Linuxslate.com Mini Review: HamGeek FB-8 HamGeek FB-8 Handheld Radio Tags: HT, Dual Band, Walkie Talkie, Tri band
UPDATE: This radio seems to be the same as the Abbree AR-830
Part 1: Background: I've had a lot of VHF/UHF ham radios. I had a Yaesu FT-470 long before I ever had a Amateur Radio License. I used to listen to the local repeaters, and since I had the extended battery, it made a great personal defense weapon -- both perfectly legal uses at least as far as the FCC is concerned.
Once I got my license (and a job) I upgraded to an FT-530, and then an VX7R. I also inherited an VX5R, and I had the diminutive VX1R for a time. About the time my VX7R had an issue with the charging connector, I became aware of cheap Chinese alternatives. I've had several Baofeng UV-5R's (With the extended battery -- mostly just for nostalgic reasons.) My latest up until today was the Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus.
You can read about using the Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus with Linux in this article. The Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus is a very good and capable radio, but having to carry around the charger and "wall wart" was kind of a pain -- especially in the car. Making a USB boost cable to plug into the charger helped, but that's still 3 things to carry around.
I wanted a radio with USB charging, while still retaining the broadband receive capability of the Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus.
The advertising for the HamGeek FB-8 seemed to indicate it met these specifications, and it was just over US$50, including shipping, so I went for it.
Is it a usable HT? Will it become my
EDC Ham Radio?
Part 2: Unboxing and First Impressions. 
The box arrived well smashed and wrinkled. Those sensitive to the environment will rejoice that no foam was used during shipping. I'm also not quite sure what a "Professioan"[SIC] is, but apparently if you are one, this is the transceiver for you. It's good they level-set your expectations right away. There is no branding or specifications on the box.
The inside of the box wasn't much more impressive. There's a very thin plastic tray contain the following:
- The Radio
- A generic 15 cm long antenna -- at least the antenna is rated for both 2m and 70cm.
- A charger with a US AC plug -- More on this later.
- A tether/wrist strap.
- A very cheap plastic belt clip -- Even the "spring" is plastic.
- A "User's Manual" -- Which is actually just a single piece of paper a little smaller than 8.5x11 inches, folded in quarters.
The drop-in charger is generically marked "Charger" (in case "Professioans" can't identify it as such). At least the charger is rated for 100 - 240VAC input, so it will work anyplace in the world with the proper plug adapter. The AC cord is very thin, but electrically, It's fine for this application. Not needing a separate "wall wart" is -- in my opinion -- a huge plus. It's important to point out that even the charger is not needed since the unit can be charged via a standard USB-C cable.
The antenna connection on the radio is a male SMA connector. While this makes it more durable than having an exposed SMA jack, it also means that connecting an external antenna cable is going to require some sort of adapter or barrel connector. This also means that this radio should be compatible with ubiquitous and inexpensive Baofeng accessories.
USB charging seems to work fine, and when connected to a desktop 5 port USB supply, it charged at a healthy 1A. USB-C means it is compatible with current phone chargers and cables. I also think having the USB connector on the radio, rather than the battery is a "plus". The USB port does not seem to work as a data connection.
Overall, the radio has a very nice feel. I'll even give it credit for "nearly Yaesu" quality of construction. The knobs at the top are large, and also have a quality feel. I'll say the same thing for the buttons -- soft and with a very positive operation.
The covers over the mic/speaker connections, and over the USB-C connector similarly feel sturdy and durable. I value my readers, but sorry - I'm not throwing mine in the pool to test it's IP54 rating. (Note: IP54 does not actually allow submersion).
The battery fits on the radio well, but due to the location and construction of the latch, it may or may not survive a drop.
There are no FCC (or other) markings under the battery.
The display is just a basic monochrome LCD dot matrix, but is adequate and crisp. Visibility under most reasonable conditions should not be a problem.
I like the large speaker area above the display. IMHO, this is a better design than having a very small speaker positioned below the display. There's plenty of audio power and good tone.
So far, I have just manually entered a few air band frequencies, and one local repeater. I'll post more about the actual operation in a following post.
HamGeek FB-8 pictured with my Wouxun KG-UV9D Plus for comparison. Join in the Discussion! Do you have this radio, or are you thinking about buying one? Tips/Tricks/Questions?
Please email "john" at this domain, and I will create an account for you. Your email will not be made public
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HamGeek FB-8 Chinese Ham Handheld HT Radio Review (Read 2225 times)
