kv4p HT introduction - turn your phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

[@KV4P]

UPDATE 10/23: v1.7b of the PCB design is now available on the Quick Start page at kv4p.com. My testing of this version shows it has far better harmonic suppression, so if you've been waiting to build the project, go for it now!

[@neutrinotau]

Thanks! I just placed an order for several 1.6 boards. Since assembly wasn't an option at JLC, I assume I'll need to populate the components on the board myself. I checked the BOM you uploaded to the project repository, which was helpful; however, the Darfon capacitors are no longer available for purchase at LCSC. I substituted them with similar components from Digi-Key. You may want to update your BOM. I also downloaded the case STL files to have it printed by JLC. The case doesn't appear to have a backing to it. Is that by design, or is there a STL file missing?

[@KV4P]

@@neutrinotau JLCPCB will definitely do assembly, I've ordered it from them a few times now. Just turn on the switch on the bottom of the order screen labeled "PCB Assembly" and it will ask you for the additional files (BOM and pick-and-place). But you can definitely solder the SMD components yourself, I did that while prototyping for a while. As long as you matched the inductance and capacitance values, you should be fine with whatever you substituted. JLCPCB listed the Darfon capactors as in stock (and they actually just manufactured my batch of prototypes), but thank you for the flag that they might be challenging. I will check with PCBWay as well and ensure they can source these -- most people are ordering their board from the PCBWay project gallery since it's a bit easier. Good luck with the build and have fun, 73!

[@neutrinotau]

@@KV4P weird, I must have just overlooked the assembly option. Oh well, it isn’t a large number of components, so it shouldn’t take too long! I’ve never used JLC before, so I’m sure I just missed it. Yeah, when I went to order the Darfon components it said they were discontinued. Perhaps it’s not a problem if they do the assembly.

[@neutrinotau]

I also placed an order with JLCPCB to print the case. After their review, they threw this error - Audit failure reason: please refer to the green areas, there are multiple shells which cannot be merged automatically. Due to each file could only support 1 part (shell) for printing, could you please kindly merge the shells/parts by yourself and upload the file again? To save time, we will activate the 'replace file' button for you. I downloaded Meshmixer and used it to combine the body and inlay STL files. I uploaded the export of that, but received the same error. I'm admittedly new to 3D printing, so I'm not sure whether I made some incorrect selections on their site, or it's another problem.

[@KV4P]

@@neutrinotau I just checked, and the file Sleek_KV4P_HT_case_-_BODY.stl should be just the case itself without the inlay. Please send only that file to JLCPCB (and optionally the stand if you'd like that too). I link to these files on Thingiverse in the Quick Start guide on kv4p.com. If you DID send only that one file, and they still told you were there errors, please let me know. It would be pretty surprising, because it's not a very complex print.

[@Xzelian]

Finally! Something to do with all the phones rendered "obsolete." Brilliant! Your dog is a master photobomber as well.

[@CSIS-Spy]

Amazing! Perfect when out cell range but in range of repeaters.

[@MrJackfriday]

Already ordering parts! Cant wait to DIY this!

[@KV4P]

Have fun!

[@Andy-M938]

Would be great to get a full set to buy. Very nice..hopefully someone will sell it soon!

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@DanielBerzinskas]

Amazing! I was at the demo at the DFMA meeting, glad I brought my Yaesu!

[@murrij]

Amazing. My parts are on their way and I just received 5 boards from JLPCB. I only need 2, but ya never know....

[@yv6eda]

Hi Vance! Thanks for the amazing project! A group of hams in our club will build the HT here in London, Ontario! Thanks! Jorge VE3EAD

[@KV4P]

Awesome, have fun with the build!

[@JamieForsyth]

Now this looks like a amazing project , I cannot wait to build my own I've recently got into the Ham radio scene and this is extremely satisfying & energetic to see this kind of project linking mobile android to classic radio waves.. and making the whole thing open source can only lead to better and better future versions due to the collaborative efforts of both techs and ham's Kudos for starting the project and getting it going I can't wait to build the device and give it a go .. Shared this on all my socials ✅ Great work 👍🏻👏🏻

[@KV4P]

Thanks for the interest and signal boost! My biggest hope is that by making this open soruce it will make it easier for a lot more interesting innovations that I can't imagine.

[@rickeroni]

Like it! Thanks for delivering it.

[@scottbreakall8472]

awesome project! thanks for sharing with the community!

