RFinder B1 Android Dual Band DMR Radio | First Look!

[@Climb_Trees]

Somebody in my club just got one of these, he was talking with it on the repeater today. Interesting to say the least. Great content Jason, keep it up man

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for commenting.

[@izmazix2148]

This is awesome, does this compete with other high-end HTs such as icom/yaesu in your opinion? For example, can I just replace my phone and baofeng with this?

[@HamRadio2]

It'll replace a Baofeng for sure. Icom and Yaesu, probably not as good of a radio, but it has more features

[@MAHATHIRARIFFIN]

Hi Jason what's the different between Rfinder B1 and Runbo E81, 73's frm V85AFF.

[@HamRadio2]

I've never used an E81, but the RFinder has completely different firmware that was designed in the USA and it geared more towards what Hams want. I used a Runbo years ago, don't recall the model - it was monoband and full of bugs. The RFinder has fixed all of those issues.

[@Crazypostman]

No DMR here, can it work with d-star we have a bunch of those?

[@HamRadio2]

Not yet. It'll run Peanut but the radio won't transmit DSTAR

[@Crazypostman]

@@HamRadio2 ok, thanks for the review and the reply 👍

[@bubbarob1978]

Thanks for the video, I am interested in learning what processor the phone uses and if you can also sync to a bluetooth earbud like you can with a regular Android phone?

[@HamRadio2]

I'll check on the processor. Yes, BT works with the phone. They almost have it working with the radio also, but as far as the phone goes, it works like any other Android device.

[@BuzzGordon]

Are you familiar with ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit)? The combination of that app on the phone, and dual band radio would be like.... the perfect scenario for SHTF. I'm literally mind blown if the two could work in tandem.

[@11ride4life]

That is what i want to figure out.

[@robertdole5391]

I agree. I am getting into ATAK and looking for a radio to pair with as seamlessly as possible.

[@hamhouke]

Bump. I would like to hear from anyone who has tried this.

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Jason. I'm trying to win that Bridgecom Dual band radio through Rob I'm kind of interested on how they work. I seen that be pretty nice radio Jason. Hey, thanks for sharing your video on this. Particular radio Thank you for keeping us informed on the latest technology.

[@rockcvn71]

Hey Jason I have the RFinder b1,and am not licensed yet. So can I use this radio to listen to shortwave without my license? Thanks for your help.

[@HamRadio2]

No this radio won't RX Shortwave. It is VHF and UHF only.

[@JosephMassimino]

They don't tell you there is a monthly fee to get the updates on Repeaters and other updates. I returned the one I bought for that reason.

[@HamRadio2]

What country are you in? There is no monthly fee in the USA

[@JosephMassimino]

@@HamRadio2 Yes there is, read the manual. It is cheap, but they are not up front to tell you until you need the updates of repeaters and other updates. You were probably given one with the updates already activated, so you would not mention it in your review.

[@HamRadio2]

@@JosephMassimino this is incorrect. There is no monthly fee. There is an annual fee for the app itself, which is $12.95 per year and applies to ALL RFinder app users. It's been around for much longer than the devices have and it's always been there. It has nothing at all to do with the RFinder B1 or any other model at all. I carried an M1 for almost 2 years and I've had this B1 for 1 year. I've never paid a fee for the device itself, after purchase. I do subscribe to the app, but as stated, that has nothing to do with the device itself.

[@mazyoda_]

@@HamRadio2 I think the lifetime subscription is a no-brainer. Sure it's a little steep all at once, but I plan on carrying an rfinder AndroidHT as long as they're making new models.

[@johnlagreca6288]

I know channel scanning is not supported on this radio, but is there any way to monitor two frequencies at the same time on this radio, either through a sub/b band/vfo or a priority channel?

[@HamRadio2]

Not yet. I think they are working to add that. They are also working to add Memory scanning.

[@johnlagreca6288]

@@HamRadio2 Thanks for the information. Would you know if these features will be applied to the B1 FW or would this only apply to the B1+ now being produced?

