yophotoman's diy projects
| Project Articles (Random Order) |
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| About Yophotoman | .................. | pg 1 |
| DIY Sailboat | .................. | pg 2 |
| DIY Rowboat | .................. | pg 3 |
| DIY Backyard Shed | .................. | pg 4 |
| DIY Shed Interior | .................. | pg 5 |
| Amateur Radio | .................. | pg 6 |
| Radio Antennas | .................. | pg 7 |
| VHF-UHF Mobile | .................. | pg 8 |
| Btech Radios | .................. | pg 9 |
| Xiegu HF G90 | .................. | pg 10 |
| DIY Computers | .................. | pg 11 |
| Video Projects | .................. | pg 12 |
| My Cameras | .................. | pg 13 |
| Christian Author | .................. | pg 14 |
| Writers Guild | .................. | pg 15 |
| FL Gardening | .................. | pg 16 |
| Five More Projects | .................. | pg 17 |
| Essays Downloads | .................. | pg 18 |
| Backyard Chickens | .................. | pg 19 |
| Locator Map | .................. | pg 20 |
| GMRS Radio | .................. | pg 21 |
My Youtube Channel - Click Here | ||
Text me at 727-480-8897 or email to yophotoman@gmail.com Donation Link in Support of Yophotoman's Future Projects This can be a one time donation or a monthly payment, any small amount, invoiced under my business name "Kratos Websites." |
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I purchased this radio July, 2021 to replace the LEIXEN VV-898E. It is sold by Btech (a US company) and fulfilled by Amazon.
Description: Dual Band Amateur Mobile Transceiver, Mobile Two Way Radio, 10W/20W. It's more robust than my original mobile radio and programing is identical to my base station, BTECH UV-50X2.
The Great Part 1: Size. -
It's smaller than it looks, fits in the palm of your hand. Can be mounted almost anywhere, bike handle bars, motorcycle ... even a coat pocket!
The Great Part 2: Mic Gain. -
There is a menu entry that controls audio gain on transmit, accessable with the microphone buttons. If audio reports are either low or over driven, the transmit level can be adjusted with a few clicks to improve the audio reports. Most of the time, the factory setting is either correct or a bit low.
Not-So-Great Part 1: Receiver Selectivity -
This is a direct conversion, SDR architecture receiver, with some RF filtering, so it is technically vulnerable to inter-modulation or desensitizing (deafness) due to nearby strong high frequency RF radiation. However, in my experience, this is rare and might not ever happen in your area.
Not-So-Great Part 2: Programming. -
As will all VHF-UHF amateur and GMRS transceivers it must be programmed to the frequencies used locally. That is settings to access local repeaters, maintained by local radio clubs or individuals. This is done with CHIRP, an open source free software program. The interface resembles a spreadsheet so it's not much of a challenge for any semi saavy computer user. There are many instructional videos on Youtube.
YES! It's not perfect, but for saving some $$ for a combo portable and mobile use including motorcycles and bicycles, it's great. My set up costs less than $150 for a dual purpose rig. Pictured right is my mobile set up. It fits nicely between the seats on it's own plastic base.
The second image is Btech UV-25x2 as a portable unit, using a LifePo4, 6 amp hour battery, in its plastic mount. The same custom plastic mount accommodates both portable and mobile use. That is, swapping the radio from mobile to portable is a three minute event: disconnect power and coax then add stock antenna and a battery = done.
The third image is the Btech UV-25x2 as a portable, sitting in my "Ham Shack" shed in the back yard. I'm close enough to the nearest GMRS repeater that all I need is the stock antenna.