Anytone AT-6666: Cheap Technicians HF POTA Radio

[@djcarld]

I actually bought this radio as a backup 11mtr radio for my semi truck. I decided on using my nano VNA to cut down a K40 helical coil antenna to work on 10mtr, and on the first day I was parked at a truck stop in Phoenix,AZ. I worked Florida that day. The following day I was getting unloaded at a dock in Phoenix, and worked North Carolina! I’m a Technician, and this is my first venture in HF. I can now work DX in the truck while I’m traveling. I roll down the highways monitoring 28.400 on 10mtr, 146.520 simplex on 2mtr, and of course CH 19 on 11mtr. Great radio, and easy to use for the new hams out there! 73s KC7VDJ.

[@PatrickKQ4HBD]

I'm a security guard for sensitive heavy haul loads and soon to be a driver (don't ask). I've been looking at something like this model to complement or maybe replace my HF Kenwood set for when we're sitting someplace for a while.

[@junkman2758]

Hope to cach you out there someday KB0SME

[@wdsracer]

How can you get 2 meters VHF with this radio?

[@RangerMateo]

@@wdsracer by selling it and buying a AT 5888UV

[@wdsracer]

@ceedub619cameraman3 nah 2 meters is the most active band here in my area. You should try 2 meter simplex 146.520 where you are.

[@ke5cos]

I've had this little radio for about a year now and find it a lot of fun in a small package. Paired it with an Imax 2000 about 10 feet off the ground at it's base and have worked DX in Sweden, Russia, France, Belgium, Italy and several POTA stations in Florida and California and British Columbia to name a few places!.... all from Oklahoma.

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

I'm new to Ham and live in NE Oklahoma. KJ5JFJ. I'm definitely considering this radio to start my HF learning until I get my General license. I'm guessing you'd recommend it? Thanks.

[@ke5cos]

@@commonsensepatriot9450 Yes it will work nicely. You might consider attending the Green Country Hamfest in Claremore this spring. Lots of used gear and new stuff being sold. You might find an all band transceiver used at near the cost of the AT-6666, but yeah, the Anytone is a great little 10 meter radio with enough power to do the job. 73

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

@ke5cos Do you know the dates for ham fest?

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

@ke5cos Just looked it up. April 11 and 12

[@RobinP556]

Years ago my first HF radio was a 10 meter only sold by Radio Shack. It worked pretty well, it wasn’t my dream rig, but the solar cycle was at a peak at the time and it was what I could afford. It looks like this one fits the same bill.

[@W8TLS]

I had the HTX-10 and 100 years ago. Love 10m. 73 W8TLS

[@RobinP556]

@@W8TLS I had it in my truck in the late 1980s to early 1990s.

[@HorrorG.]

I still have mine

[@garthmater6361]

made a digirig cable and used mine successfully for ft8 this week. speaker and ground to the external speaker jack. Mic and ptt to the front microphone jack. bought everything I needed at a radio shack I found.. if you can believe that! they do exist!

[@scottwiseman8015]

The Anytone AT-5555nII has the CTCSS board built into when purchased. Yes the Quad 5 two is a bigger radio. It does come out of the box at a healthy 60 watts. Also has the VFO option instead of being channelized. .

[@phebert140]

During the solar peak around 1990/1991 I put a 10meter single band Uniden hr2510 radio in my pickup truck. 20 watts or so output, and got a used 10 meter whip. I had SO MUCH fun during the sunspot peak. It was a small, inexpensive solution where I didn’t need to move my expensive Icom or risk a mobile install of my main rig. Fun stuff, good to see a modern alternative. Definitely would want the tone board, but mobile SSB functionality for me would be the main use case for me.

[@joesandslv]

I had one too... my highlight was working Japan on 10 M FM.... he sounded like he was inside my truck...the uniden was a fun radio. Joe W7UV

[@souta95]

Its good to see a useable 10m monobander on the market. I picked up the Radio Shack HTX-100 and HTX-10 earlier this year to play with.

[@justingillott1184]

I have just recently done a couple of POTA activations with this Anytone Quad 6 and I must say, it has been a great performer paired with a simple Ham Stick.

