mcHF SDR QRP RS-918 Review And Demo Portable Ham Radio

Here is a video on the mcHF SDR Clone, RS-918SSB. 160m - 10m 15 watts SDR with PC CAT control via HamRadioDeluxe.
LIKE on Facebook.com/hamradioconcepts
Support HRC at www.paypal.me/hamradioconcepts

[@kevinj8258]

This is exactly what we should see more of for radios. Hope this remains available and that the price stays reasonable. Looking forward to more reviews of digital HF application use with this.

[@kb2zya]

YOU ARE KILLING ME! Lol very very cool radio ! I had my mind made up on a x5150 and then you pull this one out . Man I need to start driving Uber to cover my ham radio addiction

[@JonathanKayne]

I literally have one part of my mcHF to solder on (once it comes in) it was a lot of fun to build and considering it was my first time soldering a SMD kit, I can say I got a lot of good practice doing so. Also, I can't say that the parts are glitter sized. They are 0806 components so the second largest of the SMD components.

[@tulenik71]

Haha I can relate, it was my first SMD work, too. I found that very important piece of equipment is desoldering kit :D

[@todop]

thank you for all the cool reviews

[@gabelanz9188]

Great video, I'm glad I saw this before buying a big boy rig...

[@elazarpimentel5340]

Thanks for the video. That SWR though ... it was giving me back pain :) (I know you were just testing the device)

[@Radio-Hobbyist]

You just sold me on this little beauty.

[@VoidedWarranty]

Just a note on the temp readout, I think that's the temp of the tcxo ( temperature controlled oscillator). It's a self heated oscillator and it won't fully get maximum accuracy until it's reached about 40C

[@radioweaksignalwork7610]

Great Video!!!! Thanks for all your efforts!!!!

[@georgealbertacanadaeh1038]

Thank you for making this video. Based on what you have shown I am going to purchase this radio. Happy Christmas from George Alberta Canada -40c Dec 25/21 12:30pm

[@wrmoore47]

Nice overview! I'd like to suggest a video showing step-by-step update of the firmware. 73, Randy, KS4L

[@sandraabarca6029]

Fantastic.. it does all that And a Bag of chips LoL🤓 nice of them to give credit to where it was due🤠looking forward to the next video good job

[@Frank_K4FMH]

Very nice video. Great KZbin subscription!

[@kennyc3984]

Thanks for your video. Real good little radio. Just one thought : if you've got 5:1 SWR then you sure aren't putting out 15 watts. I would imagine approx 3 or 4 watts output due to the mis- match.

[@percih70]

Nice video, could you tell us the PCB version of the radio you received? Ver 0.4, 0.5 or 0.6? Thanks

[@matts.6239]

You are one smart dude. I am definitely buying this after the video, I only lasted about four minutes and you made my mind up, thanks for your contribution to the HAM community. Keep up the excellent work. I am retired Army, have seen lots of presentations, you are definitely up there. Thanks for your reviews, great job.

[@cemlpc]

Great video Do you have the pinout of the power cable and MIC?

[@danduf7123]

Hello, is it possible to connect the MCHF or the RS-918 & 928 SDR transceivers on a computer and use an SDR software as SDR# or HDSDR to control it (as the Flex 5000A)? Is there a modification for MARS/CAP transmission (outside amateur bands) ? I could not find anything on the Internet or in the manual about this. Thank you.

[@elektroqtus]

We got 50 inches of rain! I AM in Houston. I didn't get flooding, however. That thing has a beautiful display. I once had a call sign but it's long expired. Got contacts all around Florida on Zello. My channel is OUT THERE. Yes there are 2 of them but I own them both. Let's talk my radio brother.

[@elanpaim33]

great info btw can you connect power speaker ?

[@Tommyr]

Nice and the price is reasonable. I just got a KX2 though so I'll have to pass on this one for now at least.

[@rcx575]

Just a small comment on what you said about soldering tiny surface mount components, the mcHF kit comes with these all pre soldered. It's only the larger components that need soldering. Still takes skill though, so certainly not a kit for anyone new to soldering.

