Nice video mate, thanks for having me. Certainly a subject with many different viewpoints. What we have to remember is that WE (HAM community) have made it a success so I think it’s here to stay. As I said in the video I would love to see these devices being used over long distance HAM WLAN networks, might even give it a go myself at some point!
A strong reason I think these have gained popularity is the fact propagation doesn’t effect making contacts. I think zello is popular with those who like radio for a conversation rather than the science side. It’s a way to stay in touch when radio isn’t working too. That said I can’t bring myself to spend £250 on a device just yet.
Hamspere doesn't link in with RF tho or allow you to TX and RX across different repeater networks or multiple modes across the Globe tho. This does. Whilst the video is o ly showing one applications in use (that is popular with hams), there are other apps and systems out there for these that have been around for several years.
I'm a new operator (M6) with an old mindset about amateur radio in terms of different modes. I have been licenced for 3 years and do not use any other mode other than HF/VHF/UHF, but everyone should have the freedom to use whatever is available to them. Propagation being what it is has been the driver for other modes and they are now in massive use by many operators,, but my one real concern is the taking over of the amateur bands by the commercial world because they are no longer used by radio amateurs. Great video as always and really informative, many thanks.
John Smith - The end of amateur radio? Really? Lol. I thought that was when transistors started to be mass produced? Or was it when companies started making "off the shelf radios"? Oh no, it was when repeaters started... That was the end.. Or maybe it was the Internet... I'm pretty sure that was the end of it... Then again, someone said it was Echolink... The final nail in the coffin! Oh, hang on... Then D-Star started... That finished it off... Obviously almond with all the other digital modes that followed... That's it... And no this is going to finish it off? I guess we'll see... Although I have a sneaky suspicion that your premonition won't be coming true... The points you made are quite accurate either. You don't need a licence to buy a transceiver either? What's the relevance? As with everything, there are several modes/apps that are available to hams and the same applies to non hams. For my experience over the last 2 years of using these devices it's been a positive one. I've spoken to sever new users who have gone on to get there licence and since gone playing on other modes... I've never seen one person (a ham) who's started using one and said they are never going to use RF on amateur bands again. Give it a try, have a listen/qso... It might surprise you.
Great demo using the radio Lewis. Where these scores is for people who cannot put up a antenna but they can join in radio groups. They are very social. The 4.5 " screen is a bonus.
Given the ethos behind the hobby of Amateur Radio: things like learning, discovery and experimenting, the hope would be that maybe new, prospective recruits to the hobby might start out by using such devices, and hopefully transition to other aspects of the hobby. It's hard to describe the buzz of making a CW contact, using just a watt or 2 (QRP) over some distance... it's all communications and these new devices, using the latest mobile phone technology, is another way of communicating and would hopefully keep an interest going in the hobby? Thanks for the video, 73 :-)
For those that can’t put up antennas these radios fill the gap and allow people to communicate which is what amateur radio is all about! Embrace all new technology and use any mode of communication at our disposal. Gm4zji Chris
These devices provide a trouble free wide area talk back channel...think of it in those terms... something to facilitate the hobby not take over it...I've been on CB radio themed zello channels talking to non licensed users..many of which are wanting to become radio amateurs which is encouraging. I live in the North Nottinghamshire area and I can tell you that the hobby in terms of activity and weight of numbers was in steady decline here long before the arrival of digital voice technologies and network devices...I've just come back from a week's holiday in Somerset ( Bath area) optimistically I took a 2 and 70's radio with me...I put many calls into the Bath repeater at different times of day and never heard a sausage... Network Radios, Echo link and the IRN provided the ham radio based activity I craved...as the numbers of licensed hams thin out we become more isolated in the areas we live..these networks world wide create one large radio community which can only be a good thing..has anyone been to a radio rally recently? I went to the Junction 28 Rally in June..I overheard an old timer talking about the state of the hobby, he said at one point " take a look around this hall..most of us are a few steps away from the grave, we need young people in the hobby!" I myself am 52 years old and heading in that same direction. There is nothing wrong with getting old..but the future of the hobby depends on young people coming into it. With the youth of today all walking around with a smart phone on them, those that are curious about the amateur radio hobby have the technology in their back pocket to join us and dip their toe in the waters...it falls to us to give them a warm welcome. As for these PTT devices themselves.. better speaker volume, better microphone response..the PTT button gives a more natural feel during prolonged QSO...the huge batteries they have and the current drain appears to be optimised for two way communication and long periods of operation. I have the T-320, for all its bugs and malware issues it does a far better job of network coms than my android phone ever did ( it heated up quite alarmingly!) In short it's good to have a stand alone device away from your daily driver mobile phone. It's fast becoming evident that in ham radio as with other technology based interests/hobbies, it is a case of move with the times or get left behind. 😉
I love the replies about them not being radio. Like when channelisation first happened, like the move to FM. The introduction of UHF using ex-police radios, like RTTY, then packet. Anyone who says it's not radio, is a bit incorrectly correct - it's different, and the best thing - I can chat about rubbish to not just hams, but ANYONE with an interest in radio technology - which it clearly is! After watching your videos I've actually spoken to more people than usual, and lots are NOT hams, just other enthusiasts. Good on you for promoting it - After a quick go on my phone, a radio is on the way.
