Just found out about this the other day after I got my license July 4th. Went to QRZ and filled in the application and got my radio. The radio and shipping is free, you just pay for the software and cable, which cost $21.99 for both. I already had a cable for my Baefeng radio, so deleted that and then only had to pay $6 for the software, which is very similar to CHIRP and lets you search for local stations. My cable worked and I already have my radio set up. Good deal!
I appreciate your review. Never been a ham before but I just got my license at Pacificon this weekend 10/15. Everything went through and my radio is on its way. Your review will help me out considerably since I am new. Keep up the good work.
I have owned this radio for a few months now. No longer can you get it for free as in free beer but it's still a pretty good deal even now. I upgraded the stock rubber duck antenna to a Diamond antenna and it works quite well.
This is awesome! Thank you for letting everyone know about this. I just signed up and was approved, just got my order in and can’t wait to check it out.
Aww man you got approved? After you filled out application did you get a notification? I filled it out and attached my DL but I never got a notification if they got it or not. I’m worried I won’t get it, I really need a decent radio. 😞
As a heavy Yaesu owner I will say that radio is slick and nice. Great if you have a prepping community where you would like to handout radios in case of emergency. KN6PWH... 73
The bundle currently comes with a programming cable from RT and software. Good to know, though, if you're programming a bunch you have your choice between CHIRP and RT software.
It's a great little radio (though it's no longer free, just heavily discounted). However, our club's repeater uses a DCS code and this radio doesn't have that capability, so the club's newbies have to quickly find an alternative.
The QRZ-1 is the Retevis RT85 with different firmware. I have both and find that they're function differs in the following ways. 1. RT85 is easily unlocked for TX/RX 136-174 & 440-512 , so VHF, UHF, MURS, and GMRS as well as out of band. The QRZ-1 cannot be unlocked from VHF & UHF only, PERIOD. That's how it became FCC certified. 2. The RT85 has an eight step voice scrambler missing on the QRZ-1. 3. The keypad buttons have different arrangement. 4. Battery consumption of QRZ-1 is noticably more. This doesn't make sense to me. 5. The rubber duck is the same on both. It's usable at under 2:1, but two tuned 14" whips greatly improves TX/RX, transmitting 5.5+ watts. The RT85 is a sleeper $30 and a Baofeng killer.
So- Is it possible to load the RT85/TYT UV88 firmware to this radio? When powering on the QRZ-1 while holding the 4+7 buttons down it displays a code and needs a code to unlock ext TX. I don't know the code.
Eric I am an OT, my ham license espire=d some time ago. I have been watching your videos now for several years, Yoour video reviews are outstanding. I just watched the one about the Explorer QEZ-1. I will get one. Going to take my test, and hope we QSO soon. My old call s igns were K1CCA and W6PGD.
I can't tell you how many new swear words Iearned putting the belt clip on my Alinco DJ 5GT. On a better note, this is a fantastic thing. I hope this brings many new hams into the hobby! K2KOH
I just applied for this radio but I don’t know if they got my application. I filled it out and gave my license but there is no confirmation that they received it. Man I hope I get it I could really use a good HT. I have a crappy boarding knock off crap and I can pick up local repeaters but nobody can hear me. I just got my tech license last week. Please QRZ let me get this!
@@forrestseaver6050 No not yet. I haven’t got any notifications either. I am probably going to either resubmit the application or email them directly. I kinda don’t want to be a pest about it because it’s a nice service they are doing for people so I don’t want to act entitled. If I get it I get it if I don’t I don’t. I really hope I do and you as well.
Just passed my test a couple hours ago and they sent me a pdf about this program. Do you know which radio this is based off of? There's a usb-c chargeable battery for it on Gigaparts, but it's out of stock.. I was going to see if the one for the original model of this radio might work for it. I'm still not entirely sure I'll get the radio since they very likely might be out of them by the time my callsign hits the database, but if so, I'd like to get that USB chargeable battery for it. Thanks!
Might be a bit confusing at 15:00 "Hasn't heard anything in a certain ratio, it turns it off..." In my experience with all my other HTs with this feature, the receiver is open (or on) then turns off for a set period of time at, as shown in your video, 1 unit of time On, 4 units of time Off. E.G., my Yaesu: 200ms, 300 ms, 500 ms, 1 sec, 2 secs, or Off. Intent is to save battery. -- n6med
Man this is such a Great Deal!! Ijust got my Technician License & Applied for the QRZ Explorer today at QRZ ! & Good videos i subscribed .,Roger Champlin KF0LOZ 73''!
