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The Explorer QRZ-1 is a lightweight, compact, and easy to operate VHF/UHF handheld transceiver that is perfect for new and old hams alike! It's rugged, and uses high-quality materials. The speaker is loud and clear, and the FM broadcast receiver present on the QRZ-1 is one of the best-sounding receivers you'll find on a handheld radio.
The QRZ-1 features a bright dot-matrix display, so you'll never have to squint or shade the screen in order to read it clearly.
The radio is supplied with an antenna, desktop cradle charger, battery, and belt clip.
A helpful paperback user manual is also included that has been specifically written with brand-new hams in mind. When technical ham radio terms are required, the manual first explains what each term means. However, this radio is not just for new hams, it's also great for any ham! There is a downloadable version (click here) available as well.
Optional accessories include a speaker mic, earpiece mic, programming cable, cigarette lighter adapter, high capacity battery, and even a larger battery that can be charged with a USB-C cable.
Purchase your Explorer QRZ-1 handheld radio at GigaParts today!
Key Features
Built for new hams with a plain-English manual specifically designed to help new hams get on the air.
Easy-to-use firmware that makes radio operation as simple as possible, while still retaining industry-standard features.
Full transmit capabilities:
VHF (144-148Mhz)
UHF (420-450MHz)
Extended receive ranges:
Commercial FM (65-108MHz)
VHF (136-174MHz)
UHF (400-480MHz)
Crisp, loud, and clear audio from the 500mW built-in speaker.
Transmit
144.000 MHz to 147.995 / 420.000 MHz to 449.995 MHz
Receive
65 MHz to 108 MHz (FM Radio) 136 to 174 MHz and 400 MHz to 480 MHz
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Customer Reviews
Overall
4
Awesome starter radio, few issues
Review byElijah
All around, great. I have had to reset it and then reprogram it but then it was fine after that. Happened a few times.
Solid radio overall, especially if you get it thru the deal.
Overall
3
QRZ-1 Nice Radio
Review byJEP
I was fortunate to get my radio through the QRZ JumpStart program. Nice radio, works well, but it could use some upgrades. This radio can only be charged in a cradle charger-there is no USB port. Also, not sure if I have overlooked it or not, but there is no way to program digital codes. Otherwise it is easy to program on the fly. Works great with Chirp. Great secondary radio.
Overall
5
I heard signals farther away with the QRZ-1 than a FT-70DR.
Review byK4OG
If I'm not in need of a Digital Mode HT this is my goto. You can get a FAT battery for it and get another to keep in the car with a USB chargeable battery.
Overall
5
Nice radio
Review byMike
I'm a new ham and I'm comparing the QRZ-1 to a Yaesu FT-70DR. Probably not the best comparison, but that is what I have.
In hand, the QRZ-1 has a good solid feel, and the fit and finish is very good. I still learning the menu system, but for programming one cannot beat the RT Systems software. I currently have 64 frequencies programmed. I rate the overall Tx/Rx performance very good; similar to the FT-70. Sitting in my basement office with a daylight exposure, I can hit a repeater 13.5 miles away using the OEM antenna. Battery life is good and the included drop-in charger is more than adequate. One recommendation is for a battery that has USB-C
Overall
4
Decent Transceiver
Review bysgarrison05
Overall, it's a very good transceiver. It was easy to program. My only gripe is the confirmation of settings is a bit confusing and the scan feature should be a shortcut on the keypad, not 14 in the menu.
Overall
5
This radio is perfect to get started.
Review byNew Ham
I am very happy with the radio. It can access repeaters from inside of my sedan from up to 8 miles out. I did learn a valuable lesson about Gigaparts return policy due to the DOA accessory that I ordered with the radio. I won't expand on that because if I do, I'm sure this review won't get posted. I hope all new hams enjoy this radio as much as I have so far.
Overall
5
Perfect and I get 10 miles to repeater w 40 in antenna
Review byKC3YFZ
I became born on jan 9, 2024. Part of learning is comparing 2 hand held and the QRZ-1 w/ Jumpstart was perfect. compared to my bfng GT5 better in 1 more Watt and a better stock antenna based on SWR, and Signal quality testing. With a 40 inch folding antenna 2 M get 10 miles to repeater. Add a 5/8 wave 2M mag mount and get more distance. I can use chirp and RT Systems. The users manual was well written. my cost was 34$ for the jumpstart. Thank you for the program. BE nice to have the program funded for all new USA Hams.
Overall
5
A Very Nice Piece of Gear
Review byCharles
The process to register and qualify as a newly licensed amateur radio operator and therefore to be able to purchase a QRZ-1 was easy and fast. I subsequently purchased some additional equipment, and that process was also effortless involving the availability of what I wanted as well as shipping. My inquiry of what adapter cable to buy was answered quickly, so I could order the additional equipment without delay.
Overall
4
Good Starter Radio
Review bySteven
As a new licensed Ham, I took advantage of the free QRZ-1. I like it. Very basic and to the point radio. The only thing I find as a problem would be that people tell me that my voice comes out too soft. Even with the plug in external mic. I tested my modulation using a radio scanner on a simplex frequency to hear my own voice. Yes, it does sound too soft. Need to speak loudly and directly into the mic. But it does have decent audio on the receiving side.
Overall
5
Fantastic HT. Great for First Timers
Review byJeremy
This is an incredible radio, I purchased one as a part of the new HAM program. This is durable, easy to use and sounds great. THANK YOU Gigaparts for this awesome program.