George were beginning to sound like our Dads. LOL. You got to get the younger people into radio before we die off. These network devices just might be the answer. Hope your doing well buddy.
George. You clearly haven't used one as if you had, you'd realise it's nothing like Skype. But in the meantime, can you tell me how I can connect to DMR based systems, allstar, Fusion or any other repeaters with Skype? Because you can with one of these...
fredintheshed1 Fred, it's not radio. Fact. No wire in the sky with ts not the same thing. I'd sooner quit the hobby altogether than go down that road. That hamsphere shit is the same. I'm great mate.
In this video you both said this is easy & works out the box and learning and perfecting your amateur radio skills is old hat and hassle that you can't be bothered with so the future of amateur radio looks grim if this is the way of thinking of future radio amateurs
loads of good points about network radios well covered there lads. For all those that say what if the network ever goes down it wont work what then? Well so what what did we do before all this tech was available? We didnt worry about what if thats for sure. Use it for what it is.
this is a mobile phone with capacity to link in with a uhf or vhf radio service any said features such as DMR and so forth is a bonus feature or features depending on who you talk to now I do not know where these radios come in at a legal sense to where you are in the world and where you live.. Just make sure whichever license you own permits this to be used in either in uhf/vhf/gsm/lte-a format you live within ..
Surely the issue here is about retaining flexibility. This hobby involves both analogue as well as digital aspects. One can be a die hard analogue & valves man as well as being into digital modes.But what we are forgetting is how to make the sport accessible for new entrants so that they can develop their own field of interest & motivation. The availability of websdr provides access to radio listening posts around the world but as a new user currently without an HF rig my local sdr station allows me to listen in via the web to my local club net. At the same time I am experimenting with an old valve SW receiver and trying to set an aerial up to maximise reception. So the routes into this hobby are changing and alternative pathways are now available which offer lo-cost entrants different ways of getting involved. For example: HackGreen does not currently have a 6m band but my local club in Sale runs a weekly 6m net. Setting up an internet back channel would enable more participation & involvement until equipment has been purchased. Surely it is our way of thinking that needs to change to maintain relevance & interest. This is not a religion it is an experimental hobby & there is lots to learn; whether it is analogue or digital.
Some good points there Chris. Network radio could be used to pipe that 6m net over a channel which would help grow the net and create a bit of interest
Exactly. All I am asking them to do is take advantage of technology to maintain interest rather than exclude involvement. I had the opportunity to talk to the new President of the RSGB (who is also President of the Stockport Club) and he is sympathetic to anything that attracts & involves new members to this hobby that is at the forefront of technology. It is not a matter of shutting out the old but incorporating both aspects; digital & analogue. Many people are surprised to discover when they were tinkering with valves that digital signals processing was also being developed. Only then it was a closely guarded military secret.
I appreciate and understand why the amateur radio community is blasting this technology for "not being real radio". At the end of the day, yes it is basically Skype with PTT and one-at-a-time communication to emulate a radio-like experience. That said, I use radios every single day for inter-team communication as part of my profession. I do not care what band the radio broadcasts on, or what technology is has. All I care about is that a secure radio "network" can be setup on everyone's device and deployed in minutes without any hiccups, and that I can communicate effectively with my team without blackspots or range issues, especially when we are mobile. We've decided to trial network radios to address many of the issues we faced with conventional radios. Network radios will never replace our conventional radios, they'll just be an additional tool in the kit for long-range communication.
Hi Lewis! I don't understand what Zello has to do with HAM radio. For me Zello is PTT using a mobile phone and an IP network and HAM radio is using the air waves. But that's just my opinion. Having said that, i love your videos. Good topics, real down-to-earth comments. For this i want to ask you if you can have a look at HamSphere. This is also PTT over IP, but at least you get a little bit the feeling you are working with a radio. Have a look at it. And if you can make a video review, even better. Keep up the good work!!
