So the radio we received was defective, and appeared to have been used, scratches on the screen, and version information had HA1G firmware. We ended up sending it back and should have a new one on Friday. We go through a lot of radios here at BigDawg Studios, so the occasional defective radio is no…
All posts tagged amateur radio

Retevis Ailunce HA1UV — Update
The HA1UV is in! We received the new Retevis Ailunce HA1UV today. Once we’ve had the chance to check it out and play with it a bit, we’ll post an update. At this point, we haven’t even gotten around to opening the box. Hopefully, tomorrow we’ll take it out of the box, charge the battery,…

FRS, MURS or GMRS, Which one is for you?
FRS (Family Radio Service) License: No license required Frequency: UHF (462-467 MHz) Power: 2 watts maximum Range: Shortest of the three, typically a mile or less in real-world conditions Antennas: Fixed, non-detachable Repeaters: Not allowed Channels: 22 (shared with GMRS) Cost: Most affordable of the three Best for: Short-range communication in simple situations, like amusement…

Baofeng UV-21R: A decent radio with decent features
To make things a bit easier for those who don’t want to sift through a lot of information and just want a quick non-technical impression this will be a quick one. It’s not the best radio I own, but it’s far from the worst. I would definitely buy another. Overall Impression The Baofeng UV-21 stands…

Retevis Ailunce HA1G: A Rugged GMRS Radio with a Learning Curve
The Ailunce HA1G is a robust GMRS radio designed to withstand the elements. Its IP67 rating ensures it’s dust-tight and water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, and other professionals who need reliable communication in challenging environments. While the HA1G’s substantial size and weight may not be ideal for everyone, it contributes to…

Building a Yo-Yo Wire Antenna: A Fun Experiment in Amateur Radio
Hi everyone, I’ve been on a kick lately with building simple wire antennas. I’ve experimented with a bunch of verticals, like the Buddistick, Pac-12, and the Harvest Taurus RO-109 HF Base Antenna. But none of them have quite lived up to my expectations. So, I decided to revisit an old favorite: the Yo-Yo Wire Antenna.…