The uSDX+ 8 band QRP transceiver

[@temporarilyoffline]

I'm getting word that the discount code isn't operational right now and Banggood is out on holiday: "We are off during the Labour Day Holidays (Apr. 30 to May.4 )". Still a great price at $120, and I'll let you know what I hear!

[@rosevillerod]

Ever since I bought my first SDR Dongle I’ve been waiting for a cheap cheap cheap transceiver. Looks like it’s finally here! I’m gonna be picking up one of these! Hard to go wrong at that price. Tnx Steve!

[@temporarilyoffline]

No problem Rod - Baofeng HF Team here we come!

[@Tocsin-Bang]

Works great on FT8. Simple audio dongle + and an ftdi usb dongle for the CAT. I had to replace the encoder and that sorted the direction issue! 61 countries in 2 months, 370 contacts. Plus a few SSB contacts round Europe. BTW I use an end-fed with an ATU-100. Mainly on 20 metres. 73 de CT7AOX

[@temporarilyoffline]

Sweet! I am going to get mine on FT8 soon

[@TechMindsOfficial]

Nice review of this radio, I wonder why they didnt include 12m, maybe they didn't have room for the band filters? I only just thought of that after seeing the insides on your video.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Hey Matt! I think this is a great radio *in context. It's really a starter for a lot of things.

[@JennyEverywhere]

I ordered it partly because of my radio addiction, partly to see if it's usable, and partly in hopes that it will be usable so I can get another SSB capable radio in my gear. I have two portable all mode radios, my KX3 and my IQ32. There's also the family K2, but I'm not as keen taking that venerable old piece of kit into the field. We'll see.

[@temporarilyoffline]

This is a great toy, great proof of concept, cheap "throw away" radio. I went in with my eyes open and I am impressed at what it does for what it is.

[@Siskiyous6]

Second - This is a radio I have been watching for a while. Since I have a Yaesu 818 I am not ordering one, but I did order the tuner.

[@temporarilyoffline]

That 818 is a better rig! Totally different class though.

[@scottbradford192]

I have owned 2 of these type radios. The unit I got off Amazon was $170 with a built in battery. 5w on battery and 10w on external 13.8. Neat radio with a ground short on the ptt. My main use with these xsdr is that the rx seems to be pretty deaf

[@temporarilyoffline]

ground short? so it was always TXing at first?

[@scottbradford192]

@@temporarilyoffline yes. The jog dial knob was shorting to the case. So if you looked at it the wrong way it would ptt all by itself. I managed to put a spacer under the knob and got Germany from Texas on js8 on 40m one time before it died

[@temporarilyoffline]

I haven't even done digital with it yet, that would be fun!

[@scottbradford192]

@@temporarilyoffline I really love my Venus DR4020 but I wanted more power and the ability to do Js8 on 80. The DR4020 is 4w and 40-20 only. But all xsdr do Vox, it's just a matter of making the right pin out audio cable to go into a USB audio device for $8

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@scottbradford192 That's what I was thinking to do.

[@mikewatson2634]

I have worked all over the country, 2 field days, and Spain with a telescoping antenna on my truck with the USDX from my QTH in Arkansas. They aren't the best radio, they click and sometimes the audio is distorted....But they sure are fun!!! I own some "Hot Water" 7 Heathkits, 8's and 9's. They were horribly microphonic and the sidetone was annoying but they were and are fun too! The USDX is the HW7 of today. :)

[@temporarilyoffline]

We've come a long way from the HW7 days... and we still have radios that perform that way. This radio has a great price to performance ratio and falls right into to fun category.

[@Tom-n5tti]

Excellent video Steve. I like the voiceover approach. I think it'd be great in your review videos.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks! This was an interesting video, you'll see more of this format coming up. I learned some things with this one.

[@the_mad_swimbaiter455]

@@temporarilyoffline I found this video, informative, entertaining, and I liked the voice over components with video clips and examples!

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@the_mad_swimbaiter455 Thanks, I learned some lessons with this video and I'll add those into future videos.

[@LavaKimo]

You can get the power up by changing the PA Bias settings, menu 8.1 and 8.2. Try 17 and 125 respectively.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I will have to try that!

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

With the uSDR, one person mentioned 20-150, the other 65-220.

[@KX4UL]

Pretty cool for only $120. I would have loved to have had one of these to monitor HF while I was studying for my license back in the early 90's. I like small gear that does a big job. I might get one to tinker with.

[@temporarilyoffline]

There is a very active groups.io group that has done some amazing things with this radio. You won't be hurting if you buy this radio.

