Radioddity QT80 - 10 Meter HAM Radio - Review, Tear Down and Expansion

[@mostlypostie1]

I'd love to see your power test done with the Bird. Assuming it has a PEP kit? I have tested a number of these radios and LSB and USB is usually (always) exactly the same power level, so I'm not sure why you were seeing different results there? (I see 104 watts PEP on LSB and USB, on a Bird 43 with peak kit and also on a calibrated spectrum analyser). This radio does not thermally throttle very much. It can provide basically the full output even when it's very hot (by design). Thanks for the great videos! 73.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Will do some more testing tomorrow and see if I can get to the bottom of it. could be a fault power meter. need to find my 100w slug as the biggest I can find is 25w. Will turn the power down and test the other meter against the bird and see how they compare. I have a MetroPwr 775 somewhere, if I can find that then it's another option. I noticed that the Washington has APM so just assumed it was handling the heat automatically like the Washington would reducing the power to compensate. I didn't see anything on the QT80 with regards to having APM. 73 MJ7NLK

[@mostlypostie1]

@@NLKMediaGroup very good. Yes there is no "APM" as per the Washington. This radio can thermally throttle but the point it does is so hot, It's unlikely it will get there in normal use. (It was built to handle the heat so don't be concerned). Keep up the good work! 👍 73

[@NLKMediaGroup]

@@mostlypostie1 I did some more testing today and have come to the conclusion that the Nissei DG-503 Max is not reliable and I just don't trust it. I do not get consistent results. My old Bird has the Peak kit installed and I used my 25W slug (25-60MHz). I turned the RF Power down to "05" and tested using 27.79125MHz and got 9.5W 2.58A on USB and 9.4W 2.6A on LSB. I then turned the RF Power up to "10" and tested and got 17.4W 3.53A on USB and 17.5W 3.53A on LSB. The Nissei was returning on RF Power "05" 9.28W 2.52A on USB and 12.35W 2.58A on LSB. When testing RF Power "10" the Nissei was returning 21.2W 3.48A on USB and 15.0W 3.54A on LSB. I have searched everywhere for my 100W 25-60MHz element so I can turn up the RF Power to "45" but I just can't locate it. I guess I will have to buy another one (they aren't cheap) to get a max power reading on the old bird. There is quite a swing in readings on the Nissei between USB and LSB which the old bird is not showing. If the RF Power steps are linear and based on the birds results then it would put the max power (when artificially calculated and factored) at around 75 to 80W. I will buy a replacement element and return to this again when it arrives. Thanks for confirming the QT80 does not have Automatic Power Management APM. It was so hot in the studio and the radio had been worked hard and I assumed that the differences in readings were down to thermal management on the radios side rather than an inaccurate power meter.

[@mostlypostie1]

@@NLKMediaGroup thanks for the very detailed testing. It's really good to know what you have found there. It's a shame about the Nissei, very unusual that it's behaving that way actually. I think they are generally an ok meter for the price, But I'm glad you have got on top of all that. FYI, A fantastic meter is the Monitor Sensors one. A very reasonable price and extremely accurate. I hope you find that missing 100W slug soon! FYI, The RF power scale is not totally linear on the encoder control, at the higher end it does jump up quite quickly to the full output. It's pretty good though. 73

[@NLKMediaGroup]

@@mostlypostie1 I have just ordered a replacement element which was more expensive than the Monitor Sensors meter you suggest 😞 I trust my old bird 43 and think I will stick with it for now but good to have a recommendation for an alternative. Thanks for your help with this which is very much appreciated. More testing to come when the 100H element arrives. I decided to go with the 100H over the 100A so that I have an element that can cover the 15 meter band vs just 25-60MHz. Will report back when it arrives. Knowing my luck, I will find my missing 100A element shortly before the postman arrives with the 100H🙂I spent more than an hour this morning going through every box and shelf and its just disappeared. 73 MJ7NLK

[@earnestmatlock9694]

Thank you great video as always and you helped me out as I was considering a dedicated 10 meter rig purchase. I like the way you do reviews, clear and factual.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thank you for the feedback which is greatly received. The QT80 is just amazing for the price and hard to beat. All the best and thanks for commenting. 73 MJ7NLK

[@earnestmatlock9694]

