Radioddity QT80: Unlock Extra Frequencies - Ham Radio Hack!

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  • Опубліковано 3 жов 2024

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  • @45auto
    @45auto 9 днів тому +11

    Just be aware of the sponsored cat videos. 🐈

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +2

      Always watch out for that 👍

    • @bdg77
      @bdg77 9 днів тому

      My cat has an O.F.

    • @seanwieland9763
      @seanwieland9763 8 днів тому +1

      I’m more worried about those Haitian cat videos. 🐱 🍽️

    • @bassmanjr100
      @bassmanjr100 8 днів тому

      ​@@seanwieland9763I love cats. They are delicious in griot with a side of fried plantains.

  • @martinunger9545
    @martinunger9545 9 днів тому +6

    That was pretty amazing. You took a 10-meter mono-bander and converted it into a triband radio in a few minutes. All of a sudden, this $300 transceiver became interesting. It begs the question why they didn't just create a 3 band radio in the first place.

    • @CBPunisher1900
      @CBPunisher1900 9 днів тому +4

      quad band, u forgot 11m 27mhz cb .

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +2

      Hey Martin, I have no idea but it was easy enough to mod 🤷

    • @GoonyMclinux
      @GoonyMclinux 9 днів тому

      Spectral purity issues, likely doesn't have filters for those bands but at lower power who knows?

    • @GoonyMclinux
      @GoonyMclinux 9 днів тому +2

      ​@@TheSmokinApesee if it transmits clean enough, that would make an awesome video.

    • @K4AX
      @K4AX 9 днів тому

      @@GoonyMclinux One low pass filter right above 30mhz would cover 17-10m, maybe thats what they did.

  • @robertmeyer4744
    @robertmeyer4744 9 днів тому +7

    That a great radio. There's outher tricks that that can do. I do not know the age of that but there is a firmware update that unlocks some new features. Like changing display color on TX like RED . The mic jack has a audio out pin and can adjust in menu. Great for Heil headsets or using a sound card for digital modes, The RX is great on them. Has some filters that work nice. Radio does draw like 15 amps SSB . so like 12 AWG to extend power. They are clean on harmonics unless going into service menu and turning up power and modulation. BAD idea. This is a great radio to use on Poseidon antenna . just a slight tune and done. 3 bands good antenna . I have fine tuned the length on 25 FT 4:1 . get 1.1 SWR on 28.074 MHZ. was fold back and twist at end . does make SWR go up on outher bands . so if want only 1 band tune it in and no tuner needed . works about 5/8 wave on 10 meters. I am doing that now and 10/11/12 meters really good. New Zealand on 12 meter just after sunrise was great . for 12 meter was full 25 FT tuned 12 without ATU. like 1.5 SWR . Florida coming in great now on 11 meter ch 38 SSB . Texas as well. That QT 80 does CW ! but straight key only. There's no ALC meter so modes like FT8 are hard to set TX level but can be done. Use a scope and look for clipping or flattening of SSB wave . just before that happens is level you want. just run like 50% or less power. I have the QT 60, 60 watt version.. 10-15 watts FT8 runs hours with little heat on heat sink. If I was to change something on the QT 80 that would be Power poles like you did. 73

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +3

      Yeah, I’m excited about the radio. Just ordered some aviation plugs to see about a sound card interface 👍

    • @robertmeyer4744
      @robertmeyer4744 9 днів тому +2

      @@TheSmokinApe I used the digirig on my QT 60. works great. Using Anytone cable set. You have to make one for QT 80 . If you put into different jacks you can use PTT for CW . For digital just need PTT/Ground/audio in and audio out. unless you want VOX on radio then PTT not needed

    • @michaelltnv6741
      @michaelltnv6741 9 днів тому +1

      My understanding about the qt radios is that if you do the mod the modulation only, it still runs clean. Have you tried that mod yet?

