2m SSB handhelds

Equipment Radios & Power
1

I have been looking for a handheld solution to operate 2m SSB. Useful for those bad weather days or just travelling lighter on the higher peaks.
Now one solution, although a compromise solution, seems to be the Quansheng UV-K5(8) flashed with the IJV firmware. I am thinking it would just be for 2m SSB, and would still have an FT1D or FT65 with a QMX for light operation.

However, and here’s the question! The IJV firmware actually modulates double side band. So you are transmitting at AM bandwidth. So, as I see it, you would need to operate in the all modes section 144.500 -144.794 MHz.
So would DSB it be allowable for the challenge? I think I am leaning towards it wouldn’t be allowed.

Edit: however thinking about it, if allowed it would open up the challenge to more people. :person_shrugging:

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2026 Challenge Rules and Bugs
Modifying a Quansheng for CW
2

You’re not looking hard enough then!

There is a 2m SSB/CW handheld for sale right now on The People’s Palace of Tat (eBay).

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3

I’m missing something :joy: just looked again and can only find HT’s with SSB receive. What the model make?

Thanks
Paul.

4

Can’t be bothered to trawl through ebay, but the only ones I can think of is the Mizuhos, and they are as rare as hens teeth!

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5

The search-fu is weak with this one Obi-Wan.

Don’t blame me if the price goes through the roof now I’ve posted a link to it. (Not my sale BTW).

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6

:sweat_smile: :melting_face: Pls delete this one too. Tns

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8

Thanks, as ever it’s all in the search term :joy:

9

As is the Icom IC-202… or maybe that’s just as rare as rocking horse droppings.

Maybe a QMX plus a lightweight transverter isn’t such a daft idea… especially if you already have a QMX.

10

That’s an interesting idea, I will have a look into that

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11

I’m in the same boat, I’m going to try a Quansheng 5K and see if is sensitive/selective enough. For £20 it’s worth a shot.

12

That was my thinking.
After watching several YouTube videos it seems the IJV firmware transmits double sideband, so the bandwidth may be an issue in terms of complying with SSB for the challenge.
However, technically it is SSB just both USB and LSB at the same time :joy:

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13

Bearing in mind that if they work a proper SSB station then they are already at a 3dB disadvantage. I see it as something that would be fun and perhaps educational to try, but best as a step on the way to something with better performance. I think the best choice would be to look for an early FT-817, the Swiss Army Knife of portable radios!

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14

I have an IC705 that is the same weight as my now dead FT817nd.
I have so far this year used IC705 on every activation to make use of the 2m SSB. I was just looking for something lighter as I tend not to use IC705 on the longer / higher walks. Maybe I just need to loose a couple of kg’s and it all becomes a mute point :joy:

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15

I don’t see why not. It’s still suppressed carrier although you’re throwing away 50% of your RF power into the ‘wasted’ sideband. I worked one on my FT817 (2m USB) and the audio sounded fine.

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16

Yes, but the challenge names SSB, not DSB, so the question is about how relaxed we should be about the rules. I’m inclined to be relaxed about it but at this time few of the other MT members have expressed an opinion (the mills grind slowly when we are spread around the globe!)

17

Yes agree, hence the original post being in Challenge rules asking the question. :grinning_face:

18

Why do you need to operate one of these modified sets in the all modes section? Asking for a friend.

19

If am reading the band plan notes correctly, the band plan states a maximum bandwidth of 2.7kHz for 144.150 - 144.400
To my understanding double sideband would be ~ 6kHz

From the band plan notes on RSGB

===========================

144.150 – 144.400MHz Narrowband modes (CW/SSB/MGM)

Narrow-band modes with a maximum bandwidth of 2.7 kHz are always found at the low frequency end of any VHF or UHF allocation. This is where you will find Morse (CW), telephony (SSB) and machine generated mode (MGM) activity such as JT65 and

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20

Ha ha… I actually did this for a long distance 2 week event I did in 2019. I literally lost the entire weight of my backpack in the six months before the event. 12Kg (which was the all up weight, of camping gear, clothes… everything including the bag. Only addition was food and water).

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21

Crikey that’s a lot of weight to lose, well done.

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