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Earlier in the week, I noticed a handheld 50MHz FM transceiver on eBay for £6.99. I read a little and it turned out to be a converted Tandy/Realistic 49MHz handheld. Back in the late 1980s (I think), Practical Wireless ran an article by Peter Julian, G7PRO on how to convert one of these on to 50MHz FM.

There had been a follow up article by Mike Hadley G4JXX and by coincidence, the transceiver on eBay was Mike’s! Unfortunately, Mike didn’t have a copy of his article, although he did kindly send me a scan of the original G7PRO one. I’m sure I can locate a copy of Mike’s article.

The little transceiver arrived today and I wasted no time in putting a 9v battery in it! It works fine and transmits and receives quite happily on 51.510MHz FM. The original article suggests the power output is in the region of 50mW, but I think Mike’s modification is for a little more output.

Actually, my thought was not particularly to use this as a transceiver, although it will be fun to play with the low power and see how far it will go, but in the Es season, to use it as a monitor receiver in the greenhouse/garden and see if I can hear any Es on it.

As for the price, I think it’s provided £6.99 worth of enjoyment already!

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