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29 October 2023

President George II SERVICE/ENGINEERING MENU!

 


As the information is now freely available on the internet we can now feature it here.....

For those of you looking for the President George II service menu....

(FOR INFORMATION ONLY - USE AT YOUR OWN RISK)

PRESS PTT+F+TB AND TURN ON THE RADIO

DISPLAY WILL SHOW 'TEST'

RELEASE BUTTONS

PRESS NRC THEN ECHO THEN VOX

WARNING: THE SERVICE MENU MAY DAMAGE YOUR RADIO







PMR446 Halloween Net

All across the UK on 31st October!


28 October 2023

EXCLUSIVE: President George FCC - Confirmed!

 


Back in July 2023 we broke the news here on the blog that President were working on the George FCC (LINK) and now we have it confirmed, the George FCC will launch in the USA soon!


40 channel AM/FM/USB/LSB
26.965 - 27.405
4W AM/FM - 12W SSB
NRC (Noise Reduction Circuit)
VOX
USB Charging port
Memory Channels
Scan
Weather Channels
Talkback







Jopix CB-514 CB Handheld - Mini Review

 

Handheld CB radios appear to be all the rage recently with several models launching in a small space of time. 

The latest one to come through the doors of Delboy Towers is the Jopix CB-514 which is available from Moonraker, here in the UK. 

The Jopix CB-514 is a 40/80 channel multi-standrd radio with both AM and FM and a power output of 4w (High) and 1w (Low). It comes with a 'rubber duck' type antenna which is approximately 300mm long (10 inches in old money). The antenna attaches to the top of the radio via BNC connector. The radio has a good solid feel to it and is heavier than you might expect. All controls and buttons feel good with no wobbly knobs!

It has a backlit LCD display which includes channel, frequency, battery level and a signal meter along with indications for mode, power setting, squelch etc. The backlight can be turned on/off using one of the side keys just below the PTT.


There is a keypad on the front of the radio which is also illuminated so can be used in the dark.


The radio is powered by an 1800mAh lithium battery pack which is located in the rear of the radio. The battery is charged via a USB-C charger, just like those used to charge modern mobile phones. The radio can also be powered via an optional 'car adapter' if required. 


Other features include:

Squelch/Auto-Squelch(ASQ)

Roger Beep

Key Beep

Key Lock

VOX

LCR - Last Channel Recall

EMG 9/19

Scan

High/Low Power (4W/1W)

EXPORT MODE - 25.615 to 30.105 (Via keypress) 

NRC (Noise Reduction Circuit)


Left Side Buttons: PTT - High/Low Power - Backlight On/Off - Monitor
Right Side: Mic/Headphone Socket - USB Charging Socket


A quick word about the Export Mode....

This radio does include an Export Mode covering 25.615 - 31.105 however not all dealers supply the radio with this as standard so make sure you check before you buy. 

Moonraker supply this radio with Export Mode straight out of the box. 

   (Click to enlarge)

Export Mode can be accessed by pressing PTT and FUNC while turning on the radio, you are then presented with 6 options relating to different 'bands'. Option 2 provides the standard export channels (25.615 - 30.105) with option 3 giving the same but with '0' endings (25.610 - 30.100).

NOTE: The supplied antenna is tuned for the EU/UK bands and is not suitable for use outside of those frequencies, the SWR is likely to be very high, therefore be sure to use an alternative antenna if you intend to operate on other bands. 


Noise Reduction Circuit (NRC) - If there has been one real gamechanger in the CB radio world recently it has to be NRC. A type of Digital Noise Reduction previously only seen on Amateur Radio equipment. The Jopix has NRC and boy does it work... Stations down in the noise and barely readable suddenly come loud and clear when the NRC is engaged. Of course there is no miracle solution to all interference problems but the NRC on the Jopix certainly works very well and can make a real difference. 


