Monday, February 23, 2015

Baofeng Game Changer Solved

The confusion over what is coming from Baofeng has been cleared up. The game changer is coming from BaofengTech which is a supplier of Baofeng so their announcement has nothing to do with Baofeng. It is in fact an announcement for the move from Baofeng as their supplier to AnyTone.

BaofengTech have worked with AnyTone to develop 4 new radios and here they are:

Anile-8R - Single Band VHF/UHF Portable Radio:


VERSATILE RADIO FOR AMATEUR AND COMMERCIAL USE

The ANILE-8R is certified for use on commercial and amateur frequencies. The ANILE-8R is FCC Certified for Part 90 usage and is able to Transmit and Receive fully on Narrowband (12.5kHz).

ACCURATE AND RELIABLE

The ANILE-8R is the most accurate and reliable radio in its class, with deviation at a minimum the ANILE-8R will only receive signals that you want. The ANILE-8R has an accurate receiver that will filter out any noise that is not on your chosen frequency or squelch setting. It out-ranks any other receiver in its class!

PRIORITY SCAN

The ANILE-8R has multiple options of priority scanning, never miss an important call again. While scanning through the channel bank you can select a priority channel to keep checking in, even if another channel receives a call.

GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL CALLING SUPPORTED

The ANILE-8R supports the most common Analog Tones. It supports CTCSS, DCS, and DTMF calling methods. Set-up your calling methods to call by individual or by group. Tone calling (private line) is required by most commercial applications and the ANILE-8R supports the latest standards, even allowing custom CTCSS Tones.

The ANILE-8R can even decode (receive) DTMF commands. This allows Remote Stun, Remote Kill and more.

INTERNAL VOX FUNCTION

The ANILE-8R has an internal VOX (Voice Operated Transmit) function for convenient hands-free operation and can be used in conjunction with the included earpiece and mic. The VOX level and VOX delay time are adjustable your needs.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OPERATION WITH CHANNELS, PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS, AND MORE!

You can program your ANILE-8R exactly how you want it. There are 16 programmable memory channels. You can add or remove channels from being scanned. The side keys have functions programmable for both 'short' and 'long' key presses allowing up to 4 programmable options on two keys. The dual selector knob allows you to choose from one of 16 channels, with a secondary knob to control the volume. The radio has 2 power levels (5 watt maximum), allowing you to choose how far you can communicate and you can change the power level on the spot.  You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as needed.

NSTIG-8R - Dual Band VHF/UHF & FM Portable Radios (Dual Watch).


VERSATILE RADIO FOR AMATEUR AND COMMERCIAL USE

The NSTIG-8R is certified for use on commercial and amateur frequencies. The NSTIG-8R is FCC Certified for Part 90 usage and is able to Transmit and Receive fully on Narrowband (12.5kHz).

ACCURATE AND RELIABLE

The NSTIG-8R is the most accurate and reliable radio in its class, with deviation at a minimum the NSTIG-8R will only receive signals that you want. The NSTIG-8R has an accurate receiver that will filter out any noise that is not on your chosen frequency or squelch setting. It out-ranks any other receiver in its class!

DUAL WATCH RECEIVER

The NSTIG-8R has one built-in receiver but can "watch" two channels (semi duplex). Monitor two different frequencies (even on different bands (VHF/UHF)) and the radio will monitor both frequencies giving priority to the first station to receive an incoming call.

FM BROADCAST STATION

Save up to 99 FM stations in preset memories so you can instantly tune to your favorite local broadcast. You can listen to the FM Broadcast radio, while still monitoring your radio frequencies in the background. Any incoming call will be given priority insuring you never miss an important call while listening to the radio.

GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL CALLING SUPPORTED

The NSTIG-8R supports the most common Analog Tones. It supports CTCSS, DCS, and DTMF calling methods. Set-up your calling methods to call by individual or by group. Tone calling (private line) is required by most commercial applications and the NSTIG-8R supports the latest standards, even allowing custom CTCSS Tones.

The NSTIG-8R can even decode (receive) DTMF commands. This allows for ANI (Caller ID), Remote Stun, Remote Kill and more.
INTERNAL VOX FUNCTION

The NSTIG-8R has an internal VOX (Voice Operated Transmit) function for convenient hands-free operation and can be used in conjunction with the included earpiece and mic. The VOX level and VOX delay time are adjustable your needs.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OPERATION WITH CHANNELS, PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS, AND MORE!

