Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

Radioddity GD-77 Upgrade With VFO MODE!

Video:YouTube/riku2015

So this video shows a new firmware for the Radioddity GD-77 which adds several features to the radio including a VFO mode. 

PLEASE NOTE this firmware is not yet available on the Radioddity website so upgrade AT YOUR OWN RISK. 

It is said to come from a Radioddity employee but I cannot confirm this 100%. The original post is on the 'Radioddity Two Way Radio' Facebook Page.

I will be waiting for some feedback from other users before trying myself as I do not want a bricked radio!!!!!

UPDATE: Firmware and new software now on official Radioddity website - CLICK HERE

New: Baofeng DM-1701 Dual Band DMR Radio

So it would appear that there is yet another DMR handheld radio in the works, this time from Baofeng.

The Baofeng DM-1701 is a dual band radio with FM and DMR modes. The dual controls on the top of the radio may indicate a VFO mode/Channel Selector?

There is no word of a cost yet but Baofeng are normally one of the cheapest suppliers out there so hopefully it will be a good price. 

Below you can see the first 'Real World' photo of the radio....

CB Radio UK - The Southern Net - 07/12/17

Video:YouTube/CT 2116 Tim

Another video of one of the many regular nets which take place around the UK......

The First East Midlands DX Group Net

Video:YouTube/Airshow World

Another new SSB net has launched here in the UK. The first East Midlands DX Group Net took place this week and will hopefully become a regular feature on the UK CB Radio scene.

President Ronald 10/12 @ Nevada Soon!

So Nevada have become the first UK seller to take pre-orders for the new President Ronald 10/12m radio.

Priced at £179.95 it certainly isn't cheap. The US price is $139 which equates to £105 (YES you read that correctly!!!)

But even if we forget about the price we do have to ask who is actually going to buy this radio?

The Eastern Counties Net Is Moving!

News from the guys involved in The Eastern Counties Net in the UK is that due to the popularity and coverage of the net they are moving frequency to avoid interference to/from other UK nets.

The net has been operating on 27.365 USB for some time, but from 13th December 2017 the net will now take place on 27.345 USB (Two channels lower).

More information can be found on their Facebook page: CLICK HERE

President Andy USA CB Radio Review.

Video:YouTube/MikesRadioRepair

An in-depth look at the President Andy USA 40 Channel AM radio. 

TYT MD 2017 Antenna Problem Fixed?

Video:YouTube/Alister Chapman

Soon after the launch of the TYT MD 2017 reports came in that many users were having problems whereby the SMA antenna connector would snap off so with this in mind this video offers a possible preventative solution to this problem.

President Ronald 10/12M Official 'Real World' Photos

President Electronics USA have published 'real world' photos of their new radio, the President Ronald 10/12m.

Covering the 10m and 12m amateur radio bands (with an option to cover 11m as well - note the echo function!), this radio boasts a power output of up to 50 watts but only has AM and FM modes. There is no SSB on this one so you have to wonder who this is aimed at! Nudge, Nudge, Wink, Wink!

Bishop Auckland Radio Rally 2017 (BARAC)

A video from todays rally.....

Reminder - Bishop Auckland Radio Rally 2017

Just a quick reminder that the Bishop Auckland Radio Rally (BARAC) takes place this Sunday, 26th November 2017.

The rally takes place at the Spennymoor Leisure Centre and the doors open at 10:30am (10:00am for disabled)

Here's a video from last years event:

Magnum-1 Hacked & Cracked

Video:YouTube/Klaus R.



An interesting video for those of you with a Magnum 1.....

Radiozing Black Friday Deals

Radiozing have kicked off the annual 'Black Friday' deals with a very reasonably priced CRT 6900N at only £130 along with many other deals.....

CLICK HERE to visit their site

HF Pedestrian Mobile 09/10/2017

Video:YouTube/M0DAD

A local station and good friend of mine, David M0DAD, operating portable from the North East coast of England on 20m....

Ailunce HD1 Manual Operation Instructions

Video:YouTube/Ailunce



Another look at some of the features on the new Ailunce HD1 DMR radio.

How to pronounce "Ailunce"

Video:YouTube/Ailunce

Following a chat on twitter with a representative from Ailunce they very kindly provided this short video showing the correct way to pronounce their name!!!!

Inside The Radioddity GD-77 DMR Radio

Video:YouTube/RADIOPROFI

Ever wondered how they manage to make modern radios so cheap?

Take a look at the insides of the Radioddity GD-77 and see how little there actually is in these radios!!!!