@@NLKMediaGroup thanks and 73. PS, icom/Kenwood/Yaesu may have competition now. 73👍

[@HWaage]

This is the review I needed, THNX.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Your welcome and thanks for watching and commenting. All the best MJ7NLK

[@roberthoffman4713]

I like your videos. I was surprised how much difference there was between the channels especially upper and lower sideband.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thank you @roberthoffman4713, very kind and appreciated feedback. I think the radio has to throttle itself based on heat. Its quite hot in the studio and I had been pushing the radio while testing and it was getting quite hot. That might be why the Washington has two big fans that are optional extras to bolt on to the heat-sink. Would have been good if the QT80 had mounting holes on the heat-sink so you could add some fans easily. I think the QT80 would be amazing as a home base unit but burring it into a confined dashboard, it would have to throttle the power to reduce heat if it was heavily used for a prolonged period of time. All the best and thanks for watching. MJ7NLK

[@GordonHudson]

Very good review. It looks like CRT are bringing out a version of this too. Knights website says: CRT SS 9900 (Superstar 9900) T9900 SOLD OUT - new model due late September. With the sunspot cycle improving, anybody short of cash could get one of these and something like an Antron 99. Might need an ATU for 15m but it wouldn't be far off. On 10m you would work everything you could hear. It looks well made too.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Hi Gordon, I am not surprised to hear CRT are releasing a new SS9900 which will likely be the same radio. Anytone, Radioddity and CRT all having the same base radio will help with pricing competition which only benefits us all. The QT80 is well built inside and out and is amazing value for money. The A99 is a great antenna if you don't mind a 5.5 meter rod on the side of your house 🙂but works really well and paired with the QT80 would be a very nice base station setup. 73 MJ7NLK

[@americaswayout4489]

A99 will be flat SWR on 15 meters if you don't mess with the top whip. I USED AN a99 ON 17, 15, 12, AND 10 FOR YEARS.

[@alanmorgan3193]

Absolutely brilliant review mate.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thank you Alan, your feedback is greatly appreciated. All the best MJ7NLK

[@steve_niceguy]

ONE HELL OF A REVIEW!!!!!!

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thank you Steve, very kind of you. I am glad you enjoyed the video. All the best and thanks for watching MJ7NLK

[@Radio_crazy]

Good review of this radio thanks for showing it .

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Your most welcome and thank you for commenting and watching. All the best MJ7NLK

[@cactushound]

This is a great review. Thank you.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thank you for the feedback which is greatly appreciated. All the best and thanks for watching and commenting. MJ7NLK

[@hoppareallife9297]

Great video

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thank you, very much appreciate your feedback. All the best and thanks for watching. MJ7NLK

[@stevelake8225]

Hello friend, I've just watched your video on the q80 radio , very well put across, I am waiting for mine to arrive. With defence to the president Washington fans , you can buy some 40mmx 20mm two wire fed fans from flea bay for a few pounds , that will fit straight to the back of your radio, hope this helps Regards Steve uk

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Hi Steve, thanks for the info. The fans have been despatched and should be here in a few days. The kit comes with fans and grills designed for the radio. I could have jerry rigged something together but as I had paid for them I decided to wait. Looking forward to them arriving so I can get stuck in with the testing. All the best and thank you for the info and for watching. MJ7NLK

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Do let me know how you get on with the QT80. Am always interested to hear how others get on. I am sure you will love it. All the best MJ7NLK

[@stevelake8225]

@@NLKMediaGroup I recieved my qt80 Radio , but it would not transmit , so sending it back for a refund , it's a shame I really wanted to get back into radios with that rig , I still have my old crt ss9900 which works , but will miss the xtra power and the extra quietening features it had. Steve 73s

[@NLKMediaGroup]

@@stevelake8225 Sorry to hear that your QT80 had an issue. I am sure Radioddity will send you out another unit if the one you received had an issue. The QT80 is a fine radio and its worth getting a replacement. Thanks for keeping me posted on your progress. 73 MJ7NLK

[@williamn01]

​​@@stevelake8225Did you have to pay import duties and tax in to the UK Steve ?

[@Delta_Dave_UK-]

Thanks!