[@CapeCodCNC]

My QR20 has the same mic but with just one plug. I PASSED TECH! Tomorrow General.... Looks like a cool little radio!

[@temporarilyoffline]

It did look familiar to me! Congrats again! Lock down that general and let's make a contact.

[@rogerfethkenher3726]

I love this radio,,, I am discovering QRP ,,, Fantastic Value,,Great Video!!! Very Best Regards Roger Fethkenher AD0YR

[@temporarilyoffline]

This is a fun little radio!

[@haramanggapuja]

Strange you didn't get a battery inside. I have the same radio, at least by looks. Mine has a battery; charges off the smaller charger port with the charger that came with the radio. The battery and the DC input are separated by a diode, according to the schematic. I get about the same output off mine as yours, though I get something like 3W CW on 10m. The audio is much improved by reducing the drive to the AF amp, which I did by adding an edge-mount volume control knob/pot at the input the the AF amp. The mic input on the front follows the same pinout as the (tr)uSDX mic (TRS plug). Not a bad little clone of a very good design. Much improved, I suspect, by different firmware/software. 73 de W8IJN

[@temporarilyoffline]

I'm planning on finding a battery and doing some firmware updates - at the very least I have to get that rotary encoder fixed!

[@barrykery1175]

Interesting radio for its price. BUT.....how does it stand up to harmonic suppression ? Will it pass FCC specs? I've seen one other Chinese QRP CW radio and all it did was generate harmonics. I am not saying this radio has an issue, but.....we need to know more about it before it's promoted. We don't need more Chinese junk on our bands. Baofeng is a prime example of some Chinese junk. Barry, KU3X

[@temporarilyoffline]

Stay tuned, I'm going to do a spurious emissions check on it and see if there is some way to bring that in line better.

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

Neat little rig.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I think it shows a lot of potential. I want to play more with it and I've been thinking about making my own.

[@TheFretman2]

I got one coming. Can't wait to get to operate it.

[@temporarilyoffline]

It's a lot of fun, enjoy

[@ShooterReadyStandBy]

So that's why you popped up on ham alert doing cw. Nice, cute, radio.

[@temporarilyoffline]

You never know what I'll be up to! I do need to do more CW though.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Interesting radio 👍

[@temporarilyoffline]

It actually is. Shows what you can do for little $$ and has a lot of potential.

[@freesaxon6835]

Nice video, but as always, and without checking up, that price tag will be up at least 60% it always is, no matter who reviews it. Yes it's great at that price, seen other ham stuff reviews, they are always at a great price, at the moment the video goes live

[@temporarilyoffline]

I the case of this video it went live and they were out of stock! Even worse!

[@tommycheshire5508]

Great review, as always.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Thanks!, Glad you enjoyed it

[@rickchadwick2377]

I have one (1) on order .. should be here tomorrow .. i purchased it for portable / Camp :) 73

[@temporarilyoffline]

Excellent!

[@mdwestlund1]

Teo there is a copy of that radio with a tuner built in.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I've seen that! Looks pretty neat!

[@W9HJBill]

Dang it, now I gotta get one and throw it in my SHTF radio ammo can for emergencies.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yeah, at this price its almost disposable

[@ColbyHiggs]

Thanks for doing the review!

[@temporarilyoffline]

You're welcome!

[@honeybadger6127]

I bet this radio would be great for JS8 or FT8... I wish I could find a video on how to set it up for digital modes.

[@temporarilyoffline]

I have one planned, but haven't had a chance to make it just yet.

[@honeybadger6127]

@@temporarilyoffline I'll be waiting with baited breath!

[@SimonBlandford]

Anyone know what battery, with plug, would fit it? I just ordered one with no battery, since it was the only one I could find that wasn't going to take a long time to ship from China. Where does the battery sit? Does it just flop about inside the box or it is held in place somehow? Also would be good to find an instruction PDF so I can plan for what else I need before it arrives.

[@temporarilyoffline]

The banggood web page for this radio has a lot of info on it. I printed it to a PDF and archived it so I wouldn't lose the info. The battery specs on the radio are 11.1v/4000mAh and it uses a JST connector. I'm not sure the size, but you could also direct solder or use dupont connectors. There isn't any mounting location inside the case, so I'd use some double sided foam tape to hold the battery under the top case.

