FX-4CR All Mode HF Portable Transceiver With Bluetooth & 20 Watts RF Power
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video we take a look at the FX-4CR HF Transceiver from BG2FX. We cover features, functions, test radio reception and even make a QSO.
Please note that at the start of the video I say that the radio covers from 160m to 6m, but 160m is not supported. The range is from 80m upto 6m (3.5MHz upto 51MHz).
Purchase here:
www.banggood.com/custlink/mmG...
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DD8...
s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dn3...
Official Website:
bg2fx.com/transceivers-1
FT8CN Android App:
github.com/N0BOY/FT8CN
00:00 Introduction
01:02 In the box
01:40 Closer look
02:30 On Air QSO
02:48 Menu & Features
04:55 Receive Test
05:46 Transmitted Audio
06:25 USB CAT & Soundcard
07:51 Bluetooth Testing
09:08 Personal Thoughts & Outtro
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#TechMinds #SDR #HamRadio - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
I was lucky, I liked the look of this radio, went on to Yu’s web site and managed to catch a small window where he actually had some in stock and was shipping! Bingo, two weeks later it turned up. He only makes a few at a time and they sell out in hours.
I have owned one since July 2023 fantastic little rig. I have used it on several WWFF and POTA activation both SSB and data and love it. there has been some issues but YU the creator of the rig is very responsive and listens to the customers feedback.
Thanks for sharing
I own it too since July 2023, it's my primary portable rig for use it in the field. Great little radio and Yu/BG2FX give a good support. I made some mods inside for better SSB modulation and change the mic (newer FX4-CR have a newer/other mic like mine from middle 2023). All in all, a very usable outdoor rig with an amazing formfactor for a 20W TRX. The formfactor was my most important purchasing criterion. You will have a lot of fun with it, I'm sure. Digimode can be used very well too, only the bluetooth audio connection in combination with a PC don't work correct (I try WIN and macOS without any success) - but with an USB cable connection all will be ok. With Android you can use bluetooth.
Important to know: only BG2FX himself sells this FX4-CR official, other reseller like Ebay & Co. are not authorised and he don't support this device, if it wasn't purchased directly from him.
He has pointed this out several times in the FX4 Facebook group. 73 Heiko, DL1BZ
Got mine about 4 months ago and I LOVE IT!
Hi Matt I've had an FX4CR since they first came out and they do not cover the 160 m band. These radios are fantastic value and so compact, the blue tooth connection is really easy to setup and the receiver is excellent. Brilliant piece of kit and unlike most of the Chineese made radios the manufacturer's service is second to none.
Absolutely correct, I made a mistake in the video saying it covered 160m, but I corrected that before release by mentioning it in the video description. I'm looking forward to trying this radio portable, hopefully this week sometime, maybe on 20M! :-) Cheers
You should enjoy this one Matt its a really good little radio.@@TechMindsOfficial
amazing, seems like it wipes the floor with the g90! such a great looking rig!
Lovely bit of kit.
looks like an awesome bit of kit 👍👍
Been using my FX-4CR exclusively for all of my POTA activations since I got it last summer. All of my activations are on my YT channel. Loving it!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for video Matt.
You're welcome ;-)
the price is still steep... for this cost, I'm thinking the Xeigu G90 might be a better buy.
Depends on your operating style, if I didn't care about weight and just hauled a bunch of gear from the truck to a park table, the g90 would probably be a better purchase. I like being able to carry my entire operating station in a ammo pouch antenna included
Can’t beat a g90
Ufficio di iyuijuuydqqq5@@Miguel_KJ5CKG
@@MrToymod
Agreed here. Like my G90
That is a sweet little device!
Looks fantastic. 😮😊
This looks like a great portable radio for JS8. I like QRP but 20W is often the sweet spot for making reliable contacts, particularly when propagation is poor or when forced to use a compromise antenna. Apparently the receive current draw is very low so it's great for battery power, but it could be even better if the screen could be disabled when receiving over a long time or particularly when CAT control is used from a computer and the color display isn't needed.
1st. Nicely nicely Matt ! Catch you on the transponder soon ;)
I was listening earlier but was very quiet apart from pointless FT8! lol.. Cheers
Astounding, really.
It's a great radio. On mine, RX only it draws 185ma and 3.5A on TX at 20w. For me it's the perfect all round POTA/SOTA rig.
I am in love with this transceiver ❤
then why don't you marry it?
Are you available?
@@viralsheddingzombie5324 lol 😂
Nice rig...
