FTdx101D Review HRO's quick review of the FTdx101D from Yaesu. Join Katie, WY7YL and Chip, K7JA as they show you some of the impressive features and functions of Yaesu's latest HF radio. Ham Radio Logbook and logsheets category is a curation of 10 web resources on, Log Sheet for Portable Operations, Keeping a Station Log Book, Contest Log Sheet in US Letter Format. Resources listed under Station Log Book category belongs to Operating Aids main collection, and get reviewed and rated by amateur radio operators. Ham Radio Antenna Wifi Antenna Diy Electronics Electronics Projects Radios Radio Shop Ham Radio Operator Qrp Transmission Line BALUN 4:1, 9:1 Y 16:1 Mark T. Review Summary For: Aether (Logger) by Andrew Madsen; Reviews: 18 MSRP: $39.00; Description: Aether is a ham radio logging application for Mac OS X. Aether includes tools to quickly and easily log QSOs while on the air, as well as organize, search and track your QSOs later. Aether was designed for Mac OS X, and has the. July 28, 2018 - 6:31 pm Steven Arkon. I agree, As an older HAM I don't hear so good. All this digital sound all sounds the same to me. I need the air of telling me if the signal is RTTY or PSK31 is it THOR or FSQ or any number of flavers of data signals. You programming gurus. I run all my HAM Radio SDR on Linux Mint.
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If you're new to ham radio, these articles contain information that new ham radio operators should keep handy while gathering experience. You'll find these references to be just what you need while learning to navigate the radio bands and make contacts. Bookmarking the websites in your web browser will help you while you're online, too.
Technician Class Frequency Privileges in Ham Radio
When you're getting started, remembering where you're allowed to operate is important. As a Technician licensee, you have free access to all amateur frequencies above 50 MHz, but what about on the shortwave high-frequency (HF) bands? This chart helps you follow the rules. A band-by-band plan showing where to find different types of activity is available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).
| Band | Frequencies (In MHz) | Modes You Can Use |
|---|---|---|
| 80 meters | 3.525 – 3.600 | CW |
| 40 meters | 7.025 – 7.125 | CW |
| 15 meters | 21.025 – 21.200 | CW |
| 10 meters | 28.000 – 28.300 28.300 – 28.500 | CW, RTTY/data, 200 watts PEP maximum power CW, phone, 200 watts PEP maximum power |
| Above 50 MHz | All amateur privileges |
CW = Morse code; PEP = peak envelope power; RTTY = radioteletype.
General Class Frequency Privileges in Ham Radio
Soon, if you haven't done so already, you'll be thinking about upgrading. You have many more frequencies to use on the high-frequency (HF) bands, as shown in the following table. A complete chart of the U.S. frequency and mode privileges for all license classes is available from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL).
| Band | Frequencies (in MHz) | Mode |
| 160, 60, 30 meters | All amateur privileges | |
| 80 meters | 3.525–3.600 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 3.800–4.000 | CW, phone, image | |
| 40 meters | 7.025–7.125 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 7.175–7.300 | CW, phone, image | |
| 20 meters | 14.025–14.150 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 14.225–14.350 | CW, phone, image | |
| 15 meters | 21.025–21.200 | CW, RTTY, data |
| 21.275–21.450 | CW, phone, image | |
| 17, 12, 10 meters | All amateur privileges | |
| Above 50 MHz | All amateur privileges |
CW = Morse code; RTTY = radioteletype.
Common Ham Radio Q Signals
Hams use three-letter Q signals on every mode and even in face-to-face conversation. Uctox 2 7 9 commentary. Here are the Q signals most commonly used in day-to-day operation. Each signal can be a question or an answer, as shown in the Meaning column. A complete list of ham radio Q signals, including those used on nets and repeaters, is available from the AC6V website.
| Q Signal | Meaning |
|---|---|
| QRL | Is the frequency busy? The frequency is busy. Please do not interfere. |
| QRM | Abbreviation for interference from other signals. |
| QRN | Abbreviation for interference from natural or human-made static. |
| QRO | Shall I increase power? Increase power. |
| QRP | Shall I decrease power? Decrease power. |
| QRQ | Shall I send faster? Send faster (__words per minute [wpm]). |
| QRS | Shall I send more slowly? Send more slowly (__wpm). |
| QRT | Shall I stop sending or transmitting? Stop sending or transmitting. |
| QRU | Have you anything more for me? I have nothing more for you. |
| QRV | Are you ready? I am ready. |
| QRX | Stand by. |
| QRZ | Who is calling me? |
| QSB | Abbreviation for signal fading. |
| QSL | Did you receive and understand? Received and understood. |
| QSO | Abbreviation for a contact. |
| QST | General call preceding a message addressed to all amateurs. |
| QSX | I am listening on ___ kHz. |
| QSY | Change to transmission on another frequency (or to ___ kHz). |
| QTH | What is your location? My location is ____. |
Common Ham Radio Repeater Channel Spacings and Offsets
Until you become accustomed to using repeaters on all the different ham radio bands, this chart can help you remember the right offsets and channel spacings to use. Many radios have the standard options preprogrammed, but you need to be aware of what they should be.
