NEW - President Richard On The Way? (UPDATED)

This would appear to be a new radio... The President Richard (Or Richard 2 if you go by the image names on the President website). The photo was spotted on Twitter and kindly sent to me this morning.

Looks like this is another 10/12M AM/FM radio!!!!!

NO SSB!!!!!!!

(Yes unlike it's previous incarnation which did have SSB) 

Quite bizarre!!!! President don't seem to have learned from their "President Ronald 10/12m" radio, even though they ended up dropping the "10/12m" from its name recently! 

Price is not known as yet but as with the Ronald it is likely to be too high and likely to fall rapidly in the first couple of months on sale. 

Let's be honest - THIS IS A CB RADIO NOT A HAM RADIO. AM/FM only is no good to HAM operators and it's good to see others coming round to this way of thinking at long last instead of blindly recommending certain radio brands to their readers.

UPDATE: Pictures and specs from the President Website

- Rotary switch channel selector

- Volume adjustment and ON/OFF

- RF Power

- Manual squelch and ASC

- Multi-functions LCD display (Normal or Negative)

- Frequencies display

- S-meter

- Public Address

- ANL filter, NB and HI-CUT

- RF Gain / Mike gain

- Scan

- Talkback

- MENU function key

- Beep Function

- Roger Beep

- Mode switch AM/FM

- Tone

- VFO Mode (continuous scanning of 24.890 Mhz to 24.990 Mhz and of 28.000 Mhz to 29.700 Mhz)

- Vox

- Echo

- Mic type electret / dynamic

- Key locking

- SWR (Power Reading /SWR)

- Preset emergency (EMG 1/2)

- TOT (Time Out Timer) adjustable

- Front microphone plug

- External loudspeaker jack

- USB 5V 2.1A

President Richard: LINK

PMR446 Goes 16 Channel from 21st March 2018

Confirmation from OFCOM today is that the UK PMR446 allocation will be extended to 16 channels (Analogue) and up to 32 channels (Digital) from 21st March 2018.

Baofeng Power Amplifier

Baofeng have launched a power amplifier (burner) which can easily be attached to your favourite handheld radio, with an output power of up to 40w. Basically turning your handheld into a home base.

There are 4 different version of the amplifiers depending on your needs:

(Click images to enlarge)
Prices range from $87 - $105
For full details follow this LINK

THE BIG NET: 4th Anniversary Of UKCB AM and SSB

Wednesday 27th June 2018 sees the 4th Anniversary of the legalisation of AM and SSB in the UK.

As part of the celebrations, some of the SSB weekly nets are getting together for what promises to be one of the best CB events ever to take place here in the UK.

Organised by Tom from The Midweek Net which operates every Wednesday on 27.255Mhz, the aim is to get stations operating from all 48 English counties on the same night. Stations from Scotland and Northern Ireland will also be encouraged take part.

"Wednesday 27th June 2018 is the 4th Anniversary of legal SSB in the UK and we plan to celebrate it in style with six regional nets designed to give everyone the chance to work as many English Counties as possible!

Our aim is to have portable stations active on high ground in all 48 English counties between 6pm and 10pm forming as part of six regional networks giving everyone the best chance to work as many counties as possible on the night.

The chair's of each net will be able to pass you round to the county station's on high spots up and down the land maximising everybody's chances of working parts of England you might not often hear on the 11m band

From Cornwall to Cumbria, Northumberland to Kent! Join us on Wednesday 27th June to wish SSB in the UK a Happy 4th Birthday.

And for those who can't get out Mid-week don't worry are encouraging anyone who would like to take to the hill's and activate their own County stations to do so on either Sunday surrounding the main event between 11am & 1pm on both Sundays there will be a chance to work many English county station as well!

Watch this space for more details, frequencies and info"

So spread the word and put the this BIG NET in your calender!!!!

President Goes Bluetooth

Video: YouTube/Klaus R.