[@Screamingtut]

which of those radios is the newest one, B1, K1, M1?

[@HamRadio2]

B1 is the newest and only dual band

[@rkelly5803]

If this goes to Android 10 I'd be very interested. I'm kind of a freak about my phone and usually only like the Google Nexus/pixel phones.

[@HamRadio2]

That is the current plan. I'd like to get more info on timing for that upgrade.

[@earl4769]

Jason- thank you for the great review of the B1. Rfinder app looks great- can you get to the radio interface and look at an S-meter or other RF settings? I would like to program this for operating satellites, maybe a waterfall display. Is the API open for experimentation? Thanks again..

[@HamRadio2]

No S-meter. No waterfall. I don't think the open the API, no.

[@earl4769]

@@HamRadio2 Imagine an FT-8 or WSPR ap.... ")

[@nickclossman5945]

What kind of connector is on the side? Does it allow you to connect to an external push to talk?

[@HamRadio2]

Proprietary blade connector

[@rockysrider5352]

previous versions of this radio are not available?

[@HamRadio2]

The other models were discontinued but you can still get them on the used market. They were discontinued because this new B1 is a total redesign from the inside. The OS and apps look similar, but the workings on the coding are different

[@corykd9mhb977]

The day it does DMR PoC is the day you will have my money. Can’t waaaait to see where this goes :::)

[@HamRadio2]

Yes I am looking forward to that also

[@o00scorpion00o]

I like DMR but code plugs are a serious pain in the arse what radios need is brandmeister management directly on the radio looks like this might do that or have the ability. Using fusion is incredibly simple compared to DMR. The other issue is will this phone get Android OS updates ?

[@mazyoda_]

He mentions this. It's supposed to jump from 8.1 to 10

[@oregonhomeinspections3692]

Sorry if this question has already been answered but is there a monthly service/cellular/4g connection fee? Kinda like I have with my cell phone.

[@HamRadio2]

If you choose to get a SIM card for it, then yes. Otherwise, use it on WiFi

[@tadgh45]

Jason- The user manual is abysmal. For us non-techies this is not easy to figure out. I really want to use this radio but am going crazy trying to figure out what everything does and/or means and just the basic operation. A video for dummies would be wonderful.

[@HamRadio2]

I have some of those already, but I'm working on more

[@grahamauld8894]

No PL tones, shocker - Been telling Bob we have no PL tones listed in RFinder for Scotland for the last two years!

[@HamRadio2]

Most of the repeaters it finds have PL Tones already programmed - that 1 repeater that I found didn't have it, so I requested the update, and it has already been completed. If you go look at that repeater now, it shows the correct tone.

[@richardcjay]

Sooo tempting. If it had a better camera I would have bought one already.. I just cannot go back to a bad camera on my daily driver... but this thing is still so tempting 👍

[@tomdistelcamp2020]

would a galaxy smart watch work with the phone side of the rfinder B1

[@HamRadio2]

I've not tried but I don't see why not

[@Screamingtut]

what phone service can you use AT&T, Verizon?

[@HamRadio2]

All of them

[@MiTreasureHunter]

@@HamRadio2 How about Boost Mobile?

[@mazyoda_]

@@MiTreasureHunter sprint and their mvno is always questionable. They're much more strict on the devices on their network

[@angelisone]

Will this be fully compatible with MagOne BPR40 by Motorola?

[@robertdole5391]

Does it have access to App Store, specifically can it use ATAK?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes it has access to everything in the app store. I'm not familiar with ATAK though

[@Hamdalorian]

That’s one happy looking pup on the wallpaper!

[@alunderwood5332]

It has been three yeas, when is the android 10 update?

[@danieltimisan6820]

can it tell you the PL tone for a frequency ? thanks

[@HamRadio2]

I don't believe so

[@Hamdalorian]

Is there going to be a mobile mount for this?

[@HamRadio2]

Lido Mounts makes one now that works. Not sure if Bob is planning for one or not.