[@Seeker43]

RE: the display... can it be changed to a white background with black letters/numbers for outside daytime use?

[@RoelandJansen]

what version does it run? UHSDR? what's the bootloader version? what serial eeprom is installed? I understand the TCXO heater stuff is installed?

[@IanG0OSY]

Just bought the kit. Can't wait to start building. 73, G0OSY

[@miker7962]

Why the SWR so high Eric? Feedline soak up some rain or something? de WE0H near Punta Gorda ..

[@mikekn4emy855]

Eric, is this an exact clone of the RS-918? Any updates put into this not found in the Recent RS-918?

[@gregmalonewa3gm680]

Which radio do you like best, this or the Xio8G de wa3gm

[@elanpaim33]

where did you buy it I cant see the name of this guy in the description vy 73

[@v31kc]

Thanks for that overview. Can you Do a video on how to setup CAT control Please. Maybe along with your Digital mode Video.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I will be doing that.

[@tulenik71]

CAT control is basically the same like Yaesu FT-817/8.

[@CharlesSmith-dh7gf]

What antenna tuner are you using?

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Too many radios and not enough money. I want two of everything!

[@ChuckBigbie]

Eric do you still have this radio? Do you like it?

[@dalemac6079]

Cool radio. How does it compare to the x5105?

[@PatrickRobinsonZA]

its only 5watts

[@Sky1]

5:1 vSWR?

[@mrtonicsvls3624]

How is possible go to AM mode? I push MODE but it change CW-LSB-USB and RI-U. Thanks.

[@706MK2G]

Eric, can you show us how to do a firmware upgrade?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I did a video on it on my channel.

[@rubenverandi]

alguno que pueda pasar el manual de indicaciones o uso de este SDR. Muchas gracias

[@antimattercarp2720]

Audio is a bit poppy today, change your set up?

[@Laniercrew]

I picked one of these up last week. Has anyone had a problem with transmitting, the SWR meter shows 1:1 all the time? I'm using a 40m dipole and keying across the whole band shows a 1:1. I'm picking up strong signals but no one has been able to pick up my transmission. Could I have gotten a defective unit? Just to test, I tried other bands and get the same results. Alway 1:1??

[@tulenik71]

If it is your only radio and you have no antenna analyzer (like NanoVNA for example) it is really hard to find where the problem really is. Mostly, SWR 1 is not real, especially when measured on antenna connector. This is the way how I tune the antennas - in the field, far from any other metallic objects, with NanoVNA directly connected to the antenna. Antennas can have SWR pretty close to 1 (like, 1,0x:1) and in that case, after involving feedline losses, they can sometimes give false 1 near the transceiver. 1 is for example transmission into (ideal) dummy load.

[@smartapeproductions2139]

where did you get it?

[@mikedurff9666]

What is the bandwidth in AM mode ?

[@dangreen84]

Eric, would you recommend this radio for a new hams first hf rig? Or would you recommend any other over this one. Thanks

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Dan G its a little advanced for a first rig.... I would stick with something basic for starters.... A 10-80 meter rig, there are so many options I could suggest but its a matter of price, taste, and features.... Ft450 is a great starter rig...

[@dangreen84]

HamRadioConcepts Eric. Thanks. I am really interested in qrp portable operating. What would be your suggestion for a low power portable?

[@tulenik71]

@@HamRadioConcepts well as a "beginner" I disagree. Why? Because with "basic" radio, like e.g. above mentioned KX2, it can be really pain in the ass to find where is somebody calling CQ (or where any communication is going). Spectrum view/waterfall is really nice to have.

[@rsedaker]

where is the place to get this radio?

[@oraziogiuffrida8665]

I have a problem ti vertical Key. I can't use. I put It on mic Port, but not function

[@tulenik71]

because it must be connected into paddle port (usually Key or Paddle), not into Mic

[@SteveWrightNZ]

What are its' out-of-band transmit capabilities?

