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Reviews For: RFinder B1

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Hand-held

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Review Summary For : RFinder B1
Reviews: 44MSRP: $999
Description:
Analog and DMR, 2m, 440 transceiver, Android Smart Phone Combo
Product is in production
More Info:
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
135444.4
W9TTS Rating: 2023-02-20
Steep learning curve for those new to DMR, but worth it! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have the RFinder B1+, which I bought at Dayton 2022. It is an incredibly versatile, and therefore complex, piece of equipment. Also, it was my first exposure to DMR, DMRoIP, Brandmeister and the Android operating system, as well as an Android phone.
Because the RFinder team at Dayton did a great job of setting my unit up initially, it took a while before I realized just how unprepared I was. With each new update to the RFinder App, I felt I was falling behind because it seemed to degrade my capabilities, rather than enhance them. It surely didn't help that I wasn't able to devote the time to learning the ropes that was needed.
Finally, I got on Zoom, another learning experience as I have been retired for almost 13 years, so wasn't familiar with that either, and contacted Roberto. He was incredibly patient and helpful. He must have spent two hours with me, going through settings and explaining what was going on. I haven't experienced this level of product support since my original Apple computer, back when files were saved on audio cassettes, and it seemed we were all learning about that new world idea together.
I still have a ways to go to become truly competent, let alone proficient, but now I'm looking forward to the journey.
The most amazing thing about RFinder is it's totally self sufficient, with its own databases and ability to program itself for worldwide repeaters and their settings, DMRoIP database for Brandmeister etc. Plus give it a sim card with a data subscription and it becomes its own hotspot, with access to QRZ, email, Zoom and all the other apps from the Google Play Store, and .... oh yeah, a phone.

At the same time I bought the RFinder B1+, I bought a BridgeCom SkyBridge hot spot and the AnyTone 878 UV IIPlus package, because I wanted a plug and play alternative. That system is a lot easier to use initially, but has nowhere near the versatility of the RFinder. With BridgeCom it is simple to get on DMRoIP on a short list of channels, i.e., Worldwide (91), FL (3112) and a couple of others originally programmed for me. Beyond that, I will doubtless have to take their online learning course(s) and lean on their willingness to walk me through some procedures. However, they show similar signs of standing solidly behind their equipment to Elmer me.
VE3DXG Rating: 2023-02-01
So far, so good. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Well, I've had this little baby (or should I say, beast - not in size, but in functionality) of a radio for a few weeks now. NO MORE CODEPLUGS. I can program it from a Mac, a PC, or even an another cellphone, not to mention just how easy it is to program through the radio itself. The audio quality is fantastic, the OS relatively stable (you can switch between fully tested to Beta if you want to try the newer functions in development - ad even that is pretty stable). These are groundbreaking radios, so make sure you read the instruction manual - but having said that it is child's play, especially if you are used to DMR. This thing is incredible. And no, I don't have any association with RFinder. Over the course of the next few months, I will update this review with a long term user experience.
KN6YGU Rating: 2023-01-30
The best user support there is!! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
The set up process is clearly explained in the pdf manual which is updated as features are implemented in this awesome ham. As a new operator there were a couple issues I was experiencing.
Bob at Rfinder guided me through the process of maximizing the capabilities of the b1+ and at the same time shared some plans of where Rfinder will be in the near future, if not now.
Rfinder is such a great tool and Rfinder provides even better support. Rfinder is there almost 24/7 to help in person and on video! How great is that!
I am a supporter. Thank you for making a great product that even a beginner can use, Bob!
N8NQP Rating: 2023-01-28
Programs itself! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
First off, this isn't your grandfathers spark gap! This is the most advanced radio made. The ability to program the radio WITHOUT a code plug is AMAZING! Robert and his team are available for support seems like 24/7 (or close to it)

What people complain about? The ip connections. A brief networking tutorial. Brandmeister and Tgif utilize UDP or essentially throwaway packets. These have the lowest priority on the internet and without an ability to resync, it basically makes it difficult to re-align the audio into something decipherable. The team is working on correcting this with a "sliding window" to resolve this.

For a radio that PROGRAMS itself, it can't be beat!
K5TCP Rating: 2023-01-28
The Future!!! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Have my B1 now for more than a year. In the begining I experienced some issues and frustration but Bob was always there to help (and he still is … had a nice ZOOM session with him earlier today!) Great customer service!!! The product has been updated now to the B1+ … probably my next purchase! But for now my B1 is working great. The team around Bob has been doing a great job with software / firmware updates. Once you get to know the product and embrace the technology you will have a lot of fun! Highly recommended!5 stars all the way!!!
W1BZJ Rating: 2023-01-27
Proud owner of Rfinder B1+ Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I received my B1+ a couple of weeks ago and it has been a pleasure using it. This radio just does so many things. It has a built in DMR hotspot so you can get on DMR if you don't have any repeaters around. When you add a sim card an cellular plan it also becomes a phone. At home I use my wifi. If you are having any problems with settings Bob is available on zoom.rfinder.net to help out.
VK3PWR Rating: 2023-01-24
Functional multi use device Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I’ve owned a B1 since they first came out. During that time I’ve used it flawlessly with no issues. I personally have found the updating process of software/firmware to be easy if you follow the instructions. I’m using it at home using ROIP via modem, in the car via a mobile modem and via 4g for pedestrian portable use. Currently using Brandmeister most of the time but have tried TGIF briefly. As an all round portable radio it fits the bill for me.
Complements to Bob Greenberg and his team.
K0GIO Rating: 2023-01-06
Incredible product innovation Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bob Greenberg a pioneer and trendsetter in our industry the Rfinder B1+ is nothing short of amazing.
His support is equally astonishing spent more then 1hr. on the phone with Bob via a zoom session and all my questions were addressed and answered completely.
Highly reccomend his product's thinking of also purchasing the tablet version of the product.
KN4ITR Rating: 2022-12-21
Excellent Product and Service! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have had my Rfinder B1+ for about 3 months. This platform is the most rugged, dependable, and capable system that I own. I learn new things everyday, not only about this great hobby, but the radio itself as well. New features are under constant development.

I mentioned service in the title of this review as well. This HT is constantly being up dated as I said above. Users can join the group on FaceBook and get advice from fellow users, development team members, and the creator of RFinder, Bob Greenberg.

Where else in the radio world can you find such? This HT ain't your drunk uncle's Baofang!
KJ6UTJ Rating: 2022-12-14
Great customer service and support system! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The radio (B1+) is outstanding! It takes sometime to get use to it and to understand the functionality of it but that in no way should reflect on the company! I was starting to get a little frustrated till I reached out to the Rfinder group who without hesitation assisted me in not only pointing out that I had made a few mistakes on my end. mistakes in which was preventing from getting my radio up and operational. They were very patient with me even though the main issue was my misunderstanding on some of the instructions given. I think we all need to take a breath and understand that this company is going above and be-on the call of duty with the amount of radios and user out there. I mean come on what company do you know out there that offers support on several platforms where you can connect with a live person that quick to get help.
even the big companies out there ( you know who I am referring to (iso devices) don't have this accessibility !
Any, great job Rfinder and great product!