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Quoted: Is there any effort to give these digital mode(s) (say, dmr) and encryption? That would be the bees knees. View Quote they're not trying to expand the capabilities at this point, I dont think. I think the cost to entry for this radio over a much cheaper HT is the issue. (if they're not flying off the shelves, they arent motivated to update and add features) |
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It's because the makers are sort of flying under the radar, as is.
Harris allows it because it's a low tier transceiver that doesn't really challenge anyone's LMR sales. You make it where it actually does stuff... Motorola in the day was pretty covetous, I'm not sure how Big H would take it. Reminds me; about time to go poke the bear again that says they are building the new gen 152... |
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Greetings all!
Short version - does anyone in the SoCal area have one of these, along with a PTT that would allow a Comtac VI to plug in, for testing purposes? Long version... so, I ordered an amplified PTT for my UV-5Rs so I could plug in my new Comtac VI. While it works, there is an irritating buzz whenever I transmit. I don’t hear it, but everyone else does when I talk. Before I sent the PTT back, I thought it might be a good idea to test my headset with a known good one... and it’d be even better to do it with a genuine military PTT and six-pin connector. That way, if it worked with known good parts, we’d know it was the amplified PTT and not my headset. I’ve tried it with enough UV-5Rs to pretty much rule out a bad radio. I suppose if someone had a known good UV-5R (or whatever) setup and was willing to meet to test this out, that’d work as well... Thanks! |
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Quoted: Greetings all! Short version - does anyone in the SoCal area have one of these, along with a PTT that would allow a Comtac VI to plug in, for testing purposes? Long version... so, I ordered an amplified PTT for my UV-5Rs so I could plug in my new Comtac VI. While it works, there is an irritating buzz whenever I transmit. I don’t hear it, but everyone else does when I talk. Before I sent the PTT back, I thought it might be a good idea to test my headset with a known good one... and it’d be even better to do it with a genuine military PTT and six-pin connector. That way, if it worked with known good parts, we’d know it was the amplified PTT and not my headset. I’ve tried it with enough UV-5Rs to pretty much rule out a bad radio. I suppose if someone had a known good UV-5R (or whatever) setup and was willing to meet to test this out, that’d work as well... Thanks! View Quote Where/ who did you get the PTT from. I'm keeping track of what works/doesn't work. Mine has been flawless. |
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To add...
@scarlett92584 makes robust amplified PTT's using genuine U94 PTTs. Mine has 100% flawless since the day I got it. |
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Quoted: Where/ who did you get the PTT from. I'm keeping track of what works/doesn't work. Mine has been flawless. View Quote https://www.facebook.com/groups/1443722339200376 What kind of ears do you have? Thinking the issue may be that mine are Comtac VI NIBs. I suppose if anyone here in SoCal has some Comtac IIIs that we could test it on, that’d be another variable to eliminate. The guy that makes them says he’s not sure if he’s ever encountered a VI before... |
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Is there not an airsoft or milsurp store around you that you could drag your stuff into and see if they would help?