[@rkelly5803]

Loved this when I drove truck. Now getting ready to put this in my personal vehicle for 10m. Definitely a decent radio.

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

Josh I've been watching you when you first started my God you come a long way man love your videos ❣️ there's a lot of times I just listen and watch you do your thing but I hit the subscribe button and the like button but I won't comment I just soaked up all the information you put out helps me with a lot of different things I've been a ham operator since 1989 and you young guys have really did such a fabulous job on KZbin doing your videos you and Jason ham radio .20 he's come such a long way too love you guys thank you Josh for sharing this great video😊🙏🖐️💗👍

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you for the kind words! I a really appreciate it!

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

Ooh- I usually pop a rubber o-ring around my knobs to help keep things quiet and a little more bump friendly.

[@ScatManAust]

Got one and love it. I use it in a mobile installation on 10 m and 11m with a homemade whip made from a big 4x4 sand flagpole and get pretty much worldwide. Also, I have 2x AT-5555N2 of which I prefer over the 6666 mainly because it's a physically bigger radio and thus much easier to see and operate. Both are pretty much the same in specs and features. The main problem for me with the 6666 in a mobile install is my scratchers get in the way of the display. The top row of buttons should have been on the lower side so as to be able to see what you are doing. Yes that heat sink in the way of the coax plug IS A REAL PAIN IN THE ARSE.

[@DellFargus]

Cool little tech-tier radio. I got a President Lincoln II+ when I first got licensed. It does all the same stuff as the Anytone-6666, plus it does CTCSS tones, 12 meter band (that nobody ever ever uses), and with a 1k Ohm resistor and a little soldering, it works on 11 meter band. Not, that I would ever do such a thing! The Presdent has been demoted to my beater truck once I got my general license, but I still use it once in a while.

[@nobody8717]

2:00 woah. you said it correctly. "champing at the bit" not very often you hear people get that one correct.

[@preppinglife624]

It just got mine today installed it and I absolutely love this radio!

[@dreamweb69]

Mine came with ctcss board:) and does put out 60 watts on ssb:) paid $209 for it a year ago:) use it mostly for ft8.

[@jdtallant3751]

How did you connect it for ft8? Thanks

[@wordwalker3]

Thank you for the video!!! I had purchased the Anytone "quad 6" based on your previous video. I was a bit confused to find that in addition to the AM, FM, LSB, USB modes on the 10 meter band...it had bands "A, B, C, D..." ("WTH" as I scratch my head🤨.) Your comment to that on this video was extreamly helpful. At least I know that I'm not missing something. Thanks again for your hard work and another great video!

[@Colin_In_VK]

Yep get the Tone Board.

[@seanwieland9763]

💯💯💯

[@MrMudsHamRadioTime]

28425 the beacon 😂. I also use it to see if 10m is open.

[@W8TLS]

I know of Whom your referring to. 😁

[@gadiel777]

This is a really good radio, also you can open this radio to 11 meters band, there is a easy way to do it.

[@M0RMY]

Most of us started with these type of radios ("Expandable" 10m radios) on CB, lets be honest. I still have and use two President Lincolns (version I and II) and a Cobra 148 GTL DX. I like the use of the word "nontroversial". Good video Josh. This radio will be perfect for a new person to enjoy the sun cycle over the next 3 years or so. So what? So get a full HF radio. Save up and get a 450D for example ( yes it will do 11m too)

[@bryantwalley]

Congratulations on that 300k🎉. You earned it man.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Thank you so much 😀

[@robmyers985]

The CRT SS9900, which is the identical radio has CTCSS pre installed and covers 10, 11 and 12 metres.

[@ammoshortage]

I appreciate the video, Josh. I'm looking at this radio as a Christmas gift for my parents, as they're Technicians. I recently upgraded to General and am trying to get them to, but they're not too excited about it. I think they'd enjoy getting their feet wet in the HF world with this radio. I think they'd enjoy it quite a bit. Again, thanks for this. 73, KI7YDM/AG

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

Yes Josh that's cheap for the board get the board and plug it in and work repeaters😊

[@DifferentGearTV]

This is one of the best 11 meter CB radios on the market.