    • @robertmeyer4744
      @robertmeyer4744 8 днів тому

      @@michaelltnv6741 I have experience with the QT radios and the anytone line. I own a few myself . And tested them on high end test gear. The only thing you do inside is the jumper. Some can be done thru the programming cable and no need to open. But on the QT 80 if you want 15 meters you must more jumper. The factory settings are good and should be messed with unless good test equipment . Remember PART 97 of FCC rules falls on us the amanture radio opearoter , This allows up to MOD and to do things with our radios. But we have to keep them clean . The QT radios have a service menu and with the correct program we can change things like Bias on finals ,The ALC and MOD limiter and power settings as well as calibrate the display meters. Some have gotten into that menu and modded radio for more audio and swing and power. getting like over 100 watts PEP from them. But doing that makes radio so dirty and has spurious emissions all over . and makes finals hot and burn out. DO NOT DO THAT . That is a violation of FCC rules. What you do is adjust for like 95% mod on AM with a power swing like 4:1 ratio . This gives great audio and clean signal and no splatter outside of band with . You adjust SSB ALC with 2 tone signal for a nice looking wave on scope with no clipping or flattening of wave. we call that a string of pearls . The factory settings are close but some improvements can be made . I have done that with mine. It's super clean better than stock . Got a tad more AM swing with power. Great sounding audio . I have the QT 60 . and had been modified but with high end test equipment. It is well with in part 97 spec. N8MJS does mod them with alignment done to part 97 spec. Scott's Radios . Check him out he can answer more about the QT radios and has many videos about the setup alignment . Hope this helps with thad MOD . I have done that . But the correct way . I even use on FT8 with great contacts . 73

  • @markviers998
    @markviers998 8 днів тому +2

    You just gave me an idea, not sure why I hadn't replaced that molex connector with power poles already. I really don't like those connectors. Thanks

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  8 днів тому +1

      Haha, thanks for watching Mark 👍

  • @mj-dd2fb
    @mj-dd2fb 8 днів тому

    As always, thanks for another great video, Ape!

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  8 днів тому +1

      @@mj-dd2fb glad you liked it 👍

  • @batica81
    @batica81 9 днів тому +2

    Very interesting, although I am a bit worried about harmonic suppression at 15m.

    • @mostlypostie1
      @mostlypostie1 9 днів тому +3

      Don't worry. The low pass filter captures harmonics down to the 15m band without any problem.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +8

      We will test it out 👍

  • @WECB640
    @WECB640 9 днів тому +3

    The shielding boxes inside look to be a result of very good RF engineering design. I hope you'll do a RX audio and TX audio (spur) analysis in a future video. Thanks bro. 73

    • @mostlypostie1
      @mostlypostie1 9 днів тому +2

      It's an extremely clean radio. I have tested it. Harmonics and IMD is very very low! 73

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +3

      Hey Hollywood, more tests to come 😮

  • @ronwolenski-n8wcr
    @ronwolenski-n8wcr 9 днів тому +3

    Now the big question, how does it perform on the other bands? Is it clean? Is the power consistent?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +2

      We will test it out and see 🤷

  • @gregsmith1116
    @gregsmith1116 9 днів тому +1

    Cool. I did not know that radio was expandable. Thanks for the video!

  • @KK6USYHamRadioAdventures
    @KK6USYHamRadioAdventures 9 днів тому +1

    Looks like a really cool radio Ape, thanks for sharing!

  • @michaelltnv6741
    @michaelltnv6741 9 днів тому +1

    Thank you for this video. I can't wait to see everything it does. BTW, i didn't see the website click on for the paid cat videos.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  8 днів тому +1

      It seems like a decent radio, thanks for watching Michael 👍

  • @extreme978
    @extreme978 8 днів тому +1

    Mr Ape, Id like to see a power test. Check and see how much its doing low and high frequency. See how much its doing on 27mhz. That will tell us if its designed for CB or ham.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  8 днів тому +1

      The power test video should be out in a few days 👍

  • @KS0JD
    @KS0JD 9 днів тому +1

    Nice radio! Simple and easy to change. I hate T-connectors as well. But I keep a t-connector to power pole adapter cable in my Hamfest kit in case I come across a deal at a hamfest and want to do a quick checkout of the unit. Thanks for the video Ape! 73

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +1

      Hey Jeff, that’s a pretty good idea 👍

    • @KS0JD
      @KS0JD 9 днів тому

      @@TheSmokinApe Also add Wago to power poles jumper. Then you can connect to bare wires as well. 73

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому

      @@KS0JD you must have an adapter in every pocket 👍

    • @KS0JD
      @KS0JD 9 днів тому

      @@TheSmokinApe Hi Hi, Just a small pouch. I take to ham fests. It's also good to carry a couple of aa and aaa batteries and a 9v. I like to test before I buy. Saves hassel in the end!

  • @BigJohnsHamShack
    @BigJohnsHamShack 9 днів тому +1

    Thank you for the content good sir.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +1

      Howdy Big John, thanks for watching 👍

  • @LeeMcc_KI5YPR
    @LeeMcc_KI5YPR 9 днів тому +1

    The display says FM. I assume SSB is in there somewhere?

  • @germanjohn5626
    @germanjohn5626 9 днів тому +1

    What does it do to the spurious and harmonics?

  • @K5JHP-John
    @K5JHP-John 9 днів тому +1

    I used to have the QT60. It could do 10 and 12. I hated the clicky vfo. I like this radio way more, except for the clicks.

