--- by Matt M6CEB This year is set to be the high point in the sunspot cycle and there has never been a better time to get into the 12, 11 and the 10m band! These bands are open every single day at the moment and this is the perfect time to look at today's review. The Radioddity QT-60 is a fantastic radio for a great price, so I reached out to Radioddity to review their QT 60 radio as I have used and reviewed their products in the past and been extremely happy with them, they agreed to send me a radio for review on my youtube channel and I also agreed to write a review on my website, all views are my own and Radioddity has not had any input into anything I say or what I can cover. They have been very pleasant to work with and have a great support and sales team. The radio arrived in a few days from China via DHL and was received in perfect condition. I was really impressed with the speed and quality of the delivery and of the packaging. I then eagerly opened the packaging as I was super excited to see what the radio was like, the first impressions were absolutely amazing! The first thing that struck me was size! It’s a really big radio and has a nice weight to it, I also noticed the build quality, this is a huge plus, very nicely put together and the fit and finish was up there with some of the best i’ve seen! I especially noticed the main VFO knob felt really nice and would take a lot of use and abuse. as I have had other radios in the past where the build quality wasn’t the best but I can say with a high degree of confidence that this radio will hold up to intense use for several years! Another thing I noticed was the screen size! This is nice and big and would work well mobile too. There is quite a large heatsink on the rear of the radio but no cooling fan. I have used the radio extensively over the last few days and the radio does not get hot so the cooling works really well! On the rear we have a standard 3 pin power cable, we also have an antenna port (So239), Speaker jack (3.5mm) and PA socket (3.5mm) also the programming data socket, as far as I know this is only for programming so data modes will not work but I found a wiring diagram showing how to wire up your own microphones and this could also be used with things like Digirig and Signalink for FT8 etc…. Now was the exciting part! Turning the radio on for the first time! Wow! This is a really beautiful radio! The display is nice and large and very easy to read. I love the Signal, SWR and Power meter, it looks stunning! One thing I could not find was how to change the colour of the display, It looks nice either way and I quite like the orange display. It works really well on this radio. The microphone on this radio is really nice in the hand too! Very ergonomic and functions well, we have an up and down button on the top of the microphone and they have a nice tactile feel also. Looking at the front of the radio we have a frequency/display button, this is used so you can show either the channel number or frequency. We have a band button next to this where you have bands A to L so 12 bands in total! Each of these bands has 40 channels that can be programmed using the free software direct from the Radioddity website, so you have a lot of options for programming. On the left of the radio we have an RF power rotatable dial and the RF gain dial in front, so its a dual purpose knob in effect, the radio will go as low as 1w and maximum of 60w on all modes! Having the RF gain is also useful for attenuating strong signals and reducing some background noise. On the bottom left we have the power on/off and volume knob, I also like the fact you can see a visual representation on the screen showing you the volume level, this works for a lot of the settings on this radio, nice touch! Along the bottom of the screen we have 8 buttons, 7 of which are white and the far left menu button is orange. The white buttons have a dual purpose so you short press to activate one function and long press to activate the other. The buttons are marked as follows.. - Mode/TSQ This switches the mode from FM, AM, USB, LSB, PA and TSQ Setup. - DW/+10k Dual Watch scan and Frequency +10k function. - RB/Beep This sets the Roger Beep We have 6 to choose from and can even make your own in the programming software! The beep turns on/off the radio beeps (changing channel etc..) - NB/HCUT Noise Blanker function and Hi-Cut function. - Scan/Skip Scan, Scan add, Scan delete. - Mem/Store Use store or delete a memory channel. - EMG/Lock Emergency Channel and Lock function. On the right side of the radio we have (top right) the Squelch and clarifier knob same as before we have