[@rider275]

Thank you for the information about 10m. I learned something new today. Looking forward to doing some research about building an everyman's POTA setup using the vendors that you mentioned.

[@ricksshop]

It was a Uniden HR2510 that whet my appetite for Ham years ago (sadly it died from vibration when 4 wheeling in Death Valley). When I got my General, I forced myself to make a few dozen contacts on a converted Cobra 142 GTL before I bought an FT891. Still have that Cobra, I will never part with it. As a cheap entry point into HF SSB I think the Anytone is worthy.

[@KU9L]

I learned CW in 1978 by listening to 10M exclusively, endless days of 10M band openings. I am sorry they can't offer a CW mode on this rig, those were the days! Cheers, Davey - KU9L

[@johnk5001]

@4:04 It ain't no 59, but I can hear you" 😅 I love living in the South.

[@KB2CWN]

Have one. Don't have any complaints. Great for a 10 meter rag chew. Plan on installing it in my vehicle.

[@titankiller666]

The repeater board is cheap to pick up an easy to put in that radio and so easy to modify that radio in a clean way of course I own three of them and I own three of the Anytone second edition 5555 that radio to is also fun to play with and has a lot of features, anyways I've talked all over the world on those radios and they work like a champ and for the price you can't go wrong😎💯🇨🇦

[@HippocratesGarden]

I remember when I first got into ham, I really enjoyed my Radio Shack HTX-100 with only 25 watts. That, a RS mag mount, from a Subaru sedan and I almost got tired of talking to California from Arkansas. Kinda miss that radio.

[@ancient_of_mumu]

I bought my htx-100 as a manager of a radio shack store back in the early 90s. it just blew up last fall lol. Rock solid radio for 3 decades. I'm here researching a replacement. it will be for a permanent mount base station and I can't decide the 5555 or the 6666. either way I had some great times with only 25 watts on the htx... these radios should be a real ball to play with.

[@D4.4]

I bought one last year. It's ok. The VFO is annoying to use in some respects but if you were to couple it with a SDR receiver to see activity on the entire band it would help the process. I have on 10W made contacts to NZ and Japan from VK3 using a tuned vertical CB aerial. It get good audio reports as well. Cheers

[@randyguay7115]

I have added a external s meter and external bfo and i do enjoy it. I also found that a road devil mic will bring your audio to life... Turn the radio mic gain to 20 or so. Mine stays at 26 . The mic gain at 1/2. Adjust as needed. My d104 handheld an desktop work well too.

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

Josh I would like to buy a yaesu 710 field radio I was at hro Saturday and I fell in love with it it has a touch screen 3D it's a beautiful compact radio where the high-speed tuner buildt in I just can't afford it on a fixed income Josh but I love your video thank you you're truly an awesome guy😊🖐️👍

[@jgiffin25]

I watched this video before and didn't think twice about you saying we found the beacon. Now I've seen a few videos about him and know what you're talking about lol.

[@digital.rancher]

How many times have you received the question about such a radio?! Great option!

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

A lot

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Nice radio. I would like to see how well the repeater board works in it.

[@timmiesloan9850]

Enjoy all your videos. Thanks for all you do

[@slaquers]

I noticed that you don't have the RF power turned all the way up, it is the knob inset behind the RF gain knob right above mic socket, I get about 65 watts SSB from mine, have loved mine for 10 meter use thanks for the vid

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hah! That might have been why! Mine was rock solid before that!

[@thereformedvapist4829]

dont mind the click it wears away after a few thousand turns and becomes smooth

[@JamesKlyng1twofish]

I did the same thing with the Anytone 5555. I made a 10m dipole and I used it for a little bit when I was mobile. Worked great. Actually pushing me to get my General.

[@JoeFramo-uw9fp]

The radio sounds good Josh what's a good price to get on 10meters an $25 Dollars for the board is a really good deal😊😊😊

[@danielt.8573]

Have the same model but it's a Dynascan 10M66 and goes from 25 to 30mhz. Bought it to use in my truck but modern radios with menus, submenus and a million options aren't good for mobile use where you need a good level of practicality.