Failing that, is there not a ham radio or search and rescue or prepper group or electronics repair place or radio install shop or communications shop? That buzz is going to be a bad ground, a ground loop, bad work in the amp, bad amp to radio software configuration, or a wire issue. |
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Quoted: Is there not an airsoft or milsurp store around you that you could drag your stuff into and see if they would help? Failing that, is there not a ham radio or search and rescue or prepper group or electronics repair place or radio install shop or communications shop? That buzz is going to be a bad ground, a ground loop, bad work in the amp, bad amp to radio software configuration, or a wire issue. View Quote The answer to each of your questions is “I’ve no idea”. Well, I do know Evike is down here somewhere, but I’ve also seen that they are closed for the duration. You can place an order and they’ll hand it off to you in their parking lot, or something to that effect, but you can’t go inside and play with anything. Besides, are there *any* retail locations that carry these? I always thought they were an online-only type of thing... |
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Quoted: are there *any* retail locations that carry these? I always thought they were an online-only type of thing... View Quote Many of those places will sell 3M/Peltor products, and several of them might have mil radio equipment. You certain the plug is completely connected to the radio port? I'd expend some time ruling out the simple stuff |
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Quoted: not really looking at it from the radio link in the chain. If you talk into the box, and no buzz, then it is from the boxes connection into the transceiver outboard. Many of those places will sell 3M/Peltor products, and several of them might have mil radio equipment. You certain the plug is completely connected to the radio port? I'd expend some time ruling out the simple stuff View Quote The radios work fine with either nothing, or a speaker mike plugged in. So, the problem’s either the PTT or the Peltors, which is why I’d love to try them with a known good PTT to a six-pin connector... |
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What's up with the prc listings on ebay saying they include the encryption board?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-TCA-AN-PRC-152A-MBITR-CNC-VERSION-MULTIBAND-RADIO-ALUMINUM-Shell-High-Power-/264852268888 |
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Quoted: What's up with the prc listings on ebay saying they include the encryption board? https://www.ebay.com/itm/US-TCA-AN-PRC-152A-MBITR-CNC-VERSION-MULTIBAND-RADIO-ALUMINUM-Shell-High-Power-/264852268888 View Quote |
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Quoted: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1443722339200376 What kind of ears do you have? Thinking the issue may be that mine are Comtac VI NIBs. I suppose if anyone here in SoCal has some Comtac IIIs that we could test it on, that’d be another variable to eliminate. The guy that makes them says he’s not sure if he’s ever encountered a VI before... View Quote Comtac III w/ single comm. |
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Quoted: While it works, there is an irritating buzz whenever I transmit. I don’t hear it, but everyone else does when I talk. View Quote that's an issue with the UV5R. mine did that a couple times then I fiddled with it and it stopped.. (was using a hand mic at the time)... I can't remember what I did to fix the problem but I ran through all the connections making sure they were secure and I also changed the Tx/Rx channel and the issue went away.. it's happened on a couple different setups at different times over the last 5-6 years.. (not at all recently though) |
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Quoted: that's an issue with the UV5R. mine did that a couple times then I fiddled with it and it stopped.. (was using a hand mic at the time)... I can't remember what I did to fix the problem but I ran through all the connections making sure they were secure and I also changed the Tx/Rx channel and the issue went away.. it's happened on a couple different setups at different times over the last 5-6 years.. (not at all recently though) View Quote Huh. Most folks tell me they've never had that issue with their gear. I've also tried different frequencies and different UV-5Rs... EDIT TO ADD oh yeah, I also use speaker mics without issue... :-/ |
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Quoted: that's an issue with the UV5R. mine did that a couple times then I fiddled with it and it stopped.. (was using a hand mic at the time)... I can't remember what I did to fix the problem but I ran through all the connections making sure they were secure and I also changed the Tx/Rx channel and the issue went away.. it's happened on a couple different setups at different times over the last 5-6 years.. (not at all recently though) View Quote That's the baofeng tight hole curse. Many of the plugs have flash or sprue or they just messed up, and the plug pole won't fully seat, causing a minor short. Sometimes a MAJOR short and the radio goes into TX until you yank the plug. You wind up either trashing the connector, or taking an xacto knife and trimming the excess plastic away until it completely seats. I think? I'm pretty sure that's right. That, and they are a bitch to remove the plug from the jack, too. |
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Quoted: That's the baofeng tight hole curse. Many of the plugs have flash or sprue or they just messed up, and the plug pole won't fully seat, causing a minor short. Sometimes a MAJOR short and the radio goes into TX until you yank the plug. You wind up either trashing the connector, or taking an xacto knife and trimming the excess plastic away until it completely seats. I think? I'm pretty sure that's right. That, and they are a bitch to remove the plug from the jack, too. View Quote Huh. I didn’t notice any difficulty removing the plug. Also, the radios work fine when I use a regular speaker mic. |
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Is the volume knob on these supposed to turn the radio off? If I turn mine down full stop the radio does not turn off.
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So, I think I need to buy one of these.
