Anyone on 10M FM 28.300-28.500MHz in the Phoenix area?

[marcspaz]

42 minutes ago, TNFrank said:

...but I'm not really interested in FT8, I want to talk to people.

Im in the same boat. I can use Winlink and a few different 'weak signal' text chat consoles for EmComm supporting ARES/RACES, as well as some stuff like APRS and wireless networks, but I've spent my life as an IT professional. I have zero interest in using my computer, through my radio, for entertainment. 

[WRYS709]

7 hours ago, TNFrank said:

It comes with a programing cable that's micro-usb to usb-a. I'd figure that cable would work but I'm not really interested in FT8, I want to talk to people.

With all due respect to @marcspaz, if you don't get your General in the next 18-36 months, 10 meters SSB will become a desert!

That being said, there is actually much excitement to be had using digital modes and the "low propagation" modes, such as FT8.  Many "old-timers" will call it not real ham radio, but I remember when they said that about SSB! 

So enjoy 10 meters SSB and learn some CW and enjoy that too; and keep an open mind about FT8.

[TNFrank]

I'm sure someone will still be on 10M SSB even if it's just local traffic and not DX. Even if I can just make contacts State wide on Simplex that'd be a win since VHF/UHF can't do that.

[WRYZ926]

I will have to read up on the Retevis HS4. I doubt that it has a sound card built into it. Most of the Chinese mobile radios do not.  And that port is most likely for programing only.

And never say never when it comes to digital modes. There are a few old timers that would always say that FT8 isn't real radio, and they are now using it.

I won't push you one way or the other when it comes to upgrading from tech. All I will say is that it opens up a lot more bands for you

One thing to remember is that antenna polarization is going to matter more for local comms. Yes all mobile antennas are vertical. But most will use a horizontal antenna at home. And that will definitely make a difference for close in ground wave contacts.

Once the current solar cycle ends, 10 meters will be like 6 meters. It may or may not be open at all.

Do what makes you happy.

[SteveShannon]

I like ft8, but even if I didn’t, the technology that makes ft8 possible is exactly the same technology needed for other digital modes such as Winlink, JS8, WSPR (which is a wonderful way to visualize propagation), the various fldigi things, etc.  

But it’s still possible to do most of those modes using a manually controlled radio and a DigiRig. And WSPR can be done with a very inexpensive standalone “appliance”.

[warthog74]

19 hours ago, TNFrank said:

It also will do 11M CB but it's not Typed for that so it'd not be legal.

I wouldn’t worry about that. Most people that buy these types of export “10 meter” radios convert them for CB use since that’s what they really are in disguise anyway. Real 10 meter radios aren’t channelized and they don’t come with echo and roger beeps.

Also there seems to be more Ham radios used on 11 meter than actual legal CB’s these days. Take a listen to 27.385 LSB or 27.555 USB. More often than not, when asked what their set up is, most say they are using an Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, Xiegu, Alinco, Hermes Lite, or one of the various brands of modified 10 meter rigs. Heck, a good chunk of them are licensed hams that still enjoy 11 meter. Is this legal? No. Does anybody really care? No. Will the FCC come knocking on your door? No. Just don’t TX on bands you aren't licensed for and you’ll be fine.

[warthog74]

deleted - double post

[Northcutt114]

Well. I went out to my local park and played radio. It worked. I found a bunch of people talking across a few different bands. Heard some contacts in Canada, Arkansas, Michigan, Wisconsin, and a few Spanish speaking stations. Just a lowly Tech so I couldn't talk back, but I was happy to know that what I cobbled together worked. Felt pretty good. 

[WRYS709]

2 hours ago, Northcutt114 said:

Well. I went out to my local park and played radio… 

Just a lowly Tech so I couldn't talk back…

What about 10 meters?

[WRYS709]

8 hours ago, TNFrank said:

I'm sure someone will still be on 10M SSB even if it's just local traffic and not DX. Even if I can just make contacts State wide on Simplex that'd be a win since VHF/UHF can't do that.

Not been my experience when the solar cycle goes dead. We all move to 2 meters / 440 MHz. Maybe some 10 meter FM repeater activity, but that’s outside yiur Tech privileges. 

Also: 

“J8Call (or JS8Call) is 

a popular, open-source digital mode for amateur radio, building on FT8 but enabling keyboard-to-keyboard messaging, status updates, and networking, allowing hams to chat, send messages, and share location/status over weak signal conditions, essentially creating a weak-signal internet for radios.”

[Northcutt114]

1 hour ago, WRYS709 said:

What about 10 meters?

I called out a few times. Nobody responded. The majority of people I heard were on 17 and 20m.

Where I am 10m sounds weird. There's a definite noise floor that isn't on some other bands. I also hear a very faint but repetitive beep across the whole band. I've done some snooping around and can't quite figure out what it is.

 

[TNFrank]

I changed it up and went with the Radioddity QT60 Pro 10 Meter Radio. It's 60w and can do 10M, 11M and I believe 12M as well.