Hi Ton, The first comment, I completely agree with. The only thing it has 'to do' with amateur radio is that tonnes of amateurs are using it to communicate. But yes, nothing to do with radio and definitely not amateur radio. Cheers for the compliments. I'll check out hamsphere! :)
An android phone that turns the microphone of and on... I just hope the younger generation don't think this is how radio is..... because it isn't, tuners beam & wire antennas sitting in a field making contacts all around the world using propagation Thats what I call radio.... if anyone considers this radio, then everyone who owns a mobile phone has just become a radio ham...... because thats all it is, A mobile phone with a ptt.... I didn't take my ham test to use this technology, I took it to learn about how it works, understanding and learning antenna theory and propagation. My opinion, I am entitled too it, Enjoy it if you use it, but its not for me I'm afraid. Peace !!
Totally agree with you Adrian with these being just a mobile phone with a mic. However have you talked to younger people say 18-25 years recently about radio ? Sadly they have been born into a world of Skype, Teamspeak and Xbox Live. Instant communication and they just do not get radio communication at all. They would never consider spending out on a HF radio and putting up an antenna. However they may use Zello on their phone. I think for those people this could be a stepping stone into real radio. Its just possible that after a few years playing with Network radio they may develop an interest to learn more and hopefully one day become a real radio operator.
We at our club have just very proudly got a 14 year old lad through his Foundation, He absolutely loves Radio (Real) and shivers when network radios are spoke about LOL, we do have members that use network radio and if it works for them then its all good with me, it keeps them happy....... but personally I'm all about learning and sharing my experiments with antennas etc.... not 3G 4G & WIFI ha ha ... Each to their own I guess :)
Who said having one of these made you a ham? No one... I don't get why you would compare that really... As for why you joined the hobby... Each to their own. Some people are licenced hams but never speak... They take their please in building sets and antennas etc... Some people join the hobby to talk (using various modes). Using a device like this to talk to the world either via VoIP or RoIP is still communicating in a unique way. As for what people think it is... Do you think people that use a rock climbing wall to start their hobby of climbing think that thats them same as climbing a mountain? Or course not... But as Fred says, it introduces people to a whole new way of communicating which is something that is desperately needed with the hobby to entice new users.
"tuners beam & wire antennas sitting in a field making contacts all around the world using propagation Thats what I call radio.... if anyone considers this radio, then everyone who owns a mobile phone has just become a radio ham" Where does that say owning one of these makes you a ham?, I never said that, I said "then everyone who owns a MOBILE PHONE has just become a radio ham" :)
Yeah. I love messing with antennas and iam currently doing so this week. I rem about 18 years ago i joined my local photographic club. At the time any digital produced or enhanced prints were not allowed to be entered for any competition. The older members shuddered at the mention of Photoshop. Fast forward to 2018 and who uses film photography now. There will always be real radio (thank god) but these network radios are going to get more popular.
Hi Lewis already on it with test beds built running Zello gateways on CB band and PMR446,works great on new Zello PC application update.CB needs use of CTCSS ,that was conclusion came too (QRM,noise floor,urban areas and prevent jamming up system if meshing gateways together) and awaiting new kit \samples to test.Interfacing ,got that sorted now.Noise of PC sound cards also found out the resolves to this.VOX avoid like plague when interfacing gateways on ROIP,it introduces a lot of lag time into system,so best avoided I found.Busy TTL flag work best and very little lag system detects a Busy ,Zello have recently updated the PC application now and it works well in gateway mode.Sometime to get access to BUSY flag,u do have to get inside radio of choice if there is not an acc socket on radio.Zello gateway mode does support Active hi or low so thats makes it easier RTS=PTT and CTS=Busy Flag,on comm port connections to pc.When funds permit ,will be adding aN60 on Zello so can cross link into CB or whatever radio hooked up as a gateway,this is def future of personal radio ,but what i do like with Zello is ability to add own radio gateways into your radio kit ,plus phone access apps too .Going from phone to CB in FM and Am modes was a fun test via Zello and it worked really well in audio quality! Great vid Lewis was nice to see N60 operating ,was that a Data sim only used in test or a std phone sim? id like to see video of set being used in phone mode ,dialing out a call to hear audio. Keep up the good work Lewis ,glad having fun with new toys all the best rob
Good video mate, cheers. So..it is just a very high powered (not so) mobile phone. More power, will allways + better reception/signal. Though i still prefer direct Peer to Peer... no cell towers in the middle. Cheers for sharing.
Skype or EchoLink with a microphone & something that looks like a transceiver with an annoying Roger Beep every time you key the microphone. Can a bunch of people link & chat or just two?