A video showing what you get in the box:





On The Air:

When operating on a CB radio handheld you must have realistic expectations of what sort of performance you are going to get. The rubber duck antenna is a massive compromise on 27MHz. A half wave antenna on CB radio frequencies is about 5.5m long so a tiny little 30cm portable antenna is always going to struggle. DO NOT expect base station performance from a handheld!

Having said that the Jopix works amazingly well and much better than older CB radio handhelds from back in the day. The receive is excellent and skip contacts can be heard even indoors, although getting out into the open will improve reception massively. 

You can also buy a longer antenna such as the Albrecht CL27 which is about 54cm long or a telescopic antenna which is around 130cm long to help pull in signals. 



Transmission range, once again, is always going to be very limited from a handheld CB radio. On the supplied rubber duck expect a maximum range of 2 - 3 miles in a built up area when talking to a home base station but if you can get to an open space or to the top of a hill the range will increase significantly and users have reported contacts of over 20 miles from a good location. 

When testing the Jopix I received good audio reports from the people I spoke to, indeed they were surprised as to how good it sounded. Of course, don't expect base station performance, handhelds are always going to sound a little quieter. 

For maximum performance you can always connect you Jopix to a mobile or home base antenna using a BNC - PL259 adapter or the optional car adapter. You can also plug in an external microphone. 

Overall this is a very capable and versatile radio, and will surely give you many hours of fun. 

The radio is available from Moonraker in the UK and is priced at £84.95





27 October 2023

NEW Anytone AT-6666 II - Coming Soon?

 

So word on the street is that the new Anytone AT-6666 II may be on it's way soon!

Looking very similar to the Yaesu FTM-400xd, the radio covers 24.715 - 30.105MHz with AM/FM/USB/LSB and has a detachable front panel.

Certainly something very different to look forward to if true.

Other reports suggest that Anytone have abandoned this radio in favour of the 6666-Pro which is an updated version of the Anytone 6666 / CRT 9900.



 

25 October 2023

Blackpool CB and Amateur Convoy 2023

 

(Click to enlarge)

News of this years Blackpool CB and Amateur Convoy which takes place on Friday 27th October:

"Yes it's that time of year again! Join us for our 3rd annual illuminations convoy. This one never disappoints! 

It doesn't matter what your radio background is, Join us on 145.300MHz and channel 21 UKFM for general chit chat as we make our way to Blackpool and pass through the lights. Please read the flyer as all information is on it. Don't worry if your a little late, we always have a short pit stop at Lytham and if you like, why not sample some fish and chips at the end. 

We regroup at the end on Sainsburys car park on red bank road so if your local, why not come and say hi. Hope to see as many of you as possible"


21 October 2023

Jopix CB-514 Handheld CB - Does It Have Export Mode?


Thinking of buying the Jopix CB-514?

Make sure you check with your dealer first if you want export mode! 

17 October 2023

NEW MAAS KCB-H-1000

 

Yet another variation on a theme as the MAAS KCB-H-1000 enters the increasingly crowded handheld CB radio market!

It's currently unknown if this radio will have the export mode which is available on some other versions.

Price around €119



Moonraker Visit Hong Kong!

 

The Moonraker team have been travelling the world in search of new and exiting electronic devices and they have posted photos from their recent visit to the Hong Kong Electronics Fair.

"We've just returned from the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) 2023, and it was a fantastic experience!

The fair served as a hub of electronic wonders, showcasing everything from consumer electronics to computing and gaming, automotive electronics to robotics and unmanned tech.

We had the privilege of connecting with top industry suppliers, building relationships, and gaining valuable insights into cutting-edge technology, as well as the industry's upcoming trends and innovations.

Keep your eyes peeled for more content from this trip!"




See more on their Facebook Page : CLICK HERE

15 October 2023

Disappointed With CB Radio Handhelds? - You Shouldn't Be!

Video:YouTube/Ringway Manchester

Lewis takes a look at the recent upsurge in handheld CB radio use and explains why people shouldn't expect too much.

14 October 2023

Is it time to give 26MHz a go?