[@KV4P]

Thanks! 73

[@w3tua]

This is the perfect project to get newer hams interested. I'll be producing a few kits for one of our club build-a-thons! 73 DE W5HI

[@KV4P]

Awesome, have fun with the build with your club! And yes I'm really hopeful it will attract both younger hams (who might enjoy having a mobile app on-the-go), but also developers who might work with Java or C++ in their day jobs, who feel like they have a project they can tinker with without having to build out a whole new skillset (e.g. electronics engineering).

[@marioandresheviacavieres1923]

Hell yeah! so sick, I will tots build this. Thanks a lot for making this open source, may the force be with you.

[@KV4P]

Thanks, good luck with the build! 73

[@JohnForTheWin]

Really cool. Good use of APRS. It would be really cool if you could add M17. We need to use open-source / non-proprietary digital voice codecs.

[@KV4P]

Thanks, yes I'd love to add M17 support. It's on my list of things to look into.

[@collinlovas]

What a great idea and implementation! Congratulations!

[@KV4P]

Thanks, 73!

[@tipsovr2626]

Sir, if you marketed the entire package together, I think you would make a lot of money. This is a very simple and easy way to be able to communicate with others. Thanks for the heads up!

[@KV4P]

Thanks! I'm not looking to start a business, I have a day job :) But there are a number of community members and businesses who are preparing kits and pre-built units. When they're ready, I'll post links on the kv4p.com site

[@DCtoDaylight]

This is very cool. Our club is looking to do this as a group build. 73

[@KV4P]

Awesome, yeah I think a group order is a very economical way to do it (since some of the parts come in packs of 5 or whatever), and should be a lot of fun! If you haven't ordered the PCBs yet, I just designed a v1.6 of the PCB that should improve harmonic suppression even more, and I'll have my prototypes in about 7 days so I can test them. I'd wait for v1.6 if you can, but if you already ordered v1.5 my tests show it is FCC compliant, but it's just more marginal than I want it to be.

[@NateOffGrid]

Very nice! I've been wondering why one of these hasn't been built yet. I might have to pay one of my more techie friends to build me one. Lol

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@NateOffGrid]

Yes sir! I'm subbing on both of my channels. Hope to see more content on this stuff!

[@WRJK988]

​@KV4P here's my other channel. 73 from NE Oklahoma!

[@Dukelanovic]

Cool is the APRS feature and the idea of a better communication in the wilderness. But as a senior programmer I would like to see some kind of free jungle internet on such a device, for people who do not have enough money to afford the internet. But the messaging option is quite cool.

[@cdevidal]

Way cool. Let the next version run over Bluetooth, the ESP32 should be able to handle it.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for the idea! It uses USB right now so the kv4p HT doesn't need it's own battery, I'm tired of trying to keep everything charged around the house. :) But I'm open to alternative versions for sure.

[@cdevidal]

@@KV4P I can understand that. I developed a product that runs an ESP32 and Bluetooth to connect to an Ionic app, but am not 100% certain audio would work over it. Probably would.

[@Michael-yd9em]

It would make a very nice all-in-one TNC/radio, I'm sure!

[@KV4P]

@@Michael-yd9em I plan to add features to kv4p HT to let it connect to a laptop with Bluetooth and be a KISS TNC and/or an audio input/output device so it can be used like that! I agree that would be really fun.

[@stevethe1voipguy]

@@KV4PYou can also integrate this with ATAK. There is a plug in for the RF Chip to run it as a voice and messaging integration.

[@brucecorbettn9bh398]

This could be very beneficial to blind and vision impaired hams that use accessibility features on the phone. My wife is blind and our son vision impaired so I will be looking into this. If you add speech to text, that might make hearing impaired hams happy too, or, I don’t know, maybe that is already in the phones accessibility features too.

[@KV4P]

It does have closed captions (speech to text). It definitely works on Google Pixel phones, and should work on other Android phones that use Google's accessibility services. You can see a demo of the closed captions at the end of video. I definitely want this to invite more people with disabilities to get involved in the hobby, including deaf, blind, motor challenges, etc.! I haven't tested it yet with the Android screen reader (for blind users), but it's on my short list of things to test very soon. Please let me know if any of your friends/family with disabilities find issues, I would be happy to help fix them.