The Big Net - Glasgow Meet!

On Saturday 4th November CB operators celebrated 36 years of legal UK CB radio with a meet-up at a location near Paisley in the West of Scotland. 

20 breakers in 12 cars brought back memories of the good old days!

You can read the full article on the Charlie Tango 1642 blog: CLICK HERE

The Big Net + Southern Net 02/11/17

Video:YouTube/CT2116 Tim

Thanks to Tim (26CT2116) for his video of The Big Net.

The Big Net - Shane's Video

Video:YouTube/shaneweightman

Another cracking video of this years 'Big Net' event here in the UK.

The Big Net - 26CTX1837

Video:YouTube/26CTX1837

Some brilliant 'Big Net' action from Stuart, 26CTX1837 in Wiltshire UK. Plenty of stations took part on AM, FM and SSB!

The Big Net 'Fred In The Shed' Video!

Video:YouTube/fredintheshed1

The Big Net as experienced from the 'Fred In The Shed' shack!

New Ailunce HD1 Dual Band DMR Radio - First Look

Video:YouTube/Radiosification

A first look video of the new Ailunce HD1 DMR handheld. I think this radio could be a real winner!

Retevis RT90 - Videos

A whole series of interesting videos have appeared which show some of the features of the new Retevis DT90 Dual Band DMR mobile radio.....

NEW - Retevis RT90 Dual Band DMR Radio

(Click images to enlarge)

The Big Net 2017 + Some Added Chat!

Video:YouTube/UKCBTV

Many thanks to Gary for making this video with details of the upcoming UK CB Radio celebrations and other matters relating to CB Radio.

CB RADIO - The 27.305 Mhz SSB Net Going Strong!

Video:YouTube/fredintheshed1

One of the well esablished regular SSB nets here in the UK. SSB has proved really popular since legalisation in 2014. 

Introduction to the IC-7610 SDR HF Transceiver

Video:YouTube/Icom

A look at some of the features on the new Icom IC-7610

Ailunce HD1 DMR Radio - First Videos

Videos: YouTube/Ailunce

A couple of short videos showing some of the features of the new Ailunce HD1 DMR Dual Band Handset.

Halloween AM Net

A chance to dig out your old AM rigs as stations across the UK celebrate Halloween with an old fashioned and no doubt very spooky AM Net.

The Net will take place on 27.125 Mhz on 31st October 2017 between 19:00 and 21:00 GMT.

Why not go out mobile to a very dark and haunted area? 

You're sure to have the willies put up you! (Oh, no, stop it missus!)

Galashiels Radio Rally 2017

A quick look at this years Galashiels Radio Rally.....

The Big Net - 2nd November 2017

Thanks to Matt 26CT1994 for his promotional video for The Big Net 2017 celebrating 36 years of legal UK CB Radio.

Ham Radio At The BBC - G8BBC

The BBC now has an Amateur Radio station based in Broadcasting House in central London. Broadcasts will be made under the special callsign G8BBC.

Galashiels Radio Rally 2017

Just a quick reminder that it's the Galashiels Radio Rally this weekend, Sunday 22nd October.

The Volunteer Hall

St John Street

Galashiels

Scottish Borders

TD1 3JX

Doors open at 11.15am (Disabled access from 11.00am) - Entry: £2.50

Always worth a visit even if it's just for the spectacular views of the surrounding area!

Here's a video from last years event:

More details: CLICK HERE

Yaesu FT991/FT991A Gets System Fusion 2 Update

Yet another firmware update for the FT991/FT991A has appeared on the Yaesu website (Dated 17/10/2017).

This update adds the new DG-ID function to the radios (Known as System Fusion 2).

Yaesu FT991: CLICK HERE

Yaesu FT991A: CLICK HERE

CatDisplay for Yaesu FT-857 or FT-897

Video: YouTube/Chris Day

A plug-in TFT display for your Yaesu radio.....

Special Offer: President Lincoln 2+ @ Nevada

Nevada Radio in the UK have announced a special offer on the President Lincoln 2+ which is the latest version (V4) of this 10/11/12m mobile radio.

TYT MD-760 DMR Handheld (Same As Radioddity GD-77)

TYT have a new radio, the MD-760, which is their own branded version of the popular budget DMR radio the Radioddity GD-77 (Or should that be the other way round? It's so hard to tell these days!)

Features are expected to be the same as the GD-77:

Price is unknown but the GD-77 sells for under £80 here in the UK so I would expect a similar price. 