[@AdamosDad]

I was told that it has the same mainboard as the Stryker SR955HP, also popular with truckers. I bought one thinking I would just get a TECH license, as it happened, I passed the General as well, so I ended up buying a Xiegu G90. The Stryker ver. will do 70-80 watts FM.

[@cochiez]

I’m really interested in this radio. What I like is the simplicity. Thanks for the review.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

No problem 👍

[@SuperCapsfan101]

OMG! The Beacon acknowledged your existence! 73, Mike K3CXG

[@ImJussJay]

got this on my buy soon list!!! good video

[@ericblair3009]

Another great video! I have an AT 6666 radio and like it a lot. I do not do much on repeaters anyway.

[@randyguay7115]

Great video. I have this q6 rig an also thee 955. I love them both i myself use them on 11 m. The q6 in my van with 102 in whip center roof mount has allowed me to make contacts pretty much around the globe Now that said my q6 has been tuned up a bit and yes it is very clean i run it at 15.5 volts . I dont like the antenna plug much. The rdio tho is a screamer

[@brianhunter1543]

Hey Josh could you do a review of the president Lincoln 2 plus all mode radio?

[@naiiawah]

I didn't catch any mention of the USB Mini Jack on the back panel that appeared to be labeled as "DATA" (~ timestamp 6:48). Any info about it?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

It’s for the programming software. Not digital modes unfortunately.

[@Skullfocher]

I had to laugh when I heard the infamous 10 meter beacon. Old Tango Victor Zulu on 28.425

[@howardkarse9915]

Me as well, seeing your reference to him as a beacon brought on a second laugh. I have worked him mobile - SSB, with 5 watts from my FT-817 while driving in Arizona; he was friendly and courteous. And yes, I always tune to 28.425 to check 10 M propagation.

[@AzPauly]

Given the caveats you outlined for a 10m single band radio, I think it would be a fun little rig, Radio Shack, as mentioned in the comments was popular and sell quickly on QRZ still..however, as stated, for less than double the cost, a multiband G90 and a 35 question exam will get you all of the HF bands cheaply..with an onboard tuner to boot..

[@wickwilkinson4208]

I bought one when it was last, “the thing”, to buy for 10 meter ops. When I took it out of the box, it rattled like there was something loose inside the case. Meant to open it up and get whatever debris was in there, out. Never did, so now it has been sitting for a long while. Surprised that it showed back up as a video topic.

[@cidcolead1115]

I noticed my Alinco DR-03 (10 FM Only) has SWR protection that reduces the output power with even the slightest mis-match. I wonder if the Anytone AT-6666 does the same. I remember my first CB radio in 1975 Midland 13-896 (AM/SSB) would simply blow up the output transistor if it saw too much reflected power. I converted that radio to 12-meters when that became a band and we had a good Solar Cycle.

[@vinbmxnj]

josh when is the anytone at-6666 II coming out, it appears on the 2023 anytone catalog

[@shadowpapito]

Thank you learned a lot

[@MaryBrownForFreedom]

Phone app called frequency generator that is handy to use for radio testing. Hold mic the exact same place each time and repeatable tests. Radiooddity has the QT60 coming out... similar but has an analog(digital representation) meter instead of the funky bar graph

[@derek45auto23]

might make a decent mobile 10m rig

[@chublez]

It would but I think there's better options in full size "export" 10m radios. Check some other youtubes specializing in the sort like Scotts radios if your interested. Though for HAM only use it probably is best to save yer pennies and get a G90.

[@derek45auto23]

@@chublez yep,…I run a Kenwood TS480HX / TARHEEL II mobile

[@scottleeney7717]

I’m just starting and learning as I go. I bought a Anytone 778 UV radio. Did I go wrong? It was recommended to build a manpack for the car and camping.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

You didn’t go wrong so long as the radio does what you want it to do.

[@2m0rot]

The CRT ss9900 V4 clone now comes with 10m repeater split & CTCSS. I'm getting one for the car as the NY repeater is open every day here in scotland.