As an attempt to find something negative: I realize this is me trying way too hard to find fault in an entry level device because this is something that is jawdroppingly amazing from the perspective of someone that was licensed in the 90's (and needs to re-license.) * The Manual's printed text is too small (Not Gigaparts's fault per-se. My eyes are horrifyingly bad.) * Does not support CW transmission (please correct if incorrect.) No being able to hook a key in does not mean it does CW. This is a selfish concept i'm sure but imagine being able to plug a key into this thing, plug into a directional antenna, and explore what that part of the band has to offer. (Given this is largely a firmware update to an existing design likely unable to add a whole new transmit mode.) * No ability to do SSB. As with the lack of CW this would be neat to explore on a budget. (Again probably unrealistic to expect gigaparts to add this in.) * Software needs instructions on how to run in linux * Feels really dinky in the hand. Then again with phones as they are today? the old HTs would feel like a dumb bell in the hand. I realize the list is a bit on the silly side but given entry level status, cost, and what's there? I don't want to ding it too harshly. Though I really do wish a maker would add at least CW to a HT. Even if the end user just plugs it into a computer instead of doing the code themselves? That stil lgets more people onto the part of the band where fiveish watts can get you a heck of a lot further than it can with FM.
Used to love these videos. Lately it seems your channel has been bought out by product reviews, unboxings, and paid advertisements. I have not seen you out in the field, and other things ham operators do lately. Can you please get back to what you do best and quit letting these people sponsoring you call the shots. Other than that I still like you Eric.
@@hitman_s1 because I try too hard and I'm not listening to the hundreds of comments anymore that have nothing nice to say. I really don't mean what I said and what you have so far commented to, but come-on, I'm only trying to help new hams get licensed and a new radio free and people still have nothing nice to say about that.. then they need to get out here and make a UA-cam channel.. that's coming up in a video, highlighting my rude responses, in an effort to thin the heard and drive people to make their own channel instead of criticize mine.. just saying...
@@HamRadioConcepts I look forward to your video. I think you have a wealth of knowledge. Viewers crave worthwhile material. A bored viewer is a crabby viewer, and it often comes through on comments, even if they're not trolling on purpose. I know I do it, myself. Here's hoping you can find a way to stay optimistic.
So is basically everything else (including Yaesu now) . It's meant to be a starter radio, and for some hams starting out, even the $35 for the uv88 this is based on matters. That's money they can spend on a better antenna (which this could use) for example.
They still have them, just ordered mine with a few accessories, $37.00 with sgipping, not bad!
Thanks for the review! Nice effort by qrz and gigaparts at encouraging people to get licensed.
Wow. What a great deal for new Technicians to Ham radio!
Just found out about this the other day after I got my license July 4th. Went to QRZ and filled in the application and got my radio. The radio and shipping is free, you just pay for the software and cable, which cost $21.99 for both. I already had a cable for my Baefeng radio, so deleted that and then only had to pay $6 for the software, which is very similar to CHIRP and lets you search for local stations. My cable worked and I already have my radio set up. Good deal!
I appreciate your review. Never been a ham before but I just got my license at Pacificon this weekend 10/15. Everything went through and my radio is on its way. Your review will help me out considerably since I am new. Keep up the good work.
I have owned this radio for a few months now. No longer can you get it for free as in free beer but it's still a pretty good deal even now. I upgraded the stock rubber duck antenna to a Diamond antenna and it works quite well.
This is awesome! Thank you for letting everyone know about this. I just signed up and was approved, just got my order in and can’t wait to check it out.
Aww man you got approved? After you filled out application did you get a notification? I filled it out and attached my DL but I never got a notification if they got it or not. I’m worried I won’t get it, I really need a decent radio. 😞
@@JohnDoe-zg6fn i got an email
Looks like a slightly redesigned and repackaged TYT UV88. Ive always liked the look of those.
