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24 December 2020

Merry Christmas and A Brexit New Year!

 

Well this year has certainly been one to remember, mostly for all the wrong reasons, however the extra time indoors has reignited people's love for radio. Indeed, radio has been a lifeline for many, helping to take away the loneliness of a locked-down world. 

We've made it to Christmas and the New Year is in sight. A Brexit deal is done and the Covid vaccinations are in full swing (At least they are here in the UK... Come on Europe, Catch Up!).

So I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy New Year.


Delboy



17 December 2020

Yaesu FT-991A and FTDX10 Size Comparison

 

A photo showing the size of the new Yaesu FTDX10 in relation the existing FT-991A has been posted by John Kruk or Yaesu USA.

The more I see of this new radio the more I like it but personally I would have liked to have seen the 2m and 70cm bands included in the radio. 


13 December 2020

Stateside Skip - 3000 Mile Contact

Video:YouTube/Farpoint Farms

Some recent CB Radio action from across the pond....

President Adams FCC CB Radio

Video:YouTube/Bells CB

Bells CB take a look at the new President Adams FCC CB Radio.

- 40 channels AM
- Up/down channel selector
- Volume adjustment and ON/OFF
- Manual squelch and ASC
- Multi-functions LCD display
- S-meter
- ANL filter , NB 
- F function key
- Beep Function
- Roger Beep
- EMG programmable
- Talkback
- Public Address
- Microphone Dynamic / Electret 
- Front microphone plug
- External loudspeaker jack

8 December 2020

Wouxun KG-UV8G 4m/2m Handheld

Video:YouTube/Stephen Legg

Many thanks to Stephen who dropped me a line telling me about his latest video which features the new Wouxun KG-UK8G handheld.

This is certainly an interesting looking radio which provides an easy route to operating on the very underused 4m band. 

Myself, I've had a 4m handheld for a couple of years but can count on one hand the number of stations heard. Interest in 4m is certainly increasing so it might be the time to get up to the top of a hill and give out a call.

Anyway, the radio sells for £99.95 here in the UK and is available from Martin Lynch & Sons.

  • Main Features:

  • Dulex Repeater 
  • Memory Channels 999
  • QT/DQT Encoding / Decoding , QT / DQT Scan
  • VOX and SOS Funcion
  • Multi Definition for Sidekeys
  • Incoming Message Display Caller ID display
  • DTMF Encoding and Decoding
  • All Calls , Group Calls And Selective Calls
  • Dual Display ,Two Independent Operation System
  • Large Color Screen
  • Duplex Work Mode and Dual Receiving
  • Cross Band Repeater
  • Power on Message Editable
  • Wide / Narrow Bandwidth Selection (25KHZ / 12.5KHz)
  • Chinese and English Voice Guide
  • Chinese and English Screen Display
  • Bright Flashlight illumination
  • Reverse Frequency
  • Single-Tone Pulse Frequency : 1000 / 1450 / 1750 / 2100Hz
  • Stopwatch
  • Remote Alarm
  • Priority Scan Function
  • Voice Encryption and Non-Standard CTCSS/DCS
  • Voice Compander

7 December 2020

International Space Station Contact 07/12/2020



A video from today's school contact with the Space Station....

6 December 2020

Croatia Gets 40MHz (8m Band)

 


News over the weekend is that Croatia has become the latest in a very short list of countries allowed to use the 40MHz (8m) band with operators given an experimental 1-Year license to use 40.660 - 40.670MHz.

Croatia is now the fifth country in which it is possible to operate legally on 40 MHz. Ireland, Slovenia & South Africa have allocations on the band, Lithuania also allocates spot frequencies for experimental purposes.


5 December 2020

Midland GB1 PMR446 Overview & Test

Video:YouTube/UK CB radio servicing

A couple of interesting videos from Richard at UK CB Radio Servicing about the only legal mobile PMR446 radio on the market, the Midland GB1....



I must say, the real life test was very disappointing, especially when you consider the cost of these little radios.

NEW CB Radio - MIDLAND 88 Arriving Soon!

 


Nevada Radio here in the UK have announced they will have the new Midland 88 CB Radio available soon.