You can program your NSTIG-8R exactly how you want it. There are 200 programmable memory channels. You can add or remove channels from scanning list right on the keypad. The side keys are programmable to multiple options including adding a secondary (dual) push-to-talk option. You can give channels alphanumeric names, without using a computer. The radio has 2 power levels (5 watt maximum), allowing you to choose how far you can communicate. You can set VFO scanning limits, and resume scanning after a power cycle. The NSTIG-8R has 2 VFO banks, and allows you to be in both VFO and channel modes at the same time. You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as needed.

In commercial applications you can set up radios in work modes and customize and restrict from manual programming modes (and menus). You can even lockout the keypad completely.

OBLTR-8R - Dual Band VHF/UHF & FM Portable Radios (Dual Watch).
23 GMRS Channels, 5 MURS Channels & NOAA Radio.


THE FIRST RADIO FOR AMATEUR, COMMERCIAL, AND PUBLIC USE

The most versatile two way radio on the market, certified for use for commercial, public and amateur frequencies. The OBLTR-8R includes built-in GMRS and MURS modes with 23 GMRS channels and 5 MURS Channels. The OBLTR-8R is FCC Certified for Part 90 and Part 95 usage. The OBLTR-8R is able to Transmit and Receive fully on Narrowband (12.5kHz).

RUGGED CASE WITH DUST AND WATER PROTECTION

The OBLTR-8R has a very rugged case with a Water Protection IP53 Rating making it PERFECT for dirty environments, field and outdoor use.

UPGRADEABLE FIRMWARE

With any future firmware revisions or updates, your OBLTR-8R purchase is able to be updated indefinitely! Firmware upgrades are done in-house at our AnyTone Tech facility and the process is seamless! When you register your warranty with AnyTone Tech, you will be notified of any upgrades that are available for your OBLTR-8R.

DUAL WATCH RECEIVER

The OBLTR-8R has one built-in receiver but can "watch" two channels (semi duplex). Monitor two different frequencies (even on different bands (VHF/UHF)) and the radio will monitor both frequencies giving priority to the first station to receive an incoming call.

FM BROADCAST STATION

Save up to 99 FM stations in preset memories so you can instantly tune to your favorite local broadcast. You can listen to the FM Broadcast radio, while still monitoring your radio frequencies in the background. Any incoming call will be given priority insuring you never miss an important call while listening to the radio.

GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL CALLING SUPPORTED

The OBLTR-8R supports almost every available Analog Tone Method. It supports CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, 2 TONE, and 5 TONE calling methods. Set-up your calling methods to call by individual or by group. You can even send custom text messages (saved through software) using the 5TONE calling methods. Tone calling (private line) is required by most commercial applications and the OBLTR-8R supports the latest standards, even allowing custom CTCSS Tones.

The OBLTR-8R can even decode (receive) commands. This allows for ANI (Caller ID), Remote Stun, Remote Kill, Pager calls, and many more features.

STAY SAFE AND INFORMED WITH NOAA WEATHER ALERTS

Keep yourself and your family safe by tuning in to changing weather conditions. These radios feature a Weather Radio Broadcast mode, which allows you to select a weather channel and hear the latest weather alerts from NOAA. You can even monitor for NOAA alerts in the background.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OPERATION WITH MEMORY GROUPS, PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS, AND MORE!

You can program your OBLTR-8R exactly how you want it. There are 200 programmable memory channels and 10 memory banks. You can add or remove channels from memory banks or from your scanning list right on the keypad. The side keys are programmable to multiple options including adding a secondary (dual) push-to-talk option. You can give channels alphanumeric names, without using a computer. The radio has 3 power levels (6 watt maximum), allowing you to choose how far you can communicate. You can set the scanning speed (fast, slow), set VFO scanning limits, and resume scanning after a power cycle. You can easily set squelch levels on a per channel basis directly from the keypad. 

The OBLTR-8R has 2 VFO banks, and allows you to be in both VFO and channel modes at the same time. You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as needed.

In commercial applications you can set up radios in work modes and customize and restrict from manual programming modes (and menus). You can even lockout the keypad completely.

TERMN-8R - Dual Band VHF/UHF & FM Portable Radios (Dual Watch).
23 GMRS Channels, 5 MURS Channels & NOAA Radio.
Crossband Repeat & 6 Band Monitoring.


