The Hidden Cost of "Budget" Radios

 If you watched last Tuesday’s video on the new Retevis HA2, then you already know I gave it a thumbs down as an APRS radio. While I’m glad to see Chinese manufacturers starting to add APRS support to their radios, it needs to be done correctly. Simply beaconing a position report doesn’t make a radio “APRS capable.” APRS is far more than just position reporting—a point I’ve tried to drive home in multiple videos and even in an article I wrote last fall.

When APRS is implemented properly—by both manufacturers and operators—it can provide real, situational awareness by alerting others to what’s happening in your area of operation. But for that to work, radios need to support the full feature set APRS was designed around. Half-implemented or stripped-down versions don’t just limit functionality; they undermine the entire purpose of APRS.

What’s even more frustrating is the confusion this creates for newcomers. If I were a new ham and saw one radio priced at $94 and another at $700, both labeled “APRS,” I’d have no idea why there’s such a massive price difference. Most people would understandably choose the cheaper option, only to discover later that it supports only the bare minimum APRS features.

On the flip side, radios like the BTECH UV-Pro have been a real game changer. While it still doesn’t offer everything APRS can do, it gets about 80% of the way there. More importantly, it includes a Bluetooth-accessible TNC, allowing the radio to connect to a phone or laptop running far more capable APRS software. And it does all of this at a sub-$200 price point.

Maybe that’s the real answer for these lower-cost radios. Instead of adding crippled APRS feature sets, manufacturers should focus on providing Bluetooth TNC access. Let the heavy lifting be done by a more capable external device. Anyone who has tried sending an APRS message directly from an HT knows how painful that experience can be—regardless of the radio.

When Technology Fails, This Skill Still Matters

 

I can’t count the number of miles I’ve logged on trails over the years, hiking and climbing wherever the path led. The photos above are circa 2002—one taken near the peak of Mount Washington during a brutal snow and wind storm, the other on a calm, peaceful fall day in Tennessee. Two very different moments, both etched into my memory. Over the past two months, I’ve found my way back to the trail, and I’ve been reminded just how much I missed it. I’ve also been struck by how dramatically technology has changed over the last 25 years. Today, navigation can live on your wrist in the form of a watch—but what happens when the battery dies? At that point, you need the fundamental skills: knowing how to read a map and use a compass. That’s where simple, old-school tools still shine. When working with traditional topo maps, having the right gear makes a real difference. One recent addition to my pack is The Tech Prepper’s land navigation kit. It’s American-made and does a great job of keeping essential navigation tools organized. After using it consistently over the past couple of months, it’s earned a permanent place in my pack. It’s not for everyone, but if you value quality and preparedness, it’s worth a look. Last week, I wrote about goals for 2026. One of my personal goals is to spend more time on the trail. Some days that will mean carrying a camera and a radio. Other days, the radio will stay in my pack—powered off unless needed—so I can fully disconnect and simply enjoy being outdoors again.

The Question I Ask Every Year (And Why It Matters)

 Thank you for another amazing year. The channel and newsletter are nothing without each of you.

As we prepare to close out the year, I usually take some time to ask myself a simple question: What do I really want to accomplish in the year ahead? Not a New Year’s resolution that fades by Valentine’s Day, but meaningful goals—especially when it comes to radio.

Maybe you’re a technician who wants to upgrade to General. Maybe this is the year you finally learn Morse code, or dive deeper into a specific digital mode. I’ve written down goals like these for many years now, and for me, putting them on paper is key. Another personal hack that’s helped immensely is carving out dedicated time each week. Maybe it’s an hour a week, or maybe it’s an hour a day. Whatever you commit to, the important part is having the discipline to stick with it. And if you slip? Don’t get discouraged. Just backtrack and pick up where you left off. I didn’t learn Linux overnight—it took years to get here, and I still have a long way to go.

This year, my focus is on finding more ways to give back. Part of that will happen through YouTube, but an equally important part will be through my local club. I want to help a few members who have a strong interest in both Linux and digital modes, and I plan to participate in as many public service events as possible. Each of those events is an opportunity to push the limits of what we already do and discover more efficient ways to use the radio spectrum.

I’ve said this before, and I’ll reiterate it again: if you’re not happy with your local club, be the change you want to see. Volunteer to give a presentation on a topic you’re passionate about. Offer to teach a Winlink class if that’s your thing. Clubs are only as active as the members make them.

Here’s to a fantastic 2026.