RFinder B1 Android DMR Radio Unboxing and Initial Setup - RFinder Repeater Directory

[@BubbaJazzy]

I'm meeting up with Bob today to get my B1 can't wait !

[@d.b.cooper]

I had to delete my previous comment about being very disappointed with my purchase of this radio after Bob W2CYK got a hold of me and fixed the problem. Absolutely love it now! 🤟

[@DavidDobbins]

There have been quite a few new developments with the B1 and B1+. If you could do another unboxing and setup video that'd be great. Don't forget to mention the new expanded battery and also new manual. Still not recommended to insert SD card. Thx.

[@dennisthrush2835]

I would like to see a video of how to connect to a repeater and how to connect to DMR talk groups. Thanks, 73s de N5DHT

[@HamRadio2]

Great idea

[@RaulMendezfritz269]

Just an FYI you can use a nano sim in there. Make sure the sim is towards the back and facing the right direction then press the cradle down. Works with Google FI

[@HamRadio2]

This device now comes with a SIM adapter so it's easier to use other sizes

[@melk0pfx]

..answered some questions I had, Jason. Thanks!

[@HamRadio2]

Glad to help! Post any more questions you might have, I will make another video

[@SkyRoost]

Got mine a few days ago from Gigaparts.

[@ChatGPT1111]

Red Rooster do you still like/love it?

[@SkyRoost]

@@ChatGPT1111 still going strong. No problems.

[@clesheanj]

What is the difference between the Runbo and Rfinder. I noticed in one of your videos with Bobn you have a Runbo.

[@Liverichandtiny]

Great video. Love my Rfinder.

[@HamRadio2]

Right on

[@billfong7861]

Thanks Jason, I really appreciate the video.

[@gpinson1955]

Thanks for the video. Jason you rock! I have one on order. I hope that it lives up to all of the hype.

[@seanjuth]

I love going to Gigaparts!

[@fmaduro100]

Just ordered mine from Bob should be here in a few days. KM4ZRT Frank Good video Jason can’t wait for more on the B1

[@cryptocurrentsea7842]

New on the HAM scene. Holy crap, can you spare a radio?! SSB, cw, multi band? Anything but my UV-5r5?

[@04DynaGlyde]

Let me start by saying I'm new to the radio world again. I was a 70s kid and my dad had one in our home with a very tall outdoor antenna. I wish I learned from him. Well now that America's latest presidential administration is running things in 2022. I'm thinking I may need a radio before the stuff hits the fan. With that said, is this the best of both worlds and would it work? My concerns are after initial purchase of the radio/phone, what additional fees and services are there? How CO$TLY is this radio/phone going to be once all said and done❓❓❓🤔 Is there an extended warranty available for the Rfinder B1dmr? Does it come with, antena, battery and charger? What other accessores are needed, and "WHY", are they expensive? Is it user FRIENDLY??? Would it be an overall great daily carry as a cell phone? Can I ditch my other AT&T android? If so, which service cell phone providers plan is best as far as reception and plans for unlimited talk, text, and data? Tmobile or AT&T in the DFW TEXAS area? What's the quality side of the android phone? Such as reception and features? And if I use it as a daily cell phone, can I talk on it without everone hearing my conversation? Is it capable of 5G? What is the operating system for the android and does it get updated? What is the QUALITY of screen, video and camera? Does it have separate memory or for SD card? Does it have Bluetooth? Over all is this phone worth the money, and what are the pros and cons to it? I hate to buy it and have buyers remorse? PLEASE HELP❗❓

[@chuckm482]

Excellent questions

[@AA0Z]

Can you download the Repeater Dir app and have it program the radio automatically in a channel? Also...can I play candy crush over DMR with my friends?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes and yes

[@brodieatlas7295]

A tip : watch movies on Flixzone. Been using them for watching lots of of movies lately.

[@aldophilip7089]

@Brodie Atlas yup, have been using Flixzone for since december myself =)

[@simonkellen8178]

@Brodie Atlas Yea, been watching on flixzone for years myself :D

[@enzoezra9247]

@Brodie Atlas yea, I have been watching on flixzone for since november myself :)

[@kevinj4517]

Ordered it today. Thank you for the video. Can you point me to your video on how to make sure all the versions of software necessary for RoIP operation are up to date?

[@fmaduro100]

Hi Jason great video. I would like to see you use the B1 with the Openspot 3. Thanks Frank KM4ZRT

[@HamRadio2]

I did a video of it with the TGIFspot. I can do another with the Openspot3 also.