 

As the solar cycle heads towards its peak we find 27MHz literally filled with stations, especially on triple 5 which can become an absolute shambles with hundreds shouting over the top of each other. 

There is a solution, why not drop down to 26MHz onto the old 'Super Low' band which was very popular amongst users back in the 80's and 90's, and is much less crowded. 

The calling frequency is 26.285 USB (Channel 19 Super Low) but in recent years some users find they are battling against CODAR interference on that part of the band so an alternative frequency has been proposed by the '26MHZ CB Radio' Facebook page.

Their group frequency is 26.385 USB which is above the frequencies used by CODAR and just happens to be exactly 1MHz down from 27.385 (The North American LSB calling channel).

So pop down and give a shout, the clearer frequencies make it much easier to make good contacts. 

Also take a look at the '26Mhz CB Radio' Facebook Page: CLICK HERE 

10 October 2023

Jopix CB-514 With EXPORT/WIDEBAND

 


There appears to be some confusion regarding the Jopix CB-514 CB radio handset.

Reports from some users say that the EXPORT key press (Hold PTT and FUNC when turning on the radio) does not work on the Jopix CB-514, indeed some have been very insistent that the radio simply does not have export capabilities.

Well it turns out that it depends where you bought the radio from:

Some dealers supply the radio without export.

Some dealers supply the radio without export but offer it as a paid option. They likely do this by flashing the firmware to support export mode.

Some dealers simply supply the radio with the export mode available out of the box.  

I've been in touch with Moonraker who appear to be the main dealer in the UK for this particular radio and they have confirmed that they ship the radios with export mode available as standard. 


So you know what to do if you want a Jopix with export mode, get on the phone to Moonraker.

Link to Moonraker site: CLICK HERE 

Price: £84.95


And here's a video showing the export mod in use on the Jopix:

8 October 2023

Mobile Antenna Shoot Out - Scarlett Warrior v's Sirio 4000

Video:YouTube/Transmission1UK

Over 30 years of mobile operation at this end and I've always used my trusty Valor Half Breed antenna. I've simply not been able to find anything else of a similar length which can beat it.

And that's the simple truth with mobile CB antennas....  They are all a compromise and any two antennas of similar length will perform in a similar fashion. Don't believe all the hype, just go for the longest antenna you are comfortable using on your vehicle!
 

     The Valor Half Breed - My weapon of choice!


7 October 2023

CB Radio Anniversary - 42 Years of Legal UK CB - 02/11/23

 

It's that time of year again when stations all across the UK get on the air to celebrate the legalisation of CB radio in the UK!


All the action will take place on channel 27 UKFM (27.86125MHz) on 2nd November 2023 from 18:00 hours (UK Time).


Please remember to QSY if the channel is busy in your area. 


6 October 2023

JOPIX CB-514 CB Handheld (Export Mod)

Video:YouTube/Tech Minds

Hidden features and export mod on the Jopix CB-514 (Similar to the Thunderpole T-X) 

3 October 2023

Thunderpole T-X - More Bands!

 


Thanks to Con on Facebook who has been in touch to tell us that Thunderpole T-X radios sent to Canada and the US have been updated to provide band settings for CA (Canada) and US (United States).


US band has been added as TABLE 7 and CA band as TABLE 8 in the export menu.

Both bands are identical with 40 channels AM/FM 26.965 - 27.405

So looks like a firmware update or some sort of programming software has been used to make this adjustment to the radios. 


1 October 2023

President George II - £339 at Knights (Plus Export Cost Plus Postage)

 


So hold on to your hats as Knights Electrocom in the UK are the first to put an actual price on the new George II...

GEORGE II (STANDARD) - £339.00
GEORGE II (EXPANDED) - £349.00
PLUS POSTAGE - £9.95

So an expanded George II will cost £358.95 to get to your home.

Thoughts anyone?

Bearing in mind that the CRT 3900 (£179), Ares II (£179) and CRT 7900V (£229) all basically use the same board.