[@kb5elv]

@@KV4PBlind ham here. While I currently have an iPhone, and most blind folks do at least in the US, I also have a Fire tablet on the way, which has similar accessibility services. Besides, even a less expensive phone like the Samsung A55, Oneplus 12R, Pixel something-A, would probably make for a great interface for this as well. I've already documented a few HT's for blind hams too. ... I'd be happy to help with testing, assuming someone's putting these together.

[@BTC_DNA]

Impressive! Thank you for showing us!

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look, 73!

[@oncydium]

Your KILO NINER is a very good girl! Great project BTW - congrats and thanks.

[@KV4P]

Thanks, and yes she is :)

[@EvgeniX.]

Captions is really nice feature! can be extended to preserve them in case someone was calling you while you were away..

[@KV4P]

Thanks! The closed captions are an Android feature, kv4p HT just makes it easy to turn it on directly from the app so you don't have to go through all the Android settings. I don't think Android has a way to save captions.

[@EvgeniX.]

@@KV4P hmm.. another idea would be recording. there are two use cases: you went away from the radio and missed somebody calling you, the other one is the last call was barely readable so you want to reply it to understand. on a side note, is it possible to eventually implement m17 with this hardware? afaik the requirement is the ability to disable filtering. would be really cool, and extend the useble range greatly ..

[@NationlessNative]

This is awsome, i have a GMRS license and radio but i dont understand how to put frequencies in and use it only for the weather channel. but this is robust to use with family.

[@TheBamaChad-W4CHD]

Ok this is an awesome idea!

[@smithadmin]

Great job! This looks fantastic!

[@KV4P]

Thanks!

[@DARTHDANSAN]

This is neat ! I always have UV5R in car . Still this is kool

[@KV4P]

Because kv4p HT connects to your phone, you can pair your phone to your car with Bluetooth and play the VHF radio through your car's speakers. But if the UV5R is working well for you, that's great too! Thanks for taking a look.

[@kb5elv]

Yeah, but you can't have too many HT's. I think I counted mine once...I have a bit of a thing. Of course, part of it is that I like to check out some of these lower cost ones for accessibility. ...

[@cliffm1260]

​@@kb5elvI had to have my HTs spayed and neutered to keep them from multiplying

[@ntc490]

Great project! Wish I had time to help out.

[@csparker89]

now this is something I'll try to build here soon! I live in Hampstead nc. KN4SJJ

[@KV4P]

Awesome, have fun with the build

[@galax574]

I love how you write the "test repeater" 😂

[@mnapier61]

You didn't introduce your helper. Cool project! Can't wait to get into this. 👍

[@KV4P]

Thanks! She's a great helper

[@aldigangster123]

Totally awesome. Just hope that somone sells a complete kit. Willing to buy.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look! Several people are planning to do that. Keep an eye on kv4p.com, I plan to add a Community page to links to stuff like that once they give me the URL to where people can get it.

[@randomnicemusic5906]

This is amazing! Been looking for something like this !

[@KV4P]

Thanks, 73!

[@b357y]

This is lit , its actually amazing

[@KV4P]

Thanks for checking it out!

[@ScottyD]

This is pretty cool. Maybe consider the next generation to up the output to 5 watts, add a magnet to attach to the back side of most smartphones and an optional battery if needed.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for the ideas! Yeah, for 5 watts it would need its own separate battery. 1 watt is about the limit of what the phone can do via the USB port like this. I actually experimented with many ways of attaching it: command strips, velcro, double-sided 3M tape, magnets, and the gel pads I now use. They all have pros/cons, and personally I found the gel pad to be the easiest solution overall, but you can use whatever works for you!

[@kuizatz]

Congrats awesome inovation...

[@KV4P]

Thanks! 73

[@TRLTheRandomLab]

Love seeing this. I've been thinking of switching back to Android (from iOS), this would definitely be on my list of reasons to bring me back. iOS support would be nice though -- hopefully someone with an iOS development background can contribute. I definitely prefer having a dedicated physical PTT button though, might be cool if there's one on the next version 🙂

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look! Maybe someone will design an alternative build that includes a PTT button, it wouldn't be too hard.

[@michaeldavidheit]

Yes I too would love to build this but in the iOS formant; I don't want to buy an Android phone just to have an HT. Does the phone need to have a cell account to operate? If so then there that cost, etc.

[@axi6ne8us]

That's very cool. Unfortunately I don't have a 3-D printer, nor soldering skills 😔. Maybe in the future, you can sell a complete built unit. 73

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look! Several people / companies have expressed interest in selling kits, so keep an eye on kv4p.com and I'll add links to those if they send them to me.

