Visitor Assessment by Robert Gulley K4PKM
The Radioddity QT80 is a really attention-grabbing addition to the Radioddity line of CB and Newbie radios. It cleverly walks a line between being a CB (channelized) radio, and a channelized/VFO succesful newbie radio.
You might be prone to have heard of this radio already, as there are a selection of video and written evaluations on the market for the QT80, with most all of them praising the radio’s options and capabilities. For individuals who haven’t heard in regards to the radio, I checklist the essential data under, after which speak about my impressions of the rig.
What’s within the field?
1 x QT80 10 Meter Radio
1 x Removable Microphone
1 x Set up Bracket
1 x Energy Cable
1 x PC003 Programming Cable
1 x Spare Fuse (15A, 250V)
2 x Adhesive Case Protectors
4 x Adjusting Screws
4 x Screws
4 x Pads
Features & Options
– 7-color display screen show and backlight dimming
– FM, AM, USB, LSB, CW (want DIY work), PA modes
– SSB TX audio bandwidth management
– Frequency Tuning Steps: 10Hz, 100Hz, 1KHz, 5KHz, 10KHz, 100KHz, 1MHz
– ± 500Hz, 5KHz Clarifier (R/T/R+T selectable)
– Versatile menu features and PC programming software program
– RX and TX NRC Noise Discount
– SQ, ASQ Operate (FM and AM mode)
– RF GAIN Adjustment
– RF PWR Adjustment
– VFO / BAND / Reminiscence Channel Modes
– Repeater Shift / Offset Frequency Operate
– CTCSS/DCS with RX/TX Break up features
– SCAN Operate
– CTCSS/DCS scan
– NB/ANL Operate
– DW DUAL-WATCH Operate
– SWR, S/RF meter Operate
– TOT perform
– HI-CUT Operate
– EMG CALL
– SWR Safety
– Energy Provide Voltage Safety
– Key-Lock Operate
– DTMF Operate
– BEEP Immediate
– Enhanced VOX Operate (VOX.SPK can assist digital mode operation)
– ECHO Operate
– Programmable RB Operate
– AM TX NPC
– Consumer Outlined (PF) key on microphone
– Audio path choose 31.+10KHz Operate
80W Excessive Energy: Expertise clearer and stronger alerts in difficult circumstances with our 80W high-power radio. Good for newbie radio fans {and professional} operators, it ensures dependable long-distance communication in any surroundings. FCC ID: T4K-AT6666PRO
Versatile Communication Modes: Seamlessly change between FM, AM, SSB (USB, LSB), CW, and PA modes to adapt to varied communication wants, from informal use to skilled purposes, catering to varied communication eventualities.
Superior Noise Discount: Customise your listening expertise with adjustable TX & RX noise discount. Take pleasure in crystal-clear audio with minimized background noise and enhanced voice readability, guaranteeing easy and intelligible transmissions each time.
ASQ Operate: The Automated Squelch Management (ASQ) perform intelligently filters out undesirable noise and static, offering a cleaner and extra gratifying listening expertise. Say goodbye to fixed handbook changes and luxuriate in hassle-free communication.
7-Coloration LCD Show: Personalize your interface with a vibrant 7-color LCD show that enhances any surroundings. Select your most popular coloration for optimum visibility and a contemporary contact, enhancing your communication setup.
CTCSS/DCS: Use CTCSS/DCS codes to stop interference and improve privateness throughout group communications, guaranteeing clear and safe conversations.
Precision Frequency Tuning: Tune exactly with 7 Frequency Tuning Step choices (10Hz/100Hz/1KHz/5KHz/10KHz/100KHz/1MHz), enabling correct changes for clear communication.
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Information modes utilizing DIY interface utilizing the built-in VOX system
What you will have for QT80 – There are usually not many elements wanted to get our personal data-cable ready.
– For the connection to the Radioddity QT80 you will have a 6-pin GX16-A6P plug, usually known as “aviation plug”.
– For the connection to your PC, you’ll both want a shielded stereo audio-cable with 3.5mm TRS plugs on each ends or two shielded open finish stereo audio cables with 3.5mm TRS plug.
– In case your PC doesn’t have a built-in sound-card additionally, you will want a USB soundcard with 3.5mm TRS sockets for MIC-in and Audio-out.
Full directions could also be discovered right here:
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I’ve included above some not too long ago launched details about use the radio for TX and RX with digital modes similar to FT8/FT4 and SSTV, PSK and so forth.
Whereas not indicated as such on the Radioddity web site, the radio is able to taking place to fifteen meters with a slight modification, demonstrated by a number of the YouTube movies, which additionally consists of the 11- and 13-meter bands.
