Part 2 Review, VGC VR-N7500 Bluetooth Ham Radio Updates

[@caseyl3631]

It just struck me! "IF" theses guys open source the API application programming interface or the app itself, there's lots of extras one could do with this radio. Limitled only by the imagination, for example, buy two radios, make a repeater or a crossbander... control more than one radio at a time, data/packet network, digital modes, text messages, photos emails, etc. Effectively giving an Android enabled device, or even Linux arm or x86 an alternate low speed, high power communications interface

[@michaelparker6218]

OMG! these guys get it!! Compact, well built, APRS, Bluetooth, FULL smartphone integration, and imagine that; a Mic that is also a speaker! Its radios like these that I hope the big 3 pay attention to! Could you image a HT like this? To add food for thought, DStar is supposedly open source also...

[@45Unit]

You give a new meaning to the term "burn-in".

[@ipdjbt]

I love the concept of this radio! I keep a Samsung tablet mounted to my Jeep dash for off road navigation. I could use my tablet for this radio AND navigation, freeing up space on my dash.

[@papa0spence]

What navigation App do you use. The default in the radio app is Google maps.

[@ipdjbt]

@@papa0spence I use the Gaia GPS app

[@tgrossner]

I am interested in this, however, one question for anyone who has one - Is there a way to quickly/easily import things like repeater lists to the radio? Programming it by hand, even with the app, would be a pain if you plan on traveling with it great distances.

[@dwayne5530]

A DMR version would be pretty killer at the right price especially if they support it with firmware updates. Needs a nice clean UI app for it though. Would be awesome if it could do more than one digital mode like DMR/DSTAR. Don't have one but think I agree with you on the MIC PTT design After seeing this radio and thinking along the lines of Bluetooth why couldn't other radios like the AnyTone or Kenwood release an app that interfaces with their radio BlueTooth like this one does? That really would take care of the AnyTone not having a remote face.

[@CtPirate]

Great vid! I'm ready to pull the trigger, but I'll try and hold out until your part 3 video

[@wassman27]

Thanks for the update. Sounds promising. I was literally going to buy this one a few weeks ago but stopped because I had lots of unanswered questions and you have or are working to answer them for me.

[@fred-283]

What is the frequency range, is it an extended range resp. can it be expanded? - What are the power steps apart from 50W? - Can tracking be disabled - don't always like to give my exact position? - Receiver sensitivity and selectivity etc.? - No 1750hz tone, right? - Can the roger beep be disabled?... so many questions left, but an interesting radio

[@2wrdr]

I think sales would go crazy if they could add "All Mode" like SSB etc. This is the cool but somewhat forgotten Ham Radio mode for ultimate analog Ham Radio in the popular VHF/UHF bands. Lots of fun to be had on SSB with a VHF/UHF horizontal beam antenna especially when HF band are lacking.

[@CtPirate]

When is part 3 Review coming? LOL

[@dunniganmacilwaine2025]

I have this mounted under the rear seat of my Range Rover. I mounted it bottom-side up to optimize cooling. I use the VGC bluetooth speaker/mic and love this setup! It’s my favorite mobile setup to date. One question I have is does this radio just scan one channel group at a time? Or can you select multiple channel groups to scan at the same time? Have you interacted with that yet?

[@abdenourderouazi3898]

Hi there, can I ask you what you’re using to control this unit? Is it a phone or tablet, or maybe from the dash console or aftermarket multimedia head unit?

[@robertgammons173]

It would be fun to look inside that radio!

[@condemedman]

Any chance for a part 3 long term review now that you have had it for a wile

[@jerry_satcom]

That APRS burst sending a message sounds like it might be 9600 bps. Is there a way to change it to 1200 bps? Interesting idea, headless radio, that uses apps for programming and control, but the app software looks very klunky. If they polish it up, I might be more interested. Better yet, if they release a SDK, third parties could develop apps for it also. How is the receiver? Does it use a superheterodyne receiver or is it just your run of the mill ChiCom direct-conversion? I’m much more interested in having a quality analog receiver than digital such as DMR.

[@bobd.]

Can it be configured to give you more than just the channel number? Would be nice in setup to be able to give a name to the channel like the repeaters callsign (KJ4YZI/R for instance) or some other short name and then be able to hear the name or frequency in place of "channel n". Don't know about anyone else but I will not remember many of those channel numbers and using it headless you'd have no display to glance at to know what band or frequency you're on so no idea where you're transmitting other than the channel number that's basically meaningless as far as responsible operating goes.

[@tedlawrence1348]

How about receiver sensitivity measurement ? Verify specifications etc? I find many the cheap radios have poor receivers.

