Nice review and I thought about purchasing one but I have a few questions. I'm new to Ham radios so forgive me.... 1. Being that this radio functions using the Rfinder app, what happens should the app go down for whatever reason? Is there anyway this could function like a normal ham radio that will work regardless? 2. Similar to question #1, who is responsible for app maintenance ? What if something ever happened to Bob? Where would we be? (not wishing any bad luck) 3. I don't like the fact that the company is no longer focusing on older equipment that they STILL sell. Makes me think that when the B1 is replaced I'll be stuck with obsolete black brick.....and that's my main concern, I don't want something that looks interesting but has a limited lifespan because of the app or the companies policies. Are my concerns valid? Thx in advance! (You may see this question on other vids) Again Thx.....
The worst thing about DMR is without doubt a code plug but the price of this is too high for the hardware, sure the concept is good and it's a step in the right direction and I can only imagine the time that's gone into it's development. As a phone it's outdated but not needing a code plug is good, I don't bother with local repeater cliques so for me there's no need for 2m or 70cm and would rather use the internet for digital modes. A version without 2m or 70cm would be good along with D-star and Fusion. Being able to find local repeater via GPS is cool. The other issue is that it only works on DmR, not D-Star or Fusion. If someone is considering getting on digital voice then I'd highly recommend spending around 100 USD and get the DVstick DV 30 and blue DV software, it works incredibly well and if you're on D-Star you can see if activity pops up on DMR or fusion at the same time. It also works on Android with OTG cable and Blue DV AMBE from the play store, only downside is that on Android you have to have the app open and screen unlocked all the time and can't switch to another app of it shuts off the app. With blue DV you also need to make sure your TX volume is set properly and once adjusted it sounds really good on air.
Nice review. I just watched the HamFest video with the RFinder guy and wanted to learn more. I like the idea of not programming repeaters and just selecting them. I currently use a DMR Anytone D878 HT. It works great just a pain to program new channels if I am on a trip. I have had 3 Android phones before so I am sure I could use it as an every day carry for phone. I might want a hotspot to tether devices to. I have more studying to do. Thanks for the video, Eric. Oh I was in your state last month when Storm Fred rolled by us in the Gainesville area. 73 de KI5HXM
That phone/radio is so tempting! 19:41 that's cute, my "ancient" Samsung Note 4 has 32gb of main system memory, but I've got a 512gb SD card in it that's nearly full and could even use a 1 terabyte card if I needed...
If only we could get that functionality in a 50w dual band mobile. The auto-repeater listing and config sharing with HTs and mobiles in other vehicles would be sweet!
We have a 7" and 10" tablet coming out....and a dual band 40w TDMA amp WITH an LNA for RX so your wish is almost here...pre-release 7" tablet is available on rfinder.net. I have one in my car mounted on a LIDO articulated seat bolt mount on a Diamond SG7900 and I hit machines 40 miles out on 4 watts in CT from Long Island across the LI sound....de Bob W2CYK
With that being Android it might be cool to load ATAK on it for mapping and chat over the droid. Does the radio side have a IP data interface to use with ATAK as well? This app would not only allow voice comms but you cna pass shapes and chat and positions of team members as well.
From my understanding Atak runs best on android 10 so if this is loaded with that I'd say it should run. As for coms, I'd be willing to bet youd need a forward for it to direct the hammer plug in to the radio. This is a great idea everything is already built in, for the cost would it be cheaper to just run a mesh.
Sorry took a bit been really busy at work. Atak does run on this device. Just loaded the newst version 4.5.1 pulled from tak.gov also loaded hammer, wasp. Both seem to he working with no issues. As for using the radio combined with atak still an issue of getting the sound out the radio through the transmitter not tied together so I'm guessing some kind of jumper needs to be made to connect the pins on the port.
If you drop $5.00 in the radio fund jar every time you hear the bell while watching the video, you will be able to buy one of these in no time. Love the smashing phone playback as a reminder about real radio. Also, good luck to your XYL on her latest adventure.