Problem is, I don't know enough to know what I don't know, if that makes sense. :-D Is there an Idiot's Guide to these radios, or maybe some venerable expert who wouldn't mind maybe walking a newb through the details via chat or something? I can't even fall back on what I learned in the Army, as we were still using PRC-77s... Usecase: talking with people using Baofengs and the like, but I want to have cool toys. Hiking, camping, post-apocalyptic coordination, etc. Also, I've been thinking of getting back into milsim airsoft, and I'd hate to be the one with the lame gear that everyone laughs at when he's not around. Anyone know if these are any good? |
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View Quote I bought mine from the ShiQing guy on FB. Super easy to deal with, and it shipped fairly quickly. I bought the TRI version, though... |
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Quoted: I bought mine from the ShiQing guy on FB. Super easy to deal with, and it shipped fairly quickly. I bought the TRI version, though... View Quote Is there much difference? I know there are two different brands, and that some people say one or the other is better... but that's about all that I know... |
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Quoted: Is there much difference? I know there are two different brands, and that some people say one or the other is better... but that's about all that I know... View Quote Honestly, I'd read quite a bit about both, and couldn't come to any serious conclusion about which was truly better. I just went with the newest 10W version from TRI. So far, it's holding up well. I haven't transmitted yet, since I'm studying for licensure, but it seems to receive pretty well with an 18" folding antenna. Reading through this thread will give you some good info. |
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Quoted: Honestly, I'd read quite a bit about both, and couldn't come to any serious conclusion about which was truly better. I just went with the newest 10W version from TRI. So far, it's holding up well. I haven't transmitted yet, since I'm studying for licensure, but it seems to receive pretty well with an 18" folding antenna. Reading through this thread will give you some good info. View Quote I did read through the whole thread. A lot of it, I didn't understand... but as to the two brands, it seems that some people like one and some like the other. :-D |
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Was hoping to see a TRI PRC 117 this year but I guess not due to COVID. Need to pick up a 148 to go with my 152 to hold me over.
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You guys think you have problems, I have a real one that had a capacitor blow up. It now shows SYNTHISIZER UNLOCK.
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Quoted: This place has 4 for $100. They are used, or at best NOS, but not guaranteed to be 100%. When I ordered four, two were dead and un-usable, one was is good working shape, and the last works, but you can tell by the voltage sage when used that it's not long for useful life. Harris chargers for them are not to expensive on ebay. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: What's a good source for spare Harris batteries? Mine came in yesterday after almost 2 months waiting. They are used, or at best NOS, but not guaranteed to be 100%. When I ordered four, two were dead and un-usable, one was is good working shape, and the last works, but you can tell by the voltage sage when used that it's not long for useful life. Harris chargers for them are not to expensive on ebay. FFFFFFUUUUUUUU.... I held out too long and they’re no longer available. I looked all over the web and I can’t find any anywhere. I hate myself. I would be happy to take some off someone’s hands if they want to sell... |
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Have a couple of the factory Harris PRC152 battery chargers new in box if anyone is looking before I list in the EE.
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Quoted: if someone in the NOVA area has a TRI and wants to get together to reverse engineer the comms we could probably set up a time to do it and I could help get the documentation started to get some software written for it if there's nothing available. It would give me a great excuse to finally buy my own salae, I need a good excuse. lol View Quote New member here but NOVA local with a LOT of test equipment and reversing experience, more than happy to lend my skills and equipment to this effort. As for the "there's no easy or simple way to test antennas to know how good they are or if they're just a dummy" I raise you a pocket Vector Network Analyzer, I literally keep one in my away team work pack. They're INCREDIBLY useful and these days damn cheap. |
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Quoted: New member here but NOVA local with a LOT of test equipment and reversing experience, more than happy to lend my skills and equipment to this effort. As for the "there's no easy or simple way to test antennas to know how good they are or if they're just a dummy" I raise you a pocket Vector Network Analyzer, I literally keep one in my away team work pack. They're INCREDIBLY useful and these days damn cheap. View Quote AGREED! I picked one up when I purchased my radio and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with its versatility.. Got a dual band ABREE antenna and ran it through the analyzer, I was NOT impressed.. (with the antenna, the analyzer was, again, AWESOME) Attached File Attached File |
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I’m on the fence about a 10 w TRI PRC I found on eBay. I have looked at some Motorola LMR’s and considered using my Kenwood THf6a for use on my PC. I’m not sure my Kenwood would hold up to hard use. I realize the TRI PRC is really just a baofeng in a bigger case but would probably be easier to program than a Motorola. Can anyone talk me out of a 10w TRI PRC?
