kv4p HT

Turn your Android phone into a modern ham radio transceiver

Free open source software & hardware

What is it?

kv4p HT is a homebrew VHF radio that makes your phone capable of voice and text communication completely off-grid with at least a Technician class amateur radio license.

The radio simply plugs into the USB C port on your Android smartphone and transforms it into a fully-fledged handheld radio transceiver. It's completely open source (GPL3): the Android app, ESP32 firmware, PCB designs, and 3D printer files.

It's small enough to fit in your pocket and take anywhere, and since it has no internal battery it's the perfect radio to put in a go-bag or your car's glove compartment.

NOTE: kv4p HT is an open source project you build yourself and has absolutely no warranty, or guarantees on functionality or reliability! That said, have fun. :)

Features

  • Only $35 to build, with 3 components to solder
  • 100% ham radio, always completely off-grid
  • Crystal-clear 44kHz 8-bit ADC/DAC audio, with filters and squelch
  • Texting with notifications just like SMS — radio-based APRS messaging (not just location) with built-in 1200 baud modem
  • Scan through unlimited memories and groups
  • No battery means nothing to charge except your phone
  • 1 watt transmit can go miles yet sips your phone's battery
  • Accessibility options: live closed captions (on supported phones), turn off animations, sticky PTT with haptic feedback