| Band | Output Frequencies of Each Group (In MHz) | Offset from Output to Input Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 6 meters | 51.62 – 51.98 52.5 – 52.98 53.5 – 53.98 | – 500 kHz |
| 2 meters (a mix of 20 kHz and 15 kHz channel spacing) | 145.2 – 145.5 146.61 – 146.97 147.00 – 147.39 | – 600 kHz – 600 kHz + 600 kHz |
| 222 MHz or 1-1/4 meters | 223.85 – 224.98 | – 1.6 MHz |
| 440 MHz or 70 cm (local options determine whether inputs are above or below outputs) | 442 – 445 (California repeaters start at 440 MHz) 447 – 450 | + 5 MHz – 5 MHz |
| 1296 MHz or 23 cm | 1282 – 1288 1290 – 1294 | – 12 MHz |
Your Ham Radio Go Kit
Would you be ready if a call came from your local public service group to provide some ham radio expertise for a day or so? Items in the following list are the basics of what should be in your radio go kit. Now is a good time to check your supplies and be prepared! Don't forget to put together a personal go kit, too.
Dual-band (VHF/UHF) handheld radio and mini manual
Full-size flexible whip antenna
- Copy of your Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license and any public service group or government agency IDs
Mag-mount antenna with necessary adapters for connecting to various connectors
Extra battery packs and charger
AA-cell battery pack if available and fresh batteries
AC power supply and cigarette-plug cord with spare fuses
Headset with microphone (preferred) or speaker-mic
Copy of your local emcomm frequencies, phone numbers, and procedures
Pocket knife and/or multipurpose tool
Flashlight or headlamp and spare batteries
Pencil and notebook, clipboard, and permanent marker
Duct tape, electrical tape, and a few small cable ties
Cash for food, gas, and telephone calls (about $20 in small bills and change)
10 Handy Ham Radio Websites
The most common question asked by newcomers to ham radio is 'How do I…?' These ten websites are full of information that you can use as you try new things or hone your existing skills. Be sure to bookmark these pages in your home and mobile browsers.
| Website | Organization and Use |
| ARRL | Many useful regulatory, educational, operating, and technical items and links |
| AC6V and DX Zone | General-interest websites with many links on all phases of ham radio |
| QRZ.com | Call sign lookup service and general-interest ham radio portal |
| eHam.net | News, articles, equipment swap-and-shop, product reviews, and mailing lists |
| Radiowave Propagation Center | Real-time information on propagation and solar data |
| Space Weather Prediction Center | Real-time information on space weather and radio communications |
| TAPR | Information on digital data modes and software-defined radio (SDR) |
| AMSAT | Main site for information on amateur satellites |
| WA7BNM Contest Calendar | Contest calendar and log due dates |
| YOTA (Youngsters On the Air) | World-wide group for student and young adult hams, based in Europe |
| DXMAPS.com | Collection of real-time maps showing worldwide activity on any amateur band |
| DX Summit | Worldwide DX spotting network |
by John ‘Miklor' K3NXU
Several Dual Band DMR handhelds have been introduced into the market in the past few months. Having owned most of them, I would have to place this one toward the very top of the list. The DMR-6X2 is both VHF and UHF, Tier II DMR digital as well as FM analog with most features geared strictly toward ham radio use.
