Radtel RT-1000Pro

[AK9R]

I think this is a place where the FCC needs to step in.

Sadly, in today's "sell first, ask questions later" global market, there's no guarantee that some off-shore retailer (Alibaba, Temu, etc.) won't sell it to US customers even without an FCC equipment authorization. This is where the FCC needs to team up with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to stop the importation of electronic products that don't have an FCC ID. CBP will quickly stop the importation of dairy products or firearms. I'm not convinced that they consider electronics products in the same light.

Hopefully they realize what kind of liability they're opening themselves up to before these radios hit the market.

Do you think they care?

 

[bearcatrp]

Guess we will find out soon if fcc approves them or not. If they do disable this function, am guessing the hack will be disclosed shortly after release.

 

[blueline_308]

I am impressed with the amount of gatekeeping in this thread. So it can transmit of frequecies that might disrupt important comms. From the beginning of radio, such devices existed and yes, some were abused, but most not. Maybe a PPL holder who is also a HAM wants a all in one radio to carry...they can buy this one.

Do we expect cars to be governed to the speed limit to avoid breaking that law, or to have a device that yields to ambulances?

 

[mmckenna]

Do we expect cars to be governed to the speed limit to avoid breaking that law, or to have a device that yields to ambulances?

No, but we expect that cars will meet certain safety standards, not only for the occupants, but also for those on the road around them.

Same goes for radios. FCC type acceptance is there for a very good reason, even though there are those to think otherwise. It not only helps the average consumer get the right tool for the job, but also makes sure that misuse of the tool isn't going to interfere/impact others.

As for 'gatekeeping', call it what you will, but it's well established by many previous enforcement actions that there is some part of the population that is too stupid to be given a powerful tool like a hackable two way radio and be left alone unsupervised.

 

[sallen07]

As for 'gatekeeping', call it what you will, but it's well established by many previous enforcement actions that there is some part of the population that is too stupid to be given a powerful tool like a hackable two way radio and be left alone unsupervised.

Not to mention the part of the population that thinks rules are for "the other guy".

Oh, I'll program a couple air frequencies in my new toy "JUST IN CASE" I ever need to talk to an airplane.

Yeah, right. There is no plausible scenario where a ham would need to transmit on air frequencies with a ham HT.

I would think that someone who had a legitimate need for an air band HT would want one that was type accepted, too!

 

[mmckenna]

Oh, I'll program a couple air frequencies in my new toy "JUST IN CASE" I ever need to talk to an airplane.

Yeah, the thought process seems to come to a screeching halt at that point. Zero consideration for someone else getting hold of the radio, a child, a nosey friend, someone steals it, finds it.

I would think that someone who had a legitimate need for an air band HT would want one that was type accepted, too!

That would cost too much, and the masses want the cheapest Chinese product they can get their hands on, rules be damned.

Best way to battle this is every time someone just wants a walkie talkie, tell them to buy a CCR and that it's OK to use 146.52 unlicensed, and to please give the radio to their youngest child. Tell them not to worry about the cranky hams that'll complain. Bonus points, tell them to program in the local ham repeater, for "just in case" or "when all else fails".

Better they do it there than on public safety frequencies.

 

[AK9R]

Yaesu VXA-700. Capable of transmitting on both VHF aviation frequencies and 2m amateur radio. No longer in production. Rumored to be very rare.

VXA-700

www.yaesu.com

 

[bearcatrp]

That looks like my VX 7R. Is there a spec sheet for the 1000 pro? The web sits isn’t very informative.

 

[Scannernitwit]

Hello.

Firstly, I hope everyone is well.

In one capacity or another, for over forty years, I have used radios on the job here in the States and elsewhere. I was issued a radio, pushed to talk, released to listen, and didn’t touch the buttons. I haven’t a clue. Now, I do what old retired guys do: occasionally teach and consult. Still use radios.

My screen name is appropriate.

I am a casual listener and like to know what is going on in my community. This July, while on the boat, I want to listen to the Sail Boston communication. In late July, I will be teaching in Maine. While there, I like to listen to the locals. Some of my drives are long, so I listen to Troopers. I have an Uniden 436 scanner and use GPS to find stations. It is a miserable experience. The only reason I have it is to listen to the State Police and a couple of other State agencies. For everything else I listen to, I use older commercial radios.