THE FIRST RADIO FOR AMATEUR, COMMERCIAL, AND PUBLIC USE

The most versatile two way radio on the market, certified for use for commercial, public and amateur frequencies. The TERMN-8R includes built-in GMRS and MURS modes with 23 GMRS channels and 5 MURS Channels. The TERMN-8R is FCC Certified for Part 90 and Part 95 usage. The TERMN-8R is able to Transmit and Receive fully on Narrowband (12.5kHz).

RUGGED CASE WITH DUST AND WATER PROTECTION

The TERMN-8R has a very rugged case with a Water Protection IP53 Rating making it PERFECT for dirty environments, field and outdoor use.

UPGRADEABLE FIRMWARE

With any future firmware revisions or updates, your TERMN-8R purchase is able to be updated indefinitely! Firmware upgrades are done in-house at our AnyTone Tech facility and the process is seamless! When you register your warranty with AnyTone Tech, you will be notified of any upgrades that are available for your TERMN-8R.

TRUE DUAL RECEIVER CAPABILITIES WITH CROSS-BAND REPEATER

The TERMN-8R has two built-in receivers (full duplex). You can receive two signals at the same time; you can even transmit and scan (or receive) at the same time! The TERMN-8R also allows you to use your radio as a cross band repeater (VHF/UHF or UHF/VHF).

RECEIVE TRANSMISSIONS ON SIX DIFFERENT BANDS

The TERMN-8R is one of the most flexible radios available, it can receive transmissions on 6 Different Bands. It can receive on UHF (400-520MHz), VHF (136-174MHz), Aircraft AM (108-136MHz), FM Broadcasts (64-108MHz), Short-Wave AM (2.3-30MHz), and AM Broadcasts (520-1710kHz).

GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL CALLING SUPPORTED

The TERMN-8R supports almost every available Analog Tone Method. It supports CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, 2 TONE, 5 TONE, and MSK calling methods. Set-up your calling methods to call by individual or by group. You can even send text messages using MSK and 5TONE methods. Tone calling (private line) is required by most commercial applications and the TERMN-8R supports the latest standards, even allowing custom CTCSS Tones. For the utmost of private communication, the TERMN-8R supports Frequency Hopping (FHSS) between other TERMN-8Rs.

The TERMN-8R can even decode (receive) commands. This allows for ANI (Caller ID), Remote Stun, Remote Kill, Pager calls, and many more features.

STAY SAFE AND INFORMED WITH NOAA WEATHER ALERTS

Keep yourself and your family safe by tuning in to changing weather conditions. These radios feature a Weather Radio Broadcast mode, which allows you to select a weather channel and hear the latest weather alerts from NOAA. You can even monitor for NOAA alerts in the background.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OPERATION WITH MEMORY GROUPS, PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS, AND MORE!

You can program your TERMN-8R exactly how you want it. There are 200 programmable memory channels and 10 memory banks. You can add or remove channels from memory banks or from your scanning list right on the keypad. The side keys are programmable to multiple options including adding a secondary (dual) push-to-talk option. You can give channels alphanumeric names, without using a computer. The radio has 3 power levels (6 watt maximum), allowing you to choose how far you can communicate. You can set the scanning speed (fast, slow), set VFO scanning limits, and resume scanning after a power cycle. You can easily set squelch levels on a per channel basis directly from the keypad. 

The TERMN-8R has 2 VFO banks, and allows you to be in both VFO and channel modes at the same time. You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as needed.

In commercial applications you can set up radios in work modes and customize and restrict from manual programming modes (and menus). You can even lockout the keypad completely.


Visit https://anytonetech.com/radios to view the detailed specs for all these radios.

All in all very disappointing as there is no development from Baofeng. There are also radios on the market that have all of these features covered.

Thanks for reading!

73's, Lewis M3HHY.

Manchester, UK.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Baofeng Game Changer - The Plot Thickens

So everyone's talking about this new game changer that is coming from Baofeng at the moment. There's tonnes of speculation on various sites as to what it will amount to. It is becoming clear that this radio is being produced under license from Baofeng by the American company Baofeng Tech and that Baofeng are not actually releasing it themselves as there is no mention of it on their website.

There's reports of 4 radios being released; one for every type of user. The info that has been provided so far suggests that this radio is aimed at the American market fueling the speculation that it is going to be a Baofeng Tech radio rather than a Baofeng radio which is a shame.