[@SimonBlandford]

@@temporarilyoffline Thanks for the info. I also did some more research and it seems that these battery packs are made up of standard 3.7V cells. I can get these (with tags to solder on to) locally and solder them in parallel (maybe after soldering a temporary resistor between them to equalise the charge first) then solder the three parallel couples into three series to get 11.1V. I even found some heatshrink especially for these type of battery packs. I should be able to make a 6800mAH pack using Panasonic NCR18650B. From what I can tell from the view inside the unit in this video, the BATT socket is a JST XR 2.54mm type.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@SimonBlandford Wish I had a local battery shop, this sounds like an awesome project. I can get the batteries off of the internet 3@~$25. The 2.54mm in JST connector refers to the pin spacing? Also I'm only seeing XH, not XR. Got a part number for the connector? If we can make this work, I'll put out a video on it.

[@brentjohnson6654]

You are in NW Wisconsin? I am flying into Duluth in June and I will wave to you Lol. I will be driving my truck and ham gear up north in Minnesota this summer as well. If you have any recommended parks for POTA in your neck of the woods let me know. All the best!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Are you going to take i35 up?

[@gutyup101]

Fun little radio. The CW decoder is impressive. Does it come as a kit?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Look up Tr(u)SDX for a kit version.

[@bluesun9675]

Hi I was wondering about changing the direct of the freq knob in the software? Where do I plug the cable in from the computer, and what part of the code do I change?? WB3BAB

[@temporarilyoffline]

I know it can be done, but I haven't done it. Check in with the groups.io/g/ucx group for more details. I'll have a video on it, but it will be a while, the groups.io folks can help faster!

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

The watts list, is it watts SSB or AM? Also any idea what the transmitt bandwidth of AM and FM are showing?

[@temporarilyoffline]

SSB, more tests coming!

[@TimTM-gm6od]

Looks a neat little rig,,,can 11m be accessed for operation on CB in the U.K?

[@temporarilyoffline]

You could modify it for that I'm sure. Might need to change a coil and update the software.

[@shinrinyoku9792]

Yes! CB works without hardware modifikation! Choice the 10m band...

[@AndyMay-ik2px]

For UK£100 it's gotta be worth a try - so that's my Christmas present to self sorted for this year ! How did you access the Arduino Code ?

[@AndyMay-ik2px]

It's OK - I can see the link to the code ,thanks !

[@temporarilyoffline]

Merry Christmas!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

Great video, I’ve been wanting to pick one of these up to play with. I think you just made my next purchase decision. Subscribed and rang the bell! 73 my friend!

[@temporarilyoffline]

I appreciate the exchange!

[@COASTALWAVESWIRES]

@@temporarilyoffline love your content, I’ll be doing a deep dive. I’m just starting to learn from my mistakes on my channel. BTW I spend a lot of time in Wisconsin on the other side of the state from you working in Marinette. Love your state! 73!

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thanks! I will be seeing more of it soon myself. Its amazing how much of this country we don't get to see.

[@MikeyGerogianisW7EMG]

Where can I get a manual for it?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Here you go raw.githubusercontent.com/TekMaker/uSDX-QRP-Transceiver/main/uSDR%20Manual_V1.0.pdf

[@tonystephen6312]

i'd want it with the rechargable battery inside.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yeah. Me too. I have a friend getting one and we'll see if mine was missing g or what. You can get them for about $25.

[@ВладимирЛукьянов-я5г]

Использую такой же, но требует доработки микрофона, динамика, и транзистора.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Did you build it yourself?

[@kevinc9416]

Can u use computer software to program?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I don't see that this radio has memory channels, but it does have CAT control. It's on my list to get on FT8 with this thing.

[@bowbreaker1]

Has anyone tested the max amp draw on the 13.8 side? Thanks.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Not me, let's see if anybody else chimes in... Is it not in the manual? Usually those are online

[@VA3OSO]

I've had a few versions of these and they have all failed eventually.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Always the same failure or something different each time?

[@VA3OSO]

@@temporarilyoffline On one the FST3253 chip failed making it receive nothing, and this happened after 3 uses. The others went after 10 or more uses, which was better, but they went completely dead and I wasn't able to determine the fault. All radios were used a tuner with and I always kept the SWR low, and always used 12v or lower for power. I now have the real (tr)uSDX and have given it a good workout for a couple months now and it's still going strong!

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@VA3OSO That's awesome that the (tr)uSDX is a winner!

[@VA3OSO]

@@temporarilyoffline It's quality, and a lot of fun to use. If you get the chance, pick one up.

[@shinrinyoku9792]

@@temporarilyoffline NO! The trusdb loolks like a toy- tis kit comes with an plastic housing...

[@loraz0]

Have you tried to connect this to an android phone with Pocket RXTX lite?

[@temporarilyoffline]

Not yet - do you have a cat cable?