So I can buy RFinder B1 & take out my SIM card from my Samsung S21. And I can use this as a cellphone, walkie talkie & use Android? I am still lost on this B1 because not much review on using it as a cell phone/
you almost had me Eric, But due to Australia using the band 28 (703-803Mhz) as one of the 2 main regional bands for 4G its at hard sell. interesting to note, that the phone supports bands: 17 (704-746Mhz) & 20 (791-862Mhz) seems like the modem in the phone could support the band 28 due to supporting overlapping bands. any ideas as to why or if an update to the phone would let it support more bands? love your work tho cheers
At 5:30 you mentioned the "radio portion of this is worth paying for". Could you please clarify, can the radio transmit without an active RFinder subscription?
So everyone is aware as I couldn't tell from any video I watch on this device. The radio is app based entirely and didnt come pre loaded on mine, this is the rfinder app that's in the play store. There is a subscription fee after the included 30 days. I am not sure if the radio will stop working after that time as I'm still in the 30 day period. I will add that the app is in no way a ripoff if your going to use this radio, in fact its actually very nice and makes contecting to a repeater ez as just tapping a button and adding and saving channels a snap. It would be nice if this was more clearly explained however as 1200 for a radio then to find out theres a subscription fee might make some ppl really mad or maybe I just missed that. Only other problem I had was getting the radio to start, I had to turn it on and then close out the app then open it back up for it to work.
I've had an extra license for 10 years now, got all 3 in one go, and I've never once talked on any of the radios I have, including the new B1 I just purchased.
Eric.. Great vid!! I just got my dmr id and looking for a handheld ( like uvii plus) and buying a hotspot!! The latest version as i write this is the B1 plus at a cardiac price of $1300 Smackers.. I can buy the HH and say a great hotspot like the openspot3 and spend about $800... What great advantage in your opinion is worth an additional $500 for the B1+?? David W9SSS
I got licensed on 11/16/20 remotely through Anchorage (they are TOP NOTCH), but I have yet to "push the button." Trying to get my radio legs through the HamSphere Virtual VoIP program.
I have been trying to find the answer to this everywhere . . . Is the database of repeaters stored offline in the unit? I got to places where there is no cell service and radio is the only comms. I keep a book in the car but it'd be nice if everything was stored in the unit and pulled up based on a location from a built in GPS receiver.
Hey Eric, after having the RFinder as long as you have, what are your thoughts on it? I’m driving truck and I was wondering how well it would hold up on the android side for my work apps. Wasn’t sure how fast the android is. I can definitely see the benefit of having the repeater list as I go from town to town.
I got my license on 11/7/20. Hopefully I can talk to you one of these days when I get my icon ID 5100 set up with a hotspot. I wonder if I could get a SIM card dstar and use it to cross band repeat with the radio you’re reviewing. KJ7SBN
What are the exact dimensions on that thing? Amazon says 7x8x3 inches, that dont make any sense, that's about the size of an Android tablet (more square than rectangular), it looks like it would be the size of a large cell phone but thicker of course but it sure dont look no 3in thick.
I love R finder's new device I only have two questions about it though but I haven't been able to find looking into it on the website can you still dial up 4 Simplex contacts cuz I do a lot of crossbanding to my Base radio at home and is it compatible with the Boost or Sprint network other than that I'm already looking into buying one
Is this a part 90 cert radio? This will be the greatest radio to the ever growing GMRS society. 462-467mhz. GA has the largest repeater linked network (14) in the world. Plus this is a cell phone. I gotta do more research on this.
Any idea how long this will be supported for, if the K1 isn't being fully supported, then that seems a great pity, and pretty much like every other digital device ?
We still support the H1, M1 and K1. All app updates are tested on all legacy devices and we work with users who have issues with legacy devices. RFinder has a Trade Up program on legacy devices. The slow programming on the M1 and K1 was fixed 2 years ago...