CB Radio - Southern Net 28/09/17

Video: YouTube/CT2116 Tim

Some action from the weekly Southern Net here in the UK. Conditions appear to have been particularly good this time....

Vortex Quasar Q82 MKII "On Air" Tests

Video: YouTube/M0OGY

Dave does some 'On-Air' tests of the new Vortex Quasar Q82 MkII

Moonraker Minor II and Major 42 @ Dave's

Dave, M0OGY, has posted a photo of himself holding two radios from Mooraker. The Minor II and the Major 42 handheld.

Dave tells me that he will be reviewing these radios soon, so look out for videos on his YouTube channel.

The Moonraker Minor II is priced at around £49

The Moonraker Major 42 Handheld is priced at around £79

Moonraker Major CB Handheld @ Knights

The new Moonraker Major42 is vow available from Knights here in the UK. Priced at a very reasonable £79.50

• UK & EU channels + Multi Norms
• Scanning facility
• Dual Watch
• Keylock
• Power Save Function
• External speaker/mic socket
• Hi/Low Power
• Digital S-Meter
• Removable Battery Case

Link to Knights Website: CLICK HERE

Vortex Quasar Q82 MK II Review (Part 3)

Video: YouTube/M0OGY

Dave takes another look at the new Vortex Quasar Q82 MkII 10/11/12m antenna along with the new MM0CUG two section mast.

Introduction to the IC-7610 SDR HF Transceiver

Video: YouTube/Icom



A quick look at the new Icom IC-7610

The Big Net - 36 Years Of Legal CB Radio In The UK

Yes it's almost that time of the year again when CB radio operators all over the UK get together to celebrate the anniversary of the legalisation of the UK CB radio system.

Way back in 1981 the UK gained access to legal CB radio after many years of illegal use of imported American radios. The UK was allocated a unique band comprising 40 channels using Frequency Modulation (UK40). 

Later, rules were relaxed and the EU (Mid) band was also granted again using Frequency Modulation only. Now of course AM and SSB are also legal here in the UK on the EU band and we still have our UK40 band to use as well. 

So why not join the celebration? 

MAIN NET: 36 years of legal UK CB radio on Thursday 2nd November 2017 19:00 - 22:00 hours (BST) on Ch36 UKFM (27.95125Mhz). 

Optional: 

AM Calling on Ch14 EU (27.125Mhz)*

SSB Calling on Ch27 EU (27.275Mhz)*

* Please QSY once contact is made

Special Event: Eastern Counties Net 16th/17th September 2017

   (Click to enlarge)

Celebrating the first year anniversary of the UK's Eastern Counties Net who have a special event this weekend, so listen out for 26FI420(Richard) and 26FI242(Justin) operating under the special callsign of 26FI/ECN.

They will be using USB between 27.365 and 27.445Mhz.

Accessing The 5Mhz (60m) Band On The Yaesu FT-991

A quick video to show you how to access the newly added 5Mhz (60m) band on the Yaesu FT-991 following the recent firmware update (Dated 06/09/2017).

The update files can be downloaded from the Yaesu website. Updates are available for the FT-891, FT-991, FT-991A, FTdx1200, FTdx3000 and the FTdx5000.

However, a suggestion to Yaesu....

While I'm sure we all welcome this update why was it done in such a mess of a way? 

Why does the 5Mhz band not have its own band button on the screen? 

Is it due to the screen being full?

The very least you could do is change the '14' button to display '14/5'

If it is because the screen is full why not give 5Mhz its own button and combine the AIR and MW bands on one button instead as shown in my mock-up below?

Yaesu Radios Get 5Mhz Band Update

Yaesu have announced a firmware update for several radios which adds the 5Mhz (60m) band.

Updates are available for the FT-891, FT-991, FT-991A, FTdx1200, FTdx3000 and the FTdx5000.

Link to files: YAESU WEBSITE (Link goes to FT-991 files, for other radios select your radio from the links on the page)

Update notes (Referring to the FT-991)

* The 5 MHz amateur band is updated for the FT-991 as follows: US / EXP / CHN / AUS versions 

1. By pressing and holding the band key [14/5], the 5 MHz band can now be selected. 

2. The three 5 MHz band stacks are called up by successively pressing and holding the

[14/5] Band Key. (Transmission/Reception operation in 5 MHz band in each version does not change)

UK version transceiver which can transmit 5 MHz in USB mode 

1. By pressing and holding the band key [14/5], the 5 MHz band can now be selected. 

2. The three 5 MHz band stacks are called up by successively pressing and holding the [14/5] Band

Key. 

