Review: AliExpress airband receiver - a complete waste of money
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- čas přidán 20. 02. 2024
- Everyone who flies an RC plane or drone should (in my opinion) carry a receiver that is able to receive aircraft transmissions on the aviation-band. This significantly increases "situational awareness" and adds another layer of safety to our hobby -- so important in an era when regulators are just waiting for an excuse to further restrict us.
I had high hopes for this DSP radio that is supposed to work on the AM and FM broadcast bands as well as the airband. It would have made a great pocket-sized receiver that anyone could clip on their belt and use to help keep themselves and the skies safe.
Sadly, it is one of the worst products I have ever reviewed and has such poor sensitivity on the aviation band that it is effectively useless. Do not waste your money on this piece of rubbish.
Stay tuned however, because I will soon be reviewing the R80 aviation-band kitset receiver in the hopes that it is a better alternative.
And, before everyone writes in the comments "what about the Baofeng ham handheld?" -- I will also be looking at this option but unfortunately it isn't a legal option for many countries due to its ability to transmit across a wide range of (licensed) frequencies.
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Yes to your server. I am waiting impatiently for your ADSB alarm and I eagerly await you air band receiver build to see if it is worth getting.
Since the ADSB uses the SDR, shouldn't you be able to set the receive frequency to your local field and "scan" /flip-flop between the two modes?
Yes come on Bruce, stop wandering through the woods with a backpack. We are waiting patiently 😅
Your ADSB receiver would help the Paragliding world as planes and helicopters have nearly taken me out of the sky as they seem to be to busy looking at their instruments rather than looking out of the window.
I fly Paramotor,and im looking forward to his adsb alarm my self.
I recently purchased a cheap compact hand held radio that covers the full air band in receive only, AM with programmable scanning etc. I added an air band antenna for about five bucks more and it is excellent, more sensitive than expected. It's a Ruyage UV3D.
Qaunsheng UV-K5 ham radio. With open source firmware will give you Airband 200 channels . I bought one for $25cdn. It's wide received , 18mhz - 1200mhz.
yes but, as I mention in the description, not actually legal in a lot of places, especially if you don't have your ham ticket. The last thing you want is to have the local radio spectrum regulator on your case as well as the airspace regulator :-)
@@RCModelReviews there is the option to turn off all tx
I recommend the Egzumer firmware specifically, as it fixes issues with AM receive.
I'm very curious to see how the R80 works. It would be nice to have a airband monitor on the cheap.
Hi Bruce, Great video and information, I am interested in the adsb alarm, I had a scanner years ago,but it doesn't tell me how high distance a plane is from me. With the alarm I could see that the plane is doing. Can't wait to see your next video. Thanks for the video and information.
Bruce such great ideas for keeping the RC community ahead of the game. Thanks
Have you considered a SDR dongle attached to a smartphone? The SDRtouch app works well as a scanner plus you get the benefit of having a waterfall display.
Thank Bruce, always appreciate content on RC Model Reviews
Looking forward to the ADSB project. I’ve got a setup for flight aware but unsure how to hook up a small display, gps, etc to take to the field with me.
There's one particular plane without ADSB that loves to come by making low passes over our RC field which even has 2 FRIAs, and we're right in the middle of Boeing territory. It's a bit frustrating during a busy weekend when there are several clubs and individuals out.
Really great ideas, Bruce! 😃
Looking forward to see the projects!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
An RTL-SDR can be picked up for $40. On Android you can run SDR++ to tune in wherever you want. I can pick up airband with the shitty telescopic antenna that comes included with the RTL-SDR - I know, it's not a "one gadget" solution, but hey - maybe it's a good entry into the hobby of SDR.
It really shouldn't be demodulating FM stations when in AIR mode as it should be demodulating AM.
Yep, I suspect that's why it's so crap. Odds are they're just using the FM code with a different oscillator frequency so the detector is rubbish.
You can do slope detection for narrow band FM, but I don't think that works well for WFM. The RTLSDR is an amazing receiver for the price, might be over complicating things.
The Talkpod A36 had a recent marketing push in the ham radio community capable of doing air band AM, but it has one nasty transmitter and I wouldn't reward companies with garbage transmitters.
Awaiting your server link with antici...pation.
The kit looks like a great little project if it works. Looking forward to the review.
Hi Bruce, what's the make and model of your 3d printer? I want one! Thanks
Eyes and ears work. We fly 2 miles from a busy GA, Flight School, NASA, F16 squadron, Coast Guard station. Eyes and ears have worked for over 40 years. No aircraft approaches unnoticed. But...I like the idea of a receiver. It is possible to find surplus 2meter Ham gear...maybe the transmitter no longer works and some have extended receive of the air bands.
My son is a pilot here in the USA and owns his own airplane. The only time that he makes a radio transmission from his airplane is when he is preparing to take off, near an airport and getting into the pattern to land. All transmissions are very short so an aircraft receiver to us who fly R/C model aircraft is probably of very little use I would think.
Que opinión tienes del receptor banda aérea RBBA-03?
