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Latest VGC N76 Firmware Enables Full KISS TNC Control

The latest firmware update for the VGC N76 handheld radio introduces significant enhancements, particularly in enabling full KISS TNC (Terminal Node Controller) control via Bluetooth. This development opens up a world of possibilities for ham radio operators, providing greater flexibility and interoperability with various applications on smartphones.

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Xiegu X6100 firmware update to v1.1.8

Xiegu have just released an update to the Xiegu X6100 which fixes a number of well-known bugs, and make a number of improvements to features such as the waterfall, bluetooth, and wifi.

Changes in this version:

  1. Adjust the gain allocation in the baseband section, improve the received signal- to noise ratio, reduce broadcast crosstalk, and minimize birdies.
  2. Adjust the spectrum/waterfall automatic level tracking mode, improve the signal contrast when dealing with strong signal, easier to distinguish between signal and noise.
  3. Add audio spectrum/oscilloscope switch, turn off the spectrum/waterfall diagram can be exclusive display.
  4. Fix a bug where MFK tags could not be saved.
  5. Optimize the NR algorithm.
  6. Adjust the following CI-V data format:
    S-Meter:
    0000=S0,0120=S9,0242=S9+60dB
    SWR-Meter:
    0000=1.0,0048=1.5,0080=2.0,0120=3.0
    Volt-Meter:
    0000=0V,0075=5V,0241=16V
  7. Adjusted the operation logic of the WLAN settings interface
    Key description:
    F1(CONFIG):Edit the selected SSID in the left list (the selected SSID will be displayed in the Config SSID text box)
    F2(CONNECT/DISCONNECT): Connect/disconnect the selected SSID in the left list
    F3(WIFI SWITCH):Turn on/off WIFI power
    F4(TOGGLE/KEYBOARD):TOGGLE is displayed when the right button switch is selected. Press it to change the state of the button switch (on or off).
    Press while the text box is selected to turn on/off the virtual keyboard
    F5(EXIT):Exit
    ###knob description:
    MFK knob: Adjust the selected item in the left list
    VFO knob: Adjust the widgets selected on the right
    ###Other description:
    The virtual keyboard automatically selects the initial state according to different text boxes for quick input
    Numbers and decimal points can be input quickly through the handle
  8. Adjust the operation logic of BLUETOOTH setting interface
    ###Key description:
    F1(SCAN):Start scanning
    F2(CONNECT/DISCONNECT):Connect/disconnect the Bluetooth device selected on the left
    F3(ON/OFF): Turn on/off Bluetooth power
    F4: No function
    F5(EXIT):Exit
    ###knob description:
    MFK knob:Adjust the selected item in the left list

Download: Xiegu X6100 firmware v1.1.8

Shout out to Andeas M0FXB for the heads up about this. He’s done a great video overview here:

Xiegu X6200 Firmware upgrade v1.0.1

A new firmware upgrade has just been released for the Xiegu X6200 taking it to version 1.0.1, fixing a few bugs, and introducing a few new features.

There is an official firmware upgrade tutorial from Xiegu, and Matt from the Tech Minds YouTube channel has also provided a video overview of the new features and the upgrade procedure.

Highlights of this new version:

  1. Adds transceiver audio equalizer
  2. Adds display adjustment options, bandwidth/spectrum/waterfall color, etc
  3. Adds the spectrum center line switch, the user can choose to turn on or off
  4. Adds MFK variable step
  5. Adds voice compression
  6. Adds automatic screen backlight dimming/off
  7. Adds CW decoder threshold adjustment
  8. Adds the waterfall map translation switch, the waterfall map will translate with the frequency change after opening
  9. Optimizes frequency spectrum display speed, more smooth
  10. Optimizes spectrum and waterfall automatic level, better signal contrast, easier to see clearly
  11. Optimizes the function key operation logic (some switch parameters can be adjusted directly by pressing the button without turning the MFK knob, easy to operate)
  12. Fixes some display content display incomplete issue
  13. Fixes the power alarm BUG
  14. Fixes the CW auto key BUG
  15. Fixes the transmit power control BUG(voice plosive sound, such as p,t, etc., is prone to to make popping sounds)

Download X6200 firmware v1.0.1

Chinese radios or a Kenwood TH-D75?

The Kenwood TH-D75, a revamped version of the TH-D74, is now available with an eye-watering price tag of $750. No, that’s not a typo, Kenwood are really expecting you to fork out SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY dollars (or Pounds or Euros) for a handheld radio. Lets take a look at what you could get from China for that kind of money.

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Upgrading the Super Antenna with cheap Chinese parts

Let me be clear from the start, the Super Antenna MP1 is a good antenna. I have one myself that I use for operating portable. The main reason I chose it was because of the extremely compact size when disassembled. You see, I tend to go out on my bicycle, and while taking a fiberglass “squid pole” is possible, it’s a bit of a pain having a chunky pole strapped to the crossbar. With a few cheap mods, we can improve it from being a good antenna into a great antenna!

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How China is influencing the future of ham radio

The future of ham radio as a hobby is a topic that has been the subject of much discussion in recent years. With the rise of new technologies like software-defined radio and cheap hardware, the hobby is poised for a major transformation. While some hams see these technologies as the future of amateur radio, others worry that they are eviscerating some of the best things about it.

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Our first month online!

Today marks our one month anniversary (birthday?), and as you will see, we’ve been very busy bringing you the latest and greatest in Chinese ham radios.

We’ve been adding a heap of new radios and have also added a whole new section on antennas too. We’ve also been getting quite a bit of attention after being featured on some very popular websites.

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Exploring Chinese Alternatives to Branded Ham Radio Products

Ham radio enthusiasts often find themselves searching for the perfect equipment to enhance their radio communication experiences. While established brands like Icom, MFJ, and Super Antenna have long been trusted sources for quality ham radio products, Chinese manufacturers have been gaining recognition for their affordable, feature-rich alternatives. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some Chinese alternatives to well-known ham radio products, highlighting how these offerings can provide excellent performance without breaking the bank.

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