3. VFO operation Transmit in all modes is now possible at frequencies of 5.250.0MHz - 5.406.5MHz.

EU transceiver which can not currently transmit 5 MHz 

1. By pressing and holding the band key [14/5], the 5 MHz band can now be selected. 

2. The three 5 MHz band stacks are called up by successively pressing and holding the [14/5] Band

Key. 

3. 5.351.5MHz - 5.366.5MHz frequencies, VFO operation Transmit in all modes is now possible.

NOTE: For the 5 MHz band, please operate according to Regulation of each country and license of customer.

To access the 5Mhz band on my FT-991 following the update all you need to do is press and hold the '14' button on the band select screen to gain access.

I feel the display should have been altered to display 14/5 instead of just 14 or even better the whole band select screen should have been reorganised but maybe that will come in a future update.

President McKinley Audio Test

Video:YouTube/cbradiomagazine

This video from cbradiomagazine on YouTube demonstrates the TX audio on the President McKinley with the stock microphone and then a power microphone. The receive radio is a President Lincoln 2.

President really need this to be a winning radio after the disappointment of the Grant 2 and the disastrous Lincoln 2(Mk1) and I must say the radio sounds pretty good to my ears even with the stock mic. Now lets see if President bring this radio out in EU configuration at some point in the future.

President McKinley USA Clarifier Unlock Mod

Video:YouTube/MikesRadioRepair

So despite rigourous FCC rules and regulations it would appear that it is possible to unlock the clarifier on the new President McKinley CB Radio.....

Next step I guess is to add a few more bands and hey presto you have a really good multi channel radio!

NEW: ICOM IC-9700 @ Tokyo 2017

Video:YouTube/JI1ATUjr

Icom's new IC-9700 seen at the Tokyo Ham Fair 2017. This is a prototype so there are not many details as yet but the radio will cover the 144Mhz, 432Mhz and 1.2Ghz bands.

Price and further information will follow in due course no doubt!

President McKinley AM/SSB - New 2017 CB Radio Review

Video:YouTube/cbradiomagazine

TYT MD-9600 DMR Radio: First Look/Testing

Video:YouTube/AirWavz KG4VDZ

A first look at the new TYT MD-9600, a radio which looks as if it will be very popular amongst DMR users.

Retevis RT21 Production Process

Video: YouTube/Ailunce

Saving Lives With Amateur Radio

Video:YouTube/M6 MGE

A video from Mike, M6MGE, which highlights a unique feature of Amateur Radio and radio communications in general, the ability to assist in an emergency and in this case quite possibly saving a young girls life.

The video is fairly self explanatory and worth watching right to the end. Mike took the emergency call via the GB3WR repeater located on the Mendip Hills in South West England, and proceeded to contact the emergency services. 

I personally think that Mike did a fantastic job here and to be honest I'm not sure that I could have been so calm and professional in such circumstances.

Very well done Mike you are a credit to the hobby!

   

Yaesu System Fusion II FAQ's

Following the news on the blog that Yaesu are planning an update to their System Fusion radios they have posted some FAQ's on their USA Facebook page which gives an insight into their plans:

(Click to enlarge)

Yaesu FT991 VHF UHF Extended Transmit

Video:YouTube/Jed Deadlock

An interesting video which appears to show a way to change a European FT-991 to the USA operating version with expanded 2m and 70cm coverage.

Please be aware you may damage your radio and I DO NOT recommend modifying radios so you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Yaesu Announces System Fusion II

So it would appear that Yaesu are about to make a major update to their C4FM Digital range of radios as an advert has appeared online which seems to be advertising 'System Fusion II'

   (Click To Enlarge)

As you will see at the bottom of the advert it states that 'Firmware updates will enable System Fusion II compatibility with all existing C4FM products" so if, like myself, you have a C4FM enabled radio be on the lookout for some updates hopefully in the near future!

As to what System Fusion II offers.... Only time will tell!

Space Station YOTA Contact 08/08/2017

Following a failed attempt at 18:38 GMT the RSGB/YOTA team made a successful contact with the Space Station on the next pass at 20:15 GMT.

Contact as heard by M0UKD who lives close enough to the ground station to hear both sides of the contact:

And as heard by Carl Gorse in the Teesside Area of the UK:

Space Station Contact Fails Due To Technical Problems

Unfortunately, this evenings scheduled Space Station contact at 19:38 hours BST failed due to technical problems!