[@fred-283]

Yes, I'd like to hear about this, too. Nothing to be found so far...

[@fred-283]

Owning the radio now I would say regarding the sensitivity: Not too bad, but not great either. My HT Wouxun KG-UV8H has a considerably better sensitivity, but then again, its sensitivity is amazing anyway.

[@linaskerbelis5636]

Is it just single Chanel monitoring? Can you use APRS and analog at the same time? Any installation instructions? Updates for 2020?

[@stephenmitchell3]

My only concern is that you need a "cheat sheet" or guide so you know what repeaters are in each channel unless you have a small tablet or phone connected while on the road.

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Hey Eric, another great video! ....I've had my 7500 for a year now and like it a lot, but SO wish the radio app could work on my 2019 Tucson dash display. I updated to the February, 2021 fireware, but no luck. You're kind of a whiz at this stuff...any thoughts please.

[@dennisschultz1175]

Did they ever fix the APRS?

[@WolfQuantum]

Ordered this reado the other night along with the Bluetooth microphone. Good to know about being able to run programmed channels without the smartphone/tablet. I run pretty much on our local repeater and one or two other frequencies. Nice to know I can stash the radio out of sight and just run radio with the mic and not have to mount the tablet unless I want to or to do some additional stuff. Btw, have you ever tried the net to radio crossbanding? That would make a great video. Especially on duplex. I'm thinking if I could set up a chat room that some of our old members who have moved away could log into then have the radio cross band to our local repeater then they could join in our weekly net. We don't have any VOIP nodes of any kind on our repeater so no DMR, Allstar, Echolink, access available. We're a one stoplight town in rural SW Texas. I wonder if we did that though would I still be able to use the radio too or would I need to use a different radio to access the repeater while the N7500 was handing net/analog cross band. You know, if you just happen to have some time on your hands and an overflow of curiosity. Just make a video if you do. :D 73, K5WLF

[@Jake2670]

does the BT mic work without the app too ?

[@WolfQuantum]

It does. You have to use the app to turn the radio on or press the power button on the radio. If you have a remote mount of course, the latter is not really an option. I just wish they had made it so you could turn the radio on and off from the mic. Wired and Wireless ones.

[@1crazynordlander]

Is the APRS transmission Baud rate set too high?

[@nl1cat]

1200 and 2400 baud are afsk any higher speeds 4k8 hapn sounds pretty different and 9k6 fsk sounds static.. My first impression was that there was a kind of roger beep melody blending in ?

[@JohnMyers]

Would this work with my Sena bluetooth on my motorcycle helmet?

[@ringosty]

Any updates? Did they ever get the APRS fixed? Thanks, great vid

[@Jake2670]

yeah, I was going to ask same Q - guess he's too busy with newer vids :-(

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Hey Eric...I bought and installed one last week in my 2019 Tucson. My plan is to use the vehicle display and the bluetooth speaker mike. Or, maybe bluetooth ear buds and their PTT transmit button you can install on your steering wheel. Thoughts? Anxious for 3rd video, Thanks.

[@joehancuff6310]

Greetings! Check it out... If you tap on the little icon that looks like it'd be a profile picture, right next to "VR-N7500" you'll get into a different menu that's not in any of the settings.. You can configure auto-id (morse presumably, I haven't tested it) and location sending. If you scroll down a bit you'll see a switch called, "Use APRS format" and that toggle is OFF by default. Flip that on and it should, in theory, broadcast APRS properly. This is also where you'd configure automatic location sharing via internet or RF as well and the standard message to go along with it. I hope that sends you in the right direction! 73, KW0RM "The Worm"

[@MikeG-js1jt]

Does it do I-gating without any additional gear or does it I-Gate at all?... if so, How?

[@8vRocco]

Sounds more like FleetSync or MDC1200. And yes, I ordered one to put on my "lunchbox" go kit.

[@TK-Radio-Adventures]

If there was a way to extend the mic cable. That radio would be perfect for my truck. It is a neat radio. A very sweet idea for a radio.

[@chrisdick9860]

there is a way ! an RJ45 cable ! and a double ended female connecter

[@EB1156]

Cat5 or Cat6 cable with the proper male and female RJ45 ends and you're golden.

[@ashleynichols6599]

You can use an android device as the mic, or they just added a Bluetooth mic that can be purchased as a package.

[@michaeledmonds3027]

Go with their suggested bluetooth speaker/mike. Works good.

[@TimGray]

same way you extend an ICOM mic.

[@RobSchmidt434]

It's 9600 bps vs. 1200 bps. It's APRS. Just different baud rate. 70cm APRS uses 9600 vs 2m at 1200. Look for the baud setting and you should be able to change it. If not, they'll need to add that setting.