[@anguismemes1666]

I can print it for you

[@leemcnasty9667]

Can someone build this for me? I don't have a 3D printer nor do I have a soldering kit😢

[@DIGardening]

Many regional libraries have invested in 3D printers as a community outreach. Also check with community colleges/county recreation groups and senior centers for classes. Our local parks and rec allows for public use of many types of equipment on site or check out like library books

[@wanderingcalamity360]

No time like the present to invest in skills and equipment that can benefit you in the long run.

[@rainmannoodles]

A Bluetooth version with a MagSafe compatible mount would be incredibly neat.

[@KV4P]

That is a really cool idea! I'd love if someone extended it for that.

[@rainmannoodles]

Of course, being Android only makes magnetic mounting to an iPhone kind of redundant... I have to guess iOS support probably isn't high on your list of planned features. I wish I could help but it's been a long time since I did iOS development and I definitely don't have the time for it anyway. Physically, though, adding the MagSafe connection would be fairly easy for someone to do by modifying the 3D printed parts (off-the-shelf magnet rings are all over the place on Amazon). I know some Android users add MagSafe rings to their phones so they can use those accessories, so maybe it's still relevant for someone. 😂 I'll definitely be watching to see where the project goes regardless.

[@FanceeName]

@1:28 Pooch: “ no matter how hard I try, I can never figure out who in the heck he’s talking to”

[@AdiosomatikA]

WUT... EQ is still getting expansions lol thats awesome

[@psyber1130]

Very nice. Making 10 of them!

[@KV4P]

Have fun with the build, 73!

[@TheHadgee]

Amazing, on my list todo once I can source parts at a reasonable price in the UK.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for the interest! What parts are expensive in the UK? I might be able to suggest alternatives.

[@TheHadgee]

@@KV4P Thanks for the reply, when I've got a minute I will have a better search. All links on quick start pointed to Amazon US so inflated prices for delivery & tax. Can you also advise selections for PCB manufacturing. 73 de M5AEI

[@KV4P]

@@TheHadgee Try just searching for the same parts on the UK version of Amazon, I have a feeling you'll find them there at more reasonable prices. In terms of the PCB manufacturing, personally I prefer JLCPCB because they tend to be quicker. Note, I just designed v1.6 of the PCB which should have better harmonic suppression, but I haven't received my prototypes to test yet (will take about a week). You might want to wait for that new version, but up to you!

[@WarrenPostma]

Could you do a video about your design process? Get technical. Talk about harmonic suppression. Talk about PCB layout. I am SO curious about this. COOL PROJECT. 73s de VA7 WPX.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for the idea! If I get several people interested in contributing, I might do this to help them ramp up on how to make modifications more quickly.

[@WarrenPostma]

@@KV4P That would be great. I'm a mobile app developer and possibly I can be helpful with the mobile app.

[@proudsnowtiger]

@@KV4P Count one more pair of eyeballs eager for more details uf hardware, software, and how to mmod 'em.

[@thuff3207]

This is too cool and I need to build one.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look! Have fun.

[@thecoolguy2012]

i think ive heard you on the north carolina repeater through the a app i use to hear what is going on over there and im looking to get my ham license soon

[@KV4P]

Awesome, yes I do sometimes check into nets. :) Good luck on the license! You only need a Technician license to use a kv4p HT if you're interested in building one.

[@jangeloracoma]

Great work! I wonder if the text chat is compliant with APRS spec, e.g., can support digipaths, ACKs, REJs, groups, bulletins, etc.

[@TradIrishHarper]

That’s pretty stinking cool

[@KV4P]

Thank you!

[@LioRMD]

How are there no comments here? I am definitely interested in this! Tried your website, did not work. What bands does it do?

[@KV4P]

Hey there. What happened with the website when you tried to open it? The link in the video description should work. The current radio is for VHF/2M band, so 144-148MHz. I plan to design a UHF variation in the future, it would not be very hard.

[@LioRMD]

@@KV4P it would not open said the server was unavailable

[@KV4P]

@@LioRMD Is it working for you now? I just tried clicking the link in the description, and it opened correctly.

[@LioRMD]

@@KV4P it did work now!

[@batoniarz]

If you flash the SA8x8 module with OpenRTX, you might make the device M17 capable.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look! I'd like to add M17 support in the future, I just need to find a suitable library that will work with the project (OpenRTX won't work as-is, but maybe I can take inspiration from how they did it).