Features:

• CB DIN SIZE
• AM/FM Multiband
• Ultra thin, only 77mm
• 12/24V power supply
• 3 different supports supplied: fixing bracket, DIN bracket, suction cup mount
• Aluminium chassis
• Wide colour TFT display
• Automatic digital squelch adjustable on several levels
• Emergency channels 9/19
• Noise Blanker and HIC Filters
• Automatic switch-on
• 4 channel memories
• PA function
• UP/DOWN/Priority channel microphone
• S-Meter
• Dual Watch, Roger Beep
• 6-pin microphone connector
• Weight: 677g
• Dimensions: 188x77x57mm

Price: £159.95 (That's a fair bit for an AM/FM radio!)

Link to Nevada Website: CLICK HERE

4 December 2020

International Space Station Contact 04/12/2020


A video of todays Space Station contact as heard from the North Of England....

3 December 2020

Upcoming Space Station Contact 07/12/2020

 

ARISS contact with school in Ireland:
  
An ARISS educational school contact is planned for Shannon Walker KD5DXB with students at Athlone Community College, Athlone, Ireland.

The contact is scheduled on Monday December 7, 2020 at approximately 14.50 UTC/BST.

Downlink signals will be audible in Europe on 145.800 MHz FM.

2 December 2020

Yaesu FTDX10 - First Video

Video:YouTube/Fukuoka Product

A short video showing the new Yaesu FTDX10 in action.....


Yaesu FTDX10 / FT-991A Size Comparison


Photos which are are doing the rounds on Facebook today show the size comparison between the new Yaesu FTDX10 and the older FT-991A.



I really do like the look of the new radio it's just a shame there's no 2m or 70cm....

 

27 November 2020

Yaesu FTDX10 Official Brochure

 





     (Click images to enlarge)





Upcoming Space Station Contact 04/12/2020

 


"An ARISS educational school contact is planned for Victor Glover KI5BKC with students at Scuola Secondaria di I grado “Anna Frank”, Pistoia, Italy.

The contact is scheduled on Friday December 4, 2020 at approximately 12.25 UTC/GMT.

The link to the ISS will be operated by the amateur radio ground station IK1SLD, located in northern Italy.
Downlink signals will be audible in Europe on 145.800 MHz FM."

Information from ISS Fan Club


25 November 2020

Thunderpole BLACK FRIDAY EVENT

 

Thunderpole, here in the UK, have launched a selection of deals in their "Black Friday Event"


You can take a look by following this link: CLICK HERE




24 November 2020

Mid-Wales DX Group Christmas DX and FREE Prize Draw

Here we have a self-explanatory notice from the guys in the Mid-Wales DX Group with your chance to win a Radio, mag-mount and antenna. So if you are in range of their net why not get on the air and given them a shout. They operate every Thursday evening on 27.365 USB. Please note the prize draw takes place on Thursday 10th December ONLY.


 

Icom IC-705 on CB and PMR446

Video:YouTube/F8DSN

An interesting video showing the Icom IC-705 operating on CB and PMR446 frequencies. 

This really is a very versatile radio. 

Yaesu FTDX10 - REAL PHOTOS!

 

Here we have the first 'Real Life' photos of the new Yaesu FTDX10 which are currently circulating on Facebook.

It's a nice looking radio, very similar in appearance to the 991A, it's just a pity it hasn't got 2m and 70cm.....



   (Click images to enlarge)


9 November 2020

39 Years of Legal CB - Amstrad 901

Video:YouTube/104's World

Another cracking video from Gary as he celebrates 39 years of legal UK CB Radio on 2nd November 2020.... 

4 November 2020

NEW - President Andy II FCC

 

Looks like President have another radio in the pipeline for their American customers...

The President Andy II FCC

4 Watts AM 

26.965 - 27.405

DUE EARLY 2021


So nothing exciting but good to see that they continue to invest in the hobby.




3 November 2020

CB Anniversary Net - Fred In The Shed!

Video:YouTube/Fred In The Shed

Fred In The Shed and the gang celebrate 39 years of legal UK CB Radio in style on 2nd November 2020.....

Up here in the North East we had around 20 stations on channel 39. A great turnout with lots of reminiscing about the good old days of 1980's CB Radio.....

