The Radioddity QT80 10 Meter Radio is a promising addition to the world of amateur radio, especially with the sunspot cycle heating up and 10-meter band activity on the rise. As someone who loves testing out new equipment, I reached out to Radioddity to get my hands on this radio for a detailed review. While Tropical Storm Debby slowed me down a bit, I was still able to get some initial impressions. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what I think so far—covering everything from build quality to key features and performance.
Build Quality and Design
The first thing you’ll notice about the QT80 is its solid construction. The metal case provides durability, which is important if you’re going to be using the radio on the go, perhaps in a vehicle or at a field day event. The front bezel, made of rigid plastic, adds to the overall sturdiness of the unit. While some might be concerned about the plastic bezel, I find it gives the radio a balanced weight and feel without making it too heavy.
One thing that did catch my attention was the knobs on the QT80. While they’re functional and easy to turn, they do feel a little looser than I would like. The knobs do hold their position when turned, but there’s a slight wobble, which makes me wonder how they’ll hold up with extended use. It's a minor issue, but something to consider when evaluating the radio's long-term durability.
Connectivity and Ports
One of the standout features of the QT80 is its 6-pin microphone connector. Unlike many radios that use the typical RJ45 connector, the QT80 opts for a more robust 6-pin screw-on connector. This should improve the durability of the connection over time, especially if you’re frequently connecting and disconnecting the microphone. I appreciate this thoughtful touch, as it will likely lead to fewer connection issues in the future.
The rear of the radio also offers a power plug (though it’s not a power pole), a connection for an external speaker, and a programming port. The programming port is a nice touch, allowing you to easily connect the radio to a computer and program it using the supplied USB-to-serial cable. This is a great convenience for those who prefer to customize settings via software rather than through the radio's buttons.
You can also use the radio’s buttons to program it manually, so it’s not overly complicated, even if you don’t have the programming cable on hand. This flexibility makes the QT80 approachable for both beginners and experienced operators.
Radio Performance
Now, let’s talk about performance. Of course, with the bands being a bit quiet due to the solar cycle, I didn’t have the opportunity to put the QT80 through its paces fully. However, I was still able to test out some key features. The layout of the buttons is intuitive, and everything you need is right at your fingertips. You won’t have to dig through complex menus to adjust common settings, which is a huge plus for ease of use.
The display is easy to read, even in different lighting conditions. One feature that I really like is the ability to change the color of the display, adding a bit of personalization to the radio. It’s a small thing, but it helps the QT80 feel a bit more customizable.
As for the microphone, it’s not the most high-end piece of equipment, but it’s functional and feels solid in the hand. While I haven’t had the chance to test its audio quality in-depth, it should perform decently in most situations. I plan on doing a more detailed microphone test in a future video, so stay tuned for that.
Modification Potential
One interesting aspect of the QT80 is its modification potential. While it’s sold as a 10-meter amateur radio, it can be modified to work on other bands, such as 12m and 15m. This is possible through a simple software change and a jumper switch that you can access by removing the bottom panel of the radio. This opens up some exciting possibilities for operators who want to explore beyond the 10-meter band.
If you’re looking to operate on 11m or 12m bands, this radio can be modified to accommodate that as well. It’s always great to see a radio that offers such flexibility, especially if you’re looking for a radio that can evolve with your needs.
Final Thoughts
Overall, my first impressions of the Radioddity QT80 10 Meter Radio are positive. The build quality is solid, and the radio offers a good range of features, especially for those interested in 10-meter operation. While there are a few minor concerns, like the slightly loose knobs, I believe this radio has the potential to be a reliable and durable option for both new and seasoned operators.
If you’re interested in picking up the Radioddity QT80, you can purchase it here. Stay tuned for more updates and detailed reviews!