[@normangarland6558]

Keep us posted. Are the phone specs on their webpage?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes I believe so.

[@mikem5929]

Does the B1 have the DVMEGA Hotspot built into it.

[@HamRadio2]

No. It'll have a software hotspot soon

[@ohiohamguy]

Can you still receive phone calls and text messages and reply to them while the radio is active

[@HamRadio2]

oh yea...easily

[@ohiohamguy]

@@HamRadio2 Thanks

[@mikealvarez8250]

Can use this radio to send email through Winlink?

[@HamRadio2]

Not yet

[@JustLearning]

Thanks for the review. I love this radio. My only issue is that I do not use repeaters. I use hotspots and bypass repeaters and repeater owners.

[@HamRadio2]

I've used this device with my DXmini, openspot and TGIF spot hotspots. Works great. You use no analog repeaters at all? That's strange

[@kendriesbaugh222]

Does this work with APRSDROID?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes

[@mattbishop3297]

Can you transmit on cb with that also?

[@mazyoda_]

😂

[@HamRadio2]

No

[@WalterFrancis]

Why is the audio always off on your videos?

[@HamRadio2]

It's not

[@ebinwaitee]

@@HamRadio2 It is though

[@HamRadio2]

I'm not seeing it. But OBS doesn't sync to a sound board as easily as some other apps do.

[@WalterFrancis]

@@HamRadio2 all of them have about a half second delay, it's not a big deal just seems odd.

[@Bro-f3h]

good showing

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@jafarsidik180]

Wow.. amazing radio...! Sudah ada hotspotnya?...sungguh luar biasa! Semakin canggih memang teknologi di tahun sekarang Kalau tidak salah lihat ada gambar sateltnya apakah radio ini seperti icom iridium juga? thankyu....

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@kak_Ajat_channel]

Kira2 hrga brp ya

[@oorcinus]

Can you get it to run as a tnc for aprsdroid?

[@HamRadio2]

Not sure on the TNC part, but you can run the APRS Droid app on the phone, the same as any Android phone.

[@juanfgonzalez2039]

Nice radio but to much $ for someone like me 😥😭

[@HamRadio2]

It's not a radio

[@mazyoda_]

No usb charging, dc barrel input or even charging mount is kind of a bummer. But being able to buy an extra battery alleviates some of that. I see people complaining about the camera, but if you subtract $130 off the msrp for the cost of any other dmr dual band HT, 870 for a phone that's waterproof, dust proof, dual sim, dual sd, and has a removable battery, the price is digestible.

[@mazyoda_]

Ordered mine with a discount code ($27 off), and selected the open box clearance that's on there. If there's a scuff it two, whatever, it's a radio. It'll end up with a couple from me anyways. And it comes with a belt clip. Solid win because I was going to get one anyways.

[@robertoellison348]

WHERE WOULD I GET ONE OF THOSE??????? .......

[@HamRadio2]

rfinder.net

[@megadwood18]

Hi im DON KD2NWB im looking in to rfinder b1 My Q is do i need a hotspot device to talk in dmr or can i use my home WiFi .

[@HamRadio2]

There is a pretty complex answer to your question, but the short version is that yes, you can use your home WiFi

[@solidstrike165]

That thing AWESOME. But it needs a higher capacity battery. 2600mAH just don't get it

[@HamRadio2]

They're working on one, but honestly mine never runs out

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

@@HamRadio2 I want one now have to wait for the car charger and update on the cell's OS to 10 and it'd be perfect for emcom's.

[@troyr57]

Why not just make the app support hot spot and be able to use any phone to hit the c-bridge for a subscription fee? All you would have to do is plug in a talk group based on the connections you have available.

[@HamRadio2]

That is EXACTLY what they are working on right now. I have actually used it...it works well, but it is still in Beta form. It will be released soon.

[@troyr57]

It's definitely something that you need a license for, and a DMR ID, so shouldn't be too much of a problem. I have always thought that DMR code plugs could be handled easier.