[@loraz0]

@@temporarilyoffline A TRRS 3.5mm 4 pole cable connected to a TTL CH340 Module to the connector on your phone will do it. RX is tip, TX next down, 3rd is send, (not used), and base is gnd. Waiting on my radio, it's on a slow boat from china. I have an old Galaxy S5, so a micro usb to Usb female, a usb CH340 module to the 4 pole connector is in my future.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@loraz0 very nice!

[@michaelhaniotes2175]

I got one Like it alot A fun radio

[@temporarilyoffline]

That's all that matters! Glad you're having fun!

[@jamescstanley5018]

Looks neat, shame it is not available in the UK! Jim M7BXT

[@temporarilyoffline]

I figured banggood would ship to UK? This radio comes in a few different flavors though. Does Aliexpress work for you? www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20220430152950&SearchText=usdx&spm=a2g0o.home.1000002.0

[@alzeNL]

Not used them myself, but listed here - www.cafago.com/en/p-e20939us.html?currency=GBP&Warehouse=CN&aid=gcapmaxgbtll&gclid=CjwKCAjwgr6TBhAGEiwA3aVuIRbh049BhOHGXqf0q-Qt4VUE04vsf7fUQ7yBbW6mOvXxGsCz95QG9xoCxCgQAvD_BwE - use paypal and a credit card to cover yourself :)

[@DonzLockz]

lots of bands for such a tiny radio!😮📻

[@temporarilyoffline]

Its pretty neat. Thanks for watching.

[@titorabbit108fm8]

does it have auto tuner?

[@temporarilyoffline]

none

[@tedmead465]

There are many who dump on the radio because its chinese junk. I monitor mine with various web sdr sites. While the audio is not perfect as long as you dont overdrive it its fine. Also my 2 farthest dx were Scotland and France fron the eastern US at 5 watts no amplifier, no tuner. Its small, highly portable and with a properly matched antenna very surprising. They are not a big name radio thats obvious, but its a decent radio for the price

[@temporarilyoffline]

You are 💯 correct! One can't have $1200 expectations of a $200 radio.

[@randymartin2121]

Recently purchased a similar unit from Banggood. Transmit audio with both the internal and external mic is totally distorted. Still waiting for refund or replacement. Buyer Beware!

[@temporarilyoffline]

Best wishes on your replacement. Let me know if they don't make good on the return please.

[@randymartin2121]

@@temporarilyoffline I reported the problem on September 1st, ticket number 20220902003736002242. Their web site says they respond within 48 hours, but I have yet to hear anything. Still stuck with non-functioning mic. 73 Randy K0EU

[@T-Hogie]

You're supposed to read uSDX as micro SDX.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Yep

[@aglandorf75]

Seems to be a DL2MAN knock off

[@temporarilyoffline]

It is DL2MANs design, which is open source... so it's allowed /shrug. The Tr(u)SDX is a good radio also.

[@LB0FI]

@@temporarilyoffline Not exactly. The design is released as Creative Commons Non Commercial. The Tr(u)SDX is their way of fighting the Chinese clones.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@LB0FI I knew about creative commons, but not the non-commercial part. Thanks!

[@LB0FI]

@@temporarilyoffline No worries, I attended a lecture about the uSDX at the Norwegian Hammeeting in March with DL2MAN and PE1NNZ on video link. Made me want to build a Tr(u)SDX.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@LB0FI I'm really tempted... but i'm a little 'roided out right now. That was legit my reason. I still have the QRP-Labs 50w amp to build and that has a bunch of 'roids in it.

[@thedoughnutking9514]

I've read several shitty reviews of this on Amazon, what say you?

[@temporarilyoffline]

I take it for what it is. It's an arduino based kit radio. That means it's going to be a lot of fun. Is it a serious contender against a $600+ radio? Not even close. I love the potential here!

[@jamesgeorge1709]

😅Trash the Speaker mike and replace it with a Baofeng much better sounding and around $20.00.

[@temporarilyoffline]

Great idea!

[@TheArtofEngineering]

BANGGOOD? My wife has banned me visiting sites like that!! 😂😂

[@temporarilyoffline]

Right? What a crazy name for a CE website

[@NancyClark-d5h]

Lopez Maria Robinson Maria Jones Helen

[@SgGdkkfk]

Brown Gary Martin Donna Jones Michelle

[@temporarilyoffline]

Do Re Me Fa So La Ti Do

[@TanyaParker-h5v]

Taylor Mark Jackson Gary Thompson Lisa

[@temporarilyoffline]

These are a few of my favorite friends.