I like using APRS. Audio cable from radio to headphone jack on Android using APRSdroid app. Massive infrastructure already in place. Texting local or +100 miles is a nice ability. EchoLink and WinLink have their use cases, and I guess this does, too. Another tool in the bag! Cool idea.

Is there a kit to purchase to build and where can that be found? Also, is this something that can work when cell service is not available... such as in time of disaster? What is the distance with the short verses the long antenna?

I wonder what the RF output is?  I'm guessing it's low, probably 1/2 to 1 watt.

Would you consider putting the parts together and selling it as a "ready-to-use" module for, say, $75?

Yes a $35 Baofeng is more power and functional. But as a traveler, a radio engineer and pilot. Just the fun of building it, is enough. But just think keep the kit in your computer bag and next time you are traveling sitting in an airport or motel at night and have spare time, delayed flight, had to stay overnight unplanned or whatever. Connect to your phone and your computer case has room for both antenna. GOTA.

Certainly a fun looking project, perhaps for the educational aspect and proof of concept, but for the price if the parts alone you could pick up a cheap Chinese HT, which gives you more power, greater frequency range, FM analog audio, and is purpose built for the task. Still, very interesting for what it is, if not especially practical.

Hi is this device available in Australia.i am very interested in this as I am away from normal mobile reception over weeks on end in remote north east Tasmania. please advise
Regards Ron Lanham

Is there a kit with instructions available.

There is also a UHF version of the radio module.
An update to the app to tune the UHF band could be done.

Quote from: Jb on October 17, 2024, 00:50:36We as licenced amatuers can use ECHOLINK on our mobiles and also tablets ect when connected to the Internet.  And it's free.

Yes, but the true beauty of this device is that it doesn't require the internet. It allows your phone to function as an ht without a sim card or cell tower. I think it is amazing. Great job kv4p

We as licenced amatuers can use ECHOLINK on our mobiles and also tablets ect when connected to the Internet.  And it's free.

The problem with using this for FRS/GMRS is hardware rather than software. This hardware is for the 2-meter ham band (144-148 MHz) while FRS/GMRS is at 462 MHz.

WOW WOW WOW! can it programmed to tx/rx GMRS frequencies?