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Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

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Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#21

Post by cactacea »

runjake wrote: post #15
RobCodeSlayer wrote: post #3

This would be amazing for backcountry communication - e.g when backpacking with a large group. Is there any way to enable this for iOS?

I'd recommend something like a couple $25 Quansheng radios instead. More reliability, more range, less finicky, more durable and about the same size as this add-on. (For some reason the radios are showing as $30 right now) https://www.amazon.com/QUANSHENG-200Three-Frequency-Receivin...

I own one of these, easily the worst radio I have. Fine for receive but please don't hit that transmit button.

Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#22

Post by sidewndr46 »

capitainenemo wrote: post #8
RobCodeSlayer wrote: post #3

This would be amazing for backcountry communication - e.g when backpacking with a large group. Is there any way to enable this for iOS?

I wonder how good the range would be. I was thinking that even if I didn't have the appropriate license, having something like this in a pocket on my backpack would at least give me one more signaling option in an emergency. I could deal with the fines later.

just get something that transmit on one of the emergency frequencies: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_emergency_frequency

so long as you use it for an actual emergency, there are no issues

Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#23

Post by cactacea »

rmason wrote: post #18

Long time ham. Never been that interested in 2 meters but I am ready to buy it! Such a clever idea, wonder why no one has ever thought of it before.

http://www.mobilinkd.com/ is probably the closest pre-existing thing that is similar. I don't think this was lack of imagination, modules like the DRA818V make building a fully integrated unit a lot easier these days

Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#24

Post by vvanders »

sidewndr46 wrote: post #17
vvanders wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Meshtastic(Lora) also doesn't require a license since it's in the ISM bands. Lora also has really good FEC and other things that make it work incredibly well(at the cost of throughput). Honestly I wish we saw more things like that in the ham bands(other than FT8). There's a couple Lora radios out there that are USB serial based and can be controlled with AT commands that would let you so something similar if you want…

This isn't true, it is not exclusive to the ISM bands. You can run it on any band you choose so long as you have a license to do so. Case in point: the ham bands

Sure, that's "technically" correct but most usage of Lora is going to be in ISM since that's where they are traditionally deployed. That doesn't require a license which can be a hurdle if you don't already have one.

I've got a ham license so not a big deal for me but for those wanting to try radios without a huge investment a pair of $20 Lora AT serial radios are a great way to dip into digital radio.

Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#25

Post by tastyfreeze »

RobCodeSlayer wrote: post #3

This would be amazing for backcountry communication - e.g when backpacking with a large group. Is there any way to enable this for iOS?

Decent walkie-talkies are cheap. Cheap enough that I bought some for my kids to play with instead of a single channel garbage radio like I had as a kid. If you really want a cheap programmable radio Yaesu and BaoFeng are the brands most people go with.

Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#26

Post by _whiteCaps_ »

capitainenemo wrote: post #8
RobCodeSlayer wrote: post #3

This would be amazing for backcountry communication - e.g when backpacking with a large group. Is there any way to enable this for iOS?

I wonder how good the range would be. I was thinking that even if I didn't have the appropriate license, having something like this in a pocket on my backpack would at least give me one more signaling option in an emergency. I could deal with the fines later.

VHF / 2m is basically line of sight. But it will go for long distances. I've worked the repeater on the ISS with a 5W handheld radio and a 1/4 wave antenna.

Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#27

Post by runjake »

cactacea wrote: post #21
runjake wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'd recommend something like a couple $25 Quansheng radios instead. More reliability, more range, less finicky, more durable and about the same size as this add-on. (For some reason the radios are showing as $30 right now) https://www.amazon.com/QUANSHENG-200Three-Frequency-Receivin...

I own one of these, easily the worst radio I have. Fine for receive but please don't hit that transmit button.

Only N=2 but mine have worked great for the 2 meter and FRS/GMRS bands, which is what one is probably going to use while in the back country.

Definitely don't try 27 MHZ, or perhaps outside of the above bands at all.

Are these Yaesu, Motorola, or Icom quality? No, but they're $25.

Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#28

Post by stavros »

cactacea wrote: post #21
runjake wrote: post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I'd recommend something like a couple $25 Quansheng radios instead. More reliability, more range, less finicky, more durable and about the same size as this add-on. (For some reason the radios are showing as $30 right now) https://www.amazon.com/QUANSHENG-200Three-Frequency-Receivin...

I own one of these, easily the worst radio I have. Fine for receive but please don't hit that transmit button.

Why? What happens?

Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#29

Post by avidiax »

rmason wrote: post #18

Long time ham. Never been that interested in 2 meters but I am ready to buy it! Such a clever idea, wonder why no one has ever thought of it before.

https://www.hytera.com/en/product-new/lte-broadband/lte-radi...

https://www.wouxun.com/radios/two_way_radio_kg-v98.aspx

There are combination PoC (push-to-talk over cellular) + WiFi + VHF/UHF radios.

I think the problem as it relates to HAM radio as a hobby, is that if you have cell signal and cell phone, usually any other radio is less effective.

So while it is nice to use the interface/battery/CPU of a cell phone to drive a radio, it's superfluous if you have a cell signal. If you don't have a cell signal, usually having 5W for analog voice in an HT is much more important than having a special interface or digital modes.

Re: Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

#30

Post by lormayna »

RenThraysk wrote: post #12
lormayna wrote: post #4

I always ask myself why no any cellphone producer is making a phone with 2m/70cm capabilities.

Sim card radios exist. eg https://www.wouxun.com/radios/two_way_radio_kg-v98.aspx

Yes, but think about having a mobile that has native integration with APRS or can make voice/packet radio or even DMR. It would be perfect for hiking or adventures. Even better with LORA.

Probably the main issue is RF compatibility.

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