Hello Ringway, am way too old to climb a roof or mess with antennas ... seldom leave the house. This network radio could be what will work best for me. I listened carefully to your presentations and also to others, but the one capability I need was not clearly said by any of you. Is cell service required or will this radio work only with wi-fi? Thanks, from Chill
I think it has a place in ham radio, But! When u need data etc, to use it that becomes a Problem (we take data/Internet, for granted these days) so without it, the radio would useless!, If it had an option to use Dmr & Analogue like a standard radio, it would be a Big benifit
Yeah you're absolutely right. Inrico T298S has UHF radio built in. I'm hopefully getting my hands on a Boxchip set soon which has built in DMR capability which is a bit of a game changer!
Well you could install Mumble Server on a Raspberry. Then connect it to a strong WiFi Access Point and connect to this Cell with the Network Radios wich run mumble client for Android. Voila - Local WiFi Radio Cell without internet.
I have no complaints about these radios and no reason do be against people using them or people who use them, but I was thinking about these the other day and made the following observation. These radios use the internet, which is easily capable of full duplex, so why is there a PTT switch? It's as if they were designed to emulate, or 'pretend' to be a radio. I really don't get what the attraction of these radios is. DMR, okay, lots of people use hot spots, so there is limited RF, but a DMR radio is capable of accessing a repeater as well, so RF is used. Yes, I know a network radio uses RF, but it only does so in order to be able to use the internet. Maybe I'm missing something? No doubt I'm about to be shot down by people who use these radios, but my comment isn't meant to put the radios down, it's more of a question, why is there a PTT when the internet supports full duplex? And when you consider that, then aren't users simply pretending to use the radio when they use them?
Paul Graham - Whilst they are capable of full duplex, if you are talking to someone from a NR to RF, then a PTT is essential. Also if it was worked in full duplex without using headphones I suspect we'd all be hearing feedback. The PTT no doubt does emulate a more traditional RF set, but I personally feel it aids to its value.
We can cancel out feedback on other full duplex systems (Google Hangouts etc). So, we wouldn't need headphones. I wasn't aware NR had connections to the 'RF world', so yes, maybe that could justify having a PTT. I still can't help but feel it's just a way of pretending to use radio though, and quite a step back from what the internet is capable of. As Fran made me realise in his comment below, there is zero satisfaction in making a contact in this way for me, which is exactly why I don't use it. I guess others must like it though, so good luck to them. I guess amateur radio can be what ever you want it to be :)
Hey forget Network radio. You have a piece of history behind you. A Rabbit phone set and the original rabbit toy. I had these many years ago (Circa 1993) and felt like Del-boy parked in the rabbit zone of my nearest retail park making phone calls from inside the car. The best bit was that the boss could not call me back. lol
No difference between hotspots and network radio, both use the cell towers and internet. For me is modern times technology. No more expensive repeaters with a 20 mile range.
will ro the video is only using one app that is suitable for these devices. Things like the IRN (TS3) and echolink both have the ability to connect into RF feeds and have been available (and created) for the amateur community. So to answer your statement, no, it's nothing like Skype.
Nice video mate, thanks for having me. Certainly a subject with many different viewpoints. What we have to remember is that WE (HAM community) have made it a success so I think it’s here to stay. As I said in the video I would love to see these devices being used over long distance HAM WLAN networks, might even give it a go myself at some point!
Thanks for getting in on the video mate! I'd love to see you doing some long range tests!
Cheers man!
A strong reason I think these have gained popularity is the fact propagation doesn’t effect making contacts. I think zello is popular with those who like radio for a conversation rather than the science side. It’s a way to stay in touch when radio isn’t working too. That said I can’t bring myself to spend £250 on a device just yet.
Yes, but aren't we just 'pretending' to use a radio though? We might as well be using a dedicated (but free) HamSphere type 'box'.
Hamspere doesn't link in with RF tho or allow you to TX and RX across different repeater networks or multiple modes across the Globe tho. This does. Whilst the video is o ly showing one applications in use (that is popular with hams), there are other apps and systems out there for these that have been around for several years.
I'm a new operator (M6) with an old mindset about amateur radio in terms of different modes. I have been licenced for 3 years and do not use any other mode other than HF/VHF/UHF, but everyone should have the freedom to use whatever is available to them. Propagation being what it is has been the driver for other modes and they are now in massive use by many operators,, but my one real concern is the taking over of the amateur bands by the commercial world because they are no longer used by radio amateurs. Great video as always and really informative, many thanks.