A colleague and RR member recommended a used Kenwood commercial radio. I bought two. Each was programmed with a handful of frequencies in the Boston area and the New England I95 corridor. Built like bricks, loud; they are terrific for 90 percent of my needs.
The Kenwood radios are beginning to fail.

I recently read about the Radtel here at RR. Though I recognize all the downsides, I’m considering getting one. It is inexpensive. I can listen to marine channels, local UHF/VHF public safety, and when my grandkids are on the boat. They can listen to pilots on approach to Logan.

If I cannot figure out how to use it, eh, no big deal. It’s not an $800-$1000 scanner.

I enjoy visiting this site, and I have learned a lot. Nonetheless. I do notice that questions about programming scanners and other radios are frequent. “My scanner doesn't hear. Why doesn’t my scanner …?”

This morning, I assembled the imported Chinese patio chairs my wife ordered. Believe me, I am not a fan of buying from China. As far as the government stopping radio imports or other electronics, it's not going to happen.

But. For my needs, a cheap Chinese radio may work. A $50.00 Baofeng scanning four local frequencies has worked well in the past. Until I dropped it in the water. The Kenwoods have been dropped too. Dropping an SDS150 would not be a good thing!

I recognize that I am not a knowledgeable member. But I also recognize that many members may be searching for a less expensive compromise and accept the limitations.

Congratulations to Uniden for the SDS150. From everything I have read, it is a terrific product. The cost, the complexity, and the fact that I would use only 25% of its capabilities will prevent me from buying it and keep me looking for other options.

I am considering using ham radios as a public safety receiver.
No, I don’t want to talk to anyone, not even in an emergency, and I don’t know how to access a repeater.

Have a great summer!

 

[mmckenna]

I am considering using ham radios as a public safety receiver.

No reason at all you cannot do that.
They are (usually) easy to program from the front keypad, so no need to drag a computer around to make minor changes.

They are often quite limited in what they'll support, though. If you want to listen to P25, you're out of luck. Some of the Chinese ones do DMR, a few do NXDN, all do analog.

A good low buck solution for many.

Plus, if you ever decide to get your ham license, you already own the radio, but zero pressure. If you are happy just listening, then you're all set.

 

[Scannernitwit]

Hello mmckenna... thanks.

That is what I have been told. Programming is a huge issue for me. I have a Mac. Downloaded a Windows emulator and downloaded the Uniden software. It was near impossible for me. Lately, I have been learning CHIRP with another Baofeng.

I like the idea of using the front keypad. I remember decades ago getting the frequency guide and programming a scanner by hand, only to mess up and have to start over!

Yes, I understand that I will not be able to listen to digital. I'm going to sleep on this and give some thought to what I want to do.

When time allows, I will visit a ham store in NH for guidance.

I have training with the USCG coming up; a terrific group of people, and I appreciate the work they do.

Take care.

 

[AK9R]

I recently read about the Radtel here at RR. Though I recognize all the downsides, I’m considering getting one.

When you get one, please let us know how it works out for you.

 

[bearcatrp]

Like any radio, all have their pros and cons. Ham radios are slow compared to scanners. If you want ease of use, the SDS150 is a no brainer. It’s easy to do upgrades. Not allot of programming needed. Owning a Mac does bring issues but can be done. Am still learning my 950 pro. Having 3 vfo’s is what caught my attention. You may want to wait for the 1000 pro to be released. From searching different forums, looks like adding am for cb is the only upgrade, but have to wait for the official release to be sure. Good luck on your decision.

 

[EAFrizzle]

...I am a casual listener and like to know what is going on in my community...

...I recently read about the Radtel here at RR. Though I recognize all the downsides, I’m considering getting one. It is inexpensive. I can listen to marine channels, local UHF/VHF public safety, and when my grandkids are on the boat. They can listen to pilots on approach to Logan...


...I am considering using ham radios as a public safety receiver...

I'd say you're ahead of a lot of people because you understand the difference between a scanner and a receiver, and what each can do for you. A lot of folks get disappointed by not understanding those differences and uses.

