The GA-5B from Radioddity has 6 banks of 30 channels in radio. VGC has 12 banks of 16 in radio. Both can use unlimited banks in app, it just switched the bank of what's selected in radio.
I'm not a hiker, but I feel like it would be helpful for Hiking GPS and setting waypoints and such. I wouldn't be qualified to speak enough to that though.
I still haven't played around with aprs. I'm considering one of these radios to pair with the comms system on my helmet for my bike and the aprs might be nice in that application as well.
I'm guessing you're talking about the bluetooth part for the helmet - if not, that's a killer feature for riding. I'd get a cheap android and bolt it to the handlebars too - cheap insurance vs losing your phone.
@@temporarilyofflinewe could I-Gate the country with these. Only slightly more expensive than a microsat wx3in1+2 and looks a heck of a lot easier to set up?
@@thed8229 It has to be easier to setup... and I couldn't tell at a quick look, but does the microsat come with the radio or do you still need to supply one?
I have the Radioddity version on the way. Looking forward to playing with this. It has great features for a sub $200.00 radio. Heck, it would have great features at +$200 for that matter!
This looks like a perfect setup and the major brands can't somehow manage something this 2024 and simple. Have you played with it long enough to get an idea for the battery life it has? I see the charging is over USB-C, another "Imagine that" on a radio from 2024. This company/manufacturer is looking interesting.
I have been using them since Dayton. They last a few days on a charge. The coyote colored one I used to beacon APRS all the way to Yellowstone, only charged it once on that whole trip (week and a half)
Hey TO. As a complete beginner with APRS can you transmit APRS on one side and talk on the other with this radio? I don’t know much about the mode yet. If not are there radios that can beacon and talk at the same time? It was great catching up at Monte Sano. Thanks for your time. Ray
Hi Ray, The website says it will still do APRS even when in dual watch. Says APRS uses its own setup. How this helps. I was just looking into this myself. W8NGS
I think its supposed to allow the APRS to funtion in the background, even when monitoring 2 other frequencies (via dual watch) on the main screen. I have been unable to receive and decode packets like that. I have been able to receive and decode when 144.39 is on a single vfo. Dual watch is tricky for APRS or packet as some data is likely to remain unheard during the dual watch magic frequency switching it uses.
I haven't tried it, but I'd bet its all half-duplex anyway - can only listen to one thing at a time, so you might miss something while you're not missing something else.
I would love to use it if I could get away with not beaconing my location - most radios don't do the "nearby" and I want to use APRS for routine chat vs position beaconing... I know the protocol works this way, but most implementations don't.
These radios *would* have to start showing up just weeks after getting my LANCHONLH HG-UV98 for APRS! The Lanch has a lot of features too though: internal KISS TNC, Bluetooth, GPS, USB-C charging., not to mention flashlight, siren and roger beep, haha! Once you get past its quirkiness it's pretty easy to program and use. Right now it may be my favorite EDC HT.
Nothing wrong with a feng. If you have an android (I don't know apple), you can get this cable ( geni.us/KB4ipvr ) and `aprsdroid` and keep on playing. (cheaper too)
Tried to work a deal to get a pair to do an APRS demo but could not get it to work out. Did it with a pair of borrowed FT5D's and it went great. Guys buy what they can put their hands on so until I can get my hands on one in person it is hard to recommend it.
I have the Vero VRN7500 but unfortunately for me the HT app is horribly difficult to use. Perhaps they have updated the app but my version has strange menus that appear to be duplicative, menus that appear by sliding finger drags only, two menus called "settings" that control different features, etc.
Got it in Blue also. The color looks a lot better in person. I will say the IPhone app right now doesn’t have all the features that the android app does. So those getting it expecting to do all the things. It doesn’t on IPhone…..yet
I have one but have never got the bluetooth microphone to go into pairing mode. But I think this video gave me an idea on which radio is going in the Tesla ;)
I probably would stay away from any "line of sight" radio in a very rural area with few repeaters. This radio will "igate" APRS to the internet, so you could do that without any locals - you could also build an Allstar node. an HF radio would be a lot more fun and cover more distance.
With the coming of this radio, do you think they will do updates/ upgrades to the n7500 mobile radio? These look like a good fit for my wife's needs. Yes, she's licensed!
