The BEST Ham Radio Hotspot Just Got Better!

[@brandonporter4227]

Hotspot to your cellphone and use it anywhere. No radio needed. Cool device.

[@HamRadio2]

Yep

[@troubleintrouble]

I was licensed in 1972 as novice, eventually getting a tech, general, advanced, then extra license with 20 wpm code a couple of years later, took a bus to FCC branch in Kansas City to test. Anyways, I’m now 68 with time on my hands. Life happens, but I kept renewing every 10 years. My observations, digital radio is amazing, but I think manufacturers with different digital protocols is not a practical direction for amateur radio. Also, reliance on the internet is not good either, particularly in an emergency situation. I couldn’t imagine one manufacturer offering its own version of SSB back in the day. Anybody’s thoughts?

[@HamRadio2]

Not everything in him radio is about Emcomm. This device is a fun tool to play with to communicate with people in other areas over digital voice, but it's not meant to be replacement for actual radio

[@royrobinson4636]

Interesting and Pricey little gadget, Jason. According to the Shark RF website, it costs 349.00 (*Euros) or (currently) $366.45 (USD). That's probably not going on my Xmas wish list this year. 🤠

[@HamRadio2]

You can always wish...

[@HermitageHermit]

Will it be simple to replace the battery, if ever needed several years from now?

[@Matt-KG7JQH]

My Awesome wife let me get one, it's pretty damn cool. I haven't played with it much, but it connects super quick compared to my OS3. The only thing I don't like so far is that for $396 delivered to my door, it looks like a cheap toy having a clear case.

[@coldhardfacts1874]

Reminds me of a Yak Bak toy from the mid 90s.

[@megadog_]

I thought it looked familiar

[@EagerBeagle]

Yep. I like it. However, I'll get one when they're being sold directly from a US vendor.

[@GraymanPOTA]

I see the tab for a lanyard, but I did not see a flashlight 🌮🌮🌮

[@HamRadio2]

No flashlight lol

[@GraymanPOTA]

@@HamRadio2 allegedly

[@MrBenEye]

For that price there should be a flashlight!

[@jerryKB2GCG]

Isn’t WiFI RF ?

[@MrBenEye]

Possibly ideal for new operators just starting out and have NOT had a chance to amass HT's! With all my HTs that item would be an expensive novelty since I have the Openspot3, Allstar etc. sigh.

[@geoffh784]

This device doesn't use RF for connection, so an operator with a license should (in theory) be able to use this when travelling abroad without applying for a reciprocal license/permit in a foreign country. But then I'd be using either my US or my Australian call in a different country? That seems... odd. Comments welcome because travelling would be my proposed use for one of these.

[@HamRadio2]

That's a good question. You're not transmitting RF so I would suspect it's like using your phone to connect to an echolink system or similar. Using your US call sign would probably be best

[@DevinAWhiting]

Dang it will do just fine. Still a little tacky but it's going to be a damn good product

[@victorcharlie7491]

How awesome is that, Tnx Man!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks, it is pretty awesome!

[@tomwb7out392]

I didn't see M17. and yes it is quite pricey.

[@HamRadio2]

No they don't have M17

[@karlpowell9235]

Why not just use an AMBE USB dongle in the OTG port of your mobile phone and then Run BlueDV AMBE server, you then have a better looking Interface, and it's cheaper 😅

[@HamRadio2]

It's been a while since I used the BlueDV app, but the last time I did it was kind of buggy. Plus, how many different things do you want to do on your phone all at the same time? Lots of these new devices connect to and use your phone for this that or the other and it gets to be where your phone is overburdened and you're not actually able to use it to check your email anymore

[@Panamera2014]

It's cool. It's also expensive and ugly. Why not just use Droidstar on phone rather than this?

[@HamRadio2]

Droidstar doesn't offer nearly as many connections. Also I disagree about it being ugly

[@vicmiller7191]

ouch that is pricey, but it is a cool piece of kit. I like that it seems to be so easy to set up and does allow so many differant digital outlets to jump into. 73 Vic de KE8JWE

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah, it's expensive, but it's pretty neat.