To bad I can't afford one of each that I like. Had this been on my horizon in November when I purchased the RS 918 I'd have strongly considered it. I am very pleased with the RS 918, especially the receive ability; & when Omnirig syncs it with my RSP-1A thru SDRuno then sweet is fitting.
Gosh, I may have to give your channel a break, you show far to many goodies that my wallet objects to.
Thanks for the video ! Do you know if the FX-4CR is a direct sampling SDR ? I can't find even a superficial description of it anywhere including their manual or website. Thanks.
Need some faq or basic like how to start ham equipment wise. And can you do ham using sdr etc.
Thanks!!!
I'd be curious of the components inside but my suspicion is that it's based on the Open Source mcHF transceiver project. Too bad that they are pricing it so high... but fortunately the mcHF is still available and for about 40% less money.
Nothing like the mchf. It is its own animal.
Gotta have one.
Love the radio. Hate the price and microphone connector.
Nice video.
Just worked a POTA station from VK7 to here in ZL on 20, VK station using one of these. 57, great signal and good audio. ZL1HIM
This one seems interesting and looks a viable purchse ,so are you doing a field test or tear down to show the bulid quality !
Thanks for the comment, yep that's what I plan to do in some upcoming videos real soon. Cheers
Nice...
Very interesting, many thanks.
Its costs as much as the Q900 that goes from VLF to 2GHz with Automatic Tuner and battery built in. Would you really prefer that over the Q900?
You promised more videos on the Q900 but that never happened - is there a firmware bug on the Q900 or why is nobody continuing on deeper documentation on that 4th generation radio?
What does the manufacturer of the FX4CR recommend, 3S or 4S cells?
USB to jack plug is a total no-go! You might kill the host interface with a short!
'You promised more videos on the Q900 but that never happened' - I'd ask for your money back.
@@scopehitmyeye2019it wasn't meant like that. I am thankful for all of his content, but I was surprised that many youtubers wanted to create follow ups on this radio and nobody did. So I was wondering if this device has technical issues, like software bugs, no support... and maybe nobody wanted to trash the manufacturer in the hope they would come up with updates and improved hardware iterations of that radio in its 4th generation. Everybody turned silent after a few months - is that a coincidence?
Agreed, I have also been waiting for updates on the Q900 radio, which is 'interesting' to say the least. In fact Matt seems to have sold his Q900 V4 so, I doubt there will be any from him!@@n1vca
I had the Q900 v3 before returning it due to several issues, it then took 5 months to get a refund and Geoheadache really messed me around. This radio works well the manufacturer supports it the firmware is regularly updated. The receiver and outgoing modulation are fantastic, the current draw is minuscule and it fits in your pocket. Of course I'd prefer it to the Q900.
Is the CW finaly working or is it still crapy useless as the preview versions? See AE5X troubleshooting…
I have one. Sometimes it sticks on the opening screen and only shows the voltage. Very annoying. Works well once it gets on.
Thanks for the Video! Is it possible to EQ your TX Audio in the Menu? Thank you? '73
The price is also cute😊😢
Can it be used with ADS-B as a general purpose SDR radio?
@Tech Minds 6:30 why does it matter what order you plug them in, or power them on with USB? It's just data pins.
Good question, and the answer is.. As you plug in the 3.5mm jack into the radio the plug shorts over the pins inside until it reaches its correct position. If the other end is plugged into your computer then you could be potentially shorting those USB pins, and could damage your computers USB port. I tested this and yep, my whole USB bus went down and restarted but luckily it did not damage anything as I was plugged in via a hub. Hope that makes sense. Btw, its not just data pins, there is a 5v rail aswell within USB. Thanks
@@TechMindsOfficial oh that sucks! with jtags and stuff I usually never have a trouble if I connect them wrong... USB ports are normally pretty well protected from grounding and shorting.
It's too bad that they couldn't put a actual usb-c or something on this device. They must have got a deal on 3.5 mm jacks 🤣
Still looking for a 40m yagi that is as small or smaller.
nice divic, how power this!
Nice little radio to bad does not have a tuner built into it that would be nice. Can use z818 tuner with it.
The size is really impressive and seems it works well but I just can't see investing this much $ on a unit where I have no idea if the company will be in business if and when I might need service or replacement especially since those chassis connectors are so small.
The connectors are all standard, the manufacturers service is excellent, there are regular updates. The only problem you would really have is waiting on an original.
CW is still not right. Waiting on firmware fixes.
This leaves the others behind. Awesome design.