John Smith - The end of amateur radio? Really? Lol. I thought that was when transistors started to be mass produced? Or was it when companies started making "off the shelf radios"? Oh no, it was when repeaters started... That was the end.. Or maybe it was the Internet... I'm pretty sure that was the end of it... Then again, someone said it was Echolink... The final nail in the coffin! Oh, hang on... Then D-Star started... That finished it off... Obviously almond with all the other digital modes that followed... That's it... And no this is going to finish it off? I guess we'll see... Although I have a sneaky suspicion that your premonition won't be coming true...
The points you made are quite accurate either. You don't need a licence to buy a transceiver either? What's the relevance?
As with everything, there are several modes/apps that are available to hams and the same applies to non hams.
For my experience over the last 2 years of using these devices it's been a positive one. I've spoken to sever new users who have gone on to get there licence and since gone playing on other modes... I've never seen one person (a ham) who's started using one and said they are never going to use RF on amateur bands again. Give it a try, have a listen/qso... It might surprise you.
Great demo using the radio Lewis. Where these scores is for people who cannot put up a antenna but they can join in radio groups. They are very social. The 4.5 " screen is a bonus.
Yeah it's great mate! We'll have to catch up on there some time, Gary tells me you have Zello now!
Yep i have Zello on my Ipad and have chatted to Gary a couple of times :-)
fredintheshed1 sooner the better lads.
Given the ethos behind the hobby of Amateur Radio: things like learning, discovery and experimenting, the hope would be that maybe new, prospective recruits to the hobby might start out by using such devices, and hopefully transition to other aspects of the hobby.
It's hard to describe the buzz of making a CW contact, using just a watt or 2 (QRP) over some distance... it's all communications and these new devices, using the latest mobile phone technology, is another way of communicating and would hopefully keep an interest going in the hobby? Thanks for the video, 73 :-)
Cheers mate :)
For those that can’t put up antennas these radios fill the gap and allow people to communicate which is what amateur radio is all about! Embrace all new technology and use any mode of communication at our disposal. Gm4zji Chris
Amen Chris
These devices provide a trouble free wide area talk back channel...think of it in those terms... something to facilitate the hobby not take over it...I've been on CB radio themed zello channels talking to non licensed users..many of which are wanting to become radio amateurs which is encouraging. I live in the North Nottinghamshire area and I can tell you that the hobby in terms of activity and weight of numbers was in steady decline here long before the arrival of digital voice technologies and network devices...I've just come back from a week's holiday in Somerset ( Bath area) optimistically I took a 2 and 70's radio with me...I put many calls into the Bath repeater at different times of day and never heard a sausage... Network Radios, Echo link and the IRN provided the ham radio based activity I craved...as the numbers of licensed hams thin out we become more isolated in the areas we live..these networks world wide create one large radio community which can only be a good thing..has anyone been to a radio rally recently? I went to the Junction 28 Rally in June..I overheard an old timer talking about the state of the hobby, he said at one point " take a look around this hall..most of us are a few steps away from the grave, we need young people in the hobby!"
I myself am 52 years old and heading in that same direction. There is nothing wrong with getting old..but the future of the hobby depends on young people coming into it. With the youth of today all walking around with a smart phone on them, those that are curious about the amateur radio hobby have the technology in their back pocket to join us and dip their toe in the waters...it falls to us to give them a warm welcome.
As for these PTT devices themselves.. better speaker volume, better microphone response..the PTT button gives a more natural feel during prolonged QSO...the huge batteries they have and the current drain appears to be optimised for two way communication and long periods of operation. I have the T-320, for all its bugs and malware issues it does a far better job of network coms than my android phone ever did ( it heated up quite alarmingly!) In short it's good to have a stand alone device away from your daily driver mobile phone. It's fast becoming evident that in ham radio as with other technology based interests/hobbies, it is a case of move with the times or get left behind. 😉
MrRadiorobot - Spot on!
I love the replies about them not being radio. Like when channelisation first happened, like the move to FM. The introduction of UHF using ex-police radios, like RTTY, then packet. Anyone who says it's not radio, is a bit incorrectly correct - it's different, and the best thing - I can chat about rubbish to not just hams, but ANYONE with an interest in radio technology - which it clearly is! After watching your videos I've actually spoken to more people than usual, and lots are NOT hams, just other enthusiasts. Good on you for promoting it - After a quick go on my phone, a radio is on the way.
Exactly! Thanks Paul :) Maybe catch you on there!
Some good points made here, I would really like to see some using an open, but non-internet connected internet node and some directional antennas.
cheers mate!
Sorry all, it's not radio. Just use Skype. Free download to your phone. If it ain't RF it's not radio.
Every mobile phon in history has been using RF though.. When it comes down to it, it's just another digital mode.
George were beginning to sound like our Dads. LOL. You got to get the younger people into radio before we die off. These network devices just might be the answer. Hope your doing well buddy.