Yaesu FT-818 @ Nevada

Nevada Radio have also announced that they are taking pre-orders for the new Yaesu FT-818. Priced at £629.95

Link to the Nevada Website: CLICK HERE

NEW PORTABLE RADIO FROM YAESU FT-818 Coming soon!`

Increased power output 6W (SSB, CW, FM) 2.0W (AM Carrier) 

Improved frequency stability ±0.5 ppm: Built-in TCXO-9 

Larger battery capacity: 9.6V/1900 mAh (SBR-32) 

5MHz band Operation available 

208 Memory Channels / 10 Memory Groups

Operates on 160-10m, HF, 6m, 2m and 70 cm Bands

Ultra-Compact and Portable

Two Antenna Connectors

IF Shift, IF Noise Blanker, IPO, ATT

CW "Semi-Break-in", CW Reverse, CW Pitch Control

Built-in Electronic Keyer

Multi-Colour Easy to see LCD

Internal Battery Operation Capability

ARS Automatic Repeater Shift

APO Automatic Power Off

Front Panel Key Lock Mode

Specifications:

Frequency Ranges: RX 100 kHz - 30 MHz

(Amateur Bands only) 50 MHz - 54 MHz

76 MHz - 108 MHz

87.5 MHz - 108 MHz

430 MHz - 440 MHz

TX 1.8 MHz - 54 MHz

C2 Version (5.2500 MHz - 5.4065 MHz) WRC-15 + UK

B2 Version (5.3515 MHz - 5.3665 MHz) WRC-15

144 MHz - 146 MHz

430 MHz - 440 MHz

Circuit Type: Double-Conversion Superheterodyne (SSB/CW/AM/FM)

Single-Conversion Superheterodyne (WFM)

Modulation Type: A1A(CW), A3E(AM), J3E(LSB, USB), F3E(FM), F1D(PACKET), F2D(PACKET)

RF Power Output: 6 W (SSB/CW/FM), 2 W (AM Carrier) @13.8 V

Memory Channels: 208

Case Size (W x H x D): 135 x 38 x 165 mm

w/o knob and connector

Weight: 900 g (w/o Battery, Antenna and Microphone)

Supplied Accessories:

Hand Microphone(MH-31A8J)

Battery (SBR-32 9.6V 1900mAh Ni-MH )

Battery Case (FBA-28) (Requires 8 "AA: batteries)

Whip Antenna for 50/144/430 MHz (YHA-63E

DC Cable (E-DC-6)

Shoulder Strap, Ferrite Core, Rubber Foot

Operating Manual

Battery Charger (PA-48U/C)

Yaesu FT-818 @ Martin Lynch & Sons

Information from the Martin Lynch & Sons Facebook page is that they are now taking pre-orders for the new Yaesu FT-818 which will be priced at £599.95 (Normal price: £629.95)

The radio is expected to be in stock in April 2018

Radio Features:

- Increased power output 6W(SSB, CW, FM) 2.0W(AM Carrier) *NEW!

- Improved frequency stability ±0.5 ppm : Built-in TCXO-9 *NEW!

- Larger battery capacity : 9.6V/1,900mAh (SBR-32) *NEW!

- 5MHz band (WRC-15 + UK frequency) Operation available *NEW!

- 208 Memory Channels / 10 Memory Groups

- Operates on 160-10m , HF, 6m, 2m and 70 cm Bands

- Ultra Compact and Portable

- Two Antenna Connectors

- IF Shift, IF Noise Blanker, IPO, ATT

- CW "Semi-Break-in", CW Reverse, CW Pitch Control

- Built-in Electronic Keyer

- Multi-Color Easy to see LCD

- Internal Battery Operation Capability

- ARS Automatic Repeater Shift

- APO Automatic Power Off

- Front Panel Key Lock Mode

Supplied Accessories:

Hand Microphone(MH-31A8J)

Battery (SBR-32 9.6V 1900mAh Ni-MH )

Battery Case (FBA-28) (Requires 8 "AA: batteries)

Whip Antenna for 50/144/430 MHz (YHA-63)

DC Cable (E-DC-6)

Shoulder Strap, Ferrite Core, Rubber Foot

Operating Manual

Battery Charger (PA-48)

Specifications:

Frequency Ranges: RX 100 kHz - 30 MHz

50 MHz - 54 MHz

76 MHz - 108 MHz

87.5 MHz - 108 MHz

430 MHz - 440 MHz

TX 1.8 MHz - 54 MHz

(5.2500 MHz - 5.4065 MHz) WRC-15 + UK

144 MHz - 146 MHz

430 MHz - 440 MHz (Amateur Bands only)

Circuit Type: Double-Conversion Superheterodyne (SSB/CW/AM/FM)

