Cheap $60 Laptop Actually Good For Ham Radio?! YES!
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- Опубликовано: 20 июл 2022
- Yes, I was surprised too! It works well with ham radio applications. It is light on power consumption and charges on 12 VOLTS (13.8)!!!
Find the laptop here:
💻 amzn.to/3JnTFer
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You can find the laptop on Amazon for those far from a Microcenter: amzn.to/3cx8M7r (free shipping with prime)
Yes that is an affiliate link.
Thank you
Can you use this with winlink?
Thank you Josh. I was looking to up grade an old laptop for travel and ham radio. The cost of the evolve III was less than the upgrades and it is smaller. I went to Microcenter in Tustin and they had 25. That place is a candy store. I charged it up and it fired up then logged in. Much better than my pie 3 & 4. This weekend, I am hooking up my signal link and a IC706. The advice just paid for the membership. Keep up the good work. I wish you well on your recovery. Art
The highlight of my week was your Ohio Covid road trip saga! Also! I have that Laptop! I slapped chirp onto it, I use it for 3D Printing as well. Josh you rule! Working towards getting licensed you are a wealth of knowledge. A gent and hell of a driver! You are my Gordo. Thanks!
Just got one thanks Josh! Going to use it to remote into my main computer from around the house for FT8
Great video! I was just thinking about time traveling back to 2010 and buying a netbook, but this will be better for sure.
I bought a pair of these for club to use on Field Day for logging purposes. They ran fine with the N3FJP logging program. So far so good. The price is great.
Thanks Josh for the video. Went by the MC in Tustin and they were out of new ones, but they did have one return that I grabbed up for $40 and some change; mine ended up being open box, but brand new. Not a bad machine for this purpose, and even as a simple laptop. I am planning to remove the LTE card and put in an M.2 256GB SSD in its place and move Windows to it. One thing to be aware of is that if you're planning on putting Linux on this machine and you get the V2 version of the laptop there aren't currently audio drivers that support it. I'm assuming they'll update the kernel soon so I don't expect that to be an issue in the long-term. You can also soup up this laptop a bit out of the box by tuning the BIOS. Nice little machine for what it is.
Great job Josh,
At least at the moment (07/24/2022), these are sold out at Micro Center.
That seem to be just like the Lenovo I bought easlier this year for CERT and it is also 12v.
You are on point with this, every HAM should get one, even if only fo projects or playing around.
I received mine within days. I camein today and I like it. So much better then a Chromebook. It even convinced my wife to order one today. Thank you
Thanks for the tip, Josh! I got one in the MicroCenter in Tustin today on a whim to pull off the freeway and see if there was a chance. The store just opened up and the staff was super accommodating to check stock and surprise, they found some that came in. Its so cool to score at that price and on chance!
… in Tustin
Great tip and perfect timing for me. I am just getting into C4FM and digital. I got an FT-5DR in part to be play with it as a PDN, after finding and listening to Wires-X through local repeaters on my FT-70DR. I could listen, but HT just doesn’t have the legs to play. Anyway, after 50 years of struggling with Windows over my IT career, I hate Windows. But now find myself, once again, having to deal with it to ham over IP. This is perfect, cheap, small footprint, Windows 10, which seems to be more compatible with Wires-X. Did I mention I hate Windows? Well, this saved me hundreds to replace my Windows 7 desktop with a laptop just to play Wires-X. Thanks.
Thanks to you I just bought this notebook and an RSPdx. And I've started building a 10m rx mag loop.
Thanks for the info . I’m not a ham yet . I would like to get a lap top not for the reasons, that you mentioned just so I could program my own radios and get there full potential. I forgot to mention I’m a licensed GMRS.
I bought 2 of these weeks ago. One is running Linux and the other is running Windows. Both work great. I run WSJT-X on the (tr)uSDX from the laptop. I have 512GB SD in one and a 128sd in the other. Both SDs I got for cheap at checkout from Microcenter. My club has been buying these for months. They started at $89 and sold out. They are now $59.
So glad I jumped on this right away. I have one on reserve at Microcenter. By the way, they are selling out of local inventory so if your local store is out maybe you have a friend in a different city who can pick one up for you. Madison Heights MI still have 25 .... as of 19:54 UTC
Thanks for the tip. I ran down and picked one up at the local Microcenter (they have 4 left now). 7/26/2022
Thanks for the heads up
Looks like a great deal! Thanks for sharing it with us Josh! 73
I just received one from amazon and got lucky and received an older one with the cellular capability. I can confirm it will charge off a 4 cell lipo at over 15 volts. It drew 1.3-4 amps at 15.12 while watched your video.