Let me start by saying I'm new to the radio world again. I was a 70s kid and my dad had one in our home with a very tall outdoor antenna. I wish I learned from him. Well now that America's latest presidential administration is running things in 2022. I'm thinking I may need a radio before the stuff hits the fan. With that said, is this the best of both worlds and would it work? My concerns are after initial purchase of the radio/phone, what additional fees and services are there? How CO$TLY is this radio/phone going to be once all said and done❓❓❓🤔 Is there an extended warranty available for the Rfinder B1dmr? Does it come with, antena, battery and charger? What other accessores are needed, and "WHY", are they expensive? Is it user FRIENDLY??? Would it be an overall great daily carry as a cell phone? Can I ditch my other AT&T android? If so, which service cell phone providers plan is best as far as reception and plans for unlimited talk, text, and data? Tmobile or AT&T in the DFW TEXAS area? What's the quality side of the android phone? Such as reception and features? And if I use it as a daily cell phone, can I talk on it without everone hearing my conversation? Is it capable of 5G? What is the operating system for the android and does it get updated? What is the QUALITY of screen, video and camera? Does it have separate memory or for SD card? Does it have Bluetooth? Over all is this phone worth the money, and what are the pros and cons to it? I hate to buy it and have buyers remorse? PLEASE HELP❗❓
Calling it a walkie talkie makes it sound cheap. My impression of the radio when I first saw it was that it is a pretty advanced handheld ham radio / telephone. Now I don't know if I want one or not. 73's de KB3VQT
@@HamRadioConcepts i thought the material was superior to what I have been using so I just paid out right! However I don't want others to get discouraged if they were not able to get the discount. Keep up the great videos.
I never said that, so the 9000 subscribers that unsubscribed and wrote hate mail how I was a loser are the ones that suffered I simply took a break and focused more time helping my 90 year old grandmother and more time to my wife that she lost while I spent all my free time making content for people to watch and then complain about.
@@HamRadioConcepts lol, just shows people love your channel, they wouldn't get upset otherwise, that's a pretty good achievement, sure there's no excuse for hate mail, and good for you for taking time out for your family.
Eric, ...not buying into this one just yet....It will be like the Hotspots...everyday someone will have a new one. It is an HT after all, so it has limited power for over the road use. Plus....not giving up the IPhone for this. I already have the RFinder App and that works fine if I needed get something quickly. With the RT Systems Software, I am pulling the same data. Mind you I have to tell it where to look or what route to look at. Not banging on you Eric personally....just the not a fan of this device for now. I do a lot of backcountry and off the grid photography so Comm is important, especially out west. My FTM-400 with the FT-3D work great and yes it is a bit of a pain to load up the freqs to the Micro SD Cards, but heck with RFinder you can download all the repeaters along an entire route/local area or state. You can then load them into Banks on both radios. I think I prefer that over this HT/Phone. With the We Boost for the Cell Booster, I have great Cell Coverage pretty much where ever I go unless deep in a canyon. I really just do not see the value in this Rig for $1,000 at this time. And I would not switch from the Apple Platfroms for any reason. Was bad enough needing a second computer (Windows) for WIRESX. Keep up the great work with the videos. I love your passion and continued efforts to push the hobby. I have been a Ham for over 30 years and the hobby just keeps getting better and better. W4GAJ 73s.
Ham radio is always lagging 10 or more years behind. Partially because there are overweight grease balls making important decisions on things. They would have been known as losers when we were young.
nice to see u again Eric,.. cheers n 73
Nice review and I thought about purchasing one but I have a few questions. I'm new to Ham radios so forgive me....
1. Being that this radio functions using the Rfinder app, what happens should the app go down for whatever reason? Is there anyway this could function like a normal ham radio that will work regardless?
2. Similar to question #1, who is responsible for app maintenance ? What if something ever happened to Bob? Where would we be? (not wishing any bad luck)
3. I don't like the fact that the company is no longer focusing on older equipment that they STILL sell. Makes me think that when the B1 is replaced I'll be stuck with obsolete black brick.....and that's my main concern, I don't want something that looks interesting but has a limited lifespan because of the app or the companies policies.