George. You clearly haven't used one as if you had, you'd realise it's nothing like Skype.
But in the meantime, can you tell me how I can connect to DMR based systems, allstar, Fusion or any other repeaters with Skype? Because you can with one of these...
fredintheshed1 Fred, it's not radio. Fact. No wire in the sky with ts not the same thing. I'd sooner quit the hobby altogether than go down that road. That hamsphere shit is the same. I'm great mate.
Parademic no I haven't and won't. It's not radio in the traditional sense. Dress it up what ever way you like.... It's still voip.
In this video you both said this is easy & works out the box and learning and perfecting your amateur radio skills is old hat and hassle that you can't be bothered with so the future of amateur radio looks grim if this is the way of thinking of future radio amateurs
I am well pleased with this other than german display. I am a ham and still see this as communication hobby
loads of good points about network radios well covered there lads. For all those that say what if the network ever goes down it wont work what then? Well so what what did we do before all this tech was available? We didnt worry about what if thats for sure. Use it for what it is.
Cheers Gary, must catch you on there soon!
Ringway Manchester hahaha yeah im gona start putting it on more often Lewis.
this is a mobile phone with capacity to link in with a uhf or vhf radio service any said features such as DMR and so forth is a bonus feature or features depending on who you talk to
now I do not know where these radios come in at a legal sense to where you are in the world and where you live..
Just make sure whichever license you own permits this to be used in either in uhf/vhf/gsm/lte-a format you live within ..
Surely the issue here is about retaining flexibility. This hobby involves both analogue as well as digital aspects. One can be a die hard analogue & valves man as well as being into digital modes.But what we are forgetting is how to make the sport accessible for new entrants so that they can develop their own field of interest & motivation. The availability of websdr provides access to radio listening posts around the world but as a new user currently without an HF rig my local sdr station allows me to listen in via the web to my local club net. At the same time I am experimenting with an old valve SW receiver and trying to set an aerial up to maximise reception. So the routes into this hobby are changing and alternative pathways are now available which offer lo-cost entrants different ways of getting involved. For example: HackGreen does not currently have a 6m band but my local club in Sale runs a weekly 6m net. Setting up an internet back channel would enable more participation & involvement until equipment has been purchased. Surely it is our way of thinking that needs to change to maintain relevance & interest. This is not a religion it is an experimental hobby & there is lots to learn; whether it is analogue or digital.
Some good points there Chris. Network radio could be used to pipe that 6m net over a channel which would help grow the net and create a bit of interest
Exactly. All I am asking them to do is take advantage of technology to maintain interest rather than exclude involvement. I had the opportunity to talk to the new President of the RSGB (who is also President of the Stockport Club) and he is sympathetic to anything that attracts & involves new members to this hobby that is at the forefront of technology. It is not a matter of shutting out the old but incorporating both aspects; digital & analogue. Many people are surprised to discover when they were tinkering with valves that digital signals processing was also being developed. Only then it was a closely guarded military secret.
It looks great but it was a lot easier to talk to someone back in the CB days then it is with this device..
I appreciate and understand why the amateur radio community is blasting this technology for "not being real radio".
At the end of the day, yes it is basically Skype with PTT and one-at-a-time communication to emulate a radio-like experience.
That said, I use radios every single day for inter-team communication as part of my profession. I do not care what band the radio broadcasts on, or what technology is has. All I care about is that a secure radio "network" can be setup on everyone's device and deployed in minutes without any hiccups, and that I can communicate effectively with my team without blackspots or range issues, especially when we are mobile. We've decided to trial network radios to address many of the issues we faced with conventional radios. Network radios will never replace our conventional radios, they'll just be an additional tool in the kit for long-range communication.
Hi Lewis!
I don't understand what Zello has to do with HAM radio. For me Zello is PTT using a mobile phone and an IP network and HAM radio is using the air waves. But that's just my opinion. Having said that, i love your videos. Good topics, real down-to-earth comments. For this i want to ask you if you can have a look at HamSphere. This is also PTT over IP, but at least you get a little bit the feeling you are working with a radio.
Have a look at it. And if you can make a video review, even better.
Keep up the good work!!
Hi Ton, The first comment, I completely agree with. The only thing it has 'to do' with amateur radio is that tonnes of amateurs are using it to communicate. But yes, nothing to do with radio and definitely not amateur radio. Cheers for the compliments. I'll check out hamsphere! :)
Questions: What is the difference other than the names between Anysecu & Senhaix N60? What is a better purchase and why?