It has also emerged that the new radio or at least one of them may be a re-brand of the Anytone AT-398UV as the picture on the Baofeng Tech suggests. See the comparison below:



They look similar right? All in all the hope of a game changer for the UK radio community seems to be slipping away to our American friends. Maybe we'll have to wait for Baofeng themselves to get their act together but with manufacturers like Wouxun bringing better radios out all the time that are better suited to the UK and pack many more features, it may be a little too late.

Thanks for reading!

73's, Lewis M3HHY.

Manchester, UK.

Beat Shift 'Scramble' Function - Baofeng BF-888S/Pofung GT-1

I've seen bits and pieces on the internet about the beat shift function on the cheap Baofeng BF-888S and Pofung GT-1 radios so I decided to do some hunting for software that will enable it to be used as chirp does not.


The function is not a scrambler as far as I'm aware but it does distort the audio coming from the radio so any receiving radios without it turned on receive audio that is unreadable in most parts.


As I said in Chirp there does not seem to be a way to enable beat shift for some reason. I looked through all the menus and came up with nothing so if anyone knows a way then please let me know.

I did some searching in Google and found a piece of software on Baofengs website called BF-480. I'd never heard of this software or even the radio which I assume is one of Baofengs earlier models pictured left. 
I downloaded the software and had a nightmare to convert it to English from Chinese... I say Chinese, it is really all strange symbols and question marks. Anyhow I managed to change it over and fill out all the parameters that I wanted in the radio.

It offers all the features that Chirp does such as RX frequency, TX frequency, CTCSS, DCS, power output, wide or narrow deviation, scan and of course beat shift! 
I wrote the data to the radio and gave them a go and surprisingly the function works very well. Radios programmed back to back transmit and receive each other just as they should and listening on another radio, the beat shift function disguises what is being said enough to make it virtually unintelligible.

I've included information and a screen grab for both pieces of software below. 



BF-480 software download: Click here.


Chirp software download: Click here.

Download the software at your own risk, I accept no responsibility to any damage caused to computers or radios should you use this software. However it works great for me so there shouldn't be a problem.

Video version of this blog entry below:


Thanks for reading!

73's, Lewis M3HHY.

Manchester, UK.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Disappointing Announcement From BaofengTech

So a while back BaofengTech posted an announcement on their website about a new mystery game changer that was to be released in coming weeks.


Of course this was quite interesting and the members of the radio community that use Baofeng radios were all talking about this mystery release. Ideas were flowing on the forums ranging from a radio with 27MHz included, a HF radio, all sorts of multi mode type radios and even D-Star!

However, Baofeng released this rather disappointing statement regarding their new release this week:
We have taken your feedback and are introducing the WORLD'S FIRST radios to be completely multi-user capable - including GMRS and MURS pre-programmed capabilities.
You didn't think we would just stop there did you? Since we have the best FANS we also are including: Crossband Repeater Capabilities, Dual Simultaneous Receivers, 6 Band Reception, NOAA Weather Channels and Alerts, 7 Encoding and Decoding Methods, and Upgradable Firmware. There is still so much more to be revealed!
This is obviously aimed at the US market and I can only assume that BaofengTech is a distributor of Baofeng products with an influence on what they release. GMRS and MURS along with NOAA are all irrelevant to UK users and simultaneous receive and cross band repeater have already been done by Wouxon in the KG-UV8D and upcoming KG-UV9D.

Upgradable firmware could have its advantages and the encoding and decoding methods seem interesting but overall I'm pretty disappointed at such an anti climax of what was expected to be a game changer from Baofeng...

Thanks for reading!

73's, Lewis M3HHY.

Manchester, UK.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Teen Charged Over Radio Disruption Across Edinburgh


A teenager has been charged with 20 offences for interfering with communications on private radio networks that caused disruption in Edinburgh.

The offences under the Wireless Telegraphy Act happened between June 2014 and January 2015.

The incidents caused disruption at various locations including Edinburgh Airport and Edinburgh Castle.

An 18-year-old man has been reported to the procurator fiscal.

Insp Murray Starkey, of Police Scotland, said: "This type of crime may appear relatively low risk, however, the impact has caused genuine concern for the individuals and organisations involved, as well as significant disruption to their daily business."

