Radioddity QT80: Unlock Extra Frequencies - Ham Radio Hack!

[@martinunger9545]

That was pretty amazing. You took a 10-meter mono-bander and converted it into a triband radio in a few minutes. All of a sudden, this $300 transceiver became interesting. It begs the question why they didn't just create a 3 band radio in the first place.

[@CBPunisher1900]

quad band, u forgot 11m 27mhz cb .

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Martin, I have no idea but it was easy enough to mod 🤷

[@GoonyMclinux]

Spectral purity issues, likely doesn't have filters for those bands but at lower power who knows?

[@GoonyMclinux]

​@@TheSmokinApesee if it transmits clean enough, that would make an awesome video.

[@K4AX]

@@GoonyMclinux One low pass filter right above 30mhz would cover 17-10m, maybe thats what they did.

[@markviers998]

You just gave me an idea, not sure why I hadn't replaced that molex connector with power poles already. I really don't like those connectors. Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Haha, thanks for watching Mark 👍

[@ronwolenski-n8wcr]

Now the big question, how does it perform on the other bands? Is it clean? Is the power consistent?

[@TheSmokinApe]

We will test it out and see 🤷

[@robertmeyer4744]

That a great radio. There's outher tricks that that can do. I do not know the age of that but there is a firmware update that unlocks some new features. Like changing display color on TX like RED . The mic jack has a audio out pin and can adjust in menu. Great for Heil headsets or using a sound card for digital modes, The RX is great on them. Has some filters that work nice. Radio does draw like 15 amps SSB . so like 12 AWG to extend power. They are clean on harmonics unless going into service menu and turning up power and modulation. BAD idea. This is a great radio to use on Poseidon antenna . just a slight tune and done. 3 bands good antenna . I have fine tuned the length on 25 FT 4:1 . get 1.1 SWR on 28.074 MHZ. was fold back and twist at end . does make SWR go up on outher bands . so if want only 1 band tune it in and no tuner needed . works about 5/8 wave on 10 meters. I am doing that now and 10/11/12 meters really good. New Zealand on 12 meter just after sunrise was great . for 12 meter was full 25 FT tuned 12 without ATU. like 1.5 SWR . Florida coming in great now on 11 meter ch 38 SSB . Texas as well. That QT 80 does CW ! but straight key only. There's no ALC meter so modes like FT8 are hard to set TX level but can be done. Use a scope and look for clipping or flattening of SSB wave . just before that happens is level you want. just run like 50% or less power. I have the QT 60, 60 watt version.. 10-15 watts FT8 runs hours with little heat on heat sink. If I was to change something on the QT 80 that would be Power poles like you did. 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, I’m excited about the radio. Just ordered some aviation plugs to see about a sound card interface 👍

[@robertmeyer4744]

@@TheSmokinApe I used the digirig on my QT 60. works great. Using Anytone cable set. You have to make one for QT 80 . If you put into different jacks you can use PTT for CW . For digital just need PTT/Ground/audio in and audio out. unless you want VOX on radio then PTT not needed

[@michaelltnv6741]

My understanding about the qt radios is that if you do the mod the modulation only, it still runs clean. Have you tried that mod yet?

[@robertmeyer4744]

@@michaelltnv6741 I have experience with the QT radios and the anytone line. I own a few myself . And tested them on high end test gear. The only thing you do inside is the jumper. Some can be done thru the programming cable and no need to open. But on the QT 80 if you want 15 meters you must more jumper. The factory settings are good and should be messed with unless good test equipment . Remember PART 97 of FCC rules falls on us the amanture radio opearoter , This allows up to MOD and to do things with our radios. But we have to keep them clean . The QT radios have a service menu and with the correct program we can change things like Bias on finals ,The ALC and MOD limiter and power settings as well as calibrate the display meters. Some have gotten into that menu and modded radio for more audio and swing and power. getting like over 100 watts PEP from them. But doing that makes radio so dirty and has spurious emissions all over . and makes finals hot and burn out. DO NOT DO THAT . That is a violation of FCC rules. What you do is adjust for like 95% mod on AM with a power swing like 4:1 ratio . This gives great audio and clean signal and no splatter outside of band with . You adjust SSB ALC with 2 tone signal for a nice looking wave on scope with no clipping or flattening of wave. we call that a string of pearls . The factory settings are close but some improvements can be made . I have done that with mine. It's super clean better than stock . Got a tad more AM swing with power. Great sounding audio . I have the QT 60 . and had been modified but with high end test equipment. It is well with in part 97 spec. N8MJS does mod them with alignment done to part 97 spec. Scott's Radios . Check him out he can answer more about the QT radios and has many videos about the setup alignment . Hope this helps with thad MOD . I have done that . But the correct way . I even use on FT8 with great contacts . 73

[@WECB640]

The shielding boxes inside look to be a result of very good RF engineering design. I hope you'll do a RX audio and TX audio (spur) analysis in a future video. Thanks bro. 73

[@mostlypostie1]

It's an extremely clean radio. I have tested it. Harmonics and IMD is very very low! 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Hollywood, more tests to come 😮

[@45auto]

Just be aware of the sponsored cat videos. 🐈

[@TheSmokinApe]

Always watch out for that 👍

[@bdg77]

My cat has an O.F.