[@royruganijr8857]

hate proprietary crap like charging and such. for price, s/b able to charge with usb c out of box. i love the concept and had the M1 in past but still seems like a bunch of stuff like old android platform is not worth the price. will this work with Sprint? maybe once updates have completed for it will be worth it. or if price were to come down a bit. thanks for the video too!!!

[@HamRadio2]

I've suggested that he add a more universal charging solution, so that I agree with. I believe the price is fine though - same price as a brand new Samsung or iPhone with no contract. This device will work with Verizon, TMO and AT&T. Not sure about Sprint, but I will check. I will say that everyone I know, friends and family, who have ever had Sprint, say it is terrible. So I dunno how they are even still around.

[@royruganijr8857]

@@HamRadio2 I guess ur right about price. But I have Note 10 so to get another phone for 1k is bit much and I lease the phone so will not pay the full price. However, I have been with Sprint for like 14 years so kinda hard to switch when on family plan. I am also in bad area and they give me internal mini tower for my house so I can get signal and I get it for free. If it does work for Sprint, then maybe I will get it down the line.

[@HamRadio2]

I'll check to see if it works on Sprint, you have my curiosity now. Also a LEASE on a phone is no different than paying it outright, you just do it slower. The last time (this was several years ago) I went to AT&T to get a new phone, they wanted me to lease one. They wanted to add $35/month to my bill for 24 months. That means they wanted to charge me $840 for the phone. Used to be they would give you a free phone or a discount like $50 or $100 for a new phone, when you signed a new contract. The last time I checked, they don't do that any longer. But spreading the high cost of a new phone over 24 months doesn't change the fact that the price is still high.

[@royruganijr8857]

@@HamRadio2 yes, but it is more doable for most of us with regards to spreading the payments out over 2 years than coming up with 1k at one time and don't have a credit card or way of doing so. if that would be the case, i would never own a cell phone and most likely, thousands of others would not own one either. needs a pmt plan up front and would prob get more sales. i cannot buy unless it is Sprint regardless since I am stuck with them for immediate future. When my lease is up, then will see what pricing is if works with them and go from there.

[@HamRadio2]

You're not wrong, except for the part about thousands others not doing it either - have you ever seen an iPhone store on release-day for a new model? People spend stupid amounts of money to have a new iPhone - thousands of them. However, I do understand what you mean, and I would like to see a payment plan also. I will make that suggestion. I know it can be difficult, but you have to look at the overall picture - this device will work on multiple carriers, and isn't tied to only Verizon, AT&T, etc. It also doesn't have any of the bloatware that carriers add to their branded devices, nor does it carry a contract, so you can switch carriers any time you want. So you have to look at the overall cost, not just the 1-time monetary cost, for this or any new device you get. Since you are locked into a contract with Sprint, I would call that a "recurring cost" that you can't currently change. With this device, you will never have that problem.

[@francescodoenz]

If they had a bigger battery it would be a no brainer to buy!! But how can you sell such a high end transceiver with such a small battery....hard to understand!

[@HamRadio2]

How long should the battery last, do you think? Mine lasts about 26 hours, so what would your preference be?

[@francescodoenz]

@@HamRadio2 Sorry, did not expect a response to my remark!! Well, if thats true it's convincing to get it!! Thanks for your reponse, just hope you used it also during these 26 hours!!?

[@gliderrider]

Was thinking this would be good on my hike in Spain in June. Could keep in touch with a friend in California. Well...trip is on hold now because os the virus. Will still get it if I can get my flight refunded.

[@markplott4820]

Ham Radio 2.0 - why is there no support for 33, 23, and 13 cm ? and for more Digital modes like , NXDN, iDAS, D-STAR, and C4FM ?

[@HamRadio2]

DSTAR has 23cm repeaters and radios. For the rest of them, no clue. That would be a question for the manufacturers.

[@wolfbatt]

What if you go out oh cell area??