[@neilcoley9464]

YOU STILL OWN THE RS918? ANY PROBLEMS? RGDS NEIL

[@TwstedTV]

At least the price is reasonable and not over the top like most radios companies demanding $2k to $6k The price on this unit is a decent affordable price. Question though, does this do 2m and 70cm ? every video so far that I've seen of this only shows 80m, 20m and 30m, but I never see them go to 2m and 70cm. So just curiously asking.

[@kgrafton4582]

Eric, I've ordered one of the mchf, what king of tuner are you using? Thanks, Kelly

[@saulvonmanstein9850]

how i can put waterfall ???

[@Ami.r]

Hi . Can you please tell me between sure 8s and runbo m1 and f25, which one is better to buy ? Thank you very much

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Jack M the Rfinder m1du is the best one. Runbo does not have the custom firmware that the Rfinder does. Google Rfinder m1 and you will see it. The sure 8s and F model are not tier2

[@Ami.r]

HamRadioConcepts sorry i don't understand exactly . You mean Runbo m1 is the best of them ?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Jack M go on the internet and search "Rfinder M1" and check it out. It is not the same as Runbo.. Www.androiddmr.com

[@Ami.r]

HamRadioConcepts unfortunately I searched on net and I just find Runbo m1 ! I'm really confused my friend 😔

[@Ami.r]

HamRadioConcepts you don't suggest me F25 ?

[@k2icc]

Will this thing work with GNURadio?

[@k2icc]

@@livelongandprosper70 Do you know what your are talking about? DO you get any kind of education? Was Ham Radio courtesy taught in your license class? This should be a compelling place to be at, not the opposite.

[@1420MHZ]

anyone know if the RS-978 operates on the 11-meter band in AM mode @ 5W standard output?

[@tulenik71]

with alternative firmware or after enabling off-band transmission, but with significantly lowered power

[@W8ASA]

You mis-tuned the SSB signal. Change the tuning step to sub-1KHz and you'll be able to get a more natural-sounding voice.

[@rubenverandi]

me gustaria mucho la explicacion en español.

[@foxman362]

would this be good ham radio base station?

[@siddharth4662]

I have been unable to receive any signal from day one on this radio. Don't understand where am I failing!

[@Tamlin73]

Try to make a factory reset :) turn radio off, press buttons "F1 F3 F5" in at the same time and power up again. The only thing is that if you had alot of stuff programmed, you have to start all over, but then the radio will work. Remember to set the PA settings right, or else it will not Tx. 73 from Norway.

[@siddharth4662]

@@Tamlin73 Thank you so much! Will try that today and report!

[@Dcoptimum]

Does this have a built in auto tuner?

[@RudixSA]

That temperature is the TXO temp, it is supposed to be hot!! It is NOT the radio temp!

[@GeoN0JRJ]

Hi Eric. Still happy with this rig? Considering getting one. BTW, I am in Port St. Lucie. We close to each other? PM me if you would rather about location. Enjoy the videos! G

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I had to sell it to fund other videos, But I enjoyed it, I would have it again..

[@radioman6489]

N0JRJ's Ham Stew does Port Saint Lucie have a amateur Club down there I'll be down there next weekend

[@GeoN0JRJ]

Mac Daddy I don't know. Been pretty inactive since moving here. Sorry old man

[@sandegutt123]

Hi, does this radio cover 11 m band ?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

No, it doesnt..

[@tulenik71]

With the right firmware, it indeed does :) (see above)

[@minnesotanature]

how difficult is it to build?

[@eduardogarciamontesdeoca5935]

You can buy a complete built (a clone) or a kit with some soldering work, it’s not too bad

[@tulenik71]

I would say depending on your SMD working skills kzbin.info/www/bejne/opS2Ynt9g56sd7M

[@kb5elv]

sure hope you meant you had a 1.5:1 SWR, not a 5:1 swr!