2 November 2020

CB Radio Anniversary TONIGHT!

 

Tonight is the night!

From 7pm (Local Time) stations all across the UK will take to the air on channel 39 UKFM (27.98125Mhz) to celebrate 39 years since the legalisation of CB Radio.

For those who like a bit of sideband action there is an alternative net on channel 39 midband (27.395Mhz) USB.

This could be the last chance to get up the hills before the UK goes into lockdown once more on Thursday due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation so dig out those radios (Extra points if you use an original 1981 set) and join in with the fun.....   


30 October 2020

NEW RADIO: Yaesu FT-DX10

 
Yaesu have announced a new radio which is due December 2020 - The Yaesu FT-DX10.

It's an SDR (Software Defined Radio) and covers the HF+6m+4m bands.

Price expected to be around £1549




(Click image to enlarge)


Yaesu Announcement:

FTdx-10

We are pleased to introduce the FTDX10, a new long-waiting compact HF/50/70Mhz 100W SDR Transceiver!

- Hybrid SDR Configuration

Like the FTDX101 series, the new FTDX10 utilizes the Yaesu Hybrid SDR configuration - Narrow Band SDR and Direct Sampling SDR. The Narrow band SDR receiver emphasizes excellent receiver performance, while the Direct Sampling SDR provides a Digital Processing Real-Time Spectrum Scope.

- Narrow Band SDR with 3 types of Roofing Filters and Phenomenal Multi-signal receiving Characteristics

Like the FTDX101 series, the Down Conversion type receiver configuration with the first IF at 9MHz has been adopted. It makes it possible to incorporate excellent narrow bandwidth crystal roofing filters that have the desired sharp “cliff edge” shape factor. Thanks to the Narrow Band SDR with the latest circuit configuration including 500Hz, 3kHz and 12kHz roofing filters and low-noise oscillator, the RMDR (Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range) reaches 116dB or more, the close-in BDR (Blocking Dynamic Range) reaches 141dB or more, and 3rd IMDR (third-order Intermodulation Dynamic Range) reaches 109dB or more, in the 14MHz band at 2kHz separation.

- 250MHz HRDDS (High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer) affords Quiet and Clear Reception

The local circuit of the new FTDX10 uses 250MHz HRDDS method same as the FTDX101 series. Thanks to its characteristics that improve the C/N (carrier to noise) ratio and the careful selection of components in the design, the phase noise characteristic of the local signal achieves an excellent value of -145dB or less in 14MHz at 2kHz separation.

- 3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream) on the 5-inch Full-Colour TFT Display with Touch-Panel Functionality

The 5-inch Full-Colour panel shows the 3DSS display. By touching the frequency display, the numeric keypad is displayed, and the active band and frequency adjustment can be set by direct input. Frequency setting and adjustment can also be performed by turning the MAIN dial or touching the scope display. Similar to the FTDX101 series, the MULTI display, RX operation status display, Center, FIX and Cursor modes are available.

- Front Panel Designed for Superior Operating Efficiency

MPVD (Multi-Purpose VFO Outer Dial), is a large multi-purpose ring around the outside of the VFO dial that enables control of Clarifier, C/S (custom selection function) and recall of memory channels.

- Remote Operation with optional LAN unit (SCU-LAN10)

Remote operation of the transceiver is possible with the optional SCU-LAN10 and SCU-LAN10 Network Remote Control Software. In addition to controlling the transceiver basic operations, the versatile scope displays enable sophisticated operation such as monitoring the band conditions on a large display at a location away from the ham shack by connection to a home LAN network.

The features of the new FTDX10 include:

- 15 separate band pass filters

- Effective QRM rejection with the IF DSP (IF SHIFT/WIDTH, IF NOTCH DNF, DNR, COUNTOUR)

- High-quality and super stable final amplifier utilizing the new push-pull MOSFET RD70HUP2

- Aluminium Heat Sink with 80mm low-noise axial flow cooling fan

- High Speed Automatic Antenna Tuner with a large capacity 100-channel memory

- RF & AF Transmit Monitor

- Microphone Amplifier with Three-stage parametric Equalizer (SSB/ AM mode)

- QMB (Quick Memory Bank)

- Band Stack Function

- Optional speaker – SP-30 designed for the new FTDX10

- Optional roofing filter (300Hz) – XF-130CN available






29 October 2020

39 Years of UK CB Radio

Video:YouTube/Fred In The Shed

A great video from the one and only 'Fred In The Shed' who looks forward to the 39th Anniversary of legal CB Radio in the UK on 2nd November 2020....

