Radioddity QT60 Radioddity Scanning Feature

[Nittybelle]

Hubs and I are brand new to amateur radio, studying for technical license. Bought the QT60 Radioddity, hubs made the modification. All is good there... the problem is when we are using the scanning feature (we do have an antennae--indoors) we are not getting any clear channels. Any recommendations on how to pick up more channels without spending a ton of money on a fixed outdoor antenna? Also, any recommendations on any fun channels to listen in on? We are located in Utah and it is very windy right now, so I am predicting that could be an issue with the radio waves, etc.

 

[mmckenna]

Hubs and I are brand new to amateur radio, studying for technical license. Bought the QT60 Radioddity, hubs made the modification. All is good there... the problem is when we are using the scanning feature (we do have an antennae--indoors) we are not getting any clear channels.

"Indoor" antenna may be your issue. These frequencies want a good antenna installed outdoors if you want decent performance. Indoors, there's just too much wiring, ventilation ducts, copper pipe, noise from electronics, etc.

Any recommendations on how to pick up more channels without spending a ton of money on a fixed outdoor antenna?

No, you can put a lot of effort into trying different antennas, but ultimately you're going to need an antenna outside if you want any sort of performance.

Also, any recommendations on any fun channels to listen in on? We are located in Utah and it is very windy right now, so I am predicting that could be an issue with the radio waves, etc.

Wind on its own won't impact radio waves. An improperly installed outdoor antenna can have issues with wind and static electricity build up, so make sure you properly install your antenna, ground it, and have a lightning protection device.

 

[Nittybelle]

"Indoor" antenna may be your issue. These frequencies want a good antenna installed outdoors if you want decent performance. Indoors, there's just too much wiring, ventilation ducts, copper pipe, noise from electronics, etc.



No, you can put a lot of effort into trying different antennas, but ultimately you're going to need an antenna outside if you want any sort of performance.



Wind on its own won't impact radio waves. An improperly installed outdoor antenna can have issues with wind and static electricity build up, so make sure you properly install your antenna, ground it, and have a lightning protection device.

Thank you!

 

[Nittybelle]

We are wanting a vertical antenna then. But we are not sure what our radio/transmitter can handle, we bought the 60QT Radioddity; 12Meter max... Without knowing anything in electronics... the manual is not very helpful in that regard.

 

[mmckenna]

We are wanting a vertical antenna then. But we are not sure what our radio/transmitter can handle, we bought the 60QT Radioddity; 12Meter max... Without knowing anything in electronics... the manual is not very helpful in that regard.

Well, yeah,
That's a 10 meter amateur radio. You should be able to use a vertical 10 meter antenna.
But above, you mentioned something about your husband 'modifying' the radio. That appears to add 11 meters (not an amateur radio band) and 12 meters.

Getting a vertical antenna that will cover 10 and 12 meters will take some work. There's a lot of options and making a decision right now may not be in your best interest. Get your amateur radio licenses and learn about the hobby. Deciding what you want to do will help you decide what kind of antenna you'll need.

 

[AK9R]

A friendly reminder, the Radioddity QT60 is built and marketed for use on the 10m amateur radio band. It does not have an FCC equipment authorization to transmit on Citizens Band. The radio police are probably not going to swoop down on you if you transmit with this radio on CB, but doing so is still against the FCC's rules.

The 10m amateur band comes and goes. Right now, there's a fair amount of activity on 10m due to the sunspot cycle. Even with the help of the sun, 10m is good one day and bad the next. A 1/2 wave dipole antenna for 10m would be about 16 1/2 feet long. A 1/4 wave vertical antenna would be about 8 feet long and would require radial wires on the ground below the antenna. You aren't going to hear much on 10m with an indoor antenna.

Also, with an amateur radio Technician license, your 10m privileges will be limited to 28.3 to 28.5 MHz using SSB and 28.0 to 28.3 MHz using CW. A Technician license gives you no privileges to use FM on the 10m band and no privileges at all on the 12m amateur radio band that your radio may have been modified for.

 

[Nittybelle]

Thank you so much. We are planning on going beyond Technician. Right now, we just want to get familiar with the equipment, rig and only listen until licensed at general level. So listening is all we are trying to do now but are not finding much. That’s why we are asking about antennas. Just to receive. Thanks!