[@1420MHZ]

The SWR meter indeed shows 5:1 when he's keying up.

[@guitardzan5641]

Man, am I ever glad I dodged THIS bullet!

[@33pastas]

Nice. And what did you got instead

[@Geekchess]

Can you elaborate?

[@dalemyers5096]

Qrp power. I though was 5watts max. 15 watts is export radio power.or cb power.for a export radio. But if having more power is leeway for malfeasance . Then it's a good thing. Like my heavily modified 16 2789 transistor amp.

[@wrhysg61]

?, speaking Lidish?

[@WangOrange]

While I admire the effort of the original maker, he seem to have trouble supplying enough units.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Yes, always out of stock

[@mewrongway]

It's hard to have much overhead when everyone buys the bootleg copies. lol

[@antunes7831]

PY9BG BRAZIL

[@sanderverweij]

that other station sounds like a smurf, why you hams most of the times wont tune remote stations correctly? is really dont understand why one wants to listen to incorrectly tunes smurf voice stations

[@369felipek]

hello friend...transmit 27mhz.....

[@HamRadioConcepts]

No.

[@tulenik71]

Yes, but a} with off-band transmission enabled, with significantly reduced power b) with alternative firmware disk.yandex.ru/d/MxMht1YiTmZPzQ you will have basically all-modes CB transceiver alongside HF :)

[@marklowe7431]

If you're into radio learn how to solder and buy the real deal. Supporting these commercial thieves is not cool. Open source for non commercial. How about supporting the people that spent years designing this for fellow ham non commercial. Think about it. Very dirty indeed.

[@peanuttization]

Life is too short for QRP.........

[@ruskeeblue3580]

I have used QRP with an MFJ-9420 20 meter, 7 watts for about 20 years. Have thousands of contacts per year and I work full time. It's all on what type of antenna. Most General Licenses don't learn about antenna's until they really get into the hobby and get advanced license. Just stick to your 100 watt , super 500 amp to get out 20 miles - LoL

[@tulenik71]

never used anything else mainly because my QTH is so bad (concrete "hole" in housing estate, unable to deploy any antenna through the kindergarten between blocs, but the mounains on the east and south, too, with only one "window" through repeater) I am forced to do only field work of course I am using indoor magloop, but it is limited to 25 W, too, and still having problems with all the concrete around (in VHF and especially UHF range, the reflections are somewhat funny :D)

[@mewrongway]

Life is to short for lazy people too!

[@abrahamnorthhampton3327]

This rig rips off someone else's intellectual property (a project the original creator specifically asked not to be used for commercial purposes). Please do not support these pirates. This is no different than transmitting on General or Extra segments while holding a Technician-class license.

[@yrath5034]

Shame on you promoting an illegal unauthorised clone of the mcHF.

[@RoelandJansen]

it's not illegal. Chris knows about this and is fully OK with it.I checked with him in fact and you can find the whole on twitter if you don't believe it.

[@yrath5034]

No m0nka is not OK with this. This is a completely false claim. He does not allow this whatsoever. This is an illegal clone. www.m0nka.co.uk/?p=5258

[@gerrykavanagh]

Link to this Roeland. I don't believe you for a second, as Chris has repeatedly said that he only allows his designs to be reproduced for non-commercial purposes.

[@RoelandJansen]

last thing he said about it to me on twitter is: Chris M0NKA‏ @M0NKA_ Apr 8 More when i find a case of use that breaches my non commercial use licence, i fight with all legal means possible. The code is GLP v3; on Chris' website it's not clear what the license is. At least, the search function does not give hits on it that show the license. Obviously that does NOT say that there is none; could you point me at it?

[@yrath5034]

I think you made a typo there, as it is "GPL" and that only applies to the firmware sources and exterior case designs,, as I pointed out on the Facebook group, the PCB is controlled by M0NKA and the mcHF name is M0NKA's copyright. The Chinese cloners infringe by copying M0NKA's PCB design (based around an old variant of the mcHF) and also by using the mcHF name on the case.