[@Jeff-sp7bg]

I can hear you guys sometimes in the late morning here in california on 38 lsb cb. Some guy in northern ireland comes through sometimes. The problem is theres alot of powertful midwest stations to contend with

[@dennymagdule4372]

I own two of these. I keep one in the shack and I use the other for non-permanent mobile use. I’ve made some great barefoot contacts with these units. K3DMM

[@robcoviak9643]

I asked ( and got) a quad 5 NIi for Xmas. very similar to this. Why? Get my feet in HF - I have a general, but not sure I want to dive it. Built a simple dipole - the bought a 10 meter EFHW. I live in NE Ohio / have made contacts out to NM and AZ. Not much east yet - well one in Italy! I really like the radio - tho the interplay between channels and VFO has me confused!!

[@josephukedaddy0548]

OmG!! At about minute 4:21ish? I heard that guy on starwars. Its the same voice on those flying imperial drones!!!!!

[@wallychambe1587]

Could be small wires on the power cord limiting the output??

[@notsure7874]

I have this radio. It's OK I guess. Really set up to be a CB radio, with channel banks of 40 chan each. The banks kind of suck, and if you change the freqency while in a channel, it sets that as its new freq so you have to be careful with your memories. It does sound really good, and it's served me well - as a CB. I thought I'd use it more for ham, but that's us not the case so far. I'd honestly say - save the money and put it toward an 891 instead.

[@187NorCal]

The anytone 5555 NII has ctcss built in 👌

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

I did score a Yaesu ft-100 and duder said it's been modded up but i haven't cracked her open yet. I only jumped on it since it was $250 and i wanna get on that slice of HF from the big island and see if i can hit the far away spots too. Now I'm focused on antennas. I'm hoping I can diy one before the cycle is over. 😆🤙🏽

[@ElDiabloLocoPoco]

A functioning ft-100 is a pretty good rig, and a bargain at 250. I was dumb and sold mine.

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

@ElDiabloLocoPoco how long ago did you sell yours? Did you mod it at all?

[@ElDiabloLocoPoco]

@@TheGeekiestGuy Probably 8 years ago. zero mods. It was really good on CW, which surprised me. I wound up picking up an ft-891 rather than try to find another ft-100. The 891 has more irritating quirks, but is also pretty solid. Good clean RX.

[@TheGeekiestGuy]

@ElDiabloLocoPoco does the 891 have a built-in tuner? I have a TinyVNA so I can at least rig up an antenna but it sure would be nice to have a tuner and a spectrum analyzer. I'll have to see if my HackRF will be good enough.

[@ElDiabloLocoPoco]

@@TheGeekiestGuy No tuner. I use an MFJ manual tuner along with it when needed.

[@michaelspiva854]

I'm working on getting my technician license because I'm on an emergency management team and a storm spotter. Really looking for a all band mobile radio for communication to and from emergency management and NWS. What would be recommended?

[@terryshackelford712]

Did you install the ctcss module

[@RicSpivey]

I have one (maybe 2) 10 meter repeaters in my state with no pl tone. Can I hit them? Nope lol. Great content Josh!

[@batica81]

Great review, and good points on buying it or not. However, I think a very important information would be if it actually handles FT8, and how to mod it for digital use.

[@ron99693]

Does that have 11 meter or do you have to open it up and mess around to get the 11 meters?

[@sandybottom6623]

AT-6666PRO just released and it has CTCSS.

[@010silviu]

They are god radio for CB 11m 😅 very god in deed. I have an old version named Avanti Grande in export mode can do 60w FM but only 40w PEP ssb this is, but you have the option to buy an liniear for it. I have one KL203 and this one give you 200(150) out and this is god enough for DX. 73's from an CB in Europe 😅... I'm expecting you in 555 free band for all who love radio.

[@marklus406]

Great video Yes do more with ctcss

[@NLINE7]

Any idea when the Anytone 6666 Pro will be available? I haven't been able to get a whole lot of information on it.

[@mikeoscarradio]

Ha the beacon guy answered. I'm not sure his responses aren't automated.

