RS-918 HF SDR transceiver (MCHF clone) disassembly

RS-918 HF SDR transceiver (MCHF clone) disassembly

[@wolfganglohrie6820]

Thanks for the video, this really was helpful in reassembling everything again. 73 VK2

[@terrymurphy4177]

I like the video!

[@caulktel]

Very informative video. thank you.

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Thanks

[@26DR715]

I bought one and very impressed with it, the only thing is i can not get full power on 10m, it only give 50mv which is no good, i have been trying to connect it to a computer to use with hdsdr tried a few usb cables but none work properly, do have one which give a com port number but still does not work, do you know if its a certain type of usb cable i need.

[@bobygonzales6043]

Does this radio transmit in the CB Radio 27.Mhz band?

[@ronaldreynolds9870]

i think so

[@gabes80]

Hey mate, I was thinking about buying one of these, they're going for about 500aud plus shipping right now. Looks like a good rig but obviously it's a clone from no-names so there are no guarantees. What are your thoughts? Any danger bricking the thing when getting the firmware on it? Any other considerations?

[@vk3kyy]

IMHO. The firmware update procedure that is in the McHF firmware is pretty bullet proof, there is even a way to backup the existing firmware onto a memory stick before you update with newer firmware. (Assuming the bootloader that is already in the radio is not totally out of date). I had some problems with mine, with the firmware reporting that some hardware was missing. Something so do with the main VFO, from what I can remember), but it didn't seem to make any difference to the operation. But like you say, its pot luck when you buy one of these sorts of things about whether its got any hardware faults, because as a lot of the vendors have no idea what they are selling, and don't check that they work prior to posting them. Also, shipping times from China to AU, currently seem to be very long. I've been waiting 6 weeks for a DMR radio, and I've also had 2 smaller packages go missing in transit, one of which I have not been able to get any refund on, because they claim its been delivered. But its not worth the hassle of finding a JP and doing a Stat Dec to get $10 back via the credit card company.

[@gabes80]

@@vk3kyy Thanks for this mate, very helpful. I'm going to hold out for a few weeks and see if I can research the best portable rig for my use case. May end up landing on this one but I'll just keep searching. 73 Roger!

[@marklowe7431]

With a hammer. Open source for non commercial.

[@siddharth4662]

how can i replace the PA as I don't seem to have a original one in my Clone.... the RD16HHF in market does not have the screw socket... any idea??

[@Mojomo777]

Hi, any update on this gear for the past 22 months? Would you buy this again? Thanks VK2 - 73

[@N7SIX]

Which firmware did you use for testing?

[@elanpaim33]

nice video may I ask you where did you buy it from name of the seller many thanks vy 73

[@vk3kyy]

I bought mine on eBay from from an Australian vendor. www.ebay.com.au/usr/auhomeparty However I think there are better vendors. I've been told that www.ebay.com.au/usr/power116 seems to be a knowledeable vendor. So they may be better than auhomepary

[@kdavidson9493]

The bad part about using cheap, chinese board houses to manufacture your design: expect clones of your product...

[@vk3kyy]

Any open source product is fair game. It doesn't matter where you get the boards manufactured.

[@danford7532]

I have one of these radios, and with less than an hour of normal operation, the unit failed to transmit a clean signal. Its now under my desk. No support, no available info on issues or schematics that i could find. Its just another piece of chinese junk.

[@crazyham]

You are a total Legend Mate ! Thnx So Much for this Video. I was afraid of opening up my RS918 but You gave me the info I needed & the confidence & I am very Grateful ⚡🙏⚡ 73 de VK3VKe ⚡🙏⚡

[@vk3kyy]

Glad it was of some use. Sadly my RS-918 no longer works because the screen failed and after I tried to replace the screen with a new one, the radio won't even boot up.. No leds , nothing :-(

[@crazyham]

@@vk3kyy Oh Damn, That's a real shame mate. So Sorry to hear that. I hope it's not a common issue with these.