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thank you Delta Dave for supporting the channel. A very kind and welcomed guesture. I hope you enjoyed the video. All the best and thanks again. MJ7NLK

[@raytowler2286]

Excellent presentation and informative, I wonder if the radio has band pass filters? Many thanks & best 73 😎 👍 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thank you for your kind feedback. The QT80 has NRC but the material doesn't mention BP filter. One for raising with Radioddity support to get an official answer on this. All the best and thanks for watching. MJ7NLK

[@stefanrudorfer4317]

its a really interesting Radio. My question is can i use also the 80 channels for CB in Germany? Thanks a lot for this great Video. 73

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Yes, you can access the frequencies. They are in Band Block C and A. You can also jump to the frequency needed by setting the Span Setting to On and dialing in what you need by moving around the frequency digits by long pressing the rotary dial. I have tried the German 80 and could get to them all. 26.805MHz (DE channel 65) is channel 23 in block C and 26.695MHz (DE channel 54) is channel 15 alpha in block C. Hope this helps. 73 MJ7NLK

[@adrianfora]

I saw the whole video, I think Radioddity QT80 is the best choice as an update from President Harry 3. What would you choose Radioddity QT80 or President Wasington considering you have both stations?

[@NLKMediaGroup]

They are both very comparable devices. I haven't done a full test on the Washington yet as I am still waiting for the extra cooling fans to arrive. The Washington has APM (automatic power management) and an active cooling option which the QT80 doesn't have but the QT80 can cover the 15 meter band and is PC programmable. The Washington is £359 plus an extra £30 for the two fans so £389. The QT80 is around £230 so the price difference of £159 is substantial. Both of the radios are fantastic so it will come down to personal choice. The Washington has a lot more screen area / display and is very familiar to use if you also have a George 2. If your currently using a Harry 3 moving up to a QT80 / Washington / George 2 is a big jump up into the wonderful world of SSB. I hope this helps and do let me know which radio you pick and how you get on. All the best MJ7NLK

[@adrianfora]

@@NLKMediaGroup I am waiting for your video of President Washington and then I will make a decision. But from what I feel so far I think the RADIODDITY QT80 will be the perfect choice. Thank you very much for your reply!

[@arildoaparecidocosta5729]

Buscando o conhecimento bazuka Foz do Iguaçu PR Brazil 🇧🇷🇧🇷

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Obrigado por assistir e comentar, tudo de bom MJ7NLK

[@rpcomms1]

They'll be new updated radio firmware & radio service software for engineers very soon. Rob P 👍

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Will keep my eyes out for that, thanks for letting me know. All the best MJ7NLK

[@francisharvey1811]

on that tone test on your GTA7000 WHAT tone you usieng ?(A,B,C,D, ? THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY

[@NLKMediaGroup]

440Hz Bb is the settings I use for the tone. Hope this helps. All the best and thanks for watching. MJ7NLK

[@francisharvey1811]

LOL LOVE YOUR HAT

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thanks, just trying to make the boring disclaimer a bit more fun :-) All the best and thanks for watching. MJ7NLK

[@Delta_Dave_UK-]

What power supply would you suggest to use with this radio ? Thanks.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

I use this one amzn.to/3AZ6Ktn which is a KPS3020D and they do a 30A version as well but the 20A is more than enough. Its handy as it has the power connectors on the back which is good if your using in a shack. I also have a LM30 Linear Power Supply but its huge compared to the KPS3020D bench supply but has more connection types. I hope this helps and thanks for watching and your super thanks. All the best MJ7NLK

[@justinmoyers1179]

What voltage your power supply at? Paul, OM0ET, did a review and your power output was a little different.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Hi Justin, my bench supply is set to 13.3volts when testing. The accuracy of power meters is a whole different topic, I did a video on this a while back. I had some issues with the meter being used in the video, there are various comments on this, and I updated the readings using my Bird 43 once I managed to replace the missing element. I think I pinned those comments to the top of the video. All the best and thanks for watching 73 MJ7NLK

[@justinmoyers1179]

@@NLKMediaGroup was a great video. I’m buying a QT80 soon and I’m anxious to see what numbers it puts up. 73 N5FWW

[@delboyonline]

It's a great radio for sure but I'm puzzled by those SSB power readings. I've never seen a new radio with different power levels on each sideband before... 🤔 Anyway, you certainly get a lot for your money compared to the Washington.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