Single-Conversion Superheterodyne (WFM)

Modulation Type: A1A(CW), A3E(AM), J3E(LSB,USB), F3E(FM), F1D(PACKET), F2D(PACKET)

RF Power Output : 6 W (SSB/CW/FM), 2 W (AM Carrier) @13.8 V

Memory Channels: 208

Case Size(W x H x D): 135 x 38 x 165 mm w/o knob and connector

Weight: 900 g (w/o Battery, Antenna and Microphone)

Link to ML&S Website: CLICK HERE

ARISS QSO ISS Astronaut Scott Tingle OR4ISS with CS5DBB

Video:YouTube/M0GIW

A recording of a recent contact with the International Space station on 2m.....

Upcoming Space Station Contact 21/02/18

From the ARISS Twitter Feed:

"An International Space Station school contact has been planned with participants at Agrupamento de Escolas do Fundão, Fundão, Portugal on 21 Feb. Set for 09:38 UTC. The contact will be direct between OR4ISS and CS5DBB"

I'm assuming that they will be active on their usual frequency of 145.800MHZ FM.

Frequency Change For The East Midlands Net

News from Stuart who tells me that due to QRM issues the East Midlands Net will move to a new frequency from next week.

The net will now be on 27.235 (Channel 24) USB every Thursday so make sure you pop in to say hello.

Upcoming ISS School Contact 14/02/2018

An educational radio contact is planned with Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Gymnasium together with Vilniaus Jono Basanaviciaus Progymnasium, Vilnius, Lithuania.

The event is scheduled Wednesday 14 February 2018 at approximately 12:37 UTC/GMT.

The contact will be with ground station LY1BWB located in Vilnius, Lithuania, so the Downlink signals from Space will be audible over Europe on 145.800 MHz narrowband FM.

(Information from the ARISS Facebook Page)

West of Scotland Radio Nets

With thanks to Stuart who has sent information to the blog regarding the many nets which take place in the West of Scotland for CB and Amateur Radio:

Sunday: 8pm

Echolink MB7IBH-L & 144.9625 FM hosted by Glasgow & Clyde Raynet.

Monday: 8pm

144.550 FM hosted by Paisley amateur radio club net.

Tuesday: 8-10pm

Glasgow & district Ten metre net, 29.050 AM.

Wednesday: 8-10pm

Glasgow & district midweek CB ch14 net, 27.73125 FM.

Thursday 8-10pm

Glasgow & district 70cm net, 433.450 FM.

Friday 7-9pm

Clyde valley net, 27.405 USB.

Friday from 10pm

Clyde valley 2 metre net, 144.310 USB (vertical polarisation).

It certainly looks like there is plenty of activity in the area!

NEW Yaesu FT-818 (FT-817 Replacement)

So after many years of rumours (I remember hearing about it back in 2012) it would appear that Yaesu have a new radio in the pipeline to replace the FT-817.

Documents for the Yaesu FT-818 have appeared online which appear to show that the new radio is undergoing testing with a view to launch later in the year.

President Ronald 10/12M - How to get the UK band

Video:YouTube/Klaus R.

I don't think that there will be many UK operators who have parted with their hard earned cash for a President Ronald, but just in case, this is how to get the UK band.... It's like going back to the 70's!

President Bill CB Radio @ Nevada Soon

Nevada are now taking orders for the new President Bill 'Mini CB Radio'.

President Ronald 10/12m Unlock

Video:YouTube/Klaus R.

So in a moment of madness you've bought yourself a President Ronald and it's virtually useless on 10m or 12m so of course you need to expand it to cover 11m where it actually belongs......

Southern 3rd Anniversary Net

Video:YouTube/26CTX1837

NEW UK SSB Net! (Clyde Valley)

Great news is that yet another UK net has sprung up. This time it's in Scotland in the Clyde Valley area.

Their first net will take place on Friday 2nd February 19:00 - 21:00 hours (GMT) on 27.405 USB and will hopefully take place every Friday thereafter.

So if you are in the area or if there happens to be a bit propagation running, listen out for The Clyde Valley Friday Night Net!

You can also check out their Facebook page: CLICK HERE