If I didnt already have a Surface go with the m3 cpu, this is a solid laptop! I think the SIMs on these are carrier unlocked so you're not stuck with a specific provider. Even at 100 bucks its cheaper than the pi 400 (which is in stock again)
I bought a used MacBook Air for about $200, it works great and has great software support, also a great build quality, and it is very useful for HAM Radio activities if you can deal with *some* software not being compatible
You might be able to run windows binaries with wine. I haven’t used it on OS X for a while, but it does most things on Linux.
I got one weeks ago and I added a 120GB SSD. I got it for APRS (and maybe SDRuno) but I'll see what it can actually do later on. Fairly low spec, but it was much cheaper that trying to buy a new PI.
because is a student laptop to get better experience get chrome os flex but I dont know about the drivers yet because nobody tested it yet I hope google will make compliable for Evolve III
Grabbed one last week so far I’ve been pleased.
I have that laptop! paid $80...totally worth it at the price.
the keyboard sucks and getting wifi working on linux is a trick, but happy with it for sure. No worries about dropping it in the field.
Got a wireless keyboard/mouse with it.
I paid the $79 for my first one - went back a couple weeks later and picked up 2 more for the $59 price. The first one I was expecting to be some locked down "educational" edition of Winderz but it was full Pro
Thanks, amigo. Exactly what I’ve been thinking of. Something small & low key for the very few digi modes I find interesting & might even play. Stay safe & well! 73 de W8IJN
Nice! thanks Josh.
I picked one up for CAD modeling. Worked great.
Good advice & great value
There's nothing wrong with a cheap laptop for Ham radio. I use a cheap Asus. Without all the bells and whistles, the battery lasts so much longer! I just don't use it for anything other than radio stuff. That way the slowness isn't frustrating!
I ordered one from eBay. Will be great for FLDIGI and JS8CALL portable. Thanks for the info.
Got one last week...not disappointed!
Just bought one for $52 (open box). Absolutely insane. Re-watching this video and commenting with the laptop now! Cool!
Nicely done!
And just like that, micro Center is sold out. Did you buy the last one Josh? 😂
I completely get why you like this laptop. Nice find! Too bad no Microcenters around me. I'm always missing great deals.
I got a CHUWI Hi10 X 10.1" 2-in-1 Laptop last year for the same reason 12v charging but it was double that cost even with a lighting deal promotion added at the time but it is a touch screen. It's been good so far, I can't fault it really.
Go get it before me.....greatest line in the whole video. LOL! Great info! Thanks Josh!
It's a keeper. Winlink VaraHf VarAC and WSJT-X all work great with my IC-7300
Great to hear it! Keep the feedback coming on them!
Thanks Josh!
For those who want a 12v computer some Minisforum computers can run on 12v for solar power or portable. I have a z83 and a n32 but I'm sure other models use the same 12v 2amp wall wart.
Yup, the MinisForum N40 (Celeron n4020 4GB Ram) uses a 12v PSU (it's in a small 4" x 4" x 1/2" case), it's normally around $150, but I got lucky and got one for $60.
Thanks for the lead, got one, thanks! 👍👍
Thanks for the video and info. This is not as educational as the rPi but a lot easier out of the box. (And now, it’s cheaper. )Someone mentioned that the spot inside for the LTE card can be swapped for an M.2 ssd. That could be cool. I can fit the whole thing in the lid of my radio’s Pelican style case. WooHoo
I checked inside and the LTE spot looks like a M.2 slot with the lock screw and slotted bus.
Yes I did that. Video incoming today or tomorrow :)
You didn't get the real Pelican case?
@@viralsheddingzombie5324 Heck no, too many good alternatives. I have a a couple big ones and several small ones from Pelican but most are Monoprice or HF Apaches. I care more about price.
Some of those cell modems have a GPS receiver. I was able to get one working on my Touchbook Cf-C2 to get time and use for ham programs on windows and Linux. But otherwise seems like a cool choice.
i bought one for a local person to do VE Sessions, i was so impressed i ordered another one
now that the 12V info i will have to find another
So I finally caved and bought one of these. A bunch of guys at work (I work at DXE) bought them, so I didn't want to suffer from FOMO. It really isn't bad for what it is. It runs Hamrs and N1MM. I can also use it for radio programming if I need to. - KI8R
They still have lots of these at the St Louis Park, MN Micro Center. Picked one up yesterday when we were in the Twin Cities area to check out the Northland Antique Radio Club swap meet. Still $59.99.