[@fmaduro100]

That would great I just wanted to see how you set the radio up using a simplex freq for the spot . Still considering on buying the B1. Right now my daily carry is the Kenwood NX5300 and I use the Openspot 2 and 3 all the time. Thanks Jason

[@davidedger3935]

Have one on order. Thanks for this video; I have watched it more than once. Should I put an SD card in my new RFInder? Is it helpful for updates?

[@HamRadio2]

It doesn't affect updates at all.

[@donaldsmith3048]

Nice to know how to set it up. But I still don't know what it is or what all it will do.

[@HamRadio2]

I have lots of other videos about the device also

[@ChatGPT1111]

It’s a combo turkey fryer and attitude adjuster

[@bobbybeta3967]

Just get the Hytera PDC760!

[@HamRadio2]

Nice radio. But it isn't dual band and it is 2.5X the price of this one.

[@n9ngx]

Jason, is there a way to actually get updates on the RFinder Data base? Mine never updates on the B1; even after letting them know there are PL settings missing on the Sarnet repeater near me. Love your channel! Keep that bad weather away from you!

[@claudem.p.7969]

I BOUGHT MINE YESTERDAY.

[@HamRadio2]

Awesome!

[@claudem.p.7969]

@@HamRadio2 I bought it directly from BoB with second battery, drop charger and 2 years extension. WHAT type of SD card 128Gig 100Mb level3 is ok ?

[@youngluchianoG]

Can you use it as a scanner

[@horsezip]

did u ever any videos on bluedv jimmy ka3vgm

[@izmazix2148]

Same question from the older video: is this a replacement for a standard icom or yaesu radio?

[@OGRuth]

Can someone please respond to this question... I just ordered this and plan to get my amatuer radio license, but do not have one yet. Can I still register. or listen to channels if I do not have a call sign??? thank you so much

[@rtcy2008]

too soon to ask when a G5 version is due ? yes . ok moving on how is the camera front and rear specs ?

[@vincentcimino1963]

Thanks for the video, have you seen or recommend another antenna?

[@HamRadio2]

Diamond and MFJ make some stubby antennas that are very flexible, that I have been wanting to try.

[@vincentcimino1963]

Ham Radio 2.0 ok good, I’m hoping to see my RFinder by tomorrow, I can’t wait, thanks for the help/reply

[@H2OSensei]

@@HamRadio2 Did you ever try the Diamond antenna? Feedback?

[@seanrikard3163]

I know this is an old video and the B1 has been out for quite a while, but I just don't get it. A quality DMR Radio (TYT) can be had for less than $100, and a cheap Android 4G phone running an old outdated version of Android can be had for around $30. Why not buy those and save yourself $800+.

[@HamRadio2]

You kind of explained it yourself - old and cheap don't measure up to new an innovative. That option works, of course, but you don't get the no-codeplug feature on a TYT.

[@TheHonarable1]

I thought about purchasing one but I have a few questions. I'm new to Ham radios so forgive me.... 1. Being that this radio functions using the Rfinder app, what happens should the app go down for whatever reason? Is there anyway this could function like a normal ham radio that will work regardless? 2. Similar to question #1, who is responsible for app maintenance ? What if something ever happened to Bob? Where would we be? (not wishing any bad luck) 3. I don't like the fact that the company is no longer focusing on older equipment that they STILL sell. Makes me think that when the B1 is replaced I'll be stuck with obsolete black brick.....and that's my main concern, I don't want something that looks interesting but has a limited lifespan because of the app or the companies policies. Are my concerns valid? Thx in advance! (You may see this question on other vids) Again Thx.....

[@billfong7861]

A similar concern is will they support updates of the Android operating system and if they do, will they support updates of the App due to updates on the Android OS?

[@TheHonarable1]

@@billfong7861 Yeah would be awesome if it could be used as a regular radio should the app go down for whatever reason. It's a convenience without a doubt but for that price it needs to be more than just that. IMO

[@ManuelPinner]

Do you have to have a subscription to use the rfinder the phone? if not I stay with my Alinco DJ-MD5X radio?

[@HamRadio2]

The subscription is for the app itself, not the phone.

[@jaowashingtune8729]

you demonstrate this radio with a sim card from an android, I think I heard you say an Iphone sim card will work too?

[@benh6753]

Just tried to get a SIM card from AT&T for the RFinder B1 and was told that the RFInder B1 is a 3G device, no longer supported, and that they couldn't sell me a SIM card that would work in it. I asked if Verizon could, and they said they couldn't either. This seems to be a new thing that the phone companies have implemented - no more support for 3G.