FL-4u2 is another one if I remember correctly
Do you know if it transmit in 11 Meters US? (27,###mhz)
Can it run with Linux? Other than my Android phone, that's all I use.
A nice radio. Everyone that has one loves it. But for the price I'm waiting on the Xiegu 6200.
In the UK they are saying the 6200 will be £1200, if it follows the usual pricing, I would guess around $900~1000 in USA
@@4X4-RADIO That would make the IC-705 that much more attractive. It's going to have to be a whole lot better than the 6100 to make it worth that price. It'll still be a beta tester dream or nightmare depending on POV.
Proprietary USB port is just shocking. How long will it take for device manufacturers to give in to usb-c
Probably licensing costs. Also USB-C has more requirements for data/power. Micro USB is easier.
@@mediocreman2
That's fair. Definitely about reducing BOM cost. But licensing for USB-C has the same logic as previous ports. Not forced to pay. Pay to use the logo and get a unique vendor ID.
Thanks for the video, nice rig. But there are a few questions:
- at BG2FX it´s sold out, Ali doesn´t ship to Germany, Banggood will. But they offer a rather old firmware and the question is: is it a chinese clone, can it be updated?
- reading the manual, the rig obviously has no AT which isn´t tragic, but it also does not measure and show SWR. So you have a small rig, but to go on the air you will need to take an external power supply, a SWR-meter and of course an antenna with you. This lowers the benefit of the nice compact case.
Just my thoughts, 73, Bernhard
it has swr and power out on the display when transmitting
@DC6NS Exactly as richie says, it shows SWR and Forward power when transmitting. An SWR sweep/graph would be an awesome addition though!
Thank you both! The Manual doesn´t mention that 🙂@@TechMindsOfficial
The only real fx-4cr is from bg2fx, any other site is selling clones, and there’s no support for those.
That´s exactly what I thought, thank you! @@Sean45LC
Can we get a look inside?
Great question and added to the list, thank you.
BG2FX website states "wide-band receive capabilities", is it general coverage and how well does it receive outside the ham bands?
There is an RX mode and a TX mode.
@@forgetyourlife What does it mean? RX Mode wide Band and in TX Mode Ham Bands only? I think its important that you can TX wherever you want in an emergency case or if you want to "quick check" where is your Antenna resonance out in the Field.
@@luckyllou7325Means your only going to be able to TX on the ham bands. Firmware may change that at some point but as of now non ham bands are RX only.
@techminds Being SDR based, can you check for spurious emissions?
I had no idea Chinese SDR devices were so expensive.
Lack of an internal battery a deal killer which negates its small size.
FYI: $539 - $610 USD in the links provided above.
$550 from Yu directly. He also does not support radios purchased from other sources. Direct from him is cheaper and ensures you have customer service.
Hello I'm in Australia and I'm going blind so for the last year I have been thinking about radio so I don't go mad I have tried some of these radio boards that you buy on eBay and non of them have worked they receive normal music Radio stations but then all the rest is dead all I'm wanting to do is listing to find out if it's right for me and if it is get my licence can you please help
you need to get a decent antenna, don't buy a $600 rig and $20 antenna, buy the most expensive antenna you can buy, it;s as important as the radio
What kind of software does this radio run?
Cobol and Fortran
Where is the tuner?
looks nice, but 0ver $500 is deff not in the hobby range
With the included small mic, no matter how I adjust I get bad audio reports
Use the on board mic option then. It’s better anyway.
the original small mic has been known to have issues i have read the latest batch is now shipped with a different (larger) mic.
@@M0KCBthe original mic is fine as long as you hold it away from your mouth. It’s really sensitive.
This is not machined metal, it's aluminum extrusion.
As at 20Feb24 Out of Order :(
you looking at ?
How much? 🇨🇦
$580 in the U.S. , depending upon vendor.
the first what i see is the small tune button, so i wish a bigger tune button, that one is not for big hands.
with the amount of references to the maker in the comments, it feels like an advertising campaign. I'll wait and see if they're still working in 18 months
Well i didn't get paid for making an advert so I want my money if you think its an ad campaign! :p
Funny how all these Chinese transceivers come to the US market with crazy prices like they are made in the US. Nice small package, but too expensive. For $600 you can get a full blown 100W HF mobile transceiver.
but not even close to the same form factor, also I can't see any new 600USD ham rigs for sale
@@eddthirty4065 form factor looks like it'll break in no time. Meanwhile the 20 year old radios lasted over 20 years already...