[@MrHeckufaguy]

They've corrected the baud rate in a firmware update that gets pushed the minute you connect the radio to an internet device via bluetooth.

[@tobiastalley4129]

This is just an idea but if you have a laptop cooler you could just put the cooler under any radio your testing to help keep the temps down

[@RS-techie]

I was thinking, if you talk to the company also ask about dual band as well as cross band capabilities.. if those options were available id totally buy this

[@WW5RM]

Sounds sort of like 9600 bps. Check the baud rate. But what is a full fledged APRS Radio?

[@justinheflin9416]

Any word on the DMR version? I just bought this radio from R&L in Ohio. Looking for the dmr.

[@BartVanAllen]

Look interesting - keeping this in my sight. Next subject - pad batteries are cheap and easy to replace -

[@old-timeangler5356]

I just got my 7500 and I get good reports, except how do you turn off the roger beep when I unkey the mic?

[@jl.520]

Did you ever find an answer to this?

[@old-timeangler5356]

@@jl.520 yes, I did. Thank you

[@jl.520]

Well I'm curious too how do you do it? Ha

[@fred-283]

@@jl.520 Same question here... And I always wonder why people even reply if all they say is yes or no!?

[@caseyl3631]

Thanks! Radio looks like a great leap forward in ham radio. Is there support for offline aprs maps? And again repeater book app integration would be a no brainier here. Making programming sort of irrelevant cept for your favorite channels.

[@259Den3]

Wondering about this too. The manufacturer should license APRS Droid, since it has off-line maps and 'smart beaconing'. I would like the ability to have APRS Beaconing and simultaneous simplex on another channel.

[@arielsanchez6886]

Would be nice to have on the app a dashboard that can tell db and swr live and have virtual bottons.

[@forthy62]

Hi Eric, just stumpled across this video. Great radio! Is the aprs problem fixed by now? 73, Stephan, DF6PA

[@dougmatthew9987]

Very cool radio, something to think about..

[@bernarrcoletta7419]

This could be so cool. Imagine the app having the capability, with the push of a button, to select a band or service. With the push of a button you switch from 2m to 1.23m, to 70cm, to FRS, to GMRS, to marine service. As the service changes, the software sets the appropriate channels and power settings.....

[@3sierra15]

"Alexa, Mount Jupiter repeater."

[@caseyl3631]

I would love that too, sadly the if I understand correctly the FCC is currently structured to forbid crossing sevices in one radio (eg GMRS to ham to CB) getting type cerification for multiple FCC parts 97, 95, 90 is rare if not impossible. I hope I'm wrong here.

[@DankTwerkwind]

Can you connect aprsdroid to the radio via bluetooth like it was a kiss tnc?

[@LyleTanner]

Great question, I would love to know this too... can this radio be used as a KISS TNC over Bluetooth?

[@dennybrock4128]

I just bought this radio and like it so far. Can anyone tell me how the scan mode works? Thanks for any info on this.

[@stuarthaggard2971]

Have you tried not using the included app and setting the radio as a bluetooth device in APRSDroid?

[@andrewfisher1051]

Hey Eric, semi related question. What 2m/70cm antenna would you recommend for mobile, and which for a base set up?

[@linaskerbelis5636]

Any updates? Is APRS issue resolved? How does the app compares with APRSDROID?

[@robertchambers5821]

Hello Eric: Have you had any more contact with the company updating the software for APRS and Cross Band Repeat? Thanks, 8P6RC

[@robertchambers5821]

I received a reply from the Manufacterer and they have fixed the problem with the APRS digital hand shake. I'm very impressed with their response. I also asked about the possiblily of having GPS going into the Radio rather than the Tablet/Phone GPS, and there isn't an input for a GPS lead. [e-mail]

[@chrisburris4264]

I would like to know more about the network side of this radio before I purchase. I can't find anything on it.

[@abelowther7531]

Me to

[@mhm90000]

from saudia arabia thank you

[@illbu2]

Have this radio. Other hams are telling me they can hear the aprs packet at the end of my transmission. I’m not using the aprs and it’s not even turned on. Anyone have any ideas? Running the app on my iPhone.

[@chrisstorm7704]

If only they made this radio interface with the vehicle navigation system, like when you plug your phone in and use car play. Many of your apps move to cars screen. Just think, mount the radio under the seat, connected it to the car via USA or bluetooth, and you're done.

