Visitor Assessment by Robert Gulley K4PKM
The Raddy QT80 is a really fascinating addition to the RADDY line of CB and Beginner radios. It cleverly walks a line between being a CB (channelized) radio, and a channelized/VFO succesful novice radio.
You might be more likely to have heard of this radio already, as there are a variety of video and written opinions on the market for the QT80, with most all of them praising the radio’s options and capabilities. For many who haven’t heard concerning the radio, I listing the fundamental data beneath, after which discuss 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 capabilities and PC programming software program
– RX and TX NRC Noise Discount
– SQ, ASQ Perform (FM and AM mode)
– RF GAIN Adjustment
– RF PWR Adjustment
– VFO / BAND / Reminiscence Channel Modes
– Repeater Shift / Offset Frequency Perform
– CTCSS/DCS with RX/TX Break up capabilities
– SCAN Perform
– CTCSS/DCS scan
– NB/ANL Perform
– DW DUAL-WATCH Perform
– SWR, S/RF meter Perform
– TOT operate
– HI-CUT Perform
– EMG CALL
– SWR Safety
– Energy Provide Voltage Safety
– Key-Lock Perform
– DTMF Perform
– BEEP Immediate
– Enhanced VOX Perform (VOX.SPK can help digital mode operation)
– ECHO Perform
– Programmable RB Perform
– AM TX NPC
– Person Outlined (PF) key on microphone
– Audio path choose 31.+10KHz Perform
80W Excessive Energy: Expertise clearer and stronger indicators in difficult situations with our 80W high-power radio. Excellent for novice radio fans {and professional} operators, it ensures dependable long-distance communication in any atmosphere. 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 clean and intelligible transmissions each time.
ASQ Perform: The Automated Squelch Management (ASQ) operate intelligently filters out undesirable noise and static, offering a cleaner and extra pleasing listening expertise. Say goodbye to fixed guide changes and luxuriate in hassle-free communication.
7-Colour LCD Show: Personalize your interface with a vibrant 7-color LCD show that enhances any atmosphere. Select your most well-liked colour 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 want 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 want a 6-pin GX16-A6P plug, typically referred to 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 easy methods to use the radio for TX and RX with digital modes akin to FT8/FT4 and SSTV, PSK and many others.
Whereas not indicated as such on the RADDY web site, the radio is able to happening to fifteen meters with a slight modification, demonstrated by a few of the YouTube movies, which additionally contains the 11- and 13-meter bands.
Inside predominant PC board and huge speaker
Moreover, Raddy can be providing a Mannequin CBL-561 15-30mHz vertical antenna possibility sooner or later sooner or later, which will be connected to a cellular mount by the use 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, strong, 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 colour display screen choices, VFO tuning and scanning options all the way down to 1 kHz, and really usable noise discount and clarifier choices. There’s additionally a PA operate which may are available very useful for emergency response conditions.
The speaker is sort of able to being heard even with loud street noise, however as a result of speaker placement on the underside of the radio, the place you need to mount the radio in your explicit setting may decide when you want an exterior speaker.
The audio high quality is sort of good as I listened round to stations on 10m USB and 11m CB, in addition to shortwave indicators.
The noise discount function is designed to filter out undesirable noise on obtain in fact, however can be designed to work on the TX aspect of issues to assist with voice readability. Whereas the first purpose is readability, if attainable, I’d advocate testing the TX aspect of issues with somebody who’s conversant in your voice so you possibly can 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 function, in addition to a scan and VFO possibility. Scanning/tuning of channels is as you’d count on, permitting you to scan by 40 programmed channels, or 99 reminiscence channels.
Scanning utilizing the VFO methodology lets you scan in numerous steps of 10 kHz or above. It must 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 lets you choose these tuning steps. For all automated and guide tuning of frequencies utilizing the tuning dial, the smallest step is 1 kHz. That may be a little bit complicated for individuals who are used to free turning VFOs on desktop/moveable receivers.
Because the tuning dial/channel change (the massive dial on the right-hand aspect 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 required offsets), CB channels, in addition to storing simplex frequencies to rapidly tune in desired frequencies for scheds with different novice radio operators.
The freely accessible programming software program permits for simple programming of reminiscences and channels, in addition to controlling most all the radio’s capabilities.
As you possibly can see within the picture beneath, the microphone has up and down buttons for tuning, in addition to a PF button which will be assigned for particular programmed capabilities. The mic doesn’t have a keypad, a pleasant, however not needed operate. As an apart, I’ve not seen any information as to what microphones may be interchangeable with the inventory mic, so I will surely do intensive analysis earlier than attempting a keypad-style mic with the radio.
Receiving California QSO Celebration indicators clearly
Execs and Cons
Execs
- Superior options akin to noise discount and obtain clarifier
- An affordable variety of reminiscences which don’t get ridiculous in measurement like some radios (i.e. 1000 reminiscences!)
- Simplified entrance finish with menu choices (see additionally Cons)
- Function-Wealthy radio past many comparable cellular radios (see Cons beneath)
- A number of colour choices for the display screen to boost viewing in several lighting situations
- Massive heatsink
- Functionality to retailer 10m repeater stations in reminiscence with offset data
- Nice audio
- Skill to work digital modes utilizing the built-in VOX capabilities with DIY answer, no separate sound interface wanted
- CW TX attainable with DIY answer proven on web site
- Free programming software program
- Normal antenna connections giving many antenna/tuner choices
Cons
- Backside-mounted speaker (frequent, however not good if mounted close to flooring or in compartment) however exterior speaker port accessible
- Non-removeable front-end, helpful for extra localized placement/ease of operation in automobile or tight areas
- Many particular capabilities require menu choices which make cellular operation tougher or harmful when driving
- Pretty steep studying curve to reap the benefits of all of the options (see Execs above)
Conclusions
I imagine most people can be more than happy with the superior capabilities of this rig. There’s a little bit of a studying curve for individuals 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 can be properly rewarded.
The radio has wonderful audio, a transparent show, many changes to make the radio operate as desired, and has expansive capabilities to broaden its attraction. 73, Robert K4PKM