Great Point Bruce, I live in a class G airspace area out in the middle of no where, and there was a TFR issued for helicopter tree trimming work, to clear a power line easement, the work went on for a day or so. Helicopter was working at around 200 to 500 feet with a long tree saw hanging off it, I have video, it was awesome to watch, amazing pilot. But on normal day who would have known...Cheers! BTW did you drop an affiliate link? 🤣🤣
Can't the RTLSDR receiver, that you use for your ADSB device, also be used for listening to the aviation-band?
This is probably how I would do things, buy a USB-C to USB-A cable and plug the rtlsdr into my phone, SDR++ has an android version.
Are the components in that kit new or used/recycled?
You know what pisses me off is when they send Hawks and Eagles, Birds of Prey to go after drones to knock them out of the sky with no regard for the animals Talons and life because it's could chop the legs off of these birds they're going to lose toes. people almost lose fingers all the time from small quadcopters that they buy but they have these birds attacking and they don't care about the birds legs or the birds life.🤔😐😑
Projects yes - adsb alarm and airband receiver. Own server is also of interest.
I bought a handheld air band rcvr - but where I live - there's just not much going on up there. So - I no longer scan with it. Just no air traffic to speak of. I see a chopper, about once a week. And way up there, the odd airliner or two. You could say, that the FAA needs another air zone defined - the X zone - filled with dead air, like mine - where you can fly as you see fit up to 400' or even more with a big glider.
Perhaps the regulators should supply all drone pilots with ad band receivers as a trade off for registering a model? After all, we are licensed to drive, and they supply road signs, line marking etc as an example. Regulators should definitely be working with us and not just in a dictatorial fashion.
Good work as always mate, post the receiver back via all express, ask for a refund.
I have a radio I use to listen to aviation band, no close calls or anything, but still nice to have. Definitely a good thing for us to be extra safe, but I think the fix is in. The powers that be just want rc flight corralled into little designated areas, regardless of the actual risk.
Another vote for your server and giving YT the flick. I would love to see your completed airband radio and a video for building it. More power to the GreyBeards 🎉
Safety and responsible behavior are the best goals for those of us who love the hobby, However, I guarantee there is more than one person attempting to intentionally bring down a manned aircraft with a quad copter. When that happens our hobby will completely disappear.
That ADS-B alarm is bin a cliffhanger for many years now, that's the only sad thing on this channel. it would be a very useful thing to have to gain safety when flying, but we don't have it. I use my eyes and ears when flying and so far so good. Here in my country its not legal to have a scanner, so we can't use one when flying. Cheers.
Maybe antena is not mached well for airband?
What soc is that pls? Esp32?
Yes please Bruce that would be a great project I was thinking of buying this kit to fit into my jeep when out flying going to order it now . see you tuesday on Drone & Sundry
Great video, explanations crystal clear, unlike the radios:). Yes, I like the idea of have an alternative to CZcams for viewing your content.
I carry an ADSB receiver and airband scanner with we for plane spotting. Don,t miss much. Laptop, SDR, and free software will just about any radio band, including airband and ADSB.
Yes to your own server. Let us know when you're up and running 😊.
ah good the see the bearcat is back!
I built one of the eBay Chinese frequency counter kits. Nothing wrong with my building - the thing just does not work. The on/off switch serves no function at all. The counting is not accurate and not sensitive. Basically, it's a build-in-yourself brick.
Be careful buying scanners people, many do not cover frequency needed to monitor air traffic
A baofeng probably could have its firmware modified to listen to air band
I think default it skips 110-136 mhz
But receives fm station down to 70mhz.
And does 2m to70cm
Problem is that it can let people transmit illegally
A multi rotor collision with a Robinson Heli is almost guaranteed to end badly.
Pop a few seams in the fuel tank alloy construction, and a flying bomb gets created.
Any fast reaction for avoidance by the heli pilot is likely to result in a mast bump, and the landing will occur soon after!
We fly out of and airport from an inactive runway we use a Baofeng UV-17Pro GPS Walkie Talkie 108-130MHz Air Band VHF UHF 200-260MHz 350-355MHz FM Radio Six Bands Freq Copy Waterproof. It seems to work as well as the radio we had borrowed from the Airport, it cost us about $62 Canadian
See my comments in the description of the video :-)
@@RCModelReviews Opps sorry didn't read the comments before I posted
First of all I thought I was going to be very clever and insightful and recommend a much more capable and cheaper alternative, that was until I read your comments in the description. I look forward to your upcoming videos.
I also think it’s worth pointing out that in some regions of our spinning rock it is illegal to listen to the aircraft band. Believe it or not it is still technically illegal in the UK as without an appropriate license you can only listen to broadcast radio, ham radio, and some of the ISM bands. As they say the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and if the authorities got out of bed on the wrong side the same day you were flying as well making an example over a very minor infraction, such as flying at an altitude of 12,001cm instead of 12,000cm, they could throw in a breach of the Wireless Telegraphy Act for a bigger headline. I know I sound very pedantic but in recent times we’ve seen increased legislation that appears to have been drafted from the Science Fiction and Fantasy category.
You just got the value for the money paid : if it is cheap it will be weak !!! not surprising ....
