RF Finder Android Radio

[Mudfoot]

RFinder Android Radio First QSO's:

https://store10195853.ecwid.com/

 

[fourstringburn]

I'm always amazed at new technologies but IMHO, any contact DX or regional isn't a challenge when using internet linked repeaters, Echolink, D-star, etc. Is it still radio?

We can just call radio operators on cell phones, Skype, and other VOIP technologies. Just publish a list of Amateur op phone numbers.

I wonder if the popularity of these types of communication is really popular or is it the manufacturers trying to flood the market making us think it is.

What do you guys think?

 

[Robb]

A wide banded reprogrammed cellphone with an antenna as an afterthought . . .

 

[RatsoW8]

We can just call radio operators on cell phones, Skype, and other VOIP technologies. Just publish a list of Amateur op phone numbers.
What do you guys think?

I suppose any form of communication that doesn't fall within the scope of your license isn't ham radio. I could always call another ham on the telephone even before cell phones we in use. So cell phones modified to appear to be HT's, Skype, VIOP, TeamSpeak, Echolink (PC to PC) etc. isn't ham radio.

On the other hand if your using Echolink to access a remote repeater where you are required to use your call sign to be legal then it does qualify as radio. It's on the fringe but you are causing a repeater to transmit on ham frequencies.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

Just because it usee radio in the form of linked repeaters or internet linking does not make it radio in the true form and spirit. Many years ago up here we had a link into a transponder on one of the Anik satellites and with a simple HT could work the west coast. Nobody got too excited about it. It was radio all the way in one form or another. The true spirit of radio is one on one communications where you rely on nobody but yourself and the guy on the other end. If the contact does not qualify towards an award of some sort (not that I collect awards) then it is not REAL radio. Where is the challenge in working Europe on Echolink? That's my opinion.

 

[fourstringburn]

Where is the challenge in working Europe on Echolink?

The real challenge is figuring out how to program these new fangled radios with over 200 menu options and multi function buttons with up to 4 functions per button.

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

The real challenge is figuring out how to program these new fangled radios with over 200 menu options and multi function buttons with up to 4 functions per button.

One of the reasons I prefer my Kenwood TS -820S over my Yaesu Ft-857D. Not the only reason but just one of them.

 

[2RT307]

The real challenge is figuring out how to program these new fangled radios with over 200 menu options and multi function buttons with up to 4 functions per button.

That's do they can sell you an RT Systems programming cable and software for another 75 bucks.

73,
Brett

 

[fourstringburn]

My comment about programming these new fangled radios was sarcasm…I see no challenge in IRLP, Echolink, and the like for making contacts.

I did ask a question previously to see what you guys think…

I wonder if the popularity of these types of communication is really popular or is it the manufacturers trying to flood the market making us think it is.

What do you guys think?

 

[StrangeBrew]

Not a ham so take this with a grain of salt, I would think that a lot of this type of stuff would be bought to play with along side the "real radio" but not as a replacement for it.

 

[RatsoW8]

The true spirit of radio is one on one communications where you rely on nobody but yourself and the guy on the other end. If the contact does not qualify towards an award of some sort (not that I collect awards) then it is not REAL radio. Where is the challenge in working Europe on Echolink? That's my opinion.

Agreed. I should have used the word "technically" in my comment about Echolink. I agree the true spirit of radio is transmitting a signal into the air and the excitement that comes from not knowing who is going to hear it and answer our call. I still have the QSL card from the ham who answered my first CW CQ on 80M in1989. I still remember hoping no one would..

 

[BBB]

I'm just a fan of analog equipment in general. Transmitting on analog equipment IS Radio for me. Maybe I'll get into the digital stuff when I retire

 

[Captain Kilowatt]

That's do they can sell you an RT Systems programming cable and software for another 75 bucks.

73,
Brett

Another reason radio people should learn how to solder decently and make your their cables and save a few bucks. I have the RT Systems software but make my own cables. I also made my own radio/PC interface cables for connecting to the sound card and for triggering the TX.