The RSGB/YOTA team attempted to make contact for several minutes before reluctantly having to give up. 

Below is a short clip from the RSGB live stream:

UPDATE: A second attempt was made during the next flyover and this time a succesful contact was esablished - Video will appear on the blog in due course.

Mobility Scooter Mobile!

An interesting idea from "Mikedabike Faulkner" on Facebook who is now able to operate Mobility Scooter Mobile!

New Version CRT SS9900 @ Knights

Breaking news today is that Doug at Knights Electrocom in the UK has the latest version of the CRT SS9900 in stock.

Vortex Q82 MKII Antenna Review (Part 2)

Video:YouTube/M0OGY

More from Dave and his massive erection!

Radioddity GD-77 Dual Band DMR Handheld Only £76.99!

Seen on Amazon UK at  what appears to be a very reasonable price. Not seen or tried one of these yet so cannot comment on performance but it might be worth a punt!

Upcoming Space Station Contact

An International Space Station ARISS contact is planned for astronaut Paolo Nespoli IZ0JPA, using the call sign NA1SS and the Youngsters on the Air (YOTA) event, call sign GB4YOTA, taking place in Gilwell Park, UK.

The contact is scheduled for Tuesday 8th August 2017 at approximately 18:38 GMT/19:38 BST. This will be a direct radio contact, operated by GB4YOTA.

Signals from the Space Station can be recieved on 145.800Mhz FM across much of Europe.

GB5RC - Radio Caroline Special Event Station

Celebrating 50 years of offshore radio broadcasting listen out for a special event station located on board The Ross Revenge near Bradwell-On-Sea in Essex, UK, the home of Radio Caroline. 

Operating on 80m, 40m, 20m, and possibly on other bands depending on conditions, the station with the callsign GB5RC will be active until the early hours of Monday morning (07/08/2017).

More information can be found here: CLICK

Vortex Q82 MKII Antenna Review (Part 1)

Video:YouTube/M0OGY

Dave takes a look at the new Vortex Q82 MKII antenna.

New President JFK II A+ 10M Radio

New from President USA is the President JFK II A+ AM/FM 10M radio with a nice 50 watts output!

Work The Leyland Tank 30/07/2017

So fingers crossed for some propagation today as we have a special event where you may be able to 'Work The Leyland Tank'.

Located near Tank Roundabout in Lancashire, UK this Centurion tank is one of several vehicles featured in a 'Welcome To Leyland' collection which remembers the historic heritage of the local area and for one day only a special DX event will take place from the tank so pin back your ears on channel 40 UKFM from 13:00 hours (BST).

Below is a video of the tank being put into place in 2011 (Having being moved a short distance due to road works on the roundabout):

TYT MD-2017 £10 OFF @ Nevada

With thanks to Mike Devereux of Nevada Radio who tells me that they have the new TYT MD-2017 dual band DMR handheld radio in stock and if you mention "Delboy's Blog" you can get a £10 discount off the standard price.

Nevada website link: CLICK HERE

UKFM Skip!

Video:YouTube/fredintheshed1

A nice contact to Germany by Fred (In the shed) during a recent sporadic E opening on the UKFM band. 

Dave's Massive Erection - Vortex Q82 MkII

Dave, M0OGY has posted photos on Facebook showing his new Vortex Q82 MkII antenna for the 10/11/12m bands which measures a whopping 28ft long!

TX Factor - Episode 17 (TXF017)

Video:YouTube/TX Factor

The latest episode of TX Factor which looks at Digital Modes and QSL cards.

How To Make A Dipole For CB Radio

Video:YouTube/26CTX1059

Building a DMR Code Plug For The TYT MD 2017

Video: YouTube/AirWavZ KG4VDZ

27.135Mhz German SSB Calling Channel!

Following on from the recent UK Facebook page which aims to promote the UK SSB Calling Channel on 27.275 USB (LINK), our friends in Germany have decided to do the same by launching a Facebook page for a German SSB Calling Channel on 27.135Mhz USB (Channel 15 Mid Band).

You can find the page on Facebook here: CLICK

Please join and share the page with your radio friends. 

Ailunce HD1 - Another Dual Band DMR Radio!

Information sent via Twitter is that there is yet another new kid on the block when it comes to dual band DMR radios... The Ailunce HD1 by Retevis.

   (Click to enlarge)

And some great news is that this radio has a VFO mode with direct frequency entry (See Video):

   (Click to enlarge)

Price: TBA