[WRYS709]

32 minutes ago, TNFrank said:

I changed it up and went with the Radioddity QT60 Pro 10 Meter Radio. It's 60w and can do 10M, 11M and I believe 12M as well.

It appears to be a better choice:

The Retevis is just a rebranded Anytone Quad 5. 

Radioddity Technical Support is very good and usually responds in one business day. 

Archive this thread for later FT8 connection with the Tigertronics Signalink. Others also recommend the Digirg:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/12699105116/permalink/10168519106125117/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[marcspaz]

3 hours ago, WRYS709 said:

We all move to 2 meters / 440 MHz. Maybe some 10 meter FM repeater activity

 

Me and most of my acquaintances, our 2m/70cm activity doesn't really change much as the solar cycles settle down.  We use 20m and 40m all the time, but conditions dictate if we use 10m vs 75m/80m and 160m.

[HHD1]

I like radios

[WRYS709]

On 12/25/2025 at 11:02 AM, Northcutt114 said:

 

WoW: I am SO jealous!!!

[Northcutt114]

1 hour ago, WRYS709 said:

WoW: I am SO jealous!!!

I took a lot of inspiration from K8MRD on youtube, but I did somethings differently, too. Outside of the radio, though, I'm only in this thing for a little more than $100 if you don't count the 13w solar panel I plan to use to charge it in the field.

Actually, I take that back. The plexiglass was almost $30 in itself, but the guts of it and the electronics? Right around $100 so $150 all in tops? And trust me, if I can do it, anyone can do it.

Planning to try and activate my first park this weekend. Wish me luck! 

[WRYZ926]

How did you do the legs for the G90 remote head and can you lay it down flat?

I thought about doing something very similar with one of my G90's.

I'm still working on my go box that has my Icom IC-706MkIIG, a Beelink mini pc and a 15" portable monitor mounted inside of an Apache 5800 case. I will have to use a separate battery box for that setup.

[Northcutt114]

18 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

How did you do the legs for the G90 remote head and can you lay it down flat?

I couldn't really come up with an elegant solution so I kind of cheated...but some may say it's the essence of elegance, too. Short answer is, I didn't do legs. I dremelled the hole for the head unit cable so small that it just barely fit through. Then, when it's attached to the head unit through the plexiglass, it wedges in the hole while the head unit rests on its bottom on the top of the plexiglass, effectively making a tripod. When not in use, pull it all the way out of the hole and push it straight down and there's enough clearance in the box for the head until to say in place, with it's back now flush with the top of the plexiglass.

I thought Mike's dremelled up brackets were a little fiddly and so I didn't want to go that route for the head unit. Besides, I wanted this thing as easily disassembled and fiddled with as possible in case something breaks or I change my mind.

 

[WRYZ926]

All that matters is it works and you are happy with the setup.

The nice thing about the newer G90's with the power pole connectors is that there is a switch under the head unit that allows you to switch between using headphones or an external speaker. The Xiegu GY-03 speaker works well with the new style G90 when the switch is set to speaker. It also works well with the X6100 and X6200. 

I tried my Icom SP-35 with my Xiegu radios but it doesn't work since it has a mono plug on it. The Xiegu speaker has a stereo plug.

@TNFrank You can probably get a Signal Link or Digirig to work with the Radioddity QT-60 if you decide to try any of the digital modes on 10m. The QT-60 mic uses a standard RJ-45 connecter so cables for the Singal Link and Digirig are available.

The data port on the back of the QT-60 is for programming only.

[Northcutt114]

5 minutes ago, WRYZ926 said:

The nice thing about the newer G90's with the power pole connectors is that there is a switch under the head unit that allows you to switch between using headphones or an external speaker. 

I drilled some holes in the top plexiglass to accommodate the onboard speaker, as you can see in the first pic. It was plenty load and legible at the park the other day. I also have some headphones in my POTA bag that I can plug into the head unit if I feel I'm being obnoxious to those around me or I need to be a little more discreet.

[HHD1]

@Northcutt114

That looks really cool.  I bet it was fun to build.

[Northcutt114]

13 minutes ago, HHD1 said:

@Northcutt114

That looks really cool.  I bet it was fun to build.

I absolutely was. I have a rudimentary knowledge of 12v electronics from wiring up off road lights, CB's, and various other things to my vehicles over the years. I was more nervous about the excessive amount of dremelling that would be required for the plexiglass. I have to say, I was pretty pleased with myself.

The "master arm" switch is my favorite. 

[WRYS709]

3 hours ago, Northcutt114 said:

Planning to try and activate my first park this weekend. Wish me luck! 

What frequency? When (time zone)?

[WRYS709]

 

On 12/25/2025 at 2:51 PM, TNFrank said:

I changed it up and went with the Radioddity QT60 Pro 10 Meter Radio. It's 60w and can do 10M, 11M and I believe 12M as well.

This information will be helpful in your digital future:

https://forum.digirig.net/t/cable-for-radioddity-qt60/4283