TO does that ga-5wb app use off shore servers and are they CCP?😮 This is a showstopper for me. I have an N76 in my AliX cart but I won't press the button without the right launch codes from you.👨🏽✈️
Yes they will. Just pick the one you want - the only draw back is that you can only address one at a time - you'd need a second phone/device/etc for using them simultaneously via app - but they can both be used without the app.
Yes, send your message to "GROUP:" instead of "CALL:" in the app. You can also do multi-participant messages with the latest firmware "CALL1:CALL2:CALL3:"
@temporarilyoffline None of these cheap aprs units ever bring the sauce with smart beaconing. Until they step up their game they do not grab my interest.
The GA-5B from Radioddity has 6 banks of 30 channels in radio. VGC has 12 banks of 16 in radio. Both can use unlimited banks in app, it just switched the bank of what's selected in radio.
Thanks for the info.
When you can't have red, your gonna be a little blue, but that looks good too, cool vid, tnx Man!
Thanks for watching VC. Good to see you!
Lol... I clicked on the link in the description, to this radio, and the one that pops up is red!
Great video... now I have to learn something new.
Nice! Never stop learning!
Offline maps seems like it would be great for SOTA, there is a lot of area near me where there is no cell service until you get to the top of a peak.
I'm not a hiker, but I feel like it would be helpful for Hiking GPS and setting waypoints and such. I wouldn't be qualified to speak enough to that though.
I love my VERO VRN7500 through its quirkiness. I may pick up this tiny tike once it’s price is more reasonable
I wonder just how different they are?
N36FT is an Vans RV6 Home Built based in Minnetonka MN. Like the radio so far! May have to think about getting one. 73
I still haven't played around with aprs. I'm considering one of these radios to pair with the comms system on my helmet for my bike and the aprs might be nice in that application as well.
I'm guessing you're talking about the bluetooth part for the helmet - if not, that's a killer feature for riding. I'd get a cheap android and bolt it to the handlebars too - cheap insurance vs losing your phone.
I like that blue and black color scheme. The radio has some interesting features.
The blue looked better in person than I thought it would. I actually like it a lot.
Dose that mean you don't need the red one now😂@@temporarilyoffline
@@glennbartlett4139 of course not! It means I need 2
Would love to get my hands on one for the APRS function. I would use it for hiking and spotting myself for POTA/SOTAs
The APRS works really well. Yaesu better be working on an improved FT-6D
@@temporarilyofflinewe could I-Gate the country with these. Only slightly more expensive than a microsat wx3in1+2 and looks a heck of a lot easier to set up?
@@thed8229 It has to be easier to setup... and I couldn't tell at a quick look, but does the microsat come with the radio or do you still need to supply one?
@@temporarilyoffline you need a radio.
@@vestale4 Ok, thanks
Very cool features. Must add it to my wishlist. :)
If your wishlist is like mine, its very long!
I have the Radioddity version on the way. Looking forward to playing with this. It has great features for a sub $200.00 radio. Heck, it would have great features at +$200 for that matter!
They are the exact same radio. Vero labeled it for Radioddity. Good Deal either way!
This looks like a perfect setup and the major brands can't somehow manage something this 2024 and simple. Have you played with it long enough to get an idea for the battery life it has? I see the charging is over USB-C, another "Imagine that" on a radio from 2024. This company/manufacturer is looking interesting.
I have been using them since Dayton. They last a few days on a charge. The coyote colored one I used to beacon APRS all the way to Yellowstone, only charged it once on that whole trip (week and a half)
That's pretty slick. But, need red!
Need.
Blue is a cool color for a radio but I might lose it in the weeds on a peak.
Needs a wrist strap!
Pretty Smurfy! Interesting little ht...I may get one.
It's a fun one! Very polished
My Favorite Ham radio niche, I have one coming.
Nice!
Hey TO. As a complete beginner with APRS can you transmit APRS on one side and talk on the other with this radio? I don’t know much about the mode yet. If not are there radios that can beacon and talk at the same time? It was great catching up at Monte Sano. Thanks for your time.
Ray
Hi Ray,
The website says it will still do APRS even when in dual watch. Says APRS uses its own setup. How this helps. I was just looking into this myself. W8NGS
I think its supposed to allow the APRS to funtion in the background, even when monitoring 2 other frequencies (via dual watch) on the main screen. I have been unable to receive and decode packets like that. I have been able to receive and decode when 144.39 is on a single vfo. Dual watch is tricky for APRS or packet as some data is likely to remain unheard during the dual watch magic frequency switching it uses.