Anysecu just sell them for Senhaix, They're exactly the same
An android phone that turns the microphone of and on... I just hope the younger generation don't think this is how radio is..... because it isn't, tuners beam & wire antennas sitting in a field making contacts all around the world using propagation Thats what I call radio.... if anyone considers this radio, then everyone who owns a mobile phone has just become a radio ham...... because thats all it is, A mobile phone with a ptt.... I didn't take my ham test to use this technology, I took it to learn about how it works, understanding and learning antenna theory and propagation. My opinion, I am entitled too it, Enjoy it if you use it, but its not for me I'm afraid. Peace !!
Totally agree with you Adrian with these being just a mobile phone with a mic. However have you talked to younger people say 18-25 years recently about radio ? Sadly they have been born into a world of Skype, Teamspeak and Xbox Live. Instant communication and they just do not get radio communication at all. They would never consider spending out on a HF radio and putting up an antenna. However they may use Zello on their phone. I think for those people this could be a stepping stone into real radio. Its just possible that after a few years playing with Network radio they may develop an interest to learn more and hopefully one day become a real radio operator.
We at our club have just very proudly got a 14 year old lad through his Foundation, He absolutely loves Radio (Real) and shivers when network radios are spoke about LOL, we do have members that use network radio and if it works for them then its all good with me, it keeps them happy....... but personally I'm all about learning and sharing my experiments with antennas etc.... not 3G 4G & WIFI ha ha ... Each to their own I guess :)
Who said having one of these made you a ham? No one... I don't get why you would compare that really...
As for why you joined the hobby... Each to their own. Some people are licenced hams but never speak... They take their please in building sets and antennas etc... Some people join the hobby to talk (using various modes). Using a device like this to talk to the world either via VoIP or RoIP is still communicating in a unique way.
As for what people think it is... Do you think people that use a rock climbing wall to start their hobby of climbing think that thats them same as climbing a mountain? Or course not... But as Fred says, it introduces people to a whole new way of communicating which is something that is desperately needed with the hobby to entice new users.
"tuners beam & wire antennas sitting in a field making contacts all around the world using propagation Thats what I call radio.... if anyone considers this radio, then everyone who owns a mobile phone has just become a radio ham"
Where does that say owning one of these makes you a ham?, I never said that, I said "then everyone who owns a MOBILE PHONE has just become a radio ham" :)
Yeah. I love messing with antennas and iam currently doing so this week. I rem about 18 years ago i joined my local photographic club. At the time any digital produced or enhanced prints were not allowed to be entered for any competition. The older members shuddered at the mention of Photoshop. Fast forward to 2018 and who uses film photography now. There will always be real radio (thank god) but these network radios are going to get more popular.
Hi Lewis already on it with test beds built running Zello gateways on CB band and PMR446,works great on new Zello PC application update.CB needs use of CTCSS ,that was conclusion came too (QRM,noise floor,urban areas and prevent jamming up system if meshing gateways together) and awaiting new kit \samples to test.Interfacing ,got that sorted now.Noise of PC sound cards also found out the resolves to this.VOX avoid like plague when interfacing gateways on ROIP,it introduces a lot of lag time into system,so best avoided I found.Busy TTL flag work best and very little lag system detects a Busy ,Zello have recently updated the PC application now and it works well in gateway mode.Sometime to get access to BUSY flag,u do have to get inside radio of choice if there is not an acc socket on radio.Zello gateway mode does support Active hi or low so thats makes it easier RTS=PTT and CTS=Busy Flag,on comm port connections to pc.When funds permit ,will be adding aN60 on Zello so can cross link into CB or whatever radio hooked up as a gateway,this is def future of personal radio ,but what i do like with Zello is ability to add own radio gateways into your radio kit ,plus phone access apps too .Going from phone to CB in FM and Am modes was a fun test via Zello and it worked really well in audio quality! Great vid Lewis was nice to see N60 operating ,was that a Data sim only used in test or a std phone sim? id like to see video of set being used in phone mode ,dialing out a call to hear audio.
Keep up the good work Lewis ,glad having fun with new toys all the best rob
My thanks to Ringway Manchester find your input very helpful
cheers mate!
Good video mate, cheers. So..it is just a very high powered (not so) mobile phone. More power, will allways + better reception/signal. Though i still prefer direct Peer to Peer... no cell towers in the middle. Cheers for sharing.
Thanks for posting what does it have Bluetooth for remote put many thanks john
Whats the best dmr radio as im looking into it just for a bit of fun.
Ailunce HD1 or Retevis RT3S
Ringway Manchester what are baofeng dmr radios like. The second gen ones?
Anytone 878 great radio!