I have Radtel 860, 880, and 950 models, and they're excellent as receivers. Being able to monitor 3 V/U channels (2 for the 860) and an HF frequency simultaneously for less than Franklin's portrait is a big draw for these HTs.

Aside from the AM modulator and airband transmit, it looks like the primary difference between the 1000 and the 950 is the return to separate antennas for the transceiver and receiver sections. I prefer the dual setup for monitoring to the single SMA jack of the 950. It's just much easier to use separate antennas for HF and V/U than switching or using a compromise.

On HF reception, the 860 and 880 are very good performers with active loop antennas, and good with passive antennas. The 950 has a better gain section than the others, and does nicely on HF with telescopic antennas. The bandwidth is not adjustable on HF, so adjacent channel interference can be a problem. Frequency accuracy and stability is very good, usually needing no BFO adjustment on SSB for modern transmitters (HFGCS, USCG, new ham stuff).

I'd assume that the 1000 will have the two operating modes of the previous models. The names of the modes seem to change from model to model, but the results are the same. One mode allows the transceiver to transmit on the VFOs and simultaneously monitor HF on the receiver section. The other mode, usually called something like "wide-band receiver mode", cuts off transmit and give you some more flexibility in VFO assignment, but takes away the simultaneous HF listening.


If your grandkids like listening to aircraft, they'll enjoy one of the Radtels. They do very well in civil and military airbands, plus they can listen to the overseas flights on HF.

As to which model I would recommend for you, that would depend on your antenna situation, and what you want to/are willing to set up. For the 950, a VHF antenna will kinda work OK on strong HF signals, and vice versa. There are some active loop antennas that do fairly well at covering both, but it's still a compromise. I like using the dual antennas of the 860 and 880 at home or or the car, but it can be ungainly in handheld/on-the-radio use.

If you just want to use it as a handheld, I'd recommend the 950 and the Radtel tri-band antenna RHD-771S. It works well for scanner frequencies and does a pretty decent job hearing HF. The little loop antennas that go on them seem like a novelty; the 771 or a telescopic whip do better for me on HF.

For the usage you've described, I think you be happy with either the 950 or the 1000, just decide what you want/need about the antenna selection and choose the appropriate model. Enjoy!

 

[Scannernitwit]

Like any radio, all have their pros and cons. Ham radios are slow compared to scanners. If you want ease of use, the SDS150 is a no brainer. It’s easy to do upgrades. Not allot of programming needed. Owning a Mac does bring issues but can be done. Am still learning my 950 pro. Having 3 vfo’s is what caught my attention. You may want to wait for the 1000 pro to be released. From searching different forums, looks like adding am for cb is the only upgrade, but have to wait for the official release to be sure. Good luck on your decision.

Hello bearcatrp.

Thank you for the reply and comments.

As I previously wrote, I am a casual listener with a narrow field of interest.

I’m not an enthusiast or off-duty public safety; if it were important for me not to miss a call, I would buy the SDR150 today.

My Uniden 436HP with external GPS does most of what I want. However, programming and building favorite lists truly is difficult for me. I don’t enjoy it, and that’s on me.

I will likely purchase the Radtel 950 Pro. It cost $100 bucks, and I won’t get stressed if it doesn’t work the way I want it to. Also, I can use the Mac native CHIRP software to program it.

Cool colors too!

I recognize it’s not a scanner, and, just a reminder, I don’t want to talk to anyone.

Day-to-day, listening to a handful of Public Safety frequencies, I use my Uniden 436HP with the zip code set to 2 miles. For a long drive to northern Maine or elsewhere, or on the boat, I plug in the GPS. For the most part, my system works, and I am reasonably happy with my scanner.

I will use the Radtel to focus on some frequencies I do not mess with on my scanner and experiment a bit. The price and the ability to use a Mac native software to program it are the selling points.

Take care.

 

[Scannernitwit]

I'd say you're ahead of a lot of people because you understand the difference between a scanner and a receiver, and what each can do for you. A lot of folks get disappointed by not understanding those differences and uses.

I have Radtel 860, 880, and 950 models, and they're excellent as receivers. Being able to monitor 3 V/U channels (2 for the 860) and an HF frequency simultaneously for less than Franklin's portrait is a big draw for these HTs.