I haven't tried it, but I'd bet its all half-duplex anyway - can only listen to one thing at a time, so you might miss something while you're not missing something else.
I have a yellow radio coming. Needed something that would stand out from my other radios
Right! Make it special!
Wish more people use it, but you never know when an emergency happens - it could be the tech we need.
I would love to use it if I could get away with not beaconing my location - most radios don't do the "nearby" and I want to use APRS for routine chat vs position beaconing... I know the protocol works this way, but most implementations don't.
I just ordered 2ea. Of these along with the wifi speaker mic.
Sweet!
I have 2 vr-n7500s and a ga-5wb. I really dig these radios. Lots of desirable features that the big names don’t offer.
Right!
That's a neat little box of tricks! I like it!
A lot of power in a small package
@@temporarilyoffline The APRS is on another level of ease Steve! Very tempting.
@@MI7DJT I'm easily seeing $200 of fun out of this radio.
Great radio VR-N76 with APRS,
Thanks for sharing Steve, awesome video!
KK6SEI, Kero
Thanks for watching Kero!
These radios *would* have to start showing up just weeks after getting my LANCHONLH HG-UV98 for APRS! The Lanch has a lot of features too though: internal KISS TNC, Bluetooth, GPS, USB-C charging., not to mention flashlight, siren and roger beep, haha! Once you get past its quirkiness it's pretty easy to program and use. Right now it may be my favorite EDC HT.
A new radio has entered the arena!
I don’t blame you on the red one.
Its almost here!
I am guessing register is expressing interest.... I AM INTERESTED!
Could be!
Hmm. The more I see on these radios the more I like em. If you plan on giving some away I'm cool with blue and all black.
Stay tuned for a Nuggets Episode on Monday nights - that's where all the giveaways happen!
thats a nice looking radio.. never dabeled in aprs .. only ht i have is a fang...lol..but dont we all have one..
Nothing wrong with a feng. If you have an android (I don't know apple), you can get this cable ( geni.us/KB4ipvr ) and `aprsdroid` and keep on playing. (cheaper too)
Awesome app and radio.
It sure is!
I was pretty surprised when I saw you were seeing N0BVE from St. Croix Falls. Maybe it was a magical propagation day?
Its possible with a good amount of digipeating. It might be a stretch, but 3 hops... maybe?
Man that is slick
I agree!
Tried to work a deal to get a pair to do an APRS demo but could not get it to work out. Did it with a pair of borrowed FT5D's and it went great. Guys buy what they can put their hands on so until I can get my hands on one in person it is hard to recommend it.
Thanks for watching!
I have the Vero VRN7500 but unfortunately for me the HT app is horribly difficult to use. Perhaps they have updated the app but my version has strange menus that appear to be duplicative, menus that appear by sliding finger drags only, two menus called "settings" that control different features, etc.
iPhone or android?
Got it in Blue also. The color looks a lot better in person. I will say the IPhone app right now doesn’t have all the features that the android app does. So those getting it expecting to do all the things. It doesn’t on IPhone…..yet
Time to get a cheap Android! (ducking)
I have one but have never got the bluetooth microphone to go into pairing mode. But I think this video gave me an idea on which radio is going in the Tesla ;)
I did the pairing/testing in a previous video, did you see that?
@@temporarilyoffline Yes but my mic never goes into pairing mode
@@don_n5skt weird! Mine was pretty instant. What does tech support say?
@@temporarilyoffline Completely silent so far
@@don_n5skt boo - if no answer, return it and get a different one.
I have a coyote one and the blue tooth mic on the way. N3YJ😊
Sweet. Have Fun!
Red n yellow are the easiest to find when dropped in the bush.
I hope so!
Would an HT like this make sense for someone who lives in a very rural setting (i.e. repeaters few and far between)? Cheers!
I probably would stay away from any "line of sight" radio in a very rural area with few repeaters. This radio will "igate" APRS to the internet, so you could do that without any locals - you could also build an Allstar node. an HF radio would be a lot more fun and cover more distance.
@@temporarilyoffline Ah, ok, that makes sense. Thanks much for the info!
Nice shirt, great colour and looks expensive. The radio is cool as well. Be safe. David
Thanks! The wonders of Amazon... The shirt was in a six pack for like $20US 🤣🤣
All that camera movement is making me sick lol. Great video!
