No, we are not talking about some cutesy cottage with great food in a corner of New England (or maybe even Connecticut) but the B and B of Ham Radio.
Finally, you guessed it: a Bitx4o and the Baofeng UV35. I suspect the newly minted Extras may have had to struggle with the B&B since those are not rigs on the memorization list.
Up front I own one of each. The Bitx40 you see in the photo is no ordinary unit as it was gifted to me from friend N2CQR as a Tech Special. Bill often receives units like this (broken) and will occasionally pass some on to me. I think he does this with a twinkle in his eye... a chance to drive me nuts chasing down problem rigs.
I say this is a special Bitx40 as I figured out how to add USB to an otherwise LSB only radio. Of course, USB on 40M has only one use and that is FT-8 (or to talk to the group that only uses USB on 40M). The solution was not to supplant the BFO crystal with one of the opposite sideband frequencies but instead change the LO frequency.
The Bitx40 as stock used a High IF Frequency (12 MHz) and a low LO Frequency (5 MHz) and with the BFO chosen this results in LSB. Now if we place the LO above the IF Frequency (19 MHz) and subtract the IF from the LO, we get USB. So, a single BFO frequency will give both LSB and USB.
A second Bitx40 Tech Special from N2CQR was converted to 17M. I had to change out the BPF and LPF and create a digital LO at 30 MHz (30 -18 =12).
The other huge hill climb was the Digital LO as this leverages the excellent Bitx topology into a highly functional, stay on frequency, dual mode (USB/LSB) POTA capable radio.
I sure hope the BTE's were awake during this techie talk.
The plastic case for this Bitx was originally intended for first aid supplies and was waterproof. Time deteriorated the plastic and so it was a good idea gone bad.
The next B in the B&B duo is my Baofeng UV35.
N6QW's UV35
This Baofeng UV35 was acquired 13 years ago when I moved back to California. As luck would have it I have a ham friend who lives 500 feet from my QTH. When I 1st moved here, I spotted his antenna and you know the deal. Upon our 1st meeting he showed me his Baofeng which I think could be bought with some accessories for about $25 at Bozos. I bought one right away.
Then I heard stories it might not be legal with spectral purity. But it had some other features like a flashing light, a siren and FM radio. For a while I took it walking with me and used the FM radio to listen to NPR. I think I made one contact with the radio, and my report was scratchy and not full quieting. Now when I walk, I just use my smart phone and either listen to my stored music or internet radio.
So with 1/2 the total US ham population being Technician class likely lots of Baofeng's are on the air and they now might be legal and good for 10 watts.
Them that know, now don't care if you know.
Some people in high government offices seem to be thrown under the bus as that is in vogue today. Reminds me of the Circus Maximus and the throwing of people to the hungry lions.
73's
Pete N6QW