The real experience of using Quansheng Taiko Kong TK11: suitable for advanced notes, with extremely strong signal, but the magic sound may be controversial?
Lucky to get the opportunity to try out the Quansheng “Taiko Kong ” TK11 walkie-talkie. After nearly two months of intensive use, today I would like to share my trial experience with you, hoping to give some reference to friends who want to buy it.
1. Unboxing and appearance design
The packaging design of TK11 is simple and elegant. After opening it, the host, dual antennas (one long and one short), Type-C charging cable, and charger are all available. The body is made of black matte material, with a solid grip, clear button layout, and moderate knob damping, which is easy to operate even with gloves.
2. Core Function Experience
1) Dual reception and dual transmission: “double insurance” in complex environments
I was impressed by the dual-guard function of the main and secondary channels of TK11. During an outdoor hiking activity, I used the main channel to communicate with my teammates, and the secondary channel to monitor the so-called outdoor “public” frequency. The two transmission keys are designed independently, and there is almost no delay when switching, which effectively avoids signal cross interference.
2) Ultra-wide frequency range: full coverage of amateur bands
As a full-band model, the TK11’s receiving range covers 0.5-1160MHz, and the transmitting bands include 50-54MHz (6-meter band), 136-174MHz (VHF), 350-490MHz (UHF), etc., far exceeding ordinary amateur models. I tested the communication effect of the 2-meter band and the 70-centimeter band. The voice was clear and the noise floor was well controlled. The shortwave mode may have higher requirements for the communication environment and has not successfully received the signal.
3) High power output: worry-free long-distance communication
The maximum transmission power of TK11 can reach 10 watts. With a high-gain antenna, compared with the 5-watt model I have, TK11 has obvious advantages in penetration and anti-interference. However, it should be noted that high power consumption is faster, so it is recommended to use a backup power supply.
4) Practical functions: spectrum analyzer and NOAA weather warning
The built-in spectrum analyzer function is very useful for frequency scanning, which can quickly identify the surrounding signal strength and avoid frequency collision. NOAA weather warning supports SAME decoding, which is crucial for outdoor activity safety. In addition, the 999 channel storage and cross-segment transfer functions also greatly improve the convenience of operation.
3. Battery life and portability
The 2500mAh lithium battery has a decent battery life and needs to be charged after about 8 hours of continuous use, but it supports Type-C direct charging and dock charging, which is flexible. The body weight is about 500 grams, which is slightly heavier than ordinary handheld devices, but considering its comprehensive functions, its portability is acceptable.
4. Controversial function: Discussion on the compliance of “Magic Voice”
The “Magic Voice” function of TK11 allows voice-changing calls, which is very interesting, but it also caused my concerns. According to Article 35 of the “Regulations on the Management of Amateur Radio Stations”, amateur radio station communications should use plain language or recognized abbreviations, and signals unrelated to amateur business should not be transmitted.
Problem analysis:
- Compliance risk: The magic voice function changes the original voice, which may make the communication content difficult to identify, violating the “plain language communication” requirements. For example, if voice changing is used in emergency communications, it may mislead the recipient and even cause operational disputes.
- Actual scenario restrictions: Even if used in daily entertainment, care should be taken to avoid interfering with other legal communications. Regulations clearly prohibit the sending of “signals unrelated to amateur business”. If voice-changing calls exceed the scope of technical exchanges, they may touch the red line.
Suggested improvement direction:
Manufacturers can consider adding a “magic sound function disable mode” in the firmware, or limit its use in the amateur band through software upgrades to ensure compliance.
5. Summary and purchase recommendations
Summary of advantages:
1) Full-band coverage + dual-guard function, suitable for advanced enthusiasts;
2) High power output and dual antenna design, excellent signal stability;
3) Professional functions such as spectrum analyzer and NOAA are highly practical;
4) Customized interface and user-friendly operation experience add points.
Disadvantages:
- The Magic Sound function has legal disputes and needs to be used with caution;
- The heat is more obvious at high power;
- The body weight is slightly large, and it is easy to get tired when holding it for a long time.
Notes:
- Be sure to apply for an amateur radio license before use to ensure that the frequency and power of the equipment are within the scope of the license;
- Avoid transmitting in non-amateur frequency bands to avoid interfering with other services;
- Use entertainment functions such as magic sound with caution and strictly abide by the plain language communication regulations.
Quansheng TK11 is undoubtedly a powerful “all-round” walkie-talkie that can not only satisfy the fun of technical exploration, but also perform well in emergency scenarios. But as amateur radio enthusiasts, we must keep in mind the principle of “legality and compliance”. While enjoying the convenience of technology, we must jointly maintain the order of airwaves. We hope that manufacturers can find a better balance between functional innovation and regulatory compliance!