I have had mine for like 4 months, you can also take the lte modem out and put in a m.2 sata drive.
After I did my video on it, I bought 4 more. One of them lives in my shack. This works with the flex software as well so it may work with SDRuno
Just grabbed one. Came back into stock at my local microcenter.
Picked mine up today.
Only sold in the US.... I can buy it from eBay for US$99 plus AU$37 postage to Australia. Looks like 4GB ram and 64GB SSD hard drive. Not sure if the ram is upgradeable though. Very cheap laptop for the field though.👍
Picked one up... been looking for a radio for the field. Hoping I can get away with HRD and WSJT-X simultaneously and/or Winlink. Fingers crossed!
Got one, thank you.
If you are going to the Houston MC, and live N or the Southwest Freeway and Loop 610, park at the NWTC, and take the Silver Line in. The S end of the Silver Line is at MC. Cost is $1.25 each way. The Southwest/610 interchange is being rebuilt, with heavy backups.
The Gateway 11 inch flip notebook also has an input voltage of 12vdc. It's 199, but still a decent HAM companion machine.
...thank you, Josh!! ...saw this on Ria's channel and ordered...mine just in today's mail with 2 micro 64GB SD cards...DigiRig - day before yesterday...going to try FT8 on my BTECH 5x3 (saw that on YOUR channel!!! :) )...wheeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! ...ought to be great for POTA, too!!! 73 de KO4UMY!
I brought two after viewing this radio. The models didn’t have the modem so I couldn’t add another sad drive. The laptops work great for field operations.
I just purchased one for POTA using the hot spot on my Silverado LTZ OnStar.
Update…MicroCenter in Tustin says they have 25+ in stock on 8/16/2022. Same price still.
thank you, I guess I"ll find out about the 64GB/128GB model. It's on Order. Thanks for the heads up. AD4VR 73
Hi - I enjoyed the video and ended up getting one of these, and for the money you can't beat it. Have you figured out the audio connection on the Maestro? Is the jack input and output, and if so, what is the pinout? Thanks, Jim
Just bought one from Walmart online. Doesn’t have the barrel connector anymore. Just USB-C. Still a nice little computer for HAM radio.
Josh, the 12-volt DC plug for the laptop where do I get one of them???? The Evolve 3 I bought does not have the 12-volt plug on the side, I had to use the 110v power supply on Field Day. Thanks for another excellent video.
I bought 5. FLDigi, ham clock, octoprint. Hundreds of uses.
I run WSJTX on my $50 Emachines-E520 laptop, it runs great, the laptop has a total plastic feeling and the screen has faded colors, but I don't care. I take it with me into the field and onto the camping, and I'm not afraid of losing it (I'm very much afraid about losing/damaging/having stealed my Macbook Air).
I forgot to mention, I run Debian 11 on it. Most HAM software installs right away with 'sudo apt install'
Yep, they are good, I have several.
Sold out at the Dallas, TX store.
Looks like Houston has them. Limit 5 per household 😆
#HRCC Josh, do you have a source for the correct size barrel plug to make up a 12 volt charging cable? I want to keep the stock power plug for at home, but a portable one with power poles would be nice.
Anyone get this info?
Seller on eBay raised price a little. CPU uses between 4 & 6 watts!! Cores: 4 Threads: 4
Hi Josh, please do a follow-up to your android tablet video! I got the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite hoping to interface with a digirig for use with Andflmsg. So far it's been really wonky and I'm hoping you have or can dig into that a bit as a follow-up to the great tablet video you did. 73!
Hi Josh. I got mine! Pretty happy with it. It's a backup. Minor bummer that it's wifi is 2.5ghz only, but oh well. As you say, for $60.... Question, for constructing a 12v battery cable for this, do you have a good go-to for parts? Obviously, power poles on one end, that's ez.... but I mean the proper barrel connector. Back in the day I'd go to Radio Shack. Curious if you have a suggestion? Thanks! 73, Tim KD9LAI.
What kind of power cable are you trying to construct...are you trying to plug it in a cigarette lighter? Or barrel plug to USB charger for power bank?
I've just been using an old Acer Aspire One d257 for ham radio.
Picked one up today. Currently using another laptop. By the time I commented this. I really had trouble typing. Because the Evolve 3 has a small keyboard and really took some time getting used to. And now I am completely a mess. But it's performance is actually okay. Not bad for a windows 10. I am actually surprised it can do pretty well, it is okay with light gaming. But not really for gaming. More like surfing the internet. I actually am thinking if I want to return it or not. Because the price was so low. It was actually a great deal. So really thinking hard if I should. Probably will not.