the outer knob as the squelch and the inner knob as clarifier, we also have the visual representation on the display, again, nice touch. Bottom right we have the channel selector knob, this is used to change channel or frequency and also used within the menu system to change settings. This is a push button also, you can easily change frequency for example by pushing the knob and selecting 100hz, 1000hz etc… so you can easily get around quickly to where you want to be. Here are the specifications of the QT-60 SPECIFICATIONS GENERAL Frequency Range: 28.000-29.700MHz(Programmable) Frequency Band: A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I WX channels: 162.400MHz, 162.475MHz, 162.425MHz, 162.450MHz, 162.500MHz, 162.525MHz, 162.550MHz Channel: 40 channels(programmable)in each band Frequency Control: Phase-Locked-Loop Synthesizer Frequency Step: 100Hz, 1KHz, 5KHz, 10KHz, 100KHz, 1MHz Frequency Tolerance: ±5.00ppm Temperature Range: -20℃ to +50℃ Microphone: with push-to-talk/UP/DN and coiled cord Input Voltage: 13.8V Dimensions(in mm): 305(L)x200(W)x60(H) Weight: 1.73kg Antenna Connector: UHF, SO239 TRANSMITTER Power Output AM PEP: 60W / FM: 50W / SSB: 60W(PEP) Drain: 10A(with modulation) Modulation: AM/FM/USB/LSB Intermodulation Distortion: SSB: 3rd order, more than -25dB | 5th order, more than -35dB SSB Carrier Suppression: 55dB Unwanted Sideband: 50dB Frequency Response: AM/FM: 300 to 3000 Hz | SSB: 450 to 2500Hz Output Impedance: 50ohms, unbalanced RECEIVER Sensitivity SSB: 0.25μV for 10dB(S+N)/N at greater than 1/2 watt of audio output AM: 1.0μV for 10dB(S+N)/N at greater than 1/2 watt of audio output FM: 1.0μV for 20 dB (S+N)/N at greater than 1/2 watt of audio output Adjacent-Channel Selectivity: AM/FM: 60dB; SSB: 70dB Image Rejection: More than 65dB IF Frequency: AM/FM: 10.695MHz 1st IF, 455KHz 2nd IF | SSB: 10.695MHz RF Gain Control: 45dB adjustable for optimum signal reception Automatic Gain Control(AGC): Less than 10dB change in audio output for inputs from 10 to 100,000 microvolt Squelch: Adjustable; threshold less than 1.0μV. | Automatic Squelch Control(only AM/FM)1.0μV Audio Output Power: 3 watts into 8 ohms Frequency Response: AM/FM: 300 to 3000Hz; SSB: 450 to 2500Hz Built-in Speaker: 8 ohms, round. External Speaker(Not Supplied): 8 ohms; disables internal speaker when connected Here is what you get in the box. 1 x QT60 Radio 1 x Detachable Microphone 1 x Mounting Bracket 1 x Microphone Hanger 1 x Power Cable 1 x Spare Fuse(10A, 125V) 2 x Non-slip Mat 2 x Screw for Bracket 2 x Pad for Bracket 4 x Adjusting Screw 2 x Self-tapping Screw 2 x Pad 　 I had a good look at the programming software and it’s really easy to use (check out my youtube video). Has a lot of customization options, you can even have your callsign displayed under the signal,SWR and power meter. It looks really nice and I like that you can customize your radio this way. You can also make your own custom Roger Beeps too! I have never seen this on a radio before and was really quite impressed. My conclusion on the Radioddity QT-60. This is a fantastic radio! I cannot rate it highly enough, I found the build quality to be exceptional and really easy to use. I have had no issues in doing the wideband mod and it was definitely worth doing! This has not only given me access to the 12m ham band but also 11m too! This radio is a keeper for me and I have found its forever home right here in the shack. If you’re reading this and thinking of purchasing the radio then I highly recommend it. 　

If you are new to amateur radio, you might have heard of the 10-meter band, which is one of the most popular radio bands. But what is a 10-meter radio, like Radioddity QT40, and how is it different from other radio bands? In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about the 10-meter radio. 1. What is a 10-meter radio? The 10-meter radio is a type of amateur radio that operates on the 28 MHz frequency band. It is a high-frequency radio band that allows for long-distance communication, making it popular among amateur radio operators who want to talk to people from other parts of the world. 