Not a chance this lasts twenty years, if you've bought any Chinese SDR equipment you'll know this already
0.2 watts
It needs at least 10v so 9v is out of the question
When you say "Quite..." You really mean "Complete..." - am i right? :) You should do a series of utter pants gear.. Maybe ask for people to send You the purchases they are ashamed of being suckered on.. THAT i would enjoy..
I literally have two full boxes of crap gear that’s not worth showing, I don’t need any more lol. I’m trying to think of entertaining ways in which I can destroy them on video :) watch this space! :)
@@TechMindsOfficial I hope this isn't the 100K subscriber goodie bag you mentioned .😂
The price for $50 of electronic parts. 250 I would
lol...
At this prize I have G90 and a lot of side accessories.... Cute thing but overprized.
For $619 usd i could hire a team of chinese developers to make me something better 😂
It's ok , but way way behind radios from 20+years ago that still give for this price a much better option that carries no depreciation
Name some please
Kind of a click bait title. I saw 20 Watts and was WTF! Hell Yes!!!! Then came the dreaded 20 mW. 😮💨
WTF are you on? It is a 20 watt radio.
At around $1000aud, I'd rather buy a full size radio
Quite what ? Matt 😂
It was a slip, I promise :)
@@TechMindsOfficial ahh, true though 😉
@@adamap2796 very true! lol..
Can it do 11 meters
RX only.
Yes, transmits also.@@forgetyourlife
@@bartw9857 not mine or the newest ones. Only RX out of band.
$550 but not available.
5w $395 but avail soon
Hahahaha, not for US$700, ridiculous.
"1 Megawatt up to 20 watts" You mean Milliwatts perhaps?
I said miliwatts. If it was megawatts I think I’d need a bigger psu! :)
@@TechMindsOfficial No, you said Megawatts
@@TechMindsOfficial Yes you said megaWatts.
Gust ON6KE
And the RF gain is……
iwould never pay the price on aliex of almost 6000 or 600 us rather a 70 or x90 or a 73000 or a 710 not this not worth it sorry
Nice video. Now Chinese product are better than American junk. 🤗
Price, FX-4CR is an expensive TCVR, knobs are very cheaper, connectors as well.
i just got mine this week and the knobs are now nicer and metallic.
too expensive and the selling services have problems
Yikes, i liked it untill i saw the price, i think ile keep saving for a real radio. Ive already wasted money on one of those hack rf things wich is actually completly useles to me. My toaster picks up better signals..
Ugh $100.00 US max
Hahahahaha, not for US$640... NEVER. Build cost is around $80, where did that other (assume 200% markup) $320 come from?
Simple answer...NO. At that price point? NO. Plenty of quality products for much less, with much more.
Instead of spending 600 bucks for a radio transceiver, I can talk to strangers on the internet for free.
Watch, you just type in this comment field and press the comment button.
But what if no one replies?
What if the internet or power goes down?
@@ChatGPT1111 You can go outside and talk to strangers there, like a (ab)normal human. 😂
@@Njazmo again, the point is to have comms with people far far away in order to relay information. Use your imagination. Ham radio operators could quickly create a message dispatch system between any two locations in the world without the internet and without the electrical grid. I have half a dozen ways to generate and save power. Half of the hams I know can operate this way. Geez, some people you cannot reach.
@@ChatGPT1111 if power goes down, so does a lot of radios.
Such an ugly design.
This little radio appears to be Awesome! And so does the price. This is for a Serious Person. This is no toy. And it'll cost you. The better part of 1/2, a thousand, dollars. So for the Serious Amateur. That likes little low powered toys. For adults.
Yeah no. I shan't be buying this gizmo. As it's only for hobby time Amateurs. And to actually be serious with this gizmo. You're going to need a Linear Amplifier. To pump out some Watts. Or just enjoy short hop communications. With anonymous men.
Yeah. I became an amateur operator when I was 14. But I quickly tired of, Morris Code. I wanted to talk on the radio. But that required 13 words, per minute. Of code. I could never quite get up to. So I said screw this!
I decided to become a Professional Radio Operator. And play rock 'n' roll on the radio. That was a lot more fun. And no Morse code needed. I did need to be talking to Amateurs. I was a Professional amongst Professionals. And that felt real good. I had a good following. I had regular listeners. It was a blast!
This radio is great for Amateurs. Of which I am not one.
RemyRAD
i disagree, imo its for a beginner, not for the serious Ham.
Thanks!
Thank you! Very much appreciated!