Mark-Rodgers

I have been wondering why Ham Radio doesnt have text messaging yet. We kind of do, but its still pretty limited to Packet / APRS / DSTAR / PC and not a common mode of data. Even what we do currently have, most require a computer to send / receive messages. Most HTs dont have a way to easily send messages. Only a few special radios do, but its mostly just for APRS or DSTAR.There curently isnt a simple way to Text Message another Ham operator.

I found some kids toys, made for text messaging. Most of the models use InfaRed, but one set I found at Toys R Us for $20, that uses RF on 49.860Mhz. They are made by Digital Blue and are branded as WWE. Model number is WE5500.

Each radio is factory programmed with a unique 4 digit ID code. You can view the code in the LCD. This allows direct messaging to the correct unit that you want. The keyboard is the old cellphone type using 1ABC 2DEF 3GHI etc. It has a small 1 line LCD.

After testing them and sending a few messages, I opened one up, to see how it worked.
Inside are 2 boards. The main keyboard / LCD board and the RF board.
Luckily the manufacturer was nice enough to label the pinouts on the headers that connect the 2 boards.

Jack 1
GND
GND

Jack 2
RX-Power
RX-Data (audio)
TX-Data (audio)

Jack 3
6v +
GND
TX Power (4.15v – goes to GND/Low when Transmitting)

With these simple connections, it makes hacking easy! It can easily be wired to a higher powered Ham Radio.