2. What's a 10-meter used for? The 10-meter radio is mainly used for two-way communication between amateur radio operators. It is used for various purposes, including talking to people in other countries, participating in contests, emergency communication, and experimentation with different modes and equipment. Talk to other amateur radio operators: One of the main reasons people get into amateur radio is to make contacts with other operators around the world. With a 10-meter radio, you can communicate with other operators using various modes such as SSB, AM, and FM. Participate in contests: Amateur radio contests are a fun and competitive way to test your skills and make contacts. There are several contests throughout the year that focus on the 10-meter band. Experiment with antennas: Antennas are a critical part of any radio system, and experimenting with different types of antennas can help you optimize your setup for better performance. With a 10-meter radio, you can try out different antennas and see how they affect your signal. Explore digital modes: With the right equipment and software, you can use your 10-meter radio to operate in various digital modes such as PSK31, RTTY, FT8, and JT65. Help with emergency communications: In times of emergency, amateur radio operators can be called upon to provide critical communication services. With a 10-meter radio, you can be part of a local or regional emergency communications network. DXing: DXing is the art of making long-distance contacts with other operators around the world. With a 10-meter radio, you can try to make contacts with stations in other countries and earn awards for your achievements. Experiment with different power levels: 10-meter radios usually have adjustable power output levels ranging from 1 to 100 watts. Experimenting with different power levels can help you understand how they affect your signal and reception. 　 3. How far will a 10-meter radio transmit? The range of the 10-meter band can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of antenna used, the power output of the radio, the mode of transmission, and the conditions of the ionosphere. Under normal conditions, the 10-meter band can typically support communications over distances of several hundred miles (or kilometers) using SSB voice or digital modes such as RTTY or PSK31. With good propagation conditions, such as during peak solar activity periods or during Sporadic E propagation events, communication distances of over a thousand miles (or kilometers) can be achieved on the 10-meter band. Ultimately, the range of the 10-meter band is highly dependent on a variety of factors, and can vary widely from one situation to another. Amateur radio operators should always use good operating practices, make responsible use of their equipment, and operate within the limits of their license and local regulations. 4. Do I need a license to operate it and are there any privileges and restrictions for each class? Yes, you need a license to operate a 10-meter radio. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates the use of radio frequencies in the United States, and you need to pass an exam to obtain a license. There are three levels of licenses: Technician, General, and Extra. The Technician license allows you to operate on the 10-meter band, while the General and Extra licenses allow you to operate on other frequencies as well. Technician Class License:Technician class license holders have operating privileges on the 10-meter band from 28.000 MHz to 28.500 MHz. They are permitted to operate on all modes of transmission that are legal for amateur radio operators, including voice, digital, and CW (Morse Code). However, they are limited to 200 watts PEP output power. General Class License: General class license holders have expanded operating privileges on the 10-meter band, with access to the full band from 28.000 MHz to 29.700 MHz. They have the same operating mode privileges as Technician class license holders, but with a higher power limit of 1500 watts PEP. Extra Class License: Extra class license holders have the highest operating privileges on the 10-meter band, with the same privileges as General class license holders. They also have the highest power limit of 1500 watts PEP. It's important to note that these operating privileges are specific to the 10-meter band and may differ on other amateur radio bands. It's also important to be aware of any frequency allocations, band plans, and operating protocols that may be in effect on the 10-meter band or in a particular operating region. Amateur radio operators should always operate within their license privileges and comply with all regulations and guidelines set forth by the FCC and other governing bodies. There are no operating modes that are specifically reserved for a particular license class on the 10-meter band in the United States. All licensed amateur radio operators are authorized to use any operating mode on the 10-meter band, including voice, digital modes, and CW (Morse code). However, it's worth noting that some digital modes may require higher power levels than what is allowed for lower-class licenses. For example, the JT65 and JT9 digital modes may require up to 1500 watts of power for reliable operation, which is only allowed for Extra class license holders. So while all license classes are technically allowed to use these modes, they may not be practical or effective without the appropriate license and equipment. In general, the operating mode that a user chooses to use on the 10-meter band will depend on their personal preferences and equipment capabilities. Some popular modes on the 10-meter band include SSB (single sideband), FM (frequency modulation), and various digital modes such as FT8 and PSK31. 