24 October 2020

Build a Homebrew Gainmaster (Again)

Video:YouTube/Mike-M0MSN

Ever fancied making your very own Gainmaster CB/10m antenna? Well take a look at this excellent video from Mike, M0MSN....


21 October 2020

39 Years of Legal CB!

Video:YouTube/104's World

Gary looks forward to the anniversary of legal CB radio in the UK on 2nd November 2020...

9 October 2020

PROCOMM PT99 £109.95

 


Another antenna and possible Antron 99 replacement - The PROCOMM PT99

Available from PJBOX here in the UK, priced at £109.95 


PROCOMM PT99 PROTON CB HAM FIBERGLASS BASE ANTENNA 10M 11M 12M

PROCOMM PT99 PROVIDES COMPETITION STYLE PERFORMANCE WHILE BEING LIGHT ON THE POCKET. RATED AT 2000 WATTS, AND DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND THE ELEMENTS, THIS BASE ANTENNA OFFERS HIGH PERFORMANCE WITH THE ADDED BENEFIT OF BEING ABLE TO BREAK IT DOWN INTO 4 SECTIONS.

SPECIFICATIONS:

CB BASE STATION ANTENNA
2000 WATT P.E.P
FOUR SECTION
18' 6" TALL
OMNI-DIRECTIONAL
1/2 WAVE
10-12 METER
THREADED RINGS OFFER PRECISE TUNING
RUGGED 4-PIECE FIBERGLASS CONSTRUCTION WITH CHROME PLATED FERRULES
MOUNTING HARDWARE INCLUDED
MADE IN USA
COLOR: WHITE




30 September 2020

WIN A Yaesu FT-891 and Power Supply

 

The guys over at CHARLIE TANGO have an amazing Christmas raffle where you stand a chance of winning a brand new Yaesu FT-891 and 30 Amp power supply.

The raffle is open to Charlie Tango members only. Entry requires a payment of £20 per ticket. All terms and conditions are on the Charlie Tango website.

LINK: CLICK HERE


29 September 2020

Space Station Repeater 29/09/2020 (Yaesu FT-4X)


A short clip of the Amateur Radio repeater on board the International Space Station as heard on my Yaesu FT-4X Handheld radio. 

26 September 2020

CB Antenna TX Shootout!

Video:YouTube/104's Outdoors

Another antenna shootout video which continues to confirm that when it comes to CB Radio, The Longer - The Better! 

I've tested many over the years and I've always found that antennas of a similar length perform in a similar manner.  

I've never found any 5ft antenna which works better than my trusty old Half Breed and I've never found any 7ft antenna which works better than my original Firestick. These are the antenna of choice when I go mobile. 

PMR446 Floureon FC-200 Contacts

Video:YouTube/26-CT-842

At a time when many are using high power and large antennas on the band, here's a video showing what can be achieved with a standard PMR446 radio.... 

This is where the real fun is on 446, get to the top of a hill with a standard PMR446 handset and see how far you can get. Anyone can make the contact running 50 watts, see if you can do it on HALF A WATT!

21 September 2020

Now, That's What You Call A CB Radio Shop!

Video:YouTube/Mower Junkie

There can't be many CB radio shops left these days but here's a fine example!

Some serious wallet damaging gear to be had.....

11 September 2020

CB Radio Handheld Comparison

Video:YouTube/Paul McGee M0WNU

A nice comparison video between 3 CB radio handhelds.....

Tips And Guidance For New Amateur Radio Licencees

Video:YouTube/Ham Radio VLOG by M0XMX

New to the world of Amateur Radio? Well here's a brilliant video from Mike (M0XMX) with some very helpful tips and information....

I must say that the bandplan issue is something I've come across many times and on a personal note I think that the correct use of the available frequencies should feature more prominently in the foundation course. I have no criticism of the actual operators but it does appear to be recurring problem where new licencees simply do not know which parts of the band are allocated to specific modes or types of operation (repeaters etc).


