Most hams seem to have a tendency to buy more handheld radios than they actually need. I’ve also bought a lot, kept some of them but also sold some of them. In my search for the perfect HT, I thought about what features would make up a 70cm/2m dual-band handheld radio that leaves nothing to be desired:

Open Source Hardware and Firmware

Both the hardware and the firmware should be open source, or at least the firmware. Many Chinese HTs have shown that the software in particular leaves a lot to be desired and what is possible if the community is able to develop the firmware itself. A prominent example of this is the Quansheng UV-K5.

WiFi

The HT should have a WiFi interface that is a basic requirement for many of the other features listed here. Adding WiFi capabilities to devices shouldn’t be an issue anymore nowadays and can greatly enhance the device’s feature set.

Web Interface

The device should provide a web interface via which it can be fully programmed. It should be possible to conveniently view and set all menu items as well as program the memory channels. In addition, a comprehensive help system could be implemented here, which explains each individual setting option. It would be great to be able to hide certain unused menu items to make it more accessible and to find often used items easier and quicker.

Such a web interface would eliminate the need for a data cable and allow the configuration from virtually any device that has a web browser.

Location dependent Retrieval of Repeater Lists

In combination with a built-in GPS module and WiFi, this feature could be used to download lists of repeaters in a certain radius around the current location and use them like memory channels. It would be important that the URL can be customized by the user so that the choice of repeater list is up to the user.

Satellite Operation: Kepler Elements, Full Duplex, Audio Recording

In conjunction with a GPS module and the download of Kepler elements via WiFi, it could be possible to display and alert upcoming passes of various LEO SATs or the ISS on the HT itself. Furthermore, the uplink and downlink frequencies would also be available, which could then be used directly for QSOs via these satellites. The Doppler effect could then also be compensated by the automatic control of the VFO based on the available data.

In order to work LEO satellites, a full duplex capable handheld radio would be advantageous. This means that two independent VFOs capable of transmitting and receiving should be available.

Recording capabilities of TX and RX audio is another important feature for satellite operation. This helps you to concentrate on the actual QSO and then to log the contacts after the pass based on the recordings.

APRS and GPS

An APRS implementation and a GPS module are important for me. It should not only be possible to send your position, but also to receive the positions of others and to send and receive messages.

Built-in M17 Capability

Following the principle of open source, M17 is preferable to other DV modes and should already be integrated into the handheld radio. If an M17 repeater is not available, direct communication via the built-in WiFi interface would be a good solution that could save you from having to operate a hotspot.

Mute with QSO Detection

If you are monitoring a repeater, it is not uncommon for a QSO to develop between other radio amateurs in whose content you are less than interested. If you mute the HT, you often forget to un-mute it again. A mute function that recognizes whether a QSO has ended and then deactivates itself would be helpful.

Hardware Keyboard and Knobs

I find touchscreens an unnecessary feature and prefer a real keyboard with real keys. I find hybrid approaches in particular, where there is both a touchscreen and a few real keys, to be a very unfortunate design decision. A QWERTY keyboard would be very desirable, but unfortunately there is not enough space for it. For me, the hardware keyboard goes hand in hand with the APRS functionality.

Furthermore, I prefer to have two dedicated and freely programmable knobs on top of the HT. The default configuration could be that one is for volume control and the other for channel selection.

BNC Socket

A BNC socket instead of SMA makes perfect sense as it greatly simplifies the change from the rubber antenna to the house antenna. I use my HTs both portable and stationary and therefore always unscrew the rubber antenna in order to then connect the large antenna on the roof of the house to the HT.

USB-C Charging

Charging the HT should be possible via USB-C. It should still be possible to continue operating the HT normally while charging. For example, you could charge the handheld radio using a power bank while traveling and not have to carry a stand-alone charger and plug-in power adapter with you.

Ruggedness and Repairability

The housing of the HT should be robust, dustproof and, to a certain degree, also waterproof. All parts should be exchangeable and/or repairable by the user, some of them very easy like the keyboard or the screen.

Final Thoughts

You will probably have noticed that features are missing that could be very important to others. This certainly includes Bluetooth, which I actually never use. But I would be interested to know what you think of my wish list and what you miss on it. I would therefore be happy to receive an email from you.