[@HamRadio2]

That is false. AT&T doesn't know what they are talking about, I promise you. Others have reported that same thing - the issue is that AT&T doesn't train their sales people about outside devices, they want you to buy their device. I guarantee that if you put a SIM from AT&T into a B1, it would work

[@HamRadio2]

By "G3" does you mean 3G? If so, that shows even further that they don't know what they are talking about. The B1 is a 4G device

[@benh6753]

@@HamRadio2 Yes, meant 3G not G3. Thanks for catching that.

[@benh6753]

@@HamRadio2 Thank you, that's great to know. I'm not sure what the solution is, though. They use a device to process sales and the device flashed the big "Danger Will Robinson!" banner telling the guy he couldn't sell me a SIM card.

[@HamRadio2]

@@benh6753 Find a friend with an AT&T phone and borrow their SIM for a few minutes. It'll work, but that is a good way to test

[@TribTrekker]

So, using this as default cell phone, on 24/7 with routine texting, ph talk less than an hour per charge but tx radio up to 30 mins elapsed per charge, what is the avg battery life per charge? And can it charge while in phone stand by?

[@KO4DFJRadio]

I have a B1, a ZUMspot USB stick,the software on my computer, a brandmeister and DSTARS account. How do I connect to the B1 be able to talk on the DMR, DSTARS etc?

[@lancedooley7558]

Is this a part 90 radio?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes

[@lancedooley7558]

@@HamRadio2 sorry to bother you i should have included this. Do you have to have a radio ID to use it?

[@alunderwood5332]

As soon as I opened the radio, to install my sim card the metal holder fell out. Had to place it in the second one

[@HamRadio2]

Contact Bob and he'll send you a replacement for that Sim card holder

[@DavidDobbins]

I have a seldom used Verizon hotspot. Can I pull the SIM card out of that and use it in the B1? Not sure I will use this for voice calls as I just got a new Pixel 4a that is my primary phone and camera.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes, it should

[@michaelw8509]

Can this device be used on Consumer Cellular and/or T-Mobile? I have Verizon now, and would like to make a switch and put my Galaxy Note9 on Ebay. Also, should an unlimited data plan be best to use with this device? And are you able to have a memory list of vhf/uhf freq like in the typical analog ht? Thanks for the reply.

[@HamRadio2]

It works on TMO. I am pretty sure it works on Consumer also but not 100%

[@blaconnectsolutions]

HC4TPO, the Rfinder B1 is the same as the Runbo E81, you could tell me if you have tried it or if they have the same characteristics and operation please

[@HamRadio2]

It is not the same. The outer casing is the same, but the inner hardware and custom ROM are entirely unique to RFinder.

[@blaconnectsolutions]

@@HamRadio2 Have you had the pleasure of testing this specific model? It's for learning about their hardware and rom functions

[@HamRadio2]

Yes I tested an E81 a while ago

[@blaconnectsolutions]

@@HamRadio2 And what was your experience, could you assure you is a good team? I'm wanting to buy one, and the price is lower than the Rfinder B1

[@HamRadio2]

@@blaconnectsolutions it doesn't operate the same as the RFinder. It looks the same but it isn't the same so you can't really compare them.

[@donh5794]

I plan to get one when my Android phone quits and that should be soon. Talk Bob into adding System Fusion ROIP. One your previous video with Bob, he said it's possible. Thanks!

[@HamRadio2]

He's wanting to add ROIP for YSF and DSTAR. It is a neat concept, but IMO the thing that makes this device unique is that it produces RF and isn't "just an app" that relies on 4G or WiFi to work properly.

[@donh5794]

@@HamRadio2 Good point about the RF.

[@haywyre817]

Anyone know what version the B1+ of Android it's running I see sites that say 8 and some say 9.

[@HamRadio2]

The B1+ is Android 9

[@haywyre817]

@@HamRadio2 thanks, just picked it up yesterday. A few things got me to pick it over the id52a and a radio over $600. 73 de K5ORN

[@mbc383]

Okay about the rfinder radios no have answered could with SD cards is the memory used as internal storage or as side memory and will therte be android 12 or new update

[@IndependentNewsMedia]

Can it run APRS over RF ?

[@HamRadio2]

No

[@gamma5vega]

Hey just came across your channel, Great job! Im wondering if there are any dual band radios with ip67 waterproof? What do u recommend?

[@Sparkfly88]

Aliunce HD-1 is ip-67 rated, 10watts, Dualband vhf/uhf AND DMR.

[@CtPirate]

For some reason all the apps say made for an older version of Android and I can’t launch any apps. After I give them all permissions there is no way to active them. Pogo just stays on all the time on the permissions screen. What am I missing?