Important Note: The BTech DMR-6X2 is Not made by Baofeng. (see note below). That being said, let's see what's…
In the Box
Included with the radio are the:
– Two (2) Li-Ion Batteries (2100 and 3100 mAh)
– Two (2) Belt clips
– Hand Strap
– 37 page User Guide – English
– Charger base & AC adapter
– Antenna – 6.25″ (16cm)
– Programming Cable
– Earphone / Microphone
General Description
– DMR / FM
– VHF / UHF Dual Band
– Size: 5.1 x 2.4 x 1.5″ (129 x 61 x 39mm)
– Weight: 9.9oz (282g) w/ant & 2100 mAh battery
– Weight: 10.8oz (306g) w/ant & 3100 mAh battery
– 136-174 400-480 MHz
– CTCSS/DCS DTMF/2TONE/5TONE
– Digital Simplex Repeater
– <1.0w / 6.0w transmit
– 4000 channel
– 250 Zones (up to 250 channels per zone)
– 10,000 contacts
– 150,000 DMR Database Contacts
– Part 90 compliant – 2AGND-DMR6X2
– N0GSG Contact Manager Compatible
Basic Description (additional features)
The heart of the 6X2 is the proven Anytone D868. Under contract with Anytone, BTech had several addition features exclusively added to the 6X2.
Some of the additional features exclusive to the 6X2 include:
– Multiple Scan Groups
– Priority Scan
– Change TG via Keypad (Adhoc) with Unlimited Hold Timer
– Display Color Options
– Digital Simplex Repeater
– Analog Squelch Level Adjustment
– Start Up Code Plug Compatibility
– Display Hold
– Multiple Scan Groups in Same Channel
The 6X2 allows multiple scan lists to be entered per channel. You are no longer limited to one scan group entry per channel. The scan groups can include and mix of DMR or analog channels.
– Priority Scan
When developing a scan list, up to 2 channels can be assigned as priority. This allows the priority channels to be interwoven in the scan list. As an example:
– Channel 1
– Priority Channel 1
– Channel 2
– Priority Channel 1
– Channel 3
– Priority Channel 1
– Change Group via Keypad ('Unlimited' hold timer)
This is specially nice when using a hot spot. By setting a key function to 'Dial' or 'Long Press 0', and the Group Call Hold time to 'Unlimited', you can enter a Talk Group using the number pad and it will remain permanently or until the channel is changed. No longer is the hold time set in seconds or minutes.
– Display Color Options
There are two display color options available. They are White on Black background, and Black on a Powder Blue background. (shown below). They are selectable by either software or keypad menu.
– Analog Squelch Level Adjust
The analog squelch level can now be adjusted using one of the programmable keys.
– Start up Code Plug
To assist with start up, the software was written to initially accept an Anytone D868 code plug. I've had a 868 since they first came out, and this was a huge time saver. Everything transferred and I was ready to play radio in minutes.
Note: Due to the extra features in the code plug, a 6X2 CP cannot be transferred back to a D868.
– Digital Simplex Repeater
Not to be confused with a standard repeater, this feature allows the DMR-6X2 to function as a Store and Forward Simplex Repeater. Ocenaudio. The 6X2 records a transmission and stores it in memory. Immediately after the incoming signal is dropped, the transmitter keys and re-transmits the recorded audio. The re-transmission can be either on the same or different frequency (not necessarily on the same band).
This feature allows the 6X2 to be used as a relay point during events such as marathons, races, etc. where a central relay method is needed and there is no local repeater.
– Display Hold
When a signal is received, the data image (name, call, location, etc) remains on the screen until the next signal is received rather than drop back to a standby screen. There is a Call End indicator at the bottom, but the data remains. Keyboard maestro 8 1 1 – hot key tasking solutions.
How to find storage on macbook air. The Technical Side of the 6X2
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The Transmitter
The frequency range of the DMR-6X2 is both VHF 136-174 and UHF 400-480 MHz. Along with DMR, the radio also supports analog FM (Wideband and Narrowband)
The power levels hold pretty close to the specifications. There are four power levels with a high of 5.0W and a Turbo mode of 6.5W. I personally run mine in 5W mode. Turbo isn't going to Make or Break the signal, but it helps the battery.
What I do like is the low power mode is less than 1W. I run a hotspot here and if the power was only 0.3W I would be happy.
My audio reports have been excellent both through a DMR hotspot and the local repeaters. There is a five level microphone gain parameter that allows you to select the microphone gain level that best suited for your voice. I use level 3 (mid-level) for a full smooth audio response. I tried level 5 and found the audio was way too hot.
Power levels are listed below and were taken using a calibrated Bird Termaline wattmeter.
Enclosure
The DMR-6X2 case has a good solid feel and weight, and fits the hand well. It weighs in at 9.9oz (282g) with the standard battery attached and 10.8oz (306g) with the high capacity battery. Battery removal requires a simple push of the release slide located at the top of the battery. No battery sliding or pushing is required.