[@seanwieland9763]

I’m more worried about those Haitian cat videos. 🐱 🍽️

[@bassmanjr100]

​@@seanwieland9763I love cats. They are delicious in griot with a side of fried plantains.

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Looks like a really cool radio Ape, thanks for sharing!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Howdy Chuck 🍻

[@KS0JD]

Nice radio! Simple and easy to change. I hate T-connectors as well. But I keep a t-connector to power pole adapter cable in my Hamfest kit in case I come across a deal at a hamfest and want to do a quick checkout of the unit. Thanks for the video Ape! 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Jeff, that’s a pretty good idea 👍

[@KS0JD]

@@TheSmokinApe Also add Wago to power poles jumper. Then you can connect to bare wires as well. 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@KS0JD you must have an adapter in every pocket 👍

[@KS0JD]

@@TheSmokinApe Hi Hi, Just a small pouch. I take to ham fests. It's also good to carry a couple of aa and aaa batteries and a 9v. I like to test before I buy. Saves hassel in the end!

[@gregsmith1116]

Cool. I did not know that radio was expandable. Thanks for the video!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Yeah, super simple 👍

[@hughpatterson1480]

Great video as always! I bought one of these to compliment my Xeigu G90 when I need that extra power. I do the majority of my DXing on 10, 12, and 15 meters so this is perfect. It clocks in at closer to 100 watts SSB. I have a huge Ten Tec Corsair with the original power source and VFO controller that is in excellent shape. However, I've gotten into this idea of doing HF with smaller export radios and building my own antenna, Ununs, coils, etc. I love the G90 but the QT80 really rocks. Thanks again for the video. I think we're going to see more radios like this (easy mod or open software) from China. Thanks again for all the videos. I always learn something new without having to throw my "splaining" glasses on (I'll leave the heavy mental lifting to you)...73...Hugh...KN6KNB

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Hugh. The 80 is pretty sweet and I agree we’re gonna see more and more of these 10 banders. Glad you liked the video 👍

[@MrTommy001]

With this simple hack, you can have the perfect C B with "funny channels," like I have on my vintage Cobra 148 GTL.

[@TheSmokinApe]

😳

[@mj-dd2fb]

As always, thanks for another great video, Ape!

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@mj-dd2fb glad you liked it 👍

[@michaelltnv6741]

Thank you for this video. I can't wait to see everything it does. BTW, i didn't see the website click on for the paid cat videos.

[@TheSmokinApe]

It seems like a decent radio, thanks for watching Michael 👍

[@extreme978]

Mr Ape, Id like to see a power test. Check and see how much its doing low and high frequency. See how much its doing on 27mhz. That will tell us if its designed for CB or ham.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The power test video should be out in a few days 👍

[@mikeraymond6822]

great video i'm going to order the radio many thanks GW4

[@TheSmokinApe]

Thanks for watching Mike 👍

[@germanjohn5626]

What does it do to the spurious and harmonics?

[@TheSmokinApe]

That video will be up soon 👍

[@ECONOTANKCommander]

Have you done a video on the Radioddity DB50? I watched one and can't find it now., Thanks

[@TheSmokinApe]

Testing the Radioddity DB50 Ham Radio - Power Performance in Action kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXq6gJKlrN5smbc kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpOaYnmaZ5Z0aassi=oWHUTsjHHKR2nu-p Only 2

[@ECONOTANKCommander]

@@TheSmokinApe thank you

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@ECONOTANKCommander 👍

[@mazsom]

Thanx for the info! I have followed everything, step by step. Jumper is on 2-3. Key combo gives me no extra channel. But Only gives me 28.000MHz to 29.700MHz. If I press the button FUNC, after couple of seconds giving me the ECHO-L menu item nothing else. Disappointingly doesn't even giving me 11. Nothing below 28.0000. Any idea, please?

[@TheSmokinApe]

If you follow the steps it should work.

[@BigJohnsHamShack]

Thank you for the content good sir.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Howdy Big John, thanks for watching 👍

[@batica81]

Very interesting, although I am a bit worried about harmonic suppression at 15m.

[@mostlypostie1]

Don't worry. The low pass filter captures harmonics down to the 15m band without any problem.

[@TheSmokinApe]

We will test it out 👍

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

The display says FM. I assume SSB is in there somewhere?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Upper and Lower 👍

[@philipwells2793]

So is it clean on the expanded bands?

[@mostlypostie1]

It is a very clean radio.