[@HamRadio2]

The radio will still work. And the phone will act like any other phone that goes out of cell area.

[@gaborm4767]

Well, the UI of the radio app is not so nice. I would be interested in this device if the radio app would be open source or I could develop it somehow.

[@HamRadio2]

Most radio manufacturers don't release their software

[@gaborm4767]

it's a big mistake on their part.

[@bobofthedeep]

@@gaborm4767 We have intents and can make more if you want to write something special! Get me on messenger search W2CYK I would like to hear about your UI comments offline :)

[@juanfgonzalez2039]

Can it do gmrs

[@HamRadio2]

Yes

[@markdewey5412923331]

Does it have a camera?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes but it isn't very good

[@chuckchampion694]

l'm getting r finder b1 soon

[@eyobassefa1295]

what about doogee s 80?

[@Screamingtut]

it's a bit far for me, it's a little long-distance drive from where I live (1870 miles) 29 hours.

[@HamRadio2]

Which one?

[@georgewashingmachine5723]

so when you buy this device you need to get a monthly cell phone carrier service correct

[@georgewashingmachine5723]

this phone is currently 995 dollars

[@HamRadio2]

Like any other SmartPhone requires, yes. OR just use it on WiFi

[@hhampton]

What is the cost?

[@HamRadio2]

$999

[@CaroleMinxBlanton]

@@HamRadio2 I paid more than that for my S7Note and had to trade in for my S7Edge! This is pretty interesting to say the least. I'd like to see it come with the car charger and updated OS, by then I'm sure the battery would be bigger. All I know is: I WANT ONE. what a great radio/cell for emcomm's too. Especially where I'll be. NE OK BOOMER SOONERS lol de KI5CWY

[@Dazdigo]

Remember when phones were the size of bricks? They should advertise this as a retro phone.

[@rickyd1126]

You know all this is great! But you never talk about price point.

[@mazyoda_]

Just under $1,000 before tax

[@TonyZanoska]

The USB-C port not able to charge it kills it for me.

[@HamRadio2]

That is one of my complaints also. It doesn't have a way to charge other than the desktop charger, which means you can't have a car charger with it. Now, the battery does last a LONG time, but I go agree with you - the USB-C port should be a charging port also.

[@WH6FQE]

I was interested, but when I saw it was over $1,000 for an HT, Sorry, no thanks unless it can cook my breakfast as well.

[@HamRadio2]

LOL

[@Yugo-CA]

where can I buy it? Im on their website and its slow, pages aren't loading.

[@Yugo-CA]

I just bought one, was talking to their rep (I think that who he was) and they were very helpful. he said the OP sys will be updated very soon to android 10 (its 9 now) and the Hotspot feature will be updated within days. I bought and extra car cradle and extra battery. Im so damn excited for this! Side note which wasnt covered in this video (mabe I missed it) is that the phone comes with a battery, charger stand and a belt clip and antenna.

[@HamRadio2]

Hope you like it!

[@Yugo-CA]

@@HamRadio2 Thanks, I think its gonna be great. I got off the phone with bob this morning he pointed me in the right directions..also added their hotspot so I dont need to buy it later. Honestly just happy that im getting a new phone :D my Hydrogen one is a piece of crap what a waste of $1400.

[@Falcon-ug5sk]

👏👏👏👍😎

[@ron4378]

KerChunking the repeaters without identifying, really don't we have enough now, we don't need Instructions How To here? How about good operator practice, you have the opportunity, is your call really KC5HWD?

[@HamRadio2]

No, that isn't my call. While I agree with you on principle, kerchunking has become common place on repeaters to activate Talkgroups. The same thing happens on DSTAR repeaters too. While I understand why it is done, I would rather see some sort of better practices around it.

[@Larry4098]

Your intro music? level is too high. Fyi.

[@HamRadio2]

It is the same level as the rest of the video, in the editing software. Since it is music, it is just louder.

[@bobofthedeep]

Use Opencamera....much better!