Are my concerns valid? Thx in advance! (You may see this question on other vids) Again Thx.....
for $1300 ... you should get at least a 1 year subscription for the app included....
Great Video Eric, thanks for doing this one for all of us Amateur Radio Op's. 73, WA6TWJ Dave
Too expensive when you add on the necessary accessories. Will stay with my Anytone 878 and Openspot 3.
Good on you Eric for getting more people into the hobby. One good thing about Covid is that it has opened up radio to more...
Now we just need a mobile radio version with 35-50 watts of power...
if it did fusion rather than dmr I might think about buying one but price would need to drop 40-50 percent
The worst thing about DMR is without doubt a code plug but the price of this is too high for the hardware, sure the concept is good and it's a step in the right direction and I can only imagine the time that's gone into it's development.
As a phone it's outdated but not needing a code plug is good, I don't bother with local repeater cliques so for me there's no need for 2m or 70cm and would rather use the internet for digital modes. A version without 2m or 70cm would be good along with D-star and Fusion.
Being able to find local repeater via GPS is cool.
The other issue is that it only works on DmR, not D-Star or Fusion.
If someone is considering getting on digital voice then I'd highly recommend spending around 100 USD and get the DVstick DV 30 and blue DV software, it works incredibly well and if you're on D-Star you can see if activity pops up on DMR or fusion at the same time. It also works on Android with OTG cable and Blue DV AMBE from the play store, only downside is that on Android you have to have the app open and screen unlocked all the time and can't switch to another app of it shuts off the app.
With blue DV you also need to make sure your TX volume is set properly and once adjusted it sounds really good on air.
Nice review. I just watched the HamFest video with the RFinder guy and wanted to learn more. I like the idea of not programming repeaters and just selecting them. I currently use a DMR Anytone D878 HT. It works great just a pain to program new channels if I am on a trip. I have had 3 Android phones before so I am sure I could use it as an every day carry for phone. I might want a hotspot to tether devices to. I have more studying to do. Thanks for the video, Eric. Oh I was in your state last month when Storm Fred rolled by us in the Gainesville area. 73 de KI5HXM
You sound more like the sales rep , rather than a reviewer.
It would have to drop in price significantly, and support latest version of android and have a solid support path not just 1 guy to be a purchase.
That phone/radio is so tempting! 19:41 that's cute, my "ancient" Samsung Note 4 has 32gb of main system memory, but I've got a 512gb SD card in it that's nearly full and could even use a 1 terabyte card if I needed...
@Anung Un Rama yeah I know, mine can hold half a terabyte or more and this phone can't...
Android 8 which is what I believe it runs on is already pretty old....but very cool
If only we could get that functionality in a 50w dual band mobile. The auto-repeater listing and config sharing with HTs and mobiles in other vehicles would be sweet!
I agree
We have a 7" and 10" tablet coming out....and a dual band 40w TDMA amp WITH an LNA for RX so your wish is almost here...pre-release 7" tablet is available on rfinder.net. I have one in my car mounted on a LIDO articulated seat bolt mount on a Diamond SG7900 and I hit machines 40 miles out on 4 watts in CT from Long Island across the LI sound....de Bob W2CYK
@@bobofthedeep Thanks Bob - I'll check it out!
With that being Android it might be cool to load ATAK on it for mapping and chat over the droid. Does the radio side have a IP data interface to use with ATAK as well? This app would not only allow voice comms but you cna pass shapes and chat and positions of team members as well.
Finally modern stuff for us modern people.
From my understanding Atak runs best on android 10 so if this is loaded with that I'd say it should run. As for coms, I'd be willing to bet youd need a forward for it to direct the hammer plug in to the radio. This is a great idea everything is already built in, for the cost would it be cheaper to just run a mesh.