5. What's the most popular mode for a 10-meter radio? A 10-meter radio supports several modes of operation, including SSB (Single Side Band), CW (Continuous Wave), AM (Amplitude Modulation), FM (Frequency Modulation), and digital modes such as RTTY (Radio Teletype), PSK31 (Phase Shift Keying), and FT8 (Franke-Taylor design, 8-FSK modulation). The most popular mode for a 10-meter radio is Single Sideband (SSB). SSB is a voice mode that allows for clear, high-quality communication over long distances. Unlike AM, which is the other common voice mode used on 10-meter radios, SSB provides more power efficiency and better audio quality. This makes it ideal for long-range communication, especially in challenging conditions where signals may be weak or prone to interference. Another reason why SSB is popular on 10-meter radios is that it allows for a wider range of frequencies to be used within the 10-meter band. SSB signals can be tuned to occupy just a few kilohertz of bandwidth, allowing multiple SSB signals to occupy the same frequency range without interfering with each other. In addition to SSB, other modes that are popular on 10-meter radios include FM, CW (Morse code), and digital modes such as PSK31 and FT8. Each mode has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right mode for a particular situation depends on factors such as the distance between stations, the available equipment, and the operator's preferences and skills. 　 6. What's the difference between 10-meter radios and CB radios? While 10-meter radios and CB (Citizens Band) radios (like Radioddity CB-27 Pro) may look similar, they are designed for different purposes and operate on different frequency bands. Actually 10-meter radios are not designed to communicate with CB Radios. Here are some key differences between 10-meter radios and CB radios: Frequency range: CB radios operate on a narrow band of frequencies between 26.965 MHz and 27.405 MHz. In contrast, 10-meter radios operate on a wider band of frequencies between 28.000 MHz and 29.700 MHz. Power output: CB radios are limited to a maximum power output of 4 watts for AM and 12 watts for SSB, while 10-meter radios can output up to 200 watts of power (for Novice and Technician classes). Licensing requirements: In most countries, CB radios can be used without a license, while operating a 10-meter radio requires a valid amateur radio license. Modes: CB radios are limited to AM and SSB modes (and the newly added FM), while 10-meter radios can operate in a wider range of modes, including FM, CW, and digital modes. Antenna requirements: 10-meter radios have a shorter antenna length. CB radio antennas are a bit longer. Without considering other parameters a quarter wave antenna for 10m is 2.50 meters long and for CB the same quarter wave antenna is 2.75m long. Both of them must be tuned with an SWR meter and have its SWR set for the closest ratio to 1:1 as possible to work properly. Range: Due to their limited power output and shorter antennas, CB radios have a shorter range than 10-meter radios. 10-meter radios can make longer-distance contacts, especially when using SSB mode and a high-gain directional antenna. Use cases: CB radios are commonly used for short-range communications between vehicles, while 10-meter radios are primarily used by amateur radio operators for long-distance communication and experimentation. 7. What Antenna should a 10-meter radio use? The type of antenna you use with a 10-meter radio will depend on the mode of operation and the location of the antenna. For general use, a vertical or dipole antenna is suitable for a 10-meter radio. A beam antenna is also an option for those looking for directional capabilities. Conclusion In conclusion, the 10-meter band offers a unique and exciting opportunity for amateur radio operators to communicate over a range of distances using a variety of modes and frequencies. Whether you're interested in voice communication, digital modes, or CW, the 10-meter band has something to offer for operators of all license classes.