[@batoniarz]

​@@KV4P I have an idea, but I don't know how to get in touch with you.

[@batoniarz]

Solved :)

[@TheWatchMker]

What a great job, dude this is awesome

[@KV4P]

Thanks!

[@rwxzig]

Awesome project. Well done. Please make it available as a ready built from services like tindie

[@KV4P]

Thanks! Some community members are planning to do that, keep an eye on kv4p.com for options in the future.

[@arkadian-labs]

Fantastic project! Great idea, excellent execution! Congrats from a fellow ham operator! 73s

[@zwarst]

Hi - did you make & design this i.e. the app & the VHF module? If so very impressive. Can it be made to transmit at 5w?

[@dennybrock4128]

Great device! I want one!

[@KV4P]

Thanks! You can find a guide to building one on kv4p.com.

[@practicalpolitics1119]

Dude that’s awesome.

[@KV4P]

Thanks!

[@MarioVe2]

Very Nice, Thank You 73's

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look! 73

[@davidm8030]

Really needs a usb pass through so that you can also charge while using the VHF addon

[@KV4P]

Thanks for the idea! 73

[@DanielWiley]

Very Cool, Ordered parts

[@KV4P]

Thanks for the interest! If you have any questions while building it please hop in the Discord linked on the Quick Start page on the site. Good luck and have fun!

[@ensemble88]

This is amazing!!! Does it support a translator for morse code to text?

[@nehanichikahuak]

it would be great to get AES256 and M17 on these 😉

[@KV4P]

Yes others have wondered about M17 too, would love to see someone help add that. Thanks and 73!

[@Haliburt868]

Mesh networks for chat. Opens up ability to send messages to specific people on open channels. Also, Atak Civ compatability. I know i' suggesting this as if it were something super easy but i'm just throwing out the potential i'm seeing.

[@JayJay-kt8ll]

This doesn’t need to be stuck on the phone just need bluetooth or wifi link to your phone so the App can run, this unit can be place in car or your house with hook up to external antenna for greater range acting like mini repeater, you can carry the unit & setup anywhere such as camping, while driving, while at the office, you just have to be in the range of wifi or Bluetooth like a mini hot spot, just my opinion VE6US✨👍🌞🙏🏻

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look! Some other community members have requested a variant like this, so I wouldn't be surprised if a community member contributes one. I agree it would be a lot of fun.

[@thehighskyguy]

This looks super interesting. Are you considering selling prebuilt HTs? If so, I'd like to be first in line lol.

[@KV4P]

I'm not selling pre-built versions, but anyone else is welcome to! The project is 100% free and open source, including the ability to sell it, but people who build off it need to keep it open source (GPL3 license).

[@blainehouser4354]

WOW! Great Device!

[@KV4P]

Thanks! 73

[@aquilafasciata5781]

This is really neat! Any plans on implementing DMR? I’m going to look into this myself but it would be neat as an HT or cheap hotspot; only thing I wouldn’t know is if that would incur firmware changes or if that would be on-device.

[@KV4P]

I don't currently have any plans for DMR, but I'm considering M17 which is an open source digital voice mode. Any modes like that would be implement all on the Android app side. The ESP32 and firmware is concerned with radio control and audio encoding and decoding, none of the modes on top of that.

[@robertlittle9907]

What an awesome device I have a quick question. If you're in radio mode could you receive a phone call

[@MTimWeaver]

This is really cool. I'm an iPhone user so I know this doesn't work with it. But I love the low-profile nature of this setup...using a radio while not looking like you're using a radio, especially the "text" messaging. Can you use any old Android lying around, even if it's not an "active" cell phone, given that you commented it'd work with one's phone in airplane mode? Is there a specific version of the Android OS ("XYZ or later") to use? I can see a use for a cheap Android tablet or slightly older phone being repurposed into a low-power "H-T".

[@KV4P]

Thanks for the interest! Any Android device made in the past 4-5 years should work fine, I've tested it with an old tablet. It doesn't require wifi or cell service, so give it a go! The minimum Android OS version is 8.0, but that's pretty old so most devices should have it.

[@M0GLU]

Great project. Congratulation.

[@KV4P]

73!

[@paulnagel8161]

That is awesome!