[@bulldogbrower6732]

They would only have to resister this with Apple and add it to CarPlay

[@michaelcavalchire]

It doesn't do crossband.. : (

[@muddskip]

I bought one of these and the APRS transmits fine. Unfortunately is has a pretty bad spur that is strong enough to make it illegal to operate. Did you test your unit for spurs? I'm wondering if I have a bad one and maybe they can replace it, or if all these units are going to be out of spec and I should just return it to R&L.

[@doughanna2353]

I was wondering if these radios would have unwanted spurs. Otherwise, it is an interesting concept. It doesn't appear that R&L has the ability to add user reviews so you could share the results of your tests.

[@nealhamilton3881]

Wonder if the app will have a scope, dmr and a full featured scope like the icom would be cool.

[@CripSkillz]

It doesn't but would be cool, I'm sure someone will make it in time!

[@WolfQuantum]

Mine has been great so far (several months). I just wish you could turn on the radio from the mic. I have mine under the passenger seat. If I could turn it on and off from the mic for those little short hops in our two stoplight town instead of needing to use the phone to turn it on and off that would be streamlined and awesome.

[@WolfQuantum]

@@MrD308 Thanks! I look for it when I get in the van tomorrow. Thanks.

[@jordanc8926]

@@WolfQuantum Were you able to get the radio to power on when the vehicle powers on?

[@WolfQuantum]

@@jordanc8926 Ya know how you put something up so you can find it again later? And you can't. I tucked the BT mic somewhere and haven't found it yet. Which sucks because I really want to try that out. Hopefully before long. Remind me again in a couple of weeks if I haven't gotten back here. That's what happens when you try to actually finish a few of those many unfinished projects. You move things and lose the parts to other projects. LOL `

[@WolfQuantum]

@@jordanc8926 I still can't find that blasted thing. I hope it didn't get tossed out while in the box it came in while cleaning up. Oy.

[@billvoorhees1554]

Do you know if it works with android auto because that would be amazing?

[@teknowil]

I have an android head unit, the problem with chinese headunits they strip bluetooth functionality out of it, they have an app that you can only connect to a phone you cannot connect to ANYTHING else. maybe if the andriod audio is a pioneer or sony. just make sure your radio has full bt functionality

[@melmarcus7010]

if there are no controls and the heatsink is on the bottom, why not turn it over

[@HamRadioConcepts]

why not put the heatsink on the top? hahahahaahhahaha I get it tho, it will be mounted in my truck with plenty of room surrounding it for air

[@joeblow8593]

Can it be used for packet radio?

[@MrFittyTucker]

Is the rig capable of scanning across it's memory channels?

[@CripSkillz]

Yes

[@fred-283]

@@CripSkillz Yes, but only within the currently selected channel group!

[@ehs24now]

How does dual channel work?

[@Bazzawombat]

Where do you buy it?

[@VE2JN]

Aprs by internet or rf ?

[@MarvinParnell]

Any kind of signal meter? Great concept for sure. I’m interested in one.

[@CripSkillz]

No

[@kd4afw912]

Yes..in the app you have s meter indication right below freq/channel box. This is on map page. I'm still learning lol.

[@papa0spence]

It would be cool if the channels can be loaded from a .csv file.

[@divergentstreams9378]

Turn the radio upside down with the heat-sink fins up. It should dissipate the heat quicker.

[@brianwhitcraft6835]

This little guy would be pretty cool if when it is connected to the tablet that you can transmit and receive through internet via Bluetooth to be able to cover long distances would be great for companies drivers to communicate to other company drivers

[@verotelecomtwowayradio9036]

yes,it have the network channel to do this.you can talk from usa to china.via the network

[@chrisburris4264]

@@verotelecomtwowayradio9036 is there a cost to using the network side of this radio?

[@verotelecomtwowayradio9036]

@@chrisburris4264 there is no cost to use the network of this radio, the radio need use the data of your android phone via bluetooth

[@marksmadhousemetaphysicalm2938]

Do they have an SDK for this? I assume its coded in Linux, but...seems open enough that other features could easily be added with minor mods...🤔😁 like crossbanding...anyway, great review...73s de AC3FB...

[@jeffhenderson402]

Does it have a scan function to scan the memories?

[@teknowil]

yes

[@fred-283]

@@teknowil only within the currently active channel group, though

[@genebodenberger]

Can you transmit via the app, or do you need the mic?

[@Knarf14]

Gene B both

[@jmaellis]

Can the radio be turned on/off from the mic?

[@illbu2]

No

[@jasonmhite]

Add DMR and I'm sold.

