30 September 2021

NEW RADIO - Yaesu FTM-6000E

 

Yaesu have announced a new mobile analogue dual band radio, the FTM-6000E

Price: Around £239


Information From Yaesu:

Features:

50W Stable High-Power with Heavy Duty Heat Sink with FACC (Funnel Air-Convection Conductor) *Selectable 50W/25W/5W

3W of Powerful, Clear and Crisp Audio Speake

New User Operating Interface : E2O-III (Easy to Operate-III)

PMG (Primary Memory Group) Function allows instantly recall of the frequently used frequencies        registered in the PMG

MAG (Memory Auto Grouping) Function allows memory channels to be automatically categorized in all memory channels, AIR band, VHF band, UHF band and others and can be quickly recalled by band groups

VFO Band Skip Function

Memory Data Transfer to the VFO Register

Wide-range receive coverage from 108MHz to 999.995MHz

Wireless Operation Capability with the Bluetooth® Headset *Requires the installation of an optional Bluetooth Unit BU-4

Detachable Front Panel to be mounted at the desirable operating position

1,100 Memory channels with character alphanumeric tags

Supplied Multi-Functional DTMF Microphone - SSM-85D


The new FTM-6000R/E is a basic feature packed mobile transceiver employing a new User Operating Interface - E2O-III (Easy to Operate – III).


The FTM-6000R/E delivers reliable and stable 50W transmit performance. The heavy-duty heat sink is equipped with FACC (Funnel Air-Convection Conductor). The speaker delivers 3W of clear and crisp receive audio which has been specifically tuned for radio communication. Front panel of the FTM-6000R/E is detachable and can be mounted at the most desirable operating position. The new FTM-6000R/E supports optional Bluetooth® wireless operation using the SSM-BT10* Headset or a commercially available Bluetooth® headset*.


E2O-III provides three (3) user-intuitive operating modes to assign functions and settings: (1) The most frequently used function can be registered to the “F1” key and then recalled with a single touch of the “F1” key. (2) Other frequently used functions can be assigned to a Function List and then recalled by simply pressing the “F Menu” key and rotating the dial. (3) All functions and items other than those registered to “Most frequently” or “Other frequently’, are selectable by pressing and holding the “F Menu” key and rotating the dial.


Up to 5 channels can be registered in PMG (Primary Memory Group). Frequently used PMG frequencies can be shown in an easy-to- distinguish display just by pressing the “PMG” key.


The MAG (Memory Auto Grouping) function automatically groups memory channels so they may be easily recalled by band: All memory channels; AIR band (108MHz – 137MHz); VHF band (137MHz – 174MHz); UHF band (400MHz – 480MHz); and other bands (174MHz - 400MHz / 480MHz – 999.995MHz).


The new FTM-6000R/E VFO Band Skip Function permits unused bands to be skipped, while the registered memory channels can be recalled; even if the frequency is in the skipped band. By pressing “SQL BACK” key when the memory channel is displayed, the contents of the currently selected memory channel can be transferred into the VFO register. Depending on the operating situation, either the VFO or Memory channel operations are separately useable.


Some of the other features of the FTM-6000R/E are: Wide-range receive coverage from 108MHz to 999.995MHz; 1100 Memory channels with character alphanumeric tags; supplied DTMF microphone - SSM85D; Scanning Functions – VFO Scan, Memory Scan, PMG Scan, Programmable Memory Scan.


Supplied Accessories:

DTMF Microphone SSM-85D

Mounting Bracket Bracket for Controller

Control Cable 10ft (3m)

USB Cable

DC Power Cable

Operating Manual


Specifications:

Frequency Ranges:

RX: 108 - 137MHz (Air Band) 137 - 174MHz (144MHz HAM / VHF Band) 174 - 400MHz 400 - 480MHz (430MHz HAM / UHF Band) 480 - 999.995MHz (USA Cellular Blocked) TX: 144 - 146MHz, 430 - 440MHz

Circuit Type: Double-Conversion Superheterodyne

Modulation Type: F2D, F3E : Variable Reactance Modulation

RF Power Output: 50W/ 25W/ 5W

Case Size(W x H x D): Radio Unit 5.47"x 1.66"x 5.2" (139 x 42 x 132 mm) w/o Fan Controller 5.51"x 1.6"x 1.38" (140 x 40.5 x 35 mm) w/o Knob

Weight: 2.43lbs (1.1kg) with Radio Unit, Controller, Control Cable


27 September 2021

Thunderpole T-600 Radio Pack From £89.99

 

Thunderpole have now added the new T-600 CB Radio to their 'Radio Packs'. 

Starting at £89.99 you can get the radio, antenna and mount.

Configure your pack here: CLICK


 

26 September 2021

President Randy 3 Videos


Here we have a couple of interesting videos from Knoxieman on YouTube featuring the President Randy 3 CB Radio handheld. 


1 September 2021

Thunderpole T600 CB Radio Adjustments and On-Air Test

Video:YouTube/UK FM CB Radio Servicing

Two very interesting videos from Richard at UK FM CB Radio Servicing, this time he takes a look at the new Thunderpole T-600 CB Radio.


Video:YouTube/UK FM CB Radio Servicing



23 August 2021

19 August 2021

NEW Yaesu FT5D - Manual and First Real World Photos

 


Earlier this week Yaesu announced their latest handheld radio, the FT5D and we have the first 'real world' photos and a link to the official manual.




Link to manual: CLICK HERE


10 August 2021

Delta Delta DX Group Nets

 

Thanks to Colin, 108DD001, who has passed on information regarding the Delta Delta DX Group Nets which take place every week on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. The nets are based in Banffshire in Scotland.



The Wednesday net takes place on 27.215 USB from 20:00 hours (UK Time)



The Saturday net takes place on 27.575 USB also from 20:00 hours (UK Time)


The Sunday net takes place on 27.575 USB from 14:00 hours (UK Time)

9 August 2021

FM CB Radio in the US - 2 Facebook Groups

 

Two new Facebook groups have sprung up to offer discussion regarding the upcoming legalisation of Frequency Modulation on CB radio in the United States. 



Firstly we have the "FM Calling Channel 26.805" group who are looking to establish 26.805 (Channel 23 Low Band) as a new FM freeband calling channel. Some of the members hope to petition the FCC for an additional 40 channels to use the FM mode, either above or below the current legal 40 block. 



Secondly we have the "CB FM CALLING FREQUENCY 24 - 27.235mhz FM Users Group" who are taking a 'legal' approach and are trying to establish 27.235 (Channel 23 Mid Band) as a new FM calling channel. 



It will be interesting to see which approach is successful. You can find these groups by using the Facebook search facility. 

24 July 2021

United States gets FM CB Radio (After 63 Years!)

 

It's only taken 63 years but it looks like Frequency Modulation is coming the USA!

Currently AM and SSB modes are legal on the mid band 26.965 - 27.405, however documents recently published on the FCC website show that Cobra's 2017 petition to allow CB radio users to have FM has been successful:


CB radio equipment will still be required to operate on AM but will soon have the option to include FM if a manufacturer so wishes. 


Of course, it remains to be seen if American operators embrace FM as an operating mode but I'm sure many people will welcome this long overdue decision. 

20 July 2021

One Four Wednesdays - CB 40th Anniversary

 

As part of the 40th Anniversary of legal CB Radio in the UK, people are being invited to shout "One-Four A Copy" once again every Wednesday evening from 19:00 hours (UK Time).

So tune into channel 14 on the UKFM band (27.73125) and give out a call.

More information can be found on Facebook - Search for "40 Channels 40 Years".