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@alexgraf3567]

Please consider making an ATAK plugin. It would be a game changer.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for the idea! I'm not familiar with ATAK, what is it for? I'm very open to extending the project to all kinds of uses and especially new data modes. And if someone else wants to add something and send me a pull request on GitHub I'm happy to incorporate changes.

[@ryanmahoney5657]

​@@KV4PATAK stands for android team awareness kit

[@sirtruckdriver33]

Any idea if the audio will support a bluetooth headset mic or will that only use the cellphone built in mic? would be nice if it interfaces with a BT headset

[@KV4P]

It should work just fine with a headset, but I haven't tested it. I have used it with a Bluetooth speaker, and connected to my car via Bluetooth, and those both work fine. If it doesn't work, let me know and I will fix it!

[@bluefalcon1674]

You are a genius, I hope this makes you famous

[@KV4P]

Lol thanks for taking a look, 73

[@nathanziegman9262]

Awesome, super interested.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@digitalpituitary5226]

Awesome video!

[@KV4P]

Thanks, 73!

[@digitalpituitary5226]

@@KV4P You're welcome!

[@DeltaCharlie-v3v]

Looks like a very interesting project and concept. Quick question, anybody tried the DRA818U instead of the VHF version? GMRS instead of ham? Thanks

[@DeltaCharlie-v3v]

After thinking after posting I do not think packet would be legal on GMRS and voice as well because the DRA818U is not FCC approved for GMRS. So what about just ham? Anybody tried UHF instead of VHF?

[@KV4P]

I plan to release a UHF version in the near future. You can't just put a DRA818U on this existing board, because the VHF low-pass filter will suppress the UHF transmission. Keep an eye out for that version if you're interested! But it will be for amateur radio, not GMRS.

[@TimMonk1911]

Any plans for a UHF version?

[@KV4P]

Yes! That's on my short list of top things to do next. It will be very easy to do since there is a similar radio module for UHF that has the same PCB footprint and same interface. I just need to figure out the RF filtering stage for UHF, which is a little more complicated than VHF.

[@johnsonstechworld]

Looks quite interesting. Would have love to have one if it were available in my region. 73 Jon VU2JO

[@wpherigo1]

Nice work - what a cool idea! Hint: Get yourself a KV4P t-shirt printed up for your next in person video and maybe a similarly branded work table mat.

[@KV4P]

Ha! I have no plans to become a KZbinr, but I might get a t-shirt before I go to my next hamfest. :) The only videos I plan to maybe post in the future are for big new features so people can see how to use them.

[@9M2OCWNazNawi]

hi. nice project. i have a question. how to put offset value?

[@SergeTarkovski]

I'm looking to use something similar to this project as a motorbike intercom. In this regard, I have a question: does the app have a VOX mode or support for external PTT buttons? For the case of moto intercoms it is critical to speak hands-free.

[@KV4P]

Not yet, but we plan to add both VOX and PTT button options.

[@1HDBIZ]

When v1.6 is ready and tested, I'd be interested in buying 3 ready-made units.

[@KV4P]

Several community members are interested in offering ready-made ones. When they provide me a link to their order page, I'll add it to the kv4p.com site (I will add a Community section soon).

[@Anakinmanakin]

Is there a plan to incorporate APRS. Also I noticed your demo highlighted specifically VHF does it do dual band or is it strictly VHF for now?

[@KV4P]

It already has APRS. That's what I'm using to do the 'text messaging". If you tune to 144.39 and open the chat view, you'll actually see it print out all the live APRS traffic in your area (over the air, not internet-based). I want to improve it though, ebcause right now it's just a plain text printout of the APRS data and I want to do things like weather symbols, maps, etc.

[@lufknuht5960]

Congrats on an ingenious in genius invention. But I am wondering what is the point of it, since if you have a cell phone & the person you want to talk to or text to has a cell phone, why don't you just use the cell phone as a cell phone? Or is this for places where there is no cell phone service? How many such places exist in the USA? It seems that for me the catch in the home brewing would be that I don't have access nor how to use a 3D printer.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look! It's mainly a fun tinkering project for amateur radio enthusiasts who like to build and modify their own gear.

[@oelsardine9422]

Very cool idea. I'm just starting out with the whole radio scene and now something like this comes up. Great :) What would be the range on that big antenna?

[@KV4P]

It depends on how many houses, hills, and trees are in the way. If it's a pretty clear shot (e.g. out in a field), it could reach a couple miles. In many areas there are ham radio repeaters on hills that will retransmit your signals to help you reach much farther.