As a heavy Yaesu owner I will say that radio is slick and nice. Great if you have a prepping community where you would like to handout radios in case of emergency. KN6PWH... 73
This is great! I just got my license 24 days ago so I hope they accept my application! This will be so much better and simpler than my BF-F8+! 73
Great radio, just know you don't need the cable from RT systems if you have a one for a BAOFENG lying around :D
The bundle currently comes with a programming cable from RT and software. Good to know, though, if you're programming a bunch you have your choice between CHIRP and RT software.
Just passed my tech license I have a radio. So I will take the pass and let someone else have it. Used ham radio prep. Via your link
The qrz - 1 very nice radio Chris thank you for sharing it very affordable dual band really well made thank you thank you buddy love you Chris😊
I just picked up the full all three Lic. pack with your discount code. Thanks Eric!
Transmit block is a good way to help prevent accidental doubling while using a repeater.
Very cool! What a Great Start Up Opportunity for a New Ham!
It's a great little radio (though it's no longer free, just heavily discounted). However, our club's repeater uses a DCS code and this radio doesn't have that capability, so the club's newbies have to quickly find an alternative.
Nice ,I can't test till September 10 in my area, hopefully they still have the radios available, looks nice. Thanks for the info.
I passed my tech on the 20th! Now I have to wait for the FCC email.
Yeah man!! Congrats.. get the radio!!!
@@HamRadioConcepts Radio on the way!
I need to hurry up and get my license!
Watch out for sunspots!
Great for the new HAM'S.👍📻🤓
Hey Chris I want one of those radios 💪
Thanks for the video! I appreciate it!
The QRZ-1 is the Retevis RT85 with different firmware. I have both and find that they're function differs in the following ways. 1. RT85 is easily unlocked for TX/RX 136-174 & 440-512 , so VHF, UHF, MURS, and GMRS as well as out of band. The QRZ-1 cannot be unlocked from VHF & UHF only, PERIOD. That's how it became FCC certified. 2. The RT85 has an eight step voice scrambler missing on the QRZ-1. 3. The keypad buttons have different arrangement. 4. Battery consumption of QRZ-1 is noticably more. This doesn't make sense to me. 5. The rubber duck is the same on both. It's usable at under 2:1, but two tuned 14" whips greatly improves TX/RX, transmitting 5.5+ watts. The RT85 is a sleeper $30 and a Baofeng killer.
So- Is it possible to load the RT85/TYT UV88 firmware to this radio? When powering on the QRZ-1 while holding the 4+7 buttons down it displays a code and needs a code to unlock ext TX. I don't know the code.
Eric I am an OT, my ham license espire=d some time ago. I have been watching your videos now for several years, Yoour video reviews are outstanding. I just watched the one about the Explorer QEZ-1. I will get one. Going to take my test, and hope we QSO soon. My old call s igns were K1CCA and W6PGD.
I can't tell you how many new swear words Iearned putting the belt clip on my Alinco DJ 5GT. On a better note, this is a fantastic thing. I hope this brings many new hams into the hobby! K2KOH
This isn't what will bring new hams to the hobby it is what makes technicians want to be generals
I just applied for this radio but I don’t know if they got my application. I filled it out and gave my license but there is no confirmation that they received it. Man I hope I get it I could really use a good HT. I have a crappy boarding knock off crap and I can pick up local repeaters but nobody can hear me. I just got my tech license last week. Please QRZ let me get this!
Did you get the radio? A family member didnt get a confirmation either! Not know is ki d of driving us crazy!
@@forrestseaver6050 No not yet. I haven’t got any notifications either. I am probably going to either resubmit the application or email them directly. I kinda don’t want to be a pest about it because it’s a nice service they are doing for people so I don’t want to act entitled. If I get it I get it if I don’t I don’t. I really hope I do and you as well.
I understand that! It is a great program tho. Hope you get your too! 73, KO4MEX
@@JohnDoe-zg6fn Did you get it?
@@alienwarex51i3 Nope. Never got it. 😪
Classy. 😎
Program is still going on with data cable 12/20. About $20 for shipping and a free premium membership to qrz.
Just passed my test a couple hours ago and they sent me a pdf about this program. Do you know which radio this is based off of? There's a usb-c chargeable battery for it on Gigaparts, but it's out of stock.. I was going to see if the one for the original model of this radio might work for it. I'm still not entirely sure I'll get the radio since they very likely might be out of them by the time my callsign hits the database, but if so, I'd like to get that USB chargeable battery for it. Thanks!
