This post is actually a combination of different “Tips & Tricks” I previously wrote in the knowledge base. I’m not going to explain all settings again. Just hit the tags in the sidebar most of the subjects discussed here are filled under “Button Mapper” and “Zello“
Since a few weeks I’ve got this new found love for the first Network Radio I bought: the Inrico T320. As you all know, i’m a huge fan of Telo, I love the build, the audio quality, the design … and especially the big touchscreen. So for a while I was very happy with my TE-590 and I still am. But preferences changes over time. Ever since I started using Walkie Fleet at home and at work, I struggled with the dual app that needs to be configered: Zello for Hobby and Walkie Fleet for Work and Home use.
And now the thing that first led me away from the T320 is actually the thing that I most love about it: Its keyboard. I’ve found out that with most big touchscreens I often accidentally hit the screen and disable or enable stuff! The smaller screen on the T320 is less sensitive and in combination with Button Mapper I’m super fast in changing Apps, settings, channels, …. So here’s a short description on how I set up my Inrico T320:
Another Network Radio out of my favourite devices list: the Tele TE-390. Again from the Telo family, this is a very robust and compact device. Nice and clear display with bright letters. The battery life on this one is phenomenal!
Making configuration and personalisation a bit easier: Bluetooth Keyboard to the rescue! Especially with the TM-7 plus & on the T320 where the touchscreen has a mind of its own. This foldable keyboard is easy to carry and quickly folded and stored away. Very convenient on configuration and a life saver when you use messaging on Zello.
Also when i’m in a hurry and need to configure something on the TM-7 plus that is built in in my car, this is the tool that I use to quickly change or update configuration. And when traveling this is in my to go kit for sending long mails trough the smartphone or send messages via Zello.
I bought this one several years ago on Amazon for 24 dollar and there are tons of similar brands to choose from. But this one works on my TM7-plus & T320. Developers website: perixx.com
Our good friend and Zello Radio Benelux user Martin – PD0KHN has engineered a small 12V battery station for his Inrico TM-7. He uses it to take with him around the house and when he goes camping. Very easy to use and recharge! Genius!
I quickly built a charger station to fit in the trunk of my car, to charge the T199’s after using them on a job. I got a dual battery system in the back of my car so I can plug it in there. By the time I get home or arrive on the next job, they are recharged.
As said before, i’m not the most handy guy so i’m not going to win any beauty contests with this one 😁 but the main goal is functionality here! I used click velcro inside and on the back of the T199 charging stations. That kind of velcro doesn’t collect a lot of dust and is 10 times firmer than normal velcro. I can add one more charging station if a rearrange them a bit closer to each other, but 4 will do for now. On the back of the charger I added the “normal” strong velcro so I can tighten the case in the car onto carpet of the trunk.
I used the standard charging cables that came with the device, for in the car I plugged them in a multiple USB charger (witch wil be slower) at home I can plug them each into a charging socket what will speed up the process.
I gave it a quick black spray just to keep it less visible when you look trough the car window.
Today we finally implemented the TM-7 plus in the interior roof console of my pick-up truck. There were a few things that I was worried about: First thing was if the roofconsole fitted the interior of my car, that sorted itself out after a quick fit. Next to that I was happy to see that the format of the TM-7 plus is DIN standard and just slides in the radio compartment as if it was made for it. That was already one thing less to worry about.
Also I was a bit worried for letting my car in the city with the Radio in plain sight. The radio is firmly fixed in the slide but can easily pulled out. We connected a special connector in the wiring that I could disconnect with 1 click en take it all out. Also I can use this to do updates or maintenance behind my computer
The last thing I worried about was something we discussed on the Zello Radio Benelux Channel, and that was how to wire the radio: before or after the ignition. Before meant that it would be always on because the TM-7 plus has no power of button (it just reboots.) Behind the ignition contact would mean that every time you turn the contact of it has to boot when you turn the ignition key on again and the TM-7 plus takes a while to boot! This is no problem if your trips last 900 miles and you don’t plan to stop for the first 450 miles. But if you’re going for groceries, it’s a whole different story!
Luckily our good friend Martin – PD0KHN, member on Zello Radio Benelux, came up with a logical solution. He suggested to wire the radio directly to the car battery and put a switch in between. The radio use will not be interfered by the state of the ignition being “on” or “of”. I discussed that idea with NR001 and some other folks on ZRB and we all agreed that this was the best solution. This is how we implemented it:
We all know that the TM-7 plus and ButtonMapper don’t have a perfect marriage. Being able to adjust the volume in the car in a safe way is very important. You can optimise the volume functionality in two ways:
2. You can map the up and down arrows to volume up and down in ButtonMapper. Important is that you map all three options (single, double & long press) to the specific function of that button. (If some one needs help with that let me know, I’ll write a short tutorial.)
Anyway. Happy me! It feels a lot better handeling this mic in the car. The speaker is next to my head so the volume doesn’t have to be loud. I don’t have to take all gear in and out every time I leave at home (I have aT320 in the bag but that is switched on when necessary when i’m out of the car.)
If you have any questions or improvements feel free to share in the comments.