[@HamRadio2]

I tried Opencamera, I didn't like it either. The one I have no works OK... if you are outside in bright sunlight, it is fine. If you are inside or using the flash, it isn't so great.

[@whisker49]

WOULD I BUY THIS? COST IS $1000, 00...NAH.

[@HamRadio2]

Same price as a Samsung Galaxy or an iPhone

[@whisker49]

@@HamRadio2 I WON'T BUY ONE OF THOSE EITHER.

[@HamRadio2]

Good to know. You don't have to shout though

[@sixshooter4570]

Nice, but it needs to come with a pen like the Samsung Note 20 Ultra. Samsung could help them with that camera too. LOL!

[@m4rkm4rk13]

im buying it idgaf

[@mongoosethesnakekiller1869]

Unfinished product with a lot promises for the future. Want too much $$$ charging system inadequate what about D Star standing by

[@HamRadio2]

DSTAR is yesterday's new. DMR is the new an improved version. This device is priced the same as any other SmartPhone on the market today when you buy without a contract. The difference is that this device comes with a built-in radio, but the $1100 iphone and $1000 Samsung do not.

[@mongoosethesnakekiller1869]

@@HamRadio2 This product has failed (I'm a proper) only way to charge this device is on a home charger F for failed as a reliable device. Got side tracked with GMRS I will contact U when I'm going to make the big purchase thankx for the reply.

[@charleswoods2996]

Too much money for what it really is, then factor in the accessories that are actually needed? No thanks.

[@HamRadio2]

Can't agree there, since it is along the same price line as a new iPhone or Samsung Galaxy S20. And what accessories are "needed"? I've used mine since November with no additional accessories.

[@Martin_PA0KGB]

I presume you got paid to play with the RFinder B1.. The unit is $999 not really HT price. no way to justify that amount to the family budget

[@HamRadio2]

No, I didn't get paid. And no, it isn't an HT. Thinking it is an HT is missing the whole point.

[@M1ke_A]

Ouch.... this thing is a bit pricey.

[@HamRadio2]

Basically the same price as a brand new Sansung or iPhone with no contract.

[@M1ke_A]

@@HamRadio2 That's true but i don't know many people that actually pays for their phone outright... I was thinking about getting the Kenwood D74 but hesitated because i thought it was on the expensive side. That said, i really do like the fact that this combines a cell phone with a radio.

[@HamRadio2]

Yea most people don't buy a phone outright, but they do sign contracts to pay $30/month for a new phone, which is on top of their bill. It still ends up costing the same, in the long run. The good part about this phone (and there are others too) is that it isn't tied to a carrier and doesn't have any bloatware. Additionally, unlike other phones, this one also has a built-in 2-way radio.

[@bobofthedeep]

@@HamRadio2 actually the payment plans cost about 2x...we are working on a payment plan and when you checkout with PayPal you can use PP credit ;) which is cheaper than the monthly from most carriers!

[@conradsenior5843]

Is this supposed to be a review? I give up. Wasted too much time so far.

[@HamRadio2]

Did you see "review" in the title?

[@conradsenior5843]

I give it a 1 star review only because there is no option for zero stars

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks

[@MrRLSanders]

This is terrible. 5 minutes in and I still have no idea what the radio is like, just him rambling.

[@HamRadio2]

Wow. I just watched the first 5 minutes and I am guessing you had your computer on mute of you were just watching a completely different video. Try again.

[@krsdjdjcrs1]

Way overpriced chinese radio,why take the code plug learning curve away. Look at your video takes long to load

[@HamRadio2]

Your mistake is thinking that this is just "a radio"

[@krsdjdjcrs1]

This is a Phone also running slow 8.0 android not even the latest 10 too bulky

[@HamRadio2]

It is not slow. It is running the same OS as my former Galaxy S8. And it will be upgraded to 10 soon. Too bulky is a matter of opinion. It is smaller than the M1 that I carried for 1.5 years.