Alan I bought a b1 plus, I'll let you know if atak works of your interested.
Sorry took a bit been really busy at work. Atak does run on this device. Just loaded the newst version 4.5.1 pulled from tak.gov also loaded hammer, wasp. Both seem to he working with no issues. As for using the radio combined with atak still an issue of getting the sound out the radio through the transmitter not tied together so I'm guessing some kind of jumper needs to be made to connect the pins on the port.
If you drop $5.00 in the radio fund jar every time you hear the bell while watching the video, you will be able to buy one of these in no time. Love the smashing phone playback as a reminder about real radio. Also, good luck to your XYL on her latest adventure.
Nice video Eric , more good info from you again
Well that was a quick Grand!! Thanks man!!!
My earlier model RFinder broke, was replaced, and broke again, in pretty short order.
So I can buy RFinder B1 & take out my SIM card from my Samsung S21.
And I can use this as a cellphone, walkie talkie & use Android?
I am still lost on this B1 because not much review on using it as a cell phone/
I'm thinking of getting one of these, but is there a 5G model coming? Also, is the built-in hotspot feature ready yet?
you almost had me Eric,
But due to Australia using the band 28 (703-803Mhz) as one of the 2 main regional bands for 4G its at hard sell.
interesting to note, that the phone supports bands: 17 (704-746Mhz) & 20 (791-862Mhz)
seems like the modem in the phone could support the band 28 due to supporting overlapping bands.
any ideas as to why or if an update to the phone would let it support more bands?
love your work tho cheers
At 5:30 you mentioned the "radio portion of this is worth paying for". Could you please clarify, can the radio transmit without an active RFinder subscription?
I love my B1 - this is the best handheld that I have ever owned. Totally awesome radio !! 73 - KF5XW
here in NYS we have a new carrier our cable company Spectrum I wandering if it will work with them?
Still Android 8.1 :( When are they going to release a model with a recent OS and decent phone specs?
This is more of a show-off toy it's very expensive and like you said interlocking in some preachers I rather buy a Kenwood or Yaesu save about $500
So everyone is aware as I couldn't tell from any video I watch on this device. The radio is app based entirely and didnt come pre loaded on mine, this is the rfinder app that's in the play store. There is a subscription fee after the included 30 days. I am not sure if the radio will stop working after that time as I'm still in the 30 day period. I will add that the app is in no way a ripoff if your going to use this radio, in fact its actually very nice and makes contecting to a repeater ez as just tapping a button and adding and saving channels a snap. It would be nice if this was more clearly explained however as 1200 for a radio then to find out theres a subscription fee might make some ppl really mad or maybe I just missed that. Only other problem I had was getting the radio to start, I had to turn it on and then close out the app then open it back up for it to work.
I've had an extra license for 10 years now, got all 3 in one go, and I've never once talked on any of the radios I have, including the new B1 I just purchased.
Eric.. Great vid!! I just got my dmr id and looking for a handheld ( like uvii plus) and buying a hotspot!! The latest version as i write this is the B1 plus at a cardiac price of $1300 Smackers.. I can buy the HH and say a great hotspot like the openspot3 and spend about $800... What great advantage in your opinion is worth an additional $500 for the B1+??
David W9SSS
I got licensed on 11/16/20 remotely through Anchorage (they are TOP NOTCH), but I have yet to "push the button." Trying to get my radio legs through the HamSphere Virtual VoIP program.
Thanks Eric !
I have been trying to find the answer to this everywhere . . . Is the database of repeaters stored offline in the unit? I got to places where there is no cell service and radio is the only comms. I keep a book in the car but it'd be nice if everything was stored in the unit and pulled up based on a location from a built in GPS receiver.
Hi Eric just want to know what's the different between RFinder B1 and Runbo E81 thank's 73 de V85AFF.
You forgot to thank , us , for telling ' Bob ' in one of our comments in a previous video ... " Bob , Eric needs a B1 ! "
Where does tech support come from after you buy the B1, not Gigaparts web page.
