Both PW and RadCom have articles in recent editions on network radios.
These look like conventional mobiles or portables with a PTT and an antenna (in the case of portables) but they connect to the internet, usually as the units are Android devices. They link to apps like Zello and Echolink, so can link to repeaters and amateurs elsewhere on the planet e.g. a mobile in Australia.
In reality they feel like conventional radios on 2m or 70cms. They can use 3G or 4G cellular networks or wifi. Apparently data only SIMs are very low cost. Not having used one I cannot comment.
With worsening HF conditions, these may appeal to many. Using the internet means that QSB and local noise are not problems and big antennas are not needed. Purist will ask, "is this real amateur radio?".
They are basically an Android Tablet repackaged into a radio formatted HT or mobile case.
ReplyDeleteClever marketing eh? :-)
When you can buy an Android tablet for as little as £30, the price for a network radio maybe a bit OTT!
73 Steve
Given that no Amateur Radio Frequencies are used, and that no Amateur Radio Licence is required, then except where its used as a gateway to another network how can it be Amateur Radio. Like CB its a valid hobby, but Amateur Radio, I don't thinks so.
ReplyDeleteThe apps work just fine on any mobile so you don't need to pose with a "Pseudo" radio. The cheapest SIM I could find with a decent data allowance was £10 a month, hardly cheap.
As for marketing well "The Guild" that runs IRN will give you a "Pseudo" call sign, and a nice certificate to go with it for $10. It feels more like one of those fake universities that give out degrees for cash rather than a technical organization.
By the way, there is nothing new in IRN. It uses the tried and tested TeamSpeak platform that has been used by gamers for over a decade and which is freely available for "non-profit" organizations. The membership of "The Guild" is also managed by a free platform, "MemberPlanet.com" which you have to join first.
Mind as I sit here my radio is running WSPR in the corner. Is that Amateur Radio?
ReplyDeleteWSPR at least uses point to point RF comms and has validity just as CW, telemetry and SSTV do.
ReplyDeleteUsing chat apps on Android with internet over mobile networks uses radio technology but is not Amateur Radio. It could be regarded as a kind of Citizen's Band but with mobile broadband as the medium. That's fine. I'm happy for people to use it but it has little to do with amateur radio in my opinion.
There have been similar "CB" and similar apps on phones. Reviews for those include comments like "Bad app for kids the things being talked about are not for kids." and "Tons of traffic. Lots of swearing. Turned it on and within two minutes heard super racists slurs."
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't sound like the image we want to present for amateur radio.