I think the radio was getting hot and it was restricting the power due to this. it's very hot in the studio and even my bench psu fans were kicking in. I had to re-film one of the power sections because it sounds like a hair dryer when they spin up. it will be very interesting to see how the Washington does with it's fans when they finally get here. all the best and thanks for commenting MJ7NLK

[@martinunger9545]

Would love to see the power output on 15 meters

[@NLKMediaGroup]

The QT80 is a powerful radio on 10 and 11 meters but I didn't get around to testing on 15 meters. The 100W element I am using in the "old bird" covers 15 meters and next time the QT80 is on the bench I will test it out and see. All the best and thanks for watching. MJ7NLK

[@danielcolopy5665]

Of the 5 mentioned, review the Radioddity model….. developed a transceiver acquisition disorder, be brutally honest please. 73 KN4VAU

[@TM-gv6zv]

How do you access the engineering menu

[@NLKMediaGroup]

I am not aware of an engineering menu on the QT80. All the best MJ7NLK

[@TM-gv6zv]

@NLKMediaGroup okay thank you sir

[@andrewrudlang2785]

Maybe CS-47. I have a new one on the shelf planning to install either way, but curious to see how you like it!

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Thanks Andrew, will be looking at the CS-47 soon to see what it can do. All the best and thanks for watching. MJ7NLK

[@americaswayout4489]

Sadly, if the radio is opened up to add 15 meters the warranty is voided, in my view unfair to buyers. All Radioddity warranties work this way.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Interesting point which I will ask radioddity about. This is something I wondered about with the President Washington as well. You can buy two additional cooling fans for the Washington and in order to fit them you have to open the radio which could invalidate the warrantee. I will see if I can get some clarity on this from Radioddity. MJ7NLK

[@NLKMediaGroup]

I spoke with Radioddity on this and they confirmed that opening the radio to expand does not invalidate the warrantee. So, you can open it up and follow the steps for expansion and not worry about warrantee issues. I hope this helps, all the best MJ7NLK.

[@jro-tucsonaz2102]

Where's the CW key port? If you have to use the microphone PTT to send CW then this radio is not for me.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

CW requires a hack / modification to the microphone to add a jack socket and the details can be found on the main product page here: www.radioddity.com/products/radioddity-qt80 They call it a bonus feature requiring some DIY on the microphone. So, you dont use the PTT button to send CW but add a 3.5mm jack to the microphone and connect a key to that. Hope this helps. All the best, MJ7NLK

[@peterfong2241]

Honestly, Review can't help me one bit, My problem is that I need a a gud CB Radio, Can I get a CB Radio please and thanks, watching from Jamaica west Indies !!.

[@NLKMediaGroup]

The Radioddity CB-500 is a good "all round" radio for the money if you don't need Single Side Band. I did a video on the best CB-Radios in 2024 on the channel which might help you decide on which is best for you. All the best and thanks for watching MJ7NLK

[@prepperingchannel3615]

73! Artur SA6JAW 😉

[@NLKMediaGroup]

Hi Artur, thanks for watching and for commenting. All the best, 73 MJ7NLK

[@CBPunisher1900]

better to buy this radio just add the fans for 25$ more lol

[@NLKMediaGroup]

You could jerry rig something I am sure but there is no quick way to power the fans from the radio and no mounting options on the heat-sink for fans. I am sure there is a way to fit them. It is a great radio and so well priced compared to the Washington. This is why I have been waiting for the two cooling fans to arrive before reviewing it. Will be interesting to see if it is able to maintain maximum power with two fans running. All the best and thanks for watching MJ7NLK

[@ragheadand420roll]

15:10 is that a bobby. Or rob halford ? 😂✌️🙏🇺🇸

[@NLKMediaGroup]

I need to source a proper bobbies hat and get a truncheon and whistle to brighten up the boring disclaimer section :-)

[@ragheadand420roll]

How can i interface my quansheng uv with it. 😂. ✌️🙏🇺🇸👍

[@NLKMediaGroup]

They communicate with each other via Telepathy :-) There is a lot of hacked firmware for the UV-K5 and 6 going around and maybe they will add a new screen to allow you to control your microwave soon :-) The UV-K5(8) is an amazing little radio considering the price and its great to see so much effort going into the firmware development to add new functionality. All the best and thanks for watching. MJ7NLK