Hi I found your channels through your projects so I would like more projets
Baofeng UV5R and programming cable to prevent transmitting should fall in your price range to listen to this band.
Yes!
Hi Bruce so many questions to answer yes I would love to see stuff on your own server
Yes I have a Uniden scanner and use it regularly
No I have never had a instant when it has saved any one but I still use it
I can't wait for your adsb alarm
Keep up the fight
Hi Bruce. Good call on the airband radio. It remains illegal here in the UK to listen to airband, but lots of people do it and this is a case in point where the additional safety offered when operating model aircraft is well worth it.
Do you know why it is illegal to listen to airband radio? I can imagine that transmitting is illegal. I thought that many countries around the world have laws that are about freedom of retrieving information. If they don't want people to listen, then encrypt it.
@@JDSchuitemaker I believe under the UK Wireless Telegraphy Act it is illegal to listen to any communications of which you are not the intended recipient (or words to that effect). Even as a licensed pilot with the appropriate radio telephony licence, it is not legal for me to listen to airband. Madness really, but like I said, everyone who's interested does it and the authorities (quite rightly IMHO) turn a blind eye, as it's harmless and can offer safety benefits in some cases.
@@FastAsFunk Ok, I understand. Thank you for clarification.
They are still moni quads Bruce or Rc quadcopters, certainly not drones ;
Good dear!
Were id xjet?
Can we see you wearing the blonde wig on the shelf behind you Bruce. 😁
A device like this might work fine in many areas but in my general area they would be virtually useless. I live in southern California and am surrounded by 4 international airports, all within 30 miles of me so the receiver would never stop squawking. There are also around a half dozen General Aviation airports within that 30 mile radius. I have no doubt these devices would be great in a non metropolitan area.
The best option would be a TIDRADIO H3
I would argue that with technology the way it is today using our eyes and ears should be the last line of defence. Radio and adsb come way before as they can alert rc pilots and other aircraft of approaching aircraft far before they can be seen or heard. Just a shame not all aircraft have adsb and not all radio operators make radio calls and/or conduct a good listening watch.
Your own server would a great idea.
I use the HRD-737 multiband receiver, it works good enough on airband and it´s cheaper and better than the junk module you bought.
czcams.com/video/tU7xaoAAauQ/video.htmlsi=PLDztyRCXT7qJTrG
I read reviews which seemed to indicate that the squelch was pretty poor on those.
@@RCModelReviews
for the price, it is still better than no squelch, no assembly required , and it fits on a pocket. ;)
The Retekess TR105 is the same unit.
Possible upgrade? the HRD-767 seams even better! check it out
@@RCModelReviews For the price, it is still better than no squelch, no assembly required, and it fits on a pocket! ;)
The poor sensitivity of air band receiver could be a good thing, you will only hear aircraft in your location.
A Lancaster bomber flew very very low in my area, we didn’t hear it until it was right overhead, sounds unbelievable but totally true…it may be all the trees in the surrounding woods absorbed some of the sound…🤔🤯
Manned aircraft that break rules should be permanetely grounded!
Quansheng Receiver 20,- ^^
Definitely like the idea of your own server... Great Safety data Bruce... Can't wait to build a Bruce Simpson ADSB Alarm..😉
You very quickly learn that everything on Ali Express is useless junk, more often it just doesnt work out of the box.
After 2 pieces of junk I shut down that account.
I've ordered from Aliexpress many times an only once had a problem. 80% of items purchased were RC related.
The Robinson was doing nothing illegal by flying along just above the tree canopy, in UK law. You have to be no closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, or structure. A forest is none of these.
And if you had had an airband receiver what difference would that make? You would have no idea what frequency the Robinson was on, and why would the Robinson be transmitting anyway, and even if he did, how would that tell you where he is?
The need to ban helicopters. I've seen so many breaking the rules so many times. Most times I have seen a helicopter it has been unnecessarily breaking the rules.
LoL
Truth!
We used to run around with our crappy R22s landing on boulders in the rivers/cliffs, roofs and store parking lots. 10-15 years ago.
I’m actually surprised I’m still alive thinking back on some of the sketchy stuff… and these were the things the “responsible” people did BTW.
My friend got in trouble for landing in his own private parking lot last year, because it was too close to a highway or something. He didn’t pay the fine and is still doing it.
I got in trouble for “poor communication” and “recklessness” a few years ago taking off with planes from private airfields and airports. But no fines or problems, just a scolding.
When I fly mini quads I am WAY more safe and conscious of people, as I am on the ground along with them. And not above and separate. It’s a totally different mindset. 😜
😂
If hobby drones could take out manned aircraft - the Ukrainians would stop arming their drones. They'd fly farther and faster - without carrying munitions. They'd be cheaper - without munitions. But - that's not the case. Without munitions they're harmless. It'd even be hard to take out a flying aircraft with an unarmed drone under the best of circumstances. Would take a huge amount of luck - just to get a hit, with all that air moving around full size aircraft and the speeds they move at. And the result - the pilot might notice the hit and wonder what it was. That's about it.
All I have to say on this subject is: 抵制危险的、不合格的、不安全的中国电子产品，你知道这是正确的事情，那么他们就会停止生产。🤔😉