I found the keypad buttons a bit larger than most with a lighted keypad layout of three across and four down. This puts the zero (0) at the bottom of the keypad where I believe it belongs. The PTT button requires only a light pressure that doesn't tire the finger to press.
Antenna
The included dual band antenna is 6.25″ which is a fairly common size for a handheld. I found that there was a slight improvement of about 2db by using an NA-771. The 771 is 10″ longer, so a difference would be expected, but I'll probably stay with the stock antenna.
Receiver and Audio
The receiver sensitivity is very good on both digital and analog. I found the receive audio is amazing with wide and smooth frequency range. Basic for mac os x.
The volume control range is adjustable with the software. Level 1 sets the full range of the volume control to a soft level, even at full volume. Level 8 sets the volume range to very loud at the top end. My preference is level 3 to 5 which is plenty loud, even for mobile operation.
Display
The radio has a two multi-color display options. The high contrast White on Black, and the softer is a Powder Blue with multi-color icons. The color is selectable via software or as a keypad menu option. The screen size is 1.1″ x 1.4″ with excellent resolution .
There are multiple sites where the current DMR User Database can be downloaded. There are various formats available allowing you to view name, call, location, user ID, license class, etc.
.
Software
Along with entering data in the conventional manner, the software allows you to import and export data to ‘csv' files. Loading in a contact (TG) list, channel list, database, etc. is relatively simple.
I found being able to export to a ‘csv' file has several advantages. I like having my channel list in sequence. With most software, you can only add new channels to the bottom of the list. Now I can sequence the list so it's easy to view then load it back into the code plug.
Adding a new repeater can be done in minutes. I just cut and paste a copy of an existing repeater, change the frequencies, and load it back.
Note: The BTECH 6X2 can import a code plug (.rdt) from an Anytone D868UV or D878UV directly. This is a great way to get your 6X2 on the air. Once loaded, however, due to the expanded parameters, the D868 is not capable of reading a 6X2 code plug. Stacks 4 0 3.
CSV transfer Caution
Discaid. Adding large amounts of data, updating and re-sequencing via CSV files is a major plus, but should always be done with Caution. For instance, Talk Group data must always be loaded before or at the same time as the Channel data. If not, improper data attachment may not occur.
Always backup your current code plug before modification.
Firmware
As additional features and future enhancements are developed, the radio can be updated to latest model. A firmware upgrades can be done with a Windows computer in about 5 minutes.
Note: The DMR-6X2 firmware is specific to this radio. It cannot be uploaded to a different model in hopes of adding new features.
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Programming Cable
The DMR-6X2 comes with the necessary programming cable. The UART chip inside the radio, so the cable itself is straight through. There is no circuitry inside the cable itself. The driver will load automatically when the cable is attached.
For reference, although the cable appears to be the same as some that have the chip in the cable, those cables are not compatible.
The charger base requires a standard 12vdc wall wart (included). The LED on the front of the charger base is Red when charging, and Green when either fully charged or no radio in the cradle. The battery easily charges to full capacity with an overnight charge.
Battery and Charger
There are two batteries included with the 6X2, a 2100mAh and a high capacity 3100mAh. With battery save on, I can get 2 to 3 days out of the 3100mAh battery before needing a charge.
There are also USB charging cables available with output of 12V. These can also be used in place of the included Wall Wart.
Conclusion
If you think the BTECH DMR-6X2 very closely resembles a D868UV, you are correct, but as shown above, it is definitely not simply a rebadged Anytone. There are features and enhancements that set these two radios apart. I think BTECH was wise to wait for the bugs to be ironed out before introducing the 6X2 to the market.
If you're waiting for this radio to drop in price, don't hold your breath. Its features and performance make it well worth the price.
The obvious pros are the following:
– True Tier II DMR
– Same Band and Cross Band digital simplex repeater
– Dual Band VHF/UHF operation
– Multiple Scan Groups per Channel
– Priority Scan
– On the Fly Talk Group Entry
– Built-in Voice Recorder
– 2TONE and 5TONE decoding
– 150K user database capacity
– FCC Part 90 certified for commercial use
– N0GSG Contact Manager Compatible
There are plenty of options geared more for hams than commercial use. It performs well and makes a nice addition to the ham shack.
Available from:
For Clarification
BTech (BaofengTech) is not a division of Baofeng. They are an ODM that partners with OEM manufacturers to spec and build to their own requirements, whether from scratch (UV-5X3) or from an existing product. This 6X2 is an Anytone at heart with additional unique features found only in that model.
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Here's a comparison chart showing the major differences.
Click to enlarge.