[@teknowil]

I got it anyway, but yes DMR would be sweet too. I dont know if would require hardware modification or just app/database/firmware

[@jasontremblay1713]

Thank you for all your hard work. Nice radio for a go kit if the aprs gets fixed. Ve3jxt

[@VE2JN]

I received mine today. I am in learning mode. To date I am excited by this radio. j'ai recu le mien aujourd'hui c'est formidable ce petit radio. Le temps me dira si c'est un bon achat

[@nateworzel6044]

Is there a way to power up the radio other than the power button?

[@SimonTemplarVK3XEM]

Awesome review. Thank you!

[@philipbean5031]

Good video Eric I'm still trying to learn how to program DMR can you help me

[@joeschnell544]

Can you program gmrs freqs into that radio?

[@wushock92]

In the Part 1 video, Eric said you could.

[@robertbrown3413]

I will buy now - best thing is this doesn't have DStar/Fusion/DMR or any other nonsense that takes hours to setup and costs extra. The Japanese majors are so fixed on selling all the digital cr*p they missed a market segment.

[@dennisschultz1175]

You can set up Wiresx in less than a minute and it comes in Wires X Radios

[@mikehinz2598]

Since ordering my VR-N7500 I have been in contact with the vendor they have a new firmware update out that deals with APRS. "According to feedback from some user, the decoding format of APRS is wrong outside of China, causing other brands of radio to be unable to decode. Please go to the website to download the latest APP to upgrade " www.vgc.net.cn/download/22-en.html we also optimize some functions. 1, double-clicking the M key can switch the AB band , 2, simultaneously holding down the M key and the OK key can restore the factory settings.

[@tuckersimpson4442]

Does anyone know if their app works on Apple Carplay? If it does I would FREAK out! That would be awesome!!!!

[@johngumienny7121]

How many channels for memory?

[@CripSkillz]

As far as I can see on mine only 16 per region, so possible to have multiple 16 mem files or folders ?

[@peterliljequist160]

Does the radio have any FCC regulations compliance? Part 90 or just ham use? Must have FCC in the US.

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

I picked the RT99 Retevis Radio. Looks the same... I have the RT99 Bluetooth to a Anysecu W2Plus network radio. Works great. In the HT app. I join the network. I made a UE Travel group. Anyone wants to give it a try up in. I use the VGC on my Android phone and it works with the RT99.

[@pasixty6510]

Looks like a great radio. I want to have one. But is there a CE logo on it for legal use in Europe ?

[@shawnthomas6460]

Did you resolve ARPS???

[@papa0spence]

Old iPad connected but not my Samsung S9 cell phone. Cell could not see device on scan at all.

[@papa0spence]

Update have a new Pixl4 from Google and every thing is working on the phone now. In doing APRS the latest software update wants a password added but only allows numbers even though I set the APRS to north America.... more fixes coming.

[@TimGray]

someone needs to hack the communications protocols so we can get the programmer hams making new interfaces for this. this would be perfect for a field day or Emmcomm radio if it had a windows or linux app that can do message traffic and interface with WinTak-CIV with aprs for RACES and skywarn.

[@bobd.]

Can this rig true dual band VHF and/or UHF, as in VHF+VHF, UHF+UHF, or VHF+UHF, or is it one band at a time? Is it dual receive? Can it TX on APRS while you are using the other band? You need to get the optional wireless mic and review that too. Here's a pic of the mic: www.vgc.net.cn/upload/201910/1570679798174855.jpg

[@MrHeckufaguy]

It can go single channel, dual channel, and scan. If you set it as dual channel, and scan, it's basically checking the single channel and scanning on the other channel. There's no real indication of what it's scanning, even in the app, but so far It seems to be pretty decent at it.

[@WW5RM]

1 min TOT? WOW! That's nothing! Mine are all set to 3 min and have hit that many times over the years! =]

[@VE2JN]

How programm APRS

[@danford7532]

Wow this sounds like a very bad issue, you have to pinch the mic, that sounds difficult to deal with ???

[@Bazzawombat]

Let them iron out the bugs first, I bought new release Wouxun KG-UV 920r when first released, & it was expensive, but a lot of crap. The problems didn't get fixed for at least 6 months, so, I advise to hold off.

[@teknowil]

actually it works just fine. I think in 6 months there'll be more fine tuned bells and whistles.

[@mikehinz2598]

Forfot to mention....Please go to the website to download the latest APP to upgrade"" www.vgc.net.cn/download/22-en.html They also optimize some functions. 1, double-clicking the M key can switch the AB band , 2, simultaneously holding down the M key and the OK key can restore the factory settings.

[@danlopez2012]

That tracking feature is scary. no longer is a triangulation required if each unit can be located without effort. As an emergency system for defense communication against an enemy, this is no longer a viable solution. The minute a system or person hits a PTT.. It's game over