Inner most important PC board and huge speaker
Moreover, Radioddity provides a Mannequin CBL-561 15-30mHz vertical antenna choice which might be hooked up to a cell mount by means of its PL-259 connector. My pattern copy of the antenna is extraordinarily sturdy, and has an adjustable whip part for matching the chosen band.
My Impressions
The radio is well-built, stable, and has a heavy heatsink for dealing with the 80-watt output energy, as there isn’t any built-in fan. There are a selection of good options within the radio, together with a number of coloration display screen choices, VFO tuning and scanning options right down to 1 kHz, and really usable noise discount and clarifier choices. There’s additionally a PA perform which might are available in very useful for emergency response conditions.
The speaker is kind of able to being heard even with loud highway noise, however because of the speaker placement on the underside of the radio, the place you need to mount the radio in your explicit setting may decide in the event you want an exterior speaker.
The audio high quality is kind of good as I listened round to stations on 10m USB and 11m CB, in addition to shortwave alerts.
The noise discount characteristic is designed to filter out undesirable noise on obtain in fact, however can be designed to work on the TX facet of issues to assist with voice readability. Whereas the first aim is readability, if attainable, I might suggest testing the TX facet of issues with somebody who’s accustomed to your voice so you’ll be able to regulate the noise discount ranges extra precisely.
There’s a USB connection which permits for firmware upgrades, programming capabilities, and, with some DIY effort, TX for Digital modes.
VFO Tuning vs. Channel Hopping
The QT80 provides each a channelized scan and tuning characteristic, in addition to a scan and VFO choice. Scanning/tuning of channels is as you’ll anticipate, permitting you to scan by way of 40 programmed channels, or 99 reminiscence channels.
Scanning utilizing the VFO methodology means that you can scan in numerous steps of 10 kHz or above. It needs to be famous that to tune to a stage of 10 or 100 Hz accuracy, this should be adjusted by urgent the tuning dial in, which then means that you can choose these tuning steps. For all automated and handbook tuning of frequencies utilizing the tuning dial, the smallest step is 1 kHz. That may be slightly complicated for many who are used to free turning VFOs on desktop/transportable receivers.
Because the tuning dial/channel change (the massive dial on the right-hand facet of the unit) is designed primarily for channel choice and incremental tuning, there may be each muting and an audible click on because the dial is turned.
Because the radio is clearly designed for mobile-style operation, the reminiscence channels can simply be used to retailer 10-meter repeater stations (together with the mandatory offsets), CB channels, in addition to storing simplex frequencies to shortly tune in desired frequencies for scheds with different newbie radio operators.
The freely obtainable programming software program permits for straightforward programming of reminiscences and channels, in addition to controlling most all the radio’s features.
As you’ll be able to see within the picture under, the microphone has up and down buttons for tuning, in addition to a PF button which might be assigned for particular programmed features. The mic doesn’t have a keypad, a pleasant, however not essential perform. As an apart, I’ve not seen any knowledge as to what microphones is perhaps interchangeable with the inventory mic, so I will surely do in depth analysis earlier than attempting a keypad-style mic with the radio.
Receiving California QSO Celebration alerts clearly
Professionals and Cons
Professionals
- Superior options similar to noise discount and obtain clarifier
- An affordable variety of reminiscences which don’t get ridiculous in dimension like some radios (i.e. 1000 reminiscences!)
- Simplified entrance finish with menu choices (see additionally Cons)
- Function-Wealthy radio past many related cell radios (see Cons under)
- A number of coloration choices for the display screen to boost viewing in several lighting circumstances
- Giant heatsink
- Functionality to retailer 10m repeater stations in reminiscence with offset information
- Nice audio
- Means to work digital modes utilizing the built-in VOX capabilities with DIY resolution, no separate sound interface wanted
- CW TX attainable with DIY resolution proven on web site
- Free programming software program
- Normal antenna connections giving many antenna/tuner choices
Cons
- Backside-mounted speaker (widespread, however not good if mounted close to ground or in compartment) however exterior speaker port obtainable
- Non-removeable front-end, helpful for extra localized placement/ease of operation in car or tight areas
- Many particular features require menu choices which make cell operation tougher or harmful when driving
- Pretty steep studying curve to benefit from all of the options (see Professionals above)
Conclusions
I consider most people shall be more than happy with the superior capabilities of this rig. There’s a little bit of a studying curve for many who could not have used this model of radio earlier than, however the time spent studying its options in order to utilize all these options shall be nicely rewarded.
The radio has wonderful audio, a transparent show, many changes to make the radio perform as desired, and has expansive capabilities to broaden its attraction. 73, Robert K4PKM