Aside from the AM modulator and airband transmit, it looks like the primary difference between the 1000 and the 950 is the return to separate antennas for the transceiver and receiver sections. I prefer the dual setup for monitoring to the single SMA jack of the 950. It's just much easier to use separate antennas for HF and V/U than switching or using a compromise.

On HF reception, the 860 and 880 are very good performers with active loop antennas, and good with passive antennas. The 950 has a better gain section than the others, and does nicely on HF with telescopic antennas. The bandwidth is not adjustable on HF, so adjacent channel interference can be a problem. Frequency accuracy and stability is very good, usually needing no BFO adjustment on SSB for modern transmitters (HFGCS, USCG, new ham stuff).

I'd assume that the 1000 will have the two operating modes of the previous models. The names of the modes seem to change from model to model, but the results are the same. One mode allows the transceiver to transmit on the VFOs and simultaneously monitor HF on the receiver section. The other mode, usually called something like "wide-band receiver mode", cuts off transmit and give you some more flexibility in VFO assignment, but takes away the simultaneous HF listening.


If your grandkids like listening to aircraft, they'll enjoy one of the Radtels. They do very well in civil and military airbands, plus they can listen to the overseas flights on HF.

As to which model I would recommend for you, that would depend on your antenna situation, and what you want to/are willing to set up. For the 950, a VHF antenna will kinda work OK on strong HF signals, and vice versa. There are some active loop antennas that do fairly well at covering both, but it's still a compromise. I like using the dual antennas of the 860 and 880 at home or or the car, but it can be ungainly in handheld/on-the-radio use.

If you just want to use it as a handheld, I'd recommend the 950 and the Radtel tri-band antenna RHD-771S. It works well for scanner frequencies and does a pretty decent job hearing HF. The little loop antennas that go on them seem like a novelty; the 771 or a telescopic whip do better for me on HF.

For the usage you've described, I think you be happy with either the 950 or the 1000, just decide what you want/need about the antenna selection and choose the appropriate model. Enjoy!

Hello EAFrizzle.

Firstly.
Ward Bond. Undoubtedly played the best right-hand man ever. Every film he was in benefited from his performance.

Thank you for the reply.

Despite my screen name, I do have experience with radios. My first “police radio” was a Realistic Patrolman that I manually turned the knob trying to find a frequency. I used a handful of scanners from the late 70’s until now and have also used very high-end radios throughout my career and continue to do so from time to time.

Push to talk, release… etc.

To use a scanner today, I must have a higher level of technical skill. My difficulty is that, as a consumer with basic radio and computer skills, I have not kept up with the changes. Zip code and GPS programming help. If not for that, I would not bother.

Your reply to me, however, illustrates part of the problems I have in understanding radio/scanner usage.

You wrote” “… bandwidth is not adjustable on HF, so adjacent channel interference can be a problem. Frequency accuracy and stability is very good, usually needing no BFO adjustment on SSB for modern transmitters (HFGCS,”

Huh?

I’m kidding with you, I’ve seen worse. But I read this kind of wordage daily on Radio Reference. I have to look up what the "alphabet soup" means.

I’ll be happy listening to an aircraft on approach flying overhead or maybe a ship’s pilot chatting with a tug. I will also target some specific federal channels.

I like coming to this site. Even though I am not a radio enthusiast, it is informative, and on occasion, I learn new skills. I’m treated with courtesy, and I appreciate that.

I’m looking forward to giving a report when I use the Radtel.

Thanks again!

 

[bearcatrp]

I too use zip code and distance with selecting what service I want to add. After a few weeks of tweaking the distance every couple of days, can hone in what I want. I tried favorites but went back to zip code. Got to try my new 150 with built in gps on my 1st camping trip of the season. 3 hour drive. Did what it was built to do. Works sweet.

 

[Scannernitwit]

Hi bearcatrp.

There is no doubt in my mind that it is a terrific device.
The built-in GPS is very appealing.

What I like the most is being able to view the scanner screen on the Ipad mounted in my boat and in my vehicle.

I just can't justify the cost... but you never know!

Take care.