[@TheSmokinApe]

We’re gonna test and find out 👍

[@mostlypostie1]

@@TheSmokinApe My testing shows better than -58 dBc harmonic suppression on 15m, and even better everywhere else. I'm using The same Siglent SSA 3021X plus as you. With all measurement options enabled. 73

[@joemarchinski914]

What about the 11 meter band

[@BLUEYENKO]

Yes but I think he’s avoiding that for legal reasons. There is an extra step on startup to get into 11M.

[@JonathanPhillips27]

I've been usuing a qt80 for a few weeks. Took some getting used to but can get a good receive w the nrc and dialing back the rf gain two or three places. I noticed it is only 80watts on 10m, on other bands only about 50watts ssb. Anyone else have the same experience?

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey John, I'll do a power testing video.

[@KO4VNX]

I am kind of guessing and hoping that manufacturers aren't building in this kind of a bonus feature unless the hardware inside the case will actually safely and effectively transmit on those expanded bands. I mean, if not, why would they include the option to make the display show a band that the radio couldn't actually use?

[@TheSmokinApe]

We’ll do some further testing, I am curious as well 👍

[@K4AX]

@@TheSmokinApe A saw another youtube video somewhere that had the rig putting out a lot less power on 15m, like 30w or something, but still good enough.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@K4AX I believe that could be possible, we’ll find out 👍

[@davidturknett4447]

I got mine from Scott's radios. Probably won't ever get my Technician license, never say never 😂

[@TheSmokinApe]

I hear he does good work

[@davidturknett4447]

@@TheSmokinApe I can't get it installed for a couple more weeks. Recovering from hip revision surgery. He makes sure they're performing like they should before he ships them out.

[@W5KJD]

I have the original AnyTone AT 6666 10 meter radio and it’s not really that good in so much that it’s hard to tune in for SSB unless someone is transmitting right on frequency or close to the frequency, if they are off frequency too much you can forget tuning it in. Now this new version looks a lot better from what I can see in your video it seems to have more digits on the frequency counter it may work better.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The CFO seems easy to dial in, I can do some testing on the frequency counter 👍

[@W5KJD]

@@TheSmokinApe That would be great 👍

[@germanjohn5626]

There is no such thing as off frequency in ham radio. That is why there are VFO's.

[@W5KJD]

@@germanjohn5626 I’m sorry I didn’t word my comment to suit your slow weak mind, I just don’t take in account that there are slow minded people reading my comments when I type them. Thank you for pointing out your lack of understanding in this matter.

[@MrFreddarama]

Mine won't do 15 meters after going into HF Band. It will only do 24.755-30.100 MHz. What is interesting is that the jumper only has 2 pins and not 3 like yours. Thanks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Well that is odd

[@John_Ai9D]

I used to have the QT60. It could do 10 and 12. I hated the clicky vfo. I like this radio way more, except for the clicks.

[@TheSmokinApe]

I like this one more too 👍

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

I’m still stuck between this and a 6666 pro haha. I’ve heard the pro has more pep idk

[@TheSmokinApe]

I like the vfo on this one better

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

@ yeah? I keep missing them when they go on sale lol

[@TimHarperW5TAH]

I wish there was a 6 meter version.

[@TheSmokinApe]

That would be sweet

[@agoraphobicadam1171]

Looks like an awesome radio. KO4HPC 73

[@TheSmokinApe]

Hey Adam, thanks for watching 👍

[@Siskiyous6]

The mod alowing 11m is why the do not sell it as a triband. 11m is how they get ya.

[@TheSmokinApe]

The ole freedom band 😮

[@BLACKHEAT1028]

They could have included 17M in the mod. Would have been real sweet 17M-10M for 300.00 bucks, I would have brought one on GP

[@TheSmokinApe]

17 would have been a nice add

[@spaceflight1019]

I bought a QB25 from them, and when it died two weeks after the warranty expired they wouldn't help me. Buyer beware!

[@TheSmokinApe]

Sorry to hear that, I generally have heard good stuff about their customer support?

[@spaceflight1019]

@@TheSmokinApe They didn't even offer me a discount on a replacement. I realize that they have to cut the warranty off and considered myself lucky that the radio lasted two years.

[@TheSmokinApe]

@@spaceflight1019 still a little discount would have been nice

[@NorthEastCornerRadio]

it's RADI ODDITY

[@TheSmokinApe]

That’s what I said right?

[@Robbie-sk6vc]

Than why are we showing people how to break the rules?

[@nortonics5745]

I came here to view the ad for the salt trick that keeps men hard for hours. Thanks Ape! 🧂🍺

[@TheSmokinApe]

Haha, thanks for watching Norton 👍

[@CBPunisher1900]

best part of the video he says nothing about 11m cb lol (ill watch it again just to make sure lol )

[@TheSmokinApe]

I must have missed that part 🤔

[@germanjohn5626]

Why would he cover chicken band?