[@thomas4961]

Can i use this device without any ham license ( for lisning offcourse, untill licence is done. ) and is the radio working if the net is down, or is it always connected ?, intrested in 2m / 70 cm and also connected with the zello app, for those channels ( talkgroups ), Living in Sweden....alot off money, if only is a app driven phone like machine... ( question real built in radio tx/rx ) dualband etc

[@HamRadio2]

Yes you can listen to it within a license. If the network is down then Zillow will not work. The 2m/70cm radio in this device will work with no network at all, which makes it a real radio. That's one of the key features of this device is that it is both Internet connected and a true radio

[@thomas4961]

@@HamRadio2 is the repeter list included for sweden also, and is moonraker the place to order from ?, want the latest version offcourse

[@KALAENTAXI]

Hello, I just received mines yesterday and still trying to figure all the bells and whistles out but my main concern is that it will only stay on 3G network and never switch to 4G, any advice that ?

[@HamRadio2]

Probably a setting in the APN menu. Make sure it matches the carrier you are using

[@alunderwood5332]

It doesn't have rfnder ham, when I tried to download it, it urn to wwrd

[@HamRadio2]

Try install.rfinder.net from the browser on the device

[@megadwood18]

has anyone used this with Spectrum yet

[@HamRadio2]

I think so...I'll double check

[@shaungilmartin1505]

interesting at about a 3rd of the price

[@mjm9863]

Can buy an IC-7300 or even almost a FT991A for the cost of one of these and have real worldwide RF and not a FaceTime audio toy.

[@HamRadio2]

FaceTime is only on iPhone. This is an Android. I assume you're typing from a computer screen since you don't like smartphones

[@mjm9863]

Yes, I’m using an iPhone to to type this. I use a smartphone for smartphone things and radios for RF. Just saying this is expensive for what amounts to just a glorified Android running DroidStar, which I don’t get either. If you want to use D-Star, P25, Fusion, DMR, use real radios that natively function as such instead of some app and make-believing you are using a real native radio for those modes. Just my opinion.

[@HamRadio2]

@@mjm9863 It isn't running DroidStar, it actually produces RF. There is a real radio built into this device that will work Simplex via analog and DMR, that is controlled with the Android app. You need NO 3G/4G or WiFi connection to use the RADIO in this device...it is a real radio (I don't get Droidstar either, tbh)

[@artjury7564]

what happens if the company goes under? do you now own a brick?

[@HamRadio2]

Same as any company, so yes

[@Sage2291]

Nice get-started review, thanks! Unfortunately for me RFinder being a subscription service using PayPal is a show stopper. Many don't want a PayPal account and that's their choice. I have one but due to bad experience, only use it under very special circumstances. Definitely not recurring subscriptions.

[@HamRadio2]

My RFinder subscription has never been on PayPal. I think you must be confused.

[@Sage2291]

@@HamRadio2 Not confused. Takes me straight to PayPal for payment, you could use a credit card there but still have to go through PayPal...

[@HamRadio2]

@@Sage2291 PayPal is a shopping cart, like all other shopping carts on the internet. The fact that you admit you can use a credit card there proves that you don't have to have an account. So you have proven your own original statement incorrect. No PayPal ACCOUNT is needed for this subscription service, as your original statement mentions.

[@Sage2291]

@@HamRadio2 Ok, I went through it again and yes, I could check out as a guest. I didn't see that before because of their cookie terms banner blocking that option. So if others wish to subscribe, ignore PayPal's offer to create an account for you and check out as Guest...

[@HamRadio2]

That cookie that PayPal puts on there does confuse people

[@barneymerrill3188]

Is 5g in the future?🎙👍

[@HamRadio2]

I'm a future model, probably

[@Mulazim.]

The only problem with this device is that the Android came with low specifications

[@TheMrR9]

blurb

[@seanjonas1993]

It's cool but not $1000 bucks cool.

[@ManuelPinner]

Cheap Chinese Android!

[@HamRadio2]

Disagree

[@kasb58]

DO you have to make those faces in your thumbnails? A reason not to watch.

[@HamRadio2]

That's funny, this one doesn't even have a weird face.

[@bashcoder]

Well, yes its big and clunky, but at least it's expensive. Seriously tho - I already have a much better phone. I hate code plugs as much as anyone, but this is an extremely problematic value proposition.

[@HamRadio2]

Most don't think so. You get a fully functional Android phone with a built-in 2-way radio that is powered by an Android app on the phone, and it will tell you what repeaters are nearest you and will auto program them. It's kinda sad that other radio manufacturers haven't stepped into the 21st century with this idea yet.