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Quoted: New member here but NOVA local with a LOT of test equipment and reversing experience, more than happy to lend my skills and equipment to this effort. As for the "there's no easy or simple way to test antennas to know how good they are or if they're just a dummy" I raise you a pocket Vector Network Analyzer, I literally keep one in my away team work pack. They're INCREDIBLY useful and these days damn cheap. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: if someone in the NOVA area has a TRI and wants to get together to reverse engineer the comms we could probably set up a time to do it and I could help get the documentation started to get some software written for it if there's nothing available. It would give me a great excuse to finally buy my own salae, I need a good excuse. lol New member here but NOVA local with a LOT of test equipment and reversing experience, more than happy to lend my skills and equipment to this effort. As for the "there's no easy or simple way to test antennas to know how good they are or if they're just a dummy" I raise you a pocket Vector Network Analyzer, I literally keep one in my away team work pack. They're INCREDIBLY useful and these days damn cheap. I have a TRI and am interested in helping... |
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Does anybody have issues using the TRI charger on Harris batteries?
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Mine seems to charge the TRI fine but when is on the Harris it says its charging put when I pu them in the radio the battery level never changes.
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Quoted: I have a TRI and am interested in helping... View Quote Whereaboutsish are you? and how would you like to collaborate on figuring out how to get comms working on these? Will likely require poking around on the main boards to find comms busses and possibly JTAGs to try ripping firmware off. |
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Quoted: Whereaboutsish are you? and how would you like to collaborate on figuring out how to get comms working on these? Will likely require poking around on the main boards to find comms busses and possibly JTAGs to try ripping firmware off. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted: Quoted: I have a TRI and am interested in helping... Whereaboutsish are you? and how would you like to collaborate on figuring out how to get comms working on these? Will likely require poking around on the main boards to find comms busses and possibly JTAGs to try ripping firmware off. Sent you a PM. |
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Well this was very interesting, good news is there IS a high probability of being able to program this but will likely require hardware modification unless we figure something out. More good news is that these are WONDERFULLY designed and built internally, triple board with plenty of FFCs and NO CHIP MARKINGS SQEEEGEED OFF, and a larger pocket for a possible daughterboard.
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Josh and Rktengineer-
Definitely good meeting you guys yesterday, and it was cool to watch you work. I'm curious to see what else you come up with... |
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I am not a squeaks and beeps guy by any means. So here one for you guys:
I have my TRI 148. Get the 148 on channel 1 for a talkabout. I can hear the talkabout on the 148, but the talkabout cannot hear the 148 when I transmit. Offsets are closed and set to 0.000. I see the little "use" sign on the lower right of the talkabout. I have tried a headset with the talkabout too--no luck there either. The talkabout is an old radio--but all other volume works fine on the talkabout. I am sure that I am missing something simple. Any ideas? Thank you. |
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Quoted: I am not a squeaks and beeps guy by any means. So here one for you guys: I have my TRI 148. Get the 148 on channel 1 for a talkabout. I can hear the talkabout on the 148, but the talkabout cannot hear the 148 when I transmit. Offsets are closed and set to 0.000. I see the little "use" sign on the lower right of the talkabout. I have tried a headset with the talkabout too--no luck there either. The talkabout is an old radio--but all other volume works fine on the talkabout. I am sure that I am missing something simple. Any ideas? Thank you. View Quote You have a PL tone enabled on the talkabout, what they might call a "sub channel" or "privacy code", something like that. Either disable that on the talkabout or figure out which tone it is and enable it to transmit with the 1faux8. |
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What do folks think about this version? I'm still trying to figure out where I should buy one from...
https://readymaderesources.com/product/tri-an-prc-152-multiband-handheld-radio-mbitr-aluminum-shell-radio12-6-volt-high-power-green/ |
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Quoted: What do folks think about this version? I'm still trying to figure out where I should buy one from... https://readymaderesources.com/product/tri-an-prc-152-multiband-handheld-radio-mbitr-aluminum-shell-radio12-6-volt-high-power-green/ View Quote Most people just buy them on EBay I think. |
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