  • @W5KJD
    @W5KJD 9 днів тому +1

    I have the original AnyTone AT 6666 10 meter radio and it’s not really that good in so much that it’s hard to tune in for SSB unless someone is transmitting right on frequency or close to the frequency, if they are off frequency too much you can forget tuning it in. Now this new version looks a lot better from what I can see in your video it seems to have more digits on the frequency counter it may work better.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +2

      The CFO seems easy to dial in, I can do some testing on the frequency counter 👍

    • @W5KJD
      @W5KJD 9 днів тому +1

      @@TheSmokinApe That would be great 👍

    • @germanjohn5626
      @germanjohn5626 9 днів тому +2

      There is no such thing as off frequency in ham radio. That is why there are VFO's.

    • @W5KJD
      @W5KJD 9 днів тому +1

      @@germanjohn5626 I’m sorry I didn’t word my comment to suit your slow weak mind, I just don’t take in account that there are slow minded people reading my comments when I type them. Thank you for pointing out your lack of understanding in this matter.

  • @davidturknett4447
    @davidturknett4447 9 днів тому

    I got mine from Scott's radios. Probably won't ever get my Technician license, never say never 😂

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому

      I hear he does good work

    • @davidturknett4447
      @davidturknett4447 9 днів тому

      @@TheSmokinApe I can't get it installed for a couple more weeks. Recovering from hip revision surgery. He makes sure they're performing like they should before he ships them out.

  • @agoraphobicadam1171
    @agoraphobicadam1171 9 днів тому +1

    Looks like an awesome radio. KO4HPC 73

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +1

      Hey Adam, thanks for watching 👍

  • @JonathanPhillips27
    @JonathanPhillips27 9 днів тому +1

    I've been usuing a qt80 for a few weeks. Took some getting used to but can get a good receive w the nrc and dialing back the rf gain two or three places. I noticed it is only 80watts on 10m, on other bands only about 50watts ssb. Anyone else have the same experience?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +1

      Hey John, I'll do a power testing video.

  • @KO4VNX
    @KO4VNX 9 днів тому

    I am kind of guessing and hoping that manufacturers aren't building in this kind of a bonus feature unless the hardware inside the case will actually safely and effectively transmit on those expanded bands. I mean, if not, why would they include the option to make the display show a band that the radio couldn't actually use?

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +1

      We’ll do some further testing, I am curious as well 👍

    • @K4AX
      @K4AX 9 днів тому

      @@TheSmokinApe A saw another youtube video somewhere that had the rig putting out a lot less power on 15m, like 30w or something, but still good enough.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +1

      @@K4AX I believe that could be possible, we’ll find out 👍

  • @TimHarperW5TAH
    @TimHarperW5TAH 9 днів тому

    I wish there was a 6 meter version.

  • @Robbie-sk6vc
    @Robbie-sk6vc 7 днів тому

    Than why are we showing people how to break the rules?

  • @Siskiyous6
    @Siskiyous6 9 днів тому +1

    The mod alowing 11m is why the do not sell it as a triband. 11m is how they get ya.

  • @philipwells2793
    @philipwells2793 9 днів тому

    So is it clean on the expanded bands?

    • @mostlypostie1
      @mostlypostie1 9 днів тому +1

      It is a very clean radio.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  9 днів тому +3

      We’re gonna test and find out 👍

    • @mostlypostie1
      @mostlypostie1 9 днів тому +2

      @@TheSmokinApe My testing shows better than -58 dBc harmonic suppression on 15m, and even better everywhere else.
      I'm using The same Siglent SSA 3021X plus as you. With all measurement options enabled. 73

  • @spaceflight1019
    @spaceflight1019 8 днів тому

    I bought a QB25 from them, and when it died two weeks after the warranty expired they wouldn't help me. Buyer beware!

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  8 днів тому

      Sorry to hear that, I generally have heard good stuff about their customer support?

    • @spaceflight1019
      @spaceflight1019 8 днів тому

      @@TheSmokinApe They didn't even offer me a discount on a replacement. I realize that they have to cut the warranty off and considered myself lucky that the radio lasted two years.

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  8 днів тому

      @@spaceflight1019 still a little discount would have been nice

  • @nortonics5745
    @nortonics5745 7 днів тому

    I came here to view the ad for the salt trick that keeps men hard for hours. Thanks Ape! 🧂🍺

    • @TheSmokinApe
      @TheSmokinApe  6 днів тому

      Haha, thanks for watching Norton 👍

  • @CBPunisher1900
    @CBPunisher1900 9 днів тому +1

    best part of the video he says nothing about 11m cb lol (ill watch it again just to make sure lol )