Hey Eric, after having the RFinder as long as you have, what are your thoughts on it? I’m driving truck and I was wondering how well it would hold up on the android side for my work apps. Wasn’t sure how fast the android is. I can definitely see the benefit of having the repeater list as I go from town to town.
I got my license on 11/7/20. Hopefully I can talk to you one of these days when I get my icon ID 5100 set up with a hotspot. I wonder if I could get a SIM card dstar and use it to cross band repeat with the radio you’re reviewing. KJ7SBN
You just skipped over promiscuous mode without explaining it. I think I need that button on the wife :)
What are the exact dimensions on that thing? Amazon says 7x8x3 inches, that dont make any sense, that's about the size of an Android tablet (more square than rectangular), it looks like it would be the size of a large cell phone but thicker of course but it sure dont look no 3in thick.
On the b1 rfinder do you need a hotspot?
I am a licensed ham. Is there any way I can manually program, input a DMR 450 business frequency, time slot, color code for (receive only)??
I love R finder's new device I only have two questions about it though but I haven't been able to find looking into it on the website can you still dial up 4 Simplex contacts cuz I do a lot of crossbanding to my Base radio at home and is it compatible with the Boost or Sprint network other than that I'm already looking into buying one
$1000!! Plus subscription!! Hahhah you must be joking
I have a VHF licence, will this cover the use of that radio.
Pretty cool. But not $1000 cool
Does it have camera in front and back?
How do you manually program this? Is it locked to ham only?
Is this a part 90 cert radio? This will be the greatest radio to the ever growing GMRS society. 462-467mhz. GA has the largest repeater linked network (14) in the world. Plus this is a cell phone. I gotta do more research on this.
Will this work on the Sprint network?>
Does this thing have SDR receive functionality?
First
Any idea how long this will be supported for, if the K1 isn't being fully supported, then that seems a great pity, and pretty much like every other digital device ?
We still support the H1, M1 and K1. All app updates are tested on all legacy devices and we work with users who have issues with legacy devices. RFinder has a Trade Up program on legacy devices. The slow programming on the M1 and K1 was fixed 2 years ago...
I got one three days ago and no matter what I do it will not transmit or receive. I’m so upset that I spent this money on the radio.
Let me start by saying I'm new to the radio world again. I was a 70s kid and my dad had one in our home with a very tall outdoor antenna. I wish I learned from him.
Well now that America's latest presidential administration is running things in 2022. I'm thinking I may need a radio before the stuff hits the fan.
With that said, is this the best of both worlds and would it work?
My concerns are after initial purchase of the radio/phone, what additional fees and services are there?
How CO$TLY is this radio/phone going to be once all said and done❓❓❓🤔
Is there an extended warranty available for the Rfinder B1dmr?
Does it come with, antena, battery and charger?
What other accessores are needed, and "WHY", are they expensive?
Is it user FRIENDLY???
Would it be an overall great daily carry as a cell phone? Can I ditch my other AT&T android?
If so, which service cell phone providers plan is best as far as reception and plans for unlimited talk, text, and data? Tmobile or AT&T in the DFW TEXAS area?
What's the quality side of the android phone? Such as reception and features?
And if I use it as a daily cell phone, can I talk on it without everone hearing my conversation?
Is it capable of 5G?
What is the operating system for the android and does it get updated?
What is the QUALITY of screen, video and camera?
Does it have separate memory or for SD card?
Does it have Bluetooth?
Over all is this phone worth the money, and what are the pros and cons to it?
I hate to buy it and have buyers remorse? PLEASE HELP❗❓
Hi Eric from Chicago. 73, WD9ABG
Hey Eric, how's the ptt work for echolink?
I plan on a quick video with that and IRN (If IRN still exists)
2nd PTT button is supported on EchoLink
Hi Eric, I live in a city of Modesto, CA. and can't fine a testing place. Please let me know what I can do to get my tech license. Tks, Skip
Hi Skip, stay tuned for my next video uploading tonight.. I have just the answer
Got to San Benito county ARES and they will have a link to the San Benito radio club and they do testing online....