[@themaxx101]

looks very interesting.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@jorgen628]

Take my money now!

[@KV4P]

I hope someone decides to build and sell them! I don't on getting into that. But consider building one, it's pretty easy and fun!

[@jorgen628]

@@KV4P i am buying the pcb and all the components this weekend! Btw is there a possible iPhone app coming down the road?

[@soulife8383]

Can you integrate meshtastic for Ham texting on top of voice? 😮 That would be AMAZING

[@soulife8383]

😮 commented too soon I just heard you say text chat

[@KV4P]

Yeah thanks for taking a look! It has APRS-based messaging. But I would love future improvements like mesh-based data networking. Now that the hard part of the a clean audio signal has been sorted out, the sky's the limit for what kind of data layers can be added. I'd love some talented Android app developers to help contribute things like that!

[@MrTaylorfenoglio]

Is there plans to sell fully built ones?

[@Kinetic79au]

oh... thats cool. well done

[@KV4P]

Thanks for checking it out, 73!

[@MacCallisterHiggins]

Would you be interested in contributors for an iPhone app? I'm unsure about any restrictions with USB OTG, but if there is a non-starter hidden there bluetooth is always an option (built into the esp32).

[@KV4P]

Absolutely! You should be able to use the ESP32 app as-is since it just communicates over a serial protocol. If you need any help with the handshaking and prototcol (it's very simple) jump into the Contributor Discord on the site and let me know.

[@MacCallisterHiggins]

@@KV4P It looks like the discord invite link is broken, btw.

[@KV4P]

@@MacCallisterHiggins the link was broken yesterday, but I fixed it. Please try doing a shift+refresh to ensure you have the latest version of the website and try again. I just tested and it seems to be working, but let me know if you have issues.

[@ipsylon7297]

Amazing. What is the approximate range in the city?

[@rickwooley5156]

Good Morning! This looks awesome.. Quick question.. any plans for ios (iPhone)? Yes.. I am one of those guys.. lol

[@KV4P]

Hey, thanks for taking a look at the project! Unfortunately no, I don't have experience in programming on iOS. But if someone wants to extend the project, that would be awesome.

[@brucecorbettn9bh398]

Looking under “more” I see this is currently for Android. Hope some bright person makes it available for iphone too.

[@KV4P]

Thanks for taking a look! Yes some people have asked for this, unfortunately I don't have experience programming on iOS. I'm with you, I hope someone extends the project to support it! The more platforms, the better.

[@kb5elv]

@@KV4PI'm no programmer, it's one of those one of these days in my copious spare time I should... things. I'm just your average garden variety tech support monkey.

[@biffy7]

Very impressive.

[@KV4P]

Thanks!

[@mykdelta]

nice project, but was there really no dual band module availble?

[@KV4P]

Not that I could find. Let me know if you know of one! There's already a feature request open to build a full duplex dual band version, with both the VHF and UHF modules. It's definitely doable, but a reasonably large project for the future.

[@VE6SFX_HamRadioRookie]

MIND BLOWN!!!!! This is amazeballs! How many watts output is it capable of? I see in the documentation it says 1w and I suspect that is the max for the tx module you have there but just checking if we can squeeze out a couple more watts.

[@KV4P]

Yes, this module can only do up to 1 watt, which is what kv4p HT uses. To do more than that, you would almost certainly need a separate battery in the kv4p HT, since I don't think the USB C port can output enough power for more than that. If someone wants to design a variation that has a battery and an amp, that would be awesome!

[@frotz661]

Seriously cool! Will a DRA818U UHF module also work? What would it take to boost the output to 5 watts?

[@KV4P]

UHF module won't work as-is, there's a VHF low-pass filter that will cause major problems. But I have plans to release a UHF version, hopefully before the end of the year. For more watts you'd need to design an amplifier, and probably add an external battery.

[@Mitakskia]

Can you receive audio with display turned off? (its never seen in this or other videos)

[@KV4P]

Yes you can!

[@donnakano3697]

Interesting concept as an experiment. Is there someone who can 3D print the case for those of us who don’t own a printer?

[@KV4P]

I had someone reach out with interest in offering a pre-printed version of the case for purchase. Once they have it ready, I will add a link to it on the Quick Start page of the kv4p.com site for anyone who wants to go that route. If you want it sooner, there are also online 3D printing sites you can use, where you just upload the design and they send you the print.