Its based of the tyt uv88 which is a great radio
Yes it is
@@chipweather Thanks guys! My application for my callsign is pending in the FCC database.. Hopefully any minute now.
So does this radio have weather channels?
If you download the software you can use that to pull up the WX channels and send them to your radio.
Might be a bit confusing at 15:00 "Hasn't heard anything in a certain ratio, it turns it off..."
In my experience with all my other HTs with this feature, the receiver is open (or on) then turns off for a set period of time at, as shown in your video, 1 unit of time On, 4 units of time Off. E.G., my Yaesu: 200ms, 300 ms, 500 ms, 1 sec, 2 secs, or Off. Intent is to save battery.
-- n6med
016 Tromp Rapid
Man this is such a Great Deal!! Ijust got my Technician License & Applied for the QRZ Explorer today at QRZ ! & Good videos i subscribed .,Roger Champlin KF0LOZ 73''!
511 Amie Ramp
597 Kuphal Points
What about new Extra Class operators?
They get a free golden star sticker. 😅 73
As an attempt to find something negative:
I realize this is me trying way too hard to find fault in an entry level device because this is something that is jawdroppingly amazing from the perspective of someone that was licensed in the 90's (and needs to re-license.)
* The Manual's printed text is too small (Not Gigaparts's fault per-se. My eyes are horrifyingly bad.)
* Does not support CW transmission (please correct if incorrect.) No being able to hook a key in does not mean it does CW. This is a selfish concept i'm sure but imagine being able to plug a key into this thing, plug into a directional antenna, and explore what that part of the band has to offer. (Given this is largely a firmware update to an existing design likely unable to add a whole new transmit mode.)
* No ability to do SSB. As with the lack of CW this would be neat to explore on a budget. (Again probably unrealistic to expect gigaparts to add this in.)
* Software needs instructions on how to run in linux
* Feels really dinky in the hand. Then again with phones as they are today? the old HTs would feel like a dumb bell in the hand.
I realize the list is a bit on the silly side but given entry level status, cost, and what's there? I don't want to ding it too harshly. Though I really do wish a maker would add at least CW to a HT. Even if the end user just plugs it into a computer instead of doing the code themselves? That stil lgets more people onto the part of the band where fiveish watts can get you a heck of a lot further than it can with FM.
431 Jones Flat
Prohaska Park
I guess I missed it
Walker Anthony Hall Joseph Gonzalez Nancy
Gonzalez Barbara Martinez Kimberly Thompson Michelle
Hernandez Barbara Lee Amy Martinez Betty
80320 Gaylord Spurs
Wunsch Land
Used to love these videos. Lately it seems your channel has been bought out by product reviews, unboxings, and paid advertisements. I have not seen you out in the field, and other things ham operators do lately. Can you please get back to what you do best and quit letting these people sponsoring you call the shots. Other than that I still like you Eric.
I like you too, now please unsubscribe and NEVER Watch my videos again!
Thanks, and you’re welcome
ChiCom radio. No thanks.
Cool.. .. you watched it, my analytics appreciate it. Thanks.
@@HamRadioConcepts Why the douche routine?
@@hitman_s1 because I try too hard and I'm not listening to the hundreds of comments anymore that have nothing nice to say. I really don't mean what I said and what you have so far commented to, but come-on, I'm only trying to help new hams get licensed and a new radio free and people still have nothing nice to say about that.. then they need to get out here and make a UA-cam channel.. that's coming up in a video, highlighting my rude responses, in an effort to thin the heard and drive people to make their own channel instead of criticize mine.. just saying...
@@HamRadioConcepts I look forward to your video. I think you have a wealth of knowledge.
Viewers crave worthwhile material. A bored viewer is a crabby viewer, and it often comes through on comments, even if they're not trolling on purpose. I know I do it, myself.
Here's hoping you can find a way to stay optimistic.
So is basically everything else (including Yaesu now) . It's meant to be a starter radio, and for some hams starting out, even the $35 for the uv88 this is based on matters. That's money they can spend on a better antenna (which this could use) for example.
10010 Bogisich Fall
34741 Bartoletti Cape