Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Runbo X5: Android Mobile with UHF

Thanks to an anonymous comment on this post about the Android HT, I present the Runbo X5. The Runbo X5 is a ruggedized Android mobile phone with a built-in UHF (400 - 470 MHz) radio. Clearly, this goes well beyond the basic Android HT we were considering given the mobile phone, IP67 rating, etc. and the price goes up accordingly, but now we have an example of one Android HT implementation.


My Russian is as poor as my Chinese, but I think this post may be correct - the antenna is for the UHF radio, not the mobile phone functionality.

Here is some translated commentary from a review of the previous model, but I think we get the gist of the UHF "intercom" capability:
"Intercom function is a feature of the Runbo X3, no cell phone, no cell phone card case, within a distance of 3 to 5 km, free flowing intercom, the signal is clear, open distance greater than 10 km . The intercom function is all free, ALICE can freely travel are between the timely sharing the joy of the journey."

Posted by Brick O'Lore at 11:43 AM
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14 comments:

  1. The Gear WhoresNovember 27, 2012 at 2:27 PM

    Glad you liked the tip ;)

    As far as my research can tell (after extensive googling) the UHF side of the device can output 1w max. The antenna is a standard SMA-F. Also the radio can do splits and CTCSS/PL so repeater use is possible.

    Here is a nice review about the device, in Russian of course, but Google Translate helps you to get the idea.

    http://chinatablets.info/?p=3474

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousDecember 2, 2012 at 12:19 PM

    From the specs this radio will operate in the 70cm or 430 to 450 amateur radio bands.
    It also can be fitted with a larger flexible high gain antenna for better performance.
    More power will not help you as much as a better antenna. Ebay and radio supply people have many to choose from.
    klodfone

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJanuary 15, 2013 at 7:21 AM

    Does anyone know if the UHF software supports English?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oevsvMarch 18, 2013 at 7:07 PM

      Yes, it does. Intercom looks like a proof of concept: no volume control, no scanning, only 6 channel ...

      Delete
  4. UnknownApril 21, 2013 at 11:54 AM

    I have bought two of them, nice phone. The radio is not that great, but it works. Volume is way too high, even in lowest setting, sensitivity is great, fine as an emergency radio, in case you suddenly need one :)

    Ralph, dk5ras.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brick O'LoreApril 24, 2013 at 12:36 PM

      Thanks for the information.

      Delete
    2. LloydJuly 16, 2013 at 3:35 PM

      Hey Raplh, could you consider these to be replacements for like the Motorolla jobsite radios? Looking to buy one so I don't have to carry my phone AND this on site.

      Delete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 5, 2014 at 12:52 PM

    I have the X5 and X6. The intercom app from the X6 also supports chatting (text messaging) over intercom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMarch 16, 2014 at 7:51 AM

      you mean you can send text message via fm-radio...
      is this function based on a standardized protocol?
      Or is this feature only working with other runbo x6 handsets?

      is it possible now (x6) to use both UHF and VHF?

      Delete
    2. MoZoMay 13, 2014 at 10:31 AM

      I need answer to this question, too.

      Delete
  6. AngerApril 4, 2014 at 4:44 AM

    Have good and BAD news...
    Phone works, but there is a software problem with the Walkie Talkie mode.
    1: If you go and set it as per page 7 of the manual;
    • Select Australia say channel 25 Frequency 477.0250
    • You can PPT (transmit (TX) no problems)
    • However you cannot receive?????????????
    2: If you select one of the 6 programmable options and manually set the Frequency for e.g.
    • TX 477.0250 and RX 477.0250 ( Channel 25 frequency)
    • It all works as one would expect….
    • You can transmit and receive from others using hand and fixed Walkie Talkie‘s and it works well.
    You also have to pre-program the 2 emergency channels – otherwise it is useless if you need for urgent / medical reasons.
    So if you only ever use a limited set up to 4 channels and you pre-program the phone; then you’re OK… But if someone wants you to go to another channel, then you have to manually delete and re program…

    If there is a FIX for this I would love to know what it is....

    ReplyDelete
  7. UnknownMay 7, 2014 at 2:23 AM

    i HAV X3 MODEL UHF FREQ NEED A AUTO UHF FREQ SCANNER FOR THE FONE
    ANY APP AVALBLE
    PLZ HELP

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousAugust 3, 2014 at 5:45 PM

    Hi,

    I live in France and have theoreticaly a Runbo x5. But my phone in repare since 3 months.

    While I'm waiting, I found in a russian forum a discussion of some developpers. They discuss about the different versions of their own intercom apk. They call it Intercomm with -mm. I copied some of the Intercomm versions into my dropbox, because I would like to try them, once my Runbo comes back.

    https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xakvix8exuoc7sl/AAAAfnKA8zxWfcunpFlAXiQNa

    Who dares, can try and report, which version works good.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousAugust 26, 2014 at 6:34 AM

    Hi,

    Its me again.
    My Runbo is back from repair. I tested strait away the Intercomm apk.
    Check my video about it:

    http://youtu.be/_2rV9dy5gLM

    ReplyDelete

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