed that because it doesn't require a license to operate -- so wrong I am, it actually does require a license to operate under FCC Parts 22, 24, or 27 (Licensed Wireless Services), the service provider carries the licence which allows you to transmit without a individual licence..

The reason it even came to my mind was when I came across this recent 'United States V2x Communication Module Market 2026 Analysis and Forecast to 2035 Executive Summary' https://www.indexbox.io/store/united-states-v2x-communication-module-market-analysis-forecast-size-trends-and-insights/

Basically what it talks about how the V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) module manufacturers are hindered by the FCCs restrictive Part 15 rules

"...certified hardware that passes the stringent US automotive electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests per SAE J2954 and FCC Part 15. Supplier qualification cycles are long—typically 18–24 months—creating high barriers to entry for smaller component makers..." "...In short, FCC Part 15 turns what looks like a simple tech product into a multi-million dollar, multi-year regulatory gamble..."

"For nearly two decades, the auto industry focused on DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communications), a Wi-Fi-like technology.
Because DSRC operated like Wi-Fi, the vehicle itself acted as an independent radio station.
Under the old rules, any custom Wi-Fi-like radio transmitter built into a car required extensive testing under FCC Part 15 rules to ensure its signals did not leak or disrupt nearby electronics.
This setup placed the entire burden of proof, design loops, and testing costs on the automotive supply chain, resulting in a 24-month bottleneck.
In short: Transitioning to cellular means automakers can stop treating V2X like an unpredictable, unlicensed walkie-talkie (Part 15) and start treating it like a standard, highly regulated cellular device, which slashes months off the qualification timeline. "

Since they found the FCC rules so restricted they opted instead to utilize the licenced cellular network for their "V2X modules" to communicate.

"...FCC Part 15 acts as a legal and financial roadblock for companies trying to enter the U.S. automotive market. It is not just a paperwork step; it is a major hurdle that eliminates many smaller competitors..."

Now this is where it gets interesting.. to me anyway because it seems to reveal something else. I got curious just exactly what these V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) module do, and here's a general  rundown:

V2X  modules are small electronic components that allow a vehicle to wirelessly communicate in real time with its surrounding environment.

V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle): Cars broadcast speed and braking data to nearby cars to prevent crashes.

V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure): Cars talk to traffic lights and road signs to optimize traffic flow.

V2P (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian): Cars detect smartphones carried by pedestrians or cyclists to avoid accidents.

V2N (Vehicle-to-Network): Cars connect to cellular networks for real-time navigation and weather updates.

Such components also allow cars to "see" around corners and through buildings where cameras and radar cannot, this is to prevent accidents, and also act for self-driving cars to coordinate, they reduce gridlock by letting vehicles sync with traffic management systems.

It all very interesting but all I can really see is an increase of big brother. Everything from your travels, your stops, your speed, your home tv viewing habits, the websites you visit, where and when you spend your money.. etc etc etc.. it keeps going. Every aspect, every movement of your existence is can be retrieved by the powers that be  at any time.

Is it just me but does that all feel unnerving? But it is what it is and it's only going to increase.

I just don't really know. Nevertheless, I find this $119 new DAC intriguing:

Topping’s affordable DAC teases impressive versatility and “audiophile quality” sound in a compact, portable package
Promising big performance at a small price
https://www.whathifi.com/hi-fi/dacs/toppings-affordable-dac-teases-impressive-versatility-and-audiophile-quality-sound-in-a-compact-portable-package

The new unit’s digital-to-analogue stage is built around an ES9039Q2M ESS DAC chip.
.... also uses a 16-core XU-316 XMOS chip to handle input-signal processing, aiming to deliver “exceptionally high dynamic range and ultra-low noise” ... The analogue stage features a fully balanced architecture, again designed to lower distortion and improve sonic performance. ... .. supports hi-res PCM files up to 32-bit/384kHz alongside DSD256. In terms of connections, the digital side is covered by a USB-C input as well as an optical input and output, while line outputs include stereo RCA and balanced 4.4mm. For personal listening, 3.5mm and balanced 4.4mm headphone outputs are provided.

..‘Parametric EQ’ system, allowing for control of frequency, gain and bandwidth across ten customisable bands so users can tailor their sound to their needs and preferences.. the aluminium enclosure is robust enough to handle being throw into your bag and taken on your travels.
At the front of the DAC’s body is a multifunction rotary control dial, sitting to the right of a large LED display which shows core vitals such as volume level, file sample rate and input/output selection.
The new Topping DX1 II is available from July in black, white or silver finishes, priced at £119 / $119.

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/china/chinese-dissident-fled-south-korea-dinghy-arrives-canada-rcna352094

HONG KONG — A Chinese political dissident who fled to South Korea last month in a dinghy has arrived in Canada, his friend said on social media on Saturday. Dong Guangping was aboard a 10.8-foot inflatable boat in the waters off a western South Korean island in May when he was detained by South Korea’s coast guard for allegedly violating the country’s immigration law. It was his fourth known attempt to flee China. ...

... his friend Sheng Xue, a Chinese Canadian activist, said Dong had landed in Toronto following an Air Canada flight on Friday.

