In this video, I take the Radtel RT-950Pro handheld radio and transform it into a functional DIY desktop base station transceiver! Using custom 3D-printed parts, threaded brass inserts, and a dedicated desktop enclosure, this project turns a portable budget radio into a solid, easy-to-use desktop rig for the ham shack.
🙏 Special Thanks to Pete from the Electrobananas channel for creating and sharing this fantastic project design!
Pete's step-by-step build videos:
- PART 1: Radtel RT-950 Pro / Bajeton BJ9000 Desktop Conversion Project https://youtu.be/w2M_nFLfzBU?si=yucEvQJUwz7cHkwz
- PART 2: Pro STL Files, Parts & Tools https://youtu.be/MZ1tutzqfZQ?si=GXRuvHZrqvBmKoRB
- PART 3: Assembly, Tools & Techniques https://youtu.be/9PfBW_EXffI?si=BZaQ1DyNCTCjumPM
- PART 4: Project Completion! https://youtu.be/9XxUMTcDHd4?si=JtX3usj5hJJ5A46t
DIY KIT Contact: electrobananaschannel@gmail.com
Parts list:
Rotary Encoder, available from major electronics suppliers:
BOURNS PEC11R-4220F-S0012
https://www.mouser.sg/en/ProductDetail/Bourns/PEC11R-4220F-S0012?qs=Zq5ylnUbLm5Cj4CBWbzVKA%3D%3D
Audio selector switch. You need 2 pole, 3 position:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3PEvSep
FPC flat cables. 22 & 24 Way, 20cm, 0.5mm Pitch, Same-side (Type A)
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3nkjSg5
Ext. Mic & Speaker Jack:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3U5g2gl
Screw inserts:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3OFNZiz
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3rMUwKp
Black M4, 8mm Screws for cover:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3DOtXGt
M3 screw set:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3gPlmY5
Large Black & Red knobs:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3FNYrCD
Small Black Knobs:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c32DD3nn
10KOhm potentiometer and switch:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3wIIKmD
Height Adjustable Feet:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4CIX5oZ
BNC to SMA Female RG58 Cable 15cm long:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3g3mSHX
Copper foil tape 30mm width:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007211292037.html
2.54mm cable sets. Need 2, 3 and 5 pin sets (ensure you choose 200mm length):
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3Wq3EGN
Push Buttons 6x6x7mm:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3IOO5Il
USB-C CH340E TTL Serial Interface. (For the programming port):
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005009386624967.html
Example speaker. Choose 8 Ohms:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4bMj8tP
5mm LEDs. You need the high/ultra brightness type LEDs to shine though the translucent PLA. Suggest blue for Bluetooth, red for TX, green for RX and warm-white for button back lighting:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c4MDbEtJ
FPC Extender Boards. You need 0.5mm pitch, 22 way and 24 way:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3zVsWzr
Small round feet. Select 14x11x9 with a M3 mounting hole:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3pUenhL
The hook-up wire used in Pete's videos - silicone insulation making it easy to strip, flexible and heatproof. He use 26AWG for basic connections and 18 to 20 for power, speaker connections etc:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c43kaR7n
4mm wide copper braid for low impedance RF grounding links. He use with M3 & M6
solder lugs:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c43kaR7n
or you can made it from a spare piece of RG58 coaxial cable braid.
Tools Links:
- STL/3D Print Files: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7361944
- Radtel RT-950Pro here: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_c3poEyu5
- SEQURE HT140 2-IN-1 Hot Tweezers & Soldering Iron: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007936164015.html
- FNIRSI® HS-02A Soldering Iron Internal Heat Nut Kit for 3D Printer: https://www.fnirsi.com/products/hs-02-3d?sca_ref=12500243.t8ZgpQNPBokmy&utm_source=af&utm_medium=12500243&utm_campaign=standard-affiliate-commission
00:00 - Introduction
00:52 - Project Overview & Required Parts
01:40 - Disassembling the Radtel RT-950Pro
05:40 - Removing Display & Keyboard Membrane
11:20 - Desoldering Unneeded Components
12:24 - Preparing & Shielding Cables
21:08 - Installing Threaded Heat-Set Inserts
28:56 - Cable Routing & Internal Layout
30:19 - Installing Chassis into 3D Enclosure
31:10 - SMA Antenna Jumper Cable & Grounding
36:24 - Rear Panel: USB-C Programming Port (CH340E)
37:48 - Rear Panel: Antenna Socket & Completion
39:03 - Front Panel: Keyboard PCB & Backlight Wiring
42:08 - Display Installation & Shielding
44:40 - Front Panel Buttons & Status LEDs
48:46 - Front Panel Assembly & Alignment
52:22 - Front Panel Controls & Mic Connector Wiring
55:42 - Final Enclosure Assembly
57:37 - Power On, Serial Port & On-Air Testing
59:08 - Final SSB, AM, FM Receive test
01:02:24 - Final Thoughts & Acknowledgements
Music Credits:
- Song: Way To Dream
- Composer: Keys Of Moon
- Website: https://www.youtube.com/c/keysofmoonmusic
- License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
- Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com
#HamRadio #RadtelRT950Pro #DIY #3DPrinting #AmateurRadio #Transceiver