Thanks for watching!
With the coming of this radio, do you think they will do updates/ upgrades to the n7500 mobile radio? These look like a good fit for my wife's needs. Yes, she's licensed!
I bet they will. Vero has been pretty good about updates.
👋
👋
Will this work with an IPad? Hope so, i really want to look into APRS.
It does work with iOS, but the android app is much better.
🤷♂️okay
Hey Cornbread!
What was the antenna you were using, you spoke to quick for 😂
Its a portmanteau - "Fara-J" a J-Pole antenna made out of faraday cloth... because "why not?" Check it out: vfcomms.com/x/temporarilyoffline/
TO does that ga-5wb app use off shore servers and are they CCP?😮 This is a showstopper for me.
I have an N76 in my AliX cart but I won't press the button without the right launch codes from you.👨🏽✈️
Nope, its all kept in the US so the US Government is the only one that gets the data.
can this decode NAC codes for EMS AND POLICE ? to monitor?
I don't think so
I'll take the blue one!
Its pretty ham-sexy!
Is this radio usable on GMRS frequency?
Not legally. I'm working in a frequency expansion hack for it. I'll check it out on GMRS frequencies in the video.
Probably asking too much, will the mobile and the handheld play together on the same phone?
Yes they will. Just pick the one you want - the only draw back is that you can only address one at a time - you'd need a second phone/device/etc for using them simultaneously via app - but they can both be used without the app.
Perfect. Thanx.
I like the FDE color....
Its hard to say which one is my favorite, gotta play with all of them first!
Is the Android app specifically for that radio? Or is it a general app?
It works with this radio only.
i do like that color blue
I like it better than I thought I would. Looks really good in the hand vs the pictures!
Can APRS be done with the IC-705?
Yes, with an extra attachment (like most radios)
OH! … 4:02 … I’d not realized how close you are to me. W0MHR-2 is at my house.
I was, I'm in Missouri today! Can't catch me!
Will that software work for wired radios?
It will only work for the Vero VR-N76, VR-N7500, Radioddity GA-5WB and the BTech UV-PRO
Can it be used by woad for winlink?
I'll be testing that soon
Can you do group messaging with it ? Like on the yeasu ft series
Yes, send your message to "GROUP:" instead of "CALL:" in the app. You can also do multi-participant messages with the latest firmware "CALL1:CALL2:CALL3:"
@@temporarilyoffline so can you set it up to receive group messages?
Stationary stations don't need 1 minute beacon, too many, congest network. Make that a lot longer.
Thanks for watching!
Can the radio be used without the phone app?
Sure can. I did a road trip and used it both ways and it worked well both ways.
If it's like the mobile version, it'll lose the digipeting feature when it's disconnected.
@@Sparkfly88 I'll have to test that. This does look a little more advanced - esp since it has a screen in it to interface with the user.
Color is trivial
I heard somebody say that this morning... But I remember that person also ordered a specific color to match his Garmin Rhino 🤣🤣
No red for you! 73!
I just can't catch a break!
@@temporarilyoffline Hopefully next time.
How long have you held a license
about 8 years, you?
@@temporarilyoffline 25 years and on air dx 20 years prior.
@@Mfull-l4r Sweet!
Doubly appealing 😂🎉😢😮
Indubitably!
IT'S BLUE DAH BU DE DA BU DIH... Crap caps... Not retyping that.
Me neither!
Almost as good as red. Lol😊 KI5HDT
Almost!
it's not advanced if you have to tether it to an android phone or PC...
There is only one radio that doesn't need a tether and it has other problems. These are the heroes we get, not the heroes we deserve.
@@temporarilyoffline that's why i'm in Shenzhen now developing something worthy of 2025... lol
@@daomingjin email me about, I'd love to hear more.
@@temporarilyoffline just sent you an email
Smart beaconing?
Only thing it looks like you can do is actual or specified coords
@temporarilyoffline None of these cheap aprs units ever bring the sauce with smart beaconing. Until they step up their game they do not grab my interest.
Fun video. Haven't played with APRS in a long time and cool to see how easy it is these days with Bluetooth HTs. 73 Mike N4FFF es Becky N4BKY
Hello @HamRadioDuo - its a fun radio for sure. I feel like we should have had this a decade ago!
SIgn me up for the giveaway, 73 de WP3BM!
It will be during a future Monday night live stream. Stay tuned.