“He just had a big bowl of noodles with eggs, tomatoes and shrimps,” she wrote in the post, adding that she has spent more than 10 years trying to get him out of China. ..

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/china/chinese-dissident-fled-south-korea-dinghy-arrives-canada-rcna352094

https://www.ebay.com/itm/327233832168 and https://www.ebay.com/itm/327233831357?

The Realty Radio 1650 Model span from 1982-1984 (maybe 1985) but there were no less than 4 different -um models, maybe even more, they had additional features, every style looked different but they were all "Model 1650", these in the auction are probably 1983 and/or 84.  I find these extremely interesting from an historical perspective and what's most interesting here is the original documentations, particularly the distribution information book. This was from long after Herrick had divesested his company, but the distributions continued

[Img scr:https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/Vp4AAeSwtcVqPqUV/s-l1200.webp

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ZwIAAeSwrOpqPqUW/s-l1200.webp

Transcribed from the image:

July 13, 1987
Ms. Susan Romine PO Box 37 Fairmount, IL 61841

Dear Ms. Romine:
I would like thank you for your previous inquiry about Radio Realty. Our firm has been very fortunate in the number of individuals that have decided Radio Realty was an excellent opportunity for them. However, many potential Licensees think the territories were just physically too large. We certainly appreciated the input and because of this, have decided to reduce the size of each territory. By doing this, each Licensee will be able to concentrate their efforts on a more localized basis.
The licensing fee has been adjusted accordingly. The fee per territory is $2,500. Besides the exclusive territory you will also receive the following:

(1) Model 1650 Transmitter and/or

(1)Model 2000 Transmitter with Solid State Voice Storage (digital recording) no tape $300

(1) Cassette Tape Player-use with
(13-Minute Endless Loop Tape
(16-Minute Endless Loop Tape
(1) Demonstration Tape of Actual Messages
(1)Radio Realty Yard Sign
(250) Radio Realty Brochures
(500 Radio Realty Door Hangers

On the following page you can see how the territories for the State of Illinois are divided. If you have further interest, please call me at your carliest convenience.

Best regards,
Mark F. Kerr Marketing Director
MFK/evd Enclosure
A Division of The Marcus Gerard Corporation
4705 SOMERS AVENUE SUITE 1004 NORTH LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72116
501-753-8636 NATIONAL WATS 800-257-2346

3

"The 700ft (213m) high Wychbold Masts in the Worcestershire countryside can be seen for miles and are often used as a landmark for drivers on the M5 near Droitwich.
They have been in use since 1934 for sending the signal across the country, as well as for transmitting important messages during the World War Two.
Local history experts and the Twentieth Century Society have called for them to become listed, due to their "historical importance". .... ....
.. Over the years, the equipment was changed from analogue to digital and several other smaller masts were built for the Medium Wave signal.
The Wychbold Masts will no longer transmit LW with the switch-off expected at 00:01 BST on Saturday.
A spokesperson for the BBC said the move came as the equipment was reaching the end of its life.
"As Long Wave is an older broadcasting technology, recent years have seen a decline in listener numbers, with the majority now opting for FM and DAB digital platforms," they said. ...."

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c74yn7v7k4qo

-- Hmmm, the images are only 52kb but they won't post, getting an "unknown error" (where's an administrator when you need one?)

Anyway doesn't look familiar, you can see it in the listing, but it'd be nice to archive those images here.

Medium Wave AM Transmitter
https://www.ebay.com/itm/227373237657?

It's listed $115.00 and $9.99 shipping. Used "Like New", "Unbranded".. "cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used .. " Here is the Description:

Medium Wave AM Transmitter

VFO controlled
Freq Range: 650-1725 KHz
Ant: BNC Out
.5W Carrier/1.5W Peak
Audio In
Audio Level Knob
Freq Knob
Audio Cable 3 ft
BNC to Wire Adapter
40 ft antenna wire

IRFP250 mosfet as RF power amplifier.
2N7000 transistor as RF driver.
BD241C AF power transistor as modulator stage.
BD139 transistor as high gain audio amplifier stage.
MPF102 transistor as oscillator.

Not sure if this will work, here's the images direct from eBay:

Meet the World’s First AI-Powered Hybrid Microphone With This New Creator-Friendly Audio System
https://nofilmschool.com/maono-pd500w-ai-powered-hybrid-microphone

... one way to get people excited is to give it a boost with an “AI-powered” tag and voila—you got yourself a new product. ... Maono’s new PD500W is being billed as the world’s first AI-powered hybrid microphone. ... The pitch for the new Maono PD500W traces the lineage of audio recording back to its earliest days, which unarguably has needs that have changed over the past hundreds of years. . ... offers a mix of wireless recording capabilities, USB-C simplicity (always nice), XLR flexibility for higher-end work, built-in recording protection, and a new generation of AI-powered workflow tools.... highlights include 147dB Max SPL, 48kHz/24-bit sampling rate, and a workable cardioid polar pattern. ...... to launch on Kickstarter soon, with early-bird rewards starting at $359. You can also find more info on the company’s website here https://www.maono.com/products/maono-pd500w-hybrid-microphone-for-podcast