9 September 2020

39 Years Of Legal UK CB Radio

 


It's nearly that time of the year again!

The CB Radio Anniversary Net takes place on 2nd November 2020, celebrating 39 YEARS of legal CB radio in the UK!

So dig out those radios and give a shout!

8 September 2020

International Space Station Amateur Radio Repeater


A short video clip of the newly installed Amateur Radio repeater which is now operational on-board the International Space Station. 

31 August 2020

CB Antenna TX Shootout!

Video:YouTube/104's Outdoors

Gary, 26CT104, is back with another CB antenna shootout....

Opek HCS-100 10/11m Antenna

Video:YouTube/CB Todde Live

Another look an the new 10/11m antenna from OPEK and even if you don't understand the language you should be able to get the gist of what is being said. The antenna certainly look to be well made.....

29 August 2020

OPEK HCS-100 First Look by Dr Awesome



Video:YouTube/DrAwesome

Here we have a first look at the new OPEK HCS-100 10/11m antenna. There's been a lot of interest in this antenna due to the claims about its build quality which is said to be very good.

I am certainly looking forward to seeing if it out-performs the Antron 99.....

27 August 2020

NEW 10/11m Antenna - OPEK HCS-100

 


Look out folks, there's a new 10/11m home base antenna on the block - The OPEK HCS-100

Described as being like the Antron 99 but with better build quality this is certainly an antenna which could prove popular.

FEATURES:

    • Durable fiberglass rods offer:
      - Water and weather proof; a must in saltwater areas
      - Durable construction withstands 90MPH(40M/SEC.) wind speed
      - Significantly reduced precipitate static and lower background noise
      - Excellent insulation; less interference from rain; sleet and snow
    • Insulation voltage: 14;500 Volts Max.
    • 3-section 5.72-meter(18.8FT) overall length; for easy installation
    • Mast diameter accepted: 30~62φmm (1-3/16"~ 2-7/16")
    • No ground plane design
    • Retractable adjusting of the whip length for working between 26-31MHz (Without cutting the whip)
    • Easy fine tuning with 2 built-in tuning rings
    • Built-in SUPER DURABLE ALUMINUM EXTRUSION MOUNTING BRACKET

Electrical Specifications

  • Gain .................................DC Ground 5.75 dB
  • VSWR ..............................Less than 1.15 for CB Band
  • ..............................Less than 1.5 throughout the entire bandwidth(after tuned)
  • Frequency ........................26~31 MHz
  • Polarization ......................Vertical
  • Impedance ...................... 50 Ohm
  • Power Capacity ...............2000 Watts
  • Configuration ....................Half Wave Over a Quarter Wave; Mutual Variable Transductance Tuning
  • Connector ....................SO-239 UHF JACK


Priced around £99 and now available here in the UK:

Knights CB: LINK
Moonraker: LINK


If you have one of these let me know how it performs... 

Is it an Antron Killer????





23 August 2020

Southern SSB Net - Winter Hill

Video:YouTube/26CTX2500

An interesting video from Paul, 26CTX2500 talking to the guys of the Southern Net on 20th August 2020.

17 August 2020

2m Activity Weekend

 


Self explanatory notice about an upcoming activity weekend here in the UK.

The event takes place on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August on the 2m band.


4 August 2020

PMR446 What's Legal? - OFFICIAL ANSWER!!!!



Further to my previous article on 29th June (LINK) we now have an OFFICIAL answer to the question.... Is it legal to use removable/external antennas on PMR446 radios?



Reply received today (04/08/2020) from OFCOM:

Firstly, please accept my apologies for the delay in your receiving a reply from Ofcom on this matter.

With regards to your query regarding use of antennas in PMR446 equipment, advice is to follow the text used in Interface Requirement 2030, we have noted your comment re the PMR446 Information Sheet and a revision will be issued to avoid confusion on this matter.

IR2030 https://www.ofcom.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/84970/ir-2030.pdf

IR2030/34 PMR446 equipment is hand portable (no base station or repeater use) and uses integral antennas only in order to maximise sharing and minimise interference. PMR 446 equipment operates in short range peer-to-peer mode and shall be used neither as a part of infrastructure network nor as a repeater.