They (the non-LTE version) are back i stock in my local store (St Davids, PA)
Timely; I bought one of these after seeing Ria's video the other day.
bought this and a raspberry pi 4 at Microcenter in houston today.
cheap and cheerful Josh, and did i mention it charges from 12v :) :)
Lenovo had a 10inch low spec laptop on a crazy clearance black friday last year 150usd delivered. Wish I'd bought 2 or more.
when the bands are dead, it gives the ham operators a laptop to play Call of Duty on while they wait
Right? I have Command and Conquer loaded on my ham radio laptop.
My wife actually went and got one of those a couple of months ago (I think it's the same one) it was like $57 she uses it for ft8 because she didn't want to use her work laptop. She works for the IT department.
Only issue so far it gets warm on the bottom. So I will put some felt stickies on the bottom to raise it up a little bit
I just pick up two yesterday at the Tustin store. Even thought website said they had none in stock, I put in a reservation and they notified me within a few hours it was ready for pick-up. It turned out they had 50 at the store yesterday. Don't rely on the website, palace your order.
just wondering if i could use a rtl- sdr on this as the dongle is supposed to have a dual chip on a vr 10 windows environment. this would be nice as I could drive to the local hill and be totaly mobile for hours.
Do you have or can you do a video on programs for ham? For newbies
12 v....YES....!!! I would use one in a heartbeat...if I needed one.
That would be decent for gps like Garmin programming and updating? Especially since it can't be done with Chromebooks
My brother bought one a few months back. Put linux on it almost immediately. Seems to like it, but he’s a muggle (er, non-ham).
I have one of these Maestro 3 laptops and that's exactly what I use it for Motorola programming software retevis programming software CPS and chirp❤
Good afternoon. I'm a new Ham. Would this laptop be compatible with Echolink?
It should work...
Have 3 - they're great - just don't expect too much out of them and be patient while the updates (Windows) catch up for the first few hours and if you've not had it on for more than a few days... Any major criticism needs to be responded with: "uh.... you paid $60 for this thing, remember?"
I think the eBay listing is saying it can support up to a 128 GB SD card/TF card.
Ordered.
I'm primarily a Mac user, which is next to useless for ham radio, so I've been using an ancient Windows laptop in my shack. Might be a good upgrade!
The notebook seems to be at least as powerful and robust as a Raspberry Pi 4. AND is a complete unit. I would toss out the Windoz and load a favorite flavor of Linux. Another, more expensive, option is the Lenovo Thinkpad. Get a used one. Linux runs perfectly on it. I bought a 12v charger for it and run it off of my small PV installation in the shack. I didn't check the current draw,, but will will do it in the next couple of days. The Thinkpad has more power, if required and more add-on options. Also the display is bigger. I just bought a 13 inch display for my Pi and was concerned that I would be able to read from it. I could. 11 inches would be too small for me. Nevertheless, this laptop for 60 bucks is an interesting alternative. Let's see what the long-term says.
Just for your consideration: check your local government or university surplus offices. I bought a Dell Latitude E6440 with an Intel Core i5 and a 256GB SSD for $50. I later purchased a mid-2013 MacBook Air with 128 GB of storage for $40. I bought both of these through a local university surplus. I would wager that these are each more powerful than this new super-cheap laptop, if you're needing more power.
But they probably don't charge with 12 volts, and use more power.
@@pathdoc No, they won't, but they are more powerful machines if you are needing that.
I ordered one on eBay during the video then today they cancelled my order and jacked the prices up now the cheapest one is 20-30 bucks more. Probably still decent but I’ll just wait on the next deal. Thanks for the heads up I just didn’t make it I guess.
I bought one and tried it out...then ordered another...from Walmart online....$104...I am not near a Microcenter but I got mine in 2 days with free shipping and I am using a $104 laptop that works. I have a Raspberry PI I paid way more for....this first one is for POTA and FT8....
SOLD OUT at Microcenter as of 17:18 EDST Great tip anyway!
nice for operating cnc machines too
Damn I should have picked one up when I saw the emails flying originally.
12v is going away due to the main chip types that operate at a higher voltage (simple explanation) - I bought a Chuwei laptop and a Chuwei LarkBox both are 12V and just so easy for field deployments
What is the big deal with 12v input, as most laptops have a usbC at the common 5v output that most power packs will have?