[@GoAmateurRadio]

Kc4TVz , beacon guy, is that a linked repeater on 10m? That guy is interesting.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

How do you feel about this one vs the n5555 II 2023 model

[@ka2nji]

Am I correct that this radio will not do split mode in SSB?

[@doublemountainman9962]

Hey - is there a way to send Cw on this rig?

[@niftyfiftycampingadventure795]

I have at the AT6666 And the CRT 9900n Same radio different branding.. I snagged a AT5555NII From Aliexpress for 237 USD including shipping. With the NR RX feature this is superior to the AT6666 Slightly less output power standard. However 60 watts SSB is fractional to 100w in terms of Signal..The AT6666 is definitely better suited to Mobile in vehicle applications.. Just MHO..73s HS0ZOU..

[@seanfoley7097]

I love my quad 6

[@superiorvideoandphotograph375]

I have one of these radios, it is only 2 weeks old. I was using it with a Road Devil power mic. I went back to using the stock mic due to some sort of over loading issue. perfect SWRs on the Sirio top hat Astroplane. the stock mic seems to work just fine. I have a 30 amp power supply hooked up to it. Well the power mic ended up out in my truck for the uniden 980 SSB. do you have any thoughts as to why the power mic does not work as well as the stock even after adjusting the mic gain levels?

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

How does this compare to the n112n

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

Bought it and the 5555n2 2023 liked this one better… 5555n2 had a little more power felt this was a better radio

[@RFMaster6]

President Lincoln II Plus comes with the tone board

[@SlooDon]

First thank you for the content. Second how would compare this to the QT-60 10 meter radio you used in a later video. I’m studying for my Tech License and want to try some POTA and DXing while the band is open. Either of these will allow me to get started on a budget to see if I want to pursue a General License. Thanks again!

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

How does this stack against the 5555n2

[@AIDEN_LEVICK]

I might get this radio if I don’t get a 10m for Christmas, I’m literally taking my technicians in two hours online. I’m nervous but also a little excited. Hopefully I’ll pass, I’ve been studying on ham radio prep with their book and I had an average of 85% on the practice tests but it went down to an 82% which are both passing but I’d rather it be higher

[@justinmoyers1179]

My Stryker is a beast

[@Sch00lbu5]

My possible path thanks

[@W8TLS]

I bought one last year. Love it. I'm leaving mine unmodified. Yes, I could of bought something better. But I'm a HAM and like to play. As for the radio, It works great for my use. I do have a couple of HF radios, But This is my only HF mobile type of radio. I don't mind the clicky VFO. Less of a chance of me bumping it. My plan is to put this in my car permanently. I'll be using a 8ft whip for my antenna. 73 W8TLS

[@justincampbell2162]

So is this a ham radio or can it be used as a 40 channel cb

[@8475143117]

is this radio different than the AnyTone AT-6666PRO that is currently on Amazon?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

The pro is a newer model. Go with the pro.

[@8475143117]

@HamRadioCrashCourse will DO!

[@joesandslv]

The received signals sounded slightly off freq... no big whoop if the anytone can do 10 hz steps... but if limited to 100hz problems there could be issues....unless receiver has R.I.T.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Unit has a clarify you use to fine tune. You adjust it to your ear.

[@paulaubuchon2336]

Yup i have one and it works great....was my 1st. HF rig getting back into HAM radio...was thinking about selling it but when you said a CTSS board is avaible i am having second thoughts.... Paul K1YOU

[@n1tlf470]

You're better off with the Anytone 5555 n2, or the Radiodity QT-60....it includes the tone board... and it's a little cheaper. I have a 2 m transverter, and it is nice to have a radio that has the pl tone capability to open up the repeaters

[@ehayes5217]

Maybe I missed it during ur really good review, but does that rig have a clarifier for SSB? (The station u contacted sounded to be a bit off freq, a little high for my ears); 73 de WA4ELW in TN 🇺🇸 dit dit 😃

[@HamRadioWithKE0MAD]

I does have a clarifier that is selectable for RX or TX or it can be locked RX and TX which helpful because the radio does frequency drift while warming up.