Skype or EchoLink with a microphone & something that looks like a transceiver with an annoying Roger Beep every time you key the microphone. Can a bunch of people link & chat or just two?
Hello Ringway, am way too old to climb a roof or mess with antennas ... seldom leave the house. This network radio could be what will work best for me.
I listened carefully to your presentations and also to others, but the one capability I need was not clearly said by any of you. Is cell service required or will this radio work only with wi-fi?
Thanks, from Chill
Hey Jay, it will work with wi-fi and cellular services. One or the other or both. I did say in the vid but you may have missed it. Best 73 for now
I think it has a place in ham radio, But! When u need data etc, to use it that becomes a Problem (we take data/Internet, for granted these days) so without it, the radio would useless!, If it had an option to use Dmr & Analogue like a standard radio, it would be a Big benifit
Yeah you're absolutely right. Inrico T298S has UHF radio built in. I'm hopefully getting my hands on a Boxchip set soon which has built in DMR capability which is a bit of a game changer!
I didn't no there was a model with uhf in it, and the boxchip thing sounds good stuff, n yes lewis, would be a defo game changer
Well you could install Mumble Server on a Raspberry. Then connect it to a strong WiFi Access Point and connect to this Cell with the Network Radios wich run mumble client for Android. Voila - Local WiFi Radio Cell without internet.
Cheers mate!
I have no complaints about these radios and no reason do be against people using them or people who use them, but I was thinking about these the other day and made the following observation. These radios use the internet, which is easily capable of full duplex, so why is there a PTT switch? It's as if they were designed to emulate, or 'pretend' to be a radio. I really don't get what the attraction of these radios is. DMR, okay, lots of people use hot spots, so there is limited RF, but a DMR radio is capable of accessing a repeater as well, so RF is used. Yes, I know a network radio uses RF, but it only does so in order to be able to use the internet. Maybe I'm missing something? No doubt I'm about to be shot down by people who use these radios, but my comment isn't meant to put the radios down, it's more of a question, why is there a PTT when the internet supports full duplex? And when you consider that, then aren't users simply pretending to use the radio when they use them?
Paul Graham - Whilst they are capable of full duplex, if you are talking to someone from a NR to RF, then a PTT is essential.
Also if it was worked in full duplex without using headphones I suspect we'd all be hearing feedback.
The PTT no doubt does emulate a more traditional RF set, but I personally feel it aids to its value.
We can cancel out feedback on other full duplex systems (Google Hangouts etc). So, we wouldn't need headphones. I wasn't aware NR had connections to the 'RF world', so yes, maybe that could justify having a PTT. I still can't help but feel it's just a way of pretending to use radio though, and quite a step back from what the internet is capable of. As Fran made me realise in his comment below, there is zero satisfaction in making a contact in this way for me, which is exactly why I don't use it. I guess others must like it though, so good luck to them. I guess amateur radio can be what ever you want it to be :)
KmanAust - Is a cell phone not a transceiver? It wasast time I looked... They just work on different frequencies... 😉
Great video!
Hey forget Network radio. You have a piece of history behind you. A Rabbit phone set and the original rabbit toy. I had these many years ago (Circa 1993) and felt like Del-boy parked in the rabbit zone of my nearest retail park making phone calls from inside the car. The best bit was that the boss could not call me back. lol
Haha thanks Ian! Well I've got a full video coming on that soon :) I've got quite a bit of Rabbit stuff now!
Question, has the 4G LTE version of this model been released? I heard the release was around March.
Hey Bobby yes it has and I have one here, video coming very soon
Where can I safely purchase one of these? And what's the msrp on them?
HI Madison contact Senhaix
How can you change display language from german to english as mine was purchased for me as a gift ?
In language and input in settings
Ever thought of using that shiny mic that's always on show ?
You mean the one I use in every single video???
Awsome how much are those radios . And can you by in u.s. tks
I don't give prices Eric, if you contact Senhaix they'll let you know and they do ship to the USA. Cheers
Nice one
cheers mate!
Hola...hay slgun video en lengua Española?
just getting a Trasher Mike 7, i like the nx60 but it cost an arm and a leg, and remember its not weal waidio as they say HI HI HI ..jeff..m0prf..
No difference between hotspots and network radio, both use the cell towers and internet. For me is modern times technology. No more expensive repeaters with a 20 mile range.
Skype by any other name?
will ro the video is only using one app that is suitable for these devices. Things like the IRN (TS3) and echolink both have the ability to connect into RF feeds and have been available (and created) for the amateur community.
So to answer your statement, no, it's nothing like Skype.
No it's not like Skype, skype doesn't use PTT technology
I think I hear Andy?
you do!
Who sells them in uk
None that I know of