So that's it folks, the legal position is that PMR446 radios must have integral (Non-Removable) antennas. Great news also is that they will review and amend the PMR446 Information Sheet which caused some of the confusion.

The reply from OFCOM didn't go into the situation regarding non-standard radios but the above answer does mean that any radios used must meet the PMR446 specifications. In particular, radios must have FIXED antennas and must not have a power output greater than 500mw.
 



31 July 2020

Yaesu FR-450D Discontinued?



Word on the street is that the popular Yaesu FT-450D has been discontinued due to 'parts issues', the same reason given for the demise of the 817, 857 and 897 models.

So maybe Yaesu have a new budget radio in the works.... I would certainly like to see a direct replacement for the 857D, the 891 was close but with no VHF or UHF it didn't quite hit the mark....

Come on Yaesu get your finger out, people have cash waiting! 

21 July 2020

Upcoming Space Station Contact



An ARISS school contact is planned with students of American School of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the students will be talking with the ISS from their homes over phone lines.

The ISS callsign is presently scheduled to be OR4ISS and the scheduled astronaut is Chris Cassidy KF5KDR. Contact is go for: 

Thursday 30 July 2020, 16:41 UTC / 17:41 BST.

Downlink signals will be audible over Western Europe on 145.800 MHz narrow-band FM; contact will be in English. RX only! (Credit: AMSAT.)


20 July 2020

CB Antenna Shootout

Video:YouTube/104's Outdoors

With CB antennas, the longer the better is the the general rule, but top loading can make a difference. So here we have a straight forward shootout between a collection of small-mediuim sized antennas...

13 July 2020

69Mhz VHF CB Radio Event (Sweden)


News from Sweden and the 69Mhz CB radio guys are planning an event on Friday 24th July between 19:00 - 20:00 Swedish time, which is 18:00 - 19:00 UK time:

Here is the Google translated text from their website which you can visit by CLICKING HERE


"Friday 24-July at 19:00-20:00.
Soon it's time for the 3rd "High Activity" evening at 69MHz.
When the other evenings were a success, we run every month until further notice.

Add July 24-July to your calendar.
Some background info:
The proposal came up in the Facebook group "69MHz Sweden" that if you could activate Sweden from high places. Radio group Tellus had a similar activity a few years ago. A lot of people took this proposal, so let's go.

There was also a suggestion that fox hunting can be run from the high

places. And you can do that if you want, it's up to the people who go out to decide.
What does it mean?

Those with the opportunity & will go up in some high place in their vicinity, bring radio & ev. antenna or transmitting from the car.
Those who don't want to go out, sit at home and talk. Hopefully many can be out & running at the same time & there will be activity on the radio & you hopefully get long distance contacts.
We'll drop it off with a special call.
A good idea is to drive with his Scandinavia SSB call, when the letter gossips which county you are in.
Remember to switch from channel 8 to prevent disturbing others.
Join and activate 69MHz this evening you too!
Before & after the 69MHz test, many will certainly run both 27MHz, 2Meter & maybe other bands.

Well met on the

air!
Spread this to your radio friends!
69MHz Sweden on Facebook.
preliminary we run the 4th activity Friday xx August"

69Mhz CB Radio Frequency List:



10 July 2020

NEW - President Barry 2 CB Radio


President have announced an updated version of the President Barry, imaginatively titled the President Barry 2.

With the cost expected to be similar to the existing Barry.

Features:

- 40 channels AM / FM
- 12 / 24 V
- Up/down channel selector
- Volume adjustment and ON/OFF
- Manual squelch and ASC
- Multi-functions LCD display
- S-meter
- Public Address
- Talkback
- ANL filter, NB
- Compander
- F function key
- Beep Function
- Roger Beep
- VOX
- Noise Gate
- Mode switch AM / FM
- Preset channel programmable
- TOT (Time out timer)
- Front microphone plug
- External loudspeaker jack


Manual can be downloaded HERE

9 July 2020

Icom IC-705 Teardown

Video:YouTube/CQチャンネル!!

Fancy a look inside the new Icom IC-705? Well, this video is well worth a watch!