Very cool but beyond my budget :>\
On the App Store this app has a very bad name, it doesn’t seem to work in the UK can you tell me why please regards Dr Jeff Morris
Apple App Store
aprs in this radio?
Calling it a walkie talkie makes it sound cheap. My impression of the radio when I first saw it was that it is a pretty advanced handheld ham radio / telephone. Now I don't know if I want one or not. 73's de KB3VQT
Oh great the NSA can monitor everything with the smart phone feature. Treat it like the plague.
I want one with a radio scanner in for airband and whatever
All band digital scanner with APCO-25 etc, etc.A Uniden SDS100 cell phone with a spectrum scope. The sky or the price is the limit.
1300 USD? Lol.
999...where did you get that number?
The price LOL
Can that phone do gmrs
Yes I used it on GMRS all the time when I owned it
Code don’t work anymore :(
Sir are these even legal? it looks much illegal to use this.
I thought you needed a GMRS license instead of a ham license?
Nice 📻. Love your videos. KN4KDU 73.
you can give me the RFinder B1 for Christmas..:)
the practice looks different
eric20 Coupon Code comes up as invalid
Weird, standby
try again
@@HamRadioConcepts i thought the material was superior to what I have been using so I just paid out right! However I don't want others to get discouraged if they were not able to get the discount. Keep up the great videos.
Could you talk on Hi-Fi with this?
I thought you were getting out of ham radio channel? I think you moved to a travel trailer on your family property.
I never said that, so the 9000 subscribers that unsubscribed and wrote hate mail how I was a loser are the ones that suffered I simply took a break and focused more time helping my 90 year old grandmother and more time to my wife that she lost while I spent all my free time making content for people to watch and then complain about.
@@HamRadioConcepts lol, just shows people love your channel, they wouldn't get upset otherwise, that's a pretty good achievement, sure there's no excuse for hate mail, and good for you for taking time out for your family.
Nice............
Having USB-C that doesn't charge is un-excusable.
ITS A HAM RADIO MORE OF A HAM 2 METER RADIO THAN A SMARTPHONE....
Eh....no....its a full blown dual band U/V DMR/FM HT that never requires code plugs...ever...and is a smartphone....
Eric, ...not buying into this one just yet....It will be like the Hotspots...everyday someone will have a new one. It is an HT after all, so it has limited power for over the road use. Plus....not giving up the IPhone for this. I already have the RFinder App and that works fine if I needed get something quickly. With the RT Systems Software, I am pulling the same data. Mind you I have to tell it where to look or what route to look at. Not banging on you Eric personally....just the not a fan of this device for now. I do a lot of backcountry and off the grid photography so Comm is important, especially out west. My FTM-400 with the FT-3D work great and yes it is a bit of a pain to load up the freqs to the Micro SD Cards, but heck with RFinder you can download all the repeaters along an entire route/local area or state. You can then load them into Banks on both radios. I think I prefer that over this HT/Phone. With the We Boost for the Cell Booster, I have great Cell Coverage pretty much where ever I go unless deep in a canyon. I really just do not see the value in this Rig for $1,000 at this time. And I would not switch from the Apple Platfroms for any reason. Was bad enough needing a second computer (Windows) for WIRESX.
Keep up the great work with the videos. I love your passion and continued efforts to push the hobby. I have been a Ham for over 30 years and the hobby just keeps getting better and better. W4GAJ 73s.
It's actually great over the road...never needs a code plug...just works anywhere on earth...very sensitive reciever.
@@bobofthedeep Thanks Bob...appreciate the feedback.
The ICOM IC52A is a Much better Radio!
I know I have one and sold the rfinder years ago
🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤
Ham radio is always lagging 10 or more years behind. Partially because there are overweight grease balls making important decisions on things. They would have been known as losers when we were young.
Thanks Eric!