Mark Walls, Ofcom spectrum engineering and enforcement director, said: "Deliberately interfering with private radio networks can cause severe disruption and distress.

"We worked closely with the community policing team and the British Transport Police to thoroughly investigate and bring the illegal interference to an end."

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Sharman Multicom Control PMR 446 Base Station

As mentioned in a previous post here is a quick look and audio test of my new Sharman Multicom Control PMR 446 base station. Not a bad little radio for the price however I doubt it is going to get much use. I'll give it a test in the hills when I get time.


Thanks for watching!

73's, Lewis M3HHY.

Manchester, UK.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Kirisun S780 dPMR Range Test... 2 Miles

So I decided to do a bit of a range test with the Kirisun S780 today and was pleasantly surprised giving the reputation these radios have for poor range especially in digital or dPMR mode.


When talking about a range test radio to radio with the stock antennas then yes, the digital side of things is extremely poor. Digital reaches around 1/2 a mile in an urban area if you're lucky compared to analogue where they perform just as well as a Baofeng UV-5R.

I plugged the receiving radio into my Diamond X-50 colinear antenna which is on the roof of the house. The transmitting antenna is a cheap £20 magmount colinear on the car. I recorded my transmissions at 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 miles line of sight from home. They performed extremely well with no packet loss. At the 2 mile mark they started to drop out a little bit but I have no doubt I would have gotten a bit further out of them. Landscape between RX and TX radios was an urban built up area.


Below is a video I knocked together of the range test:


Thanks for reading!

73's, Lewis M3HHY.

Manchester, UK.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Desktop PMR 446 Base Stations

I like to play around with PMR 446 from time to time and have always liked the base station type radios for that band. I've had one on my list for a while just to try out as they look a bit more official than the little handheld walkie talkies.



So I bought one from eBay today for £39.99 shipped which is a bargain as they are usually pretty expensive. It is branded as a Sharman Multicom, Multicom Control however it is manufactured by TTI.


It has the usual 8 PMR 446 channels, CTCSS, VOX and some other bits and pieces. It should arrive this week so I'll post my thoughts. If its rubbish I'll just sell it on.


Thanks for reading!

73's, Lewis M3HHY.

Manchester, UK.

Frodsham AAOR

In 2004 I did my M3 amateur foundation course at Frodsham Anti Aircraft Operations Room, more commonly known to radio amateurs as The Beacons. 

Interior shot © Nick Catford

I remember it as a very interesting looking military style bunker at the top of a hill in Frodsham and always wondered what it was used for. I recently took a short drive up to the AAOR to have a look at its current state.



AAORs were originally constructed in the early 1950s, and served as the control centres for automated gun sites. These sites were intended to defend against aircraft, such as Soviet bombers, in the event of escalation during the Cold War. However, the development of long-range missile technologies soon rendered these facilities obsolete, and they were discontinued after 1956. 


Frodsham AAOR was acquired by Chester County Council in the early 1960s and has served a number of purposes in the years since. Throughout the sixties, the site was used as a Civil Defence Training Centre until the disbandment of the Civil Defence Corps. In the 1980s, the bunker underwent a refurbishment and the site became the Cheshire County Standby Emergency Centre and the Cheshire Fire Brigade County Standby Control Centre. Up until recently, the site was still in use as a training centre for the Cheshire Fire Service. Due to this continuous maintenance, Frodsham AAOR is one of the best-preserved buildings of its type in the country.



The Frodsham AAOR was in 4 Group, 79 Brigade serving the Mersey Gun Defended Area. It is of the standard design built in the early 1950's with both floors above ground. The main entrance is into the lower floor while the second entrance is up an external flight of stairs at the rear of the building. The AAOR is located on a natural high point that has been artificially heightened. The building is set into a bank of this dumped material which surrounds it on two sides giving added blast protection.


The site is no longer used and sits silent on top of the hill surrounded by two very large antenna towers that serve mobile phone companies, the Police Tetra system and other local radio users.




The transmitter huts on the hill house some serious equipment including:


  • T-Mobile - 18w Transmitter
  • T-Mobile - 26w Transmitter
  • 3 - 17.7w Transmitter
  • Airwave - 21w Transmitter
  • Vodafone - 24.8w Transmitter

I'm sure many of the local amateurs reading this will know this site or have taken a radio course there.

Thanks for reading!


73's, Lewis M3HHY.

Manchester, UK.