The Real-Time Monitor Every Ham Needs de NØIDX

A Note on Product Updates and Timing

Originally, some of these new features—like the battery integration and voice keyer—were on my roadmap for future versions of TalkBack Pro. My first goal was to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible for the initial launch. But as I was reviewing the design, I realized I had a small window before my engineer began the real layout work. Rather than wait for a V2 or V3, I decided to roll up my sleeves, make it “do it right the first time,” and get these updates in now.

Adding these features at this stage actually made the design process simpler, less expensive, and much more efficient. I’m a believer in the “keep it simple, stupid” approach—and sometimes, that means acting fast when you have the chance. The result is that the current version ships with the upgrades baked in from the start, not tacked on as afterthoughts.

Thanks to a little good timing (and a peek in the workshop window), every TalkBack Pro now includes the best of what I wanted to offer—right out of the box.

 

TalkBack Pro V2 — Feature Highlights

• Inline Transmit Audio Monitor
  Hear your own TX audio in real time, just like others do—improves SSB, AM, and digital operation on any compatible rig.
  
  
• Integrated 30-Second Voice Keyer/Recorder
  Instantly record and play back your CQ, contest call, or custom message with a single button press. Overwrites previous message for simple, stress-free operation—perfect for Field Day, contests, or long nets.
  
  
• Removable 18650 Li-ion Battery Power
  Run completely portable—no need for external power supplies. Swap or recharge batteries on the go for hours of operation in the shack, the field, or the car.
  
  
• Onboard USB Charging & Power
  Charge your battery right inside the unit using any standard USB cable. Also runs directly from USB power if preferred.
  
  
• Universal Radio Compatibility
  Works with most modern and classic rigs: Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, and others—no computer required, just plug and play.
  
  
• 6-pin Mini-DIN ACC/DATA Input
  Taps directly into your rig’s data or accessory port for audio monitoring, PTT/keying, and voice keyer functions—no mic port splitters needed.
  
  
• Internal Record Level Adjustment
  Factory-set trimmer pot for optimal record audio—no “extra knob” for users, just consistent performance out of the box.
  
  
• Ventilation Slots and Rugged Enclosure
  Designed for safety, longevity, and field use, with ventilation for cool operation—even under heavy contesting.
  
  
• Founders & Standard Editions
  Both editions now ship with all features—custom laser-etched Founders Edition available for early supporters.
  
  
• Plug-and-Play Simplicity
  No menus, drivers, or software—just connect, power on, and operate.
  
  
• Hand-Built, Hand-Tested in Arizona, USA
  Each unit is assembled, tested, and set up by a dedicated ham operator (NØIDX)—for hams, by a ham.

In short:
TalkBack Pro V2 is your all-in-one, portable, field-ready TX audio monitor and voice keyer—
trusted by hams, built for the way you operate, and ready for action anywhere, anytime.

Ultra-Long Battery Life:
Thanks to efficient design and a high-capacity 18650 Li-ion battery, TalkBack Pro can run continuously for 2 to 4 days (or longer, depending on usage) on a single charge. For lighter use, a single battery may last up to a week—and you can always plug in USB power for nonstop operation.

 

To Michael Petersen (Zelle Preorder)

Hi Michael,

I received your payment for a TalkBack Pro via Zelle—thank you for your support! Your order actually came in before I had my official preorder form up on the website, so I don’t have your call sign, shipping address, or email on file.

To make sure your order is reserved (and you get the right serial number), please reach out to me at n0idx@comcast.net with your:

• Call sign
  
  
• Shipping address
  
  
• Preferred email

Sorry for the mix-up—your order is safe in the queue! I just want to get your details so I can ship your TalkBack Pro as soon as possible.

73, Glenn NØIDX
You ain't the only night owl are you?

 

Q: How do I order TalkBack Pro?
A: Fill out the preorder form at n0idx.com and wait for a confirmation email with payment instructions. Please do NOT send Zelle payment before submitting the form.

Q: What is the price?
A: $159 shipped for the Founder’s Edition (custom callsign), $149 shipped for the Standard Edition (US only).

Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: Zelle only (n3iyrs@gmail.com). Please fill out the form before sending any payment.

Q: What radios does TalkBack Pro work with?
A: Compatible with most modern Yaesu, Icom, Kenwood, and other rigs with an ACC or data port.
Contact me with your radio model if you have any questions about compatibility.

Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: At this time, I am only shipping to the US, but let me know if you’re interested from outside the US—I’ll keep you posted if that changes.

Q: What’s the warranty and return policy?
A: 30-day no-questions-asked returns and a 1-year warranty (details on my website).

Q: How do I check my order status or serial number?
A: You’ll receive a confirmation email and serial assignment after your preorder form and payment are received.

Q: Who do I contact if I have more questions?
A: Email Glenn at n0idx@comcast.net

 

I may run a lot of FT8 and digital these days, but don’t let that fool you—I’ve worked pile-ups from both sides of the mic and have been in the thick of the action for decades.

For questions or preorders about TalkBack Pro, just email me at n0idx@comcast.net with your call sign.
For everyone’s safety, I’ll reply with my personal email and phone number so we can verify each other directly before any payment is sent.

If you want to talk DX, I’m always up for that, too!

 

Hi Glenn, I for one am very interested in this product. My only radio currently is an 857D, and when doing voice I really miss the Moni function some other radios I used to operate years ago had (back when I was much more active).

I will be looking for updates about this!

Thanks, 73.
Marcelo W6EUH

 

Hi Marcelo,

Thank you so much for reaching out. You’re exactly the kind of operator I had in mind when I designed TalkBack Pro — someone who understands the value of a real-time monitor, especially when using a great radio like the FT-857D that doesn’t have one built in. This is where the TBPro was born. Using an 857D mobile.

I actually tried to give you a call and left a voicemail just to personally thank you and let you know how much I appreciate your interest. I’ll be posting updates soon both here and on my website.

Just as a heads-up in advance: TalkBack Pro does not include a battery or any cables — those are up to the operator based on their station setup. I’ll have recommendations available if needed, but I wanted to be clear up front. You simply plug the 6 pin MDIN (both male) into the TBPRO and the other into the FT-857D. Use a Y-cable if you want digital modes.

You’ll be seeing more information shortly — TalkBack Pro is very close to availability!

Thanks again, Marcelo. It really means a lot to hear from real ops who understand the vision behind this project.

73,
Glenn NØIDX
Still some RED Founders Editions available. Once they are gone, they're gone.

 

TalkBack Pro Update: FT-707 Compatibility and Cable Information

Thanks again to everyone who's expressed interest in TalkBack Pro! I wanted to take a moment to answer a recent question about radio compatibility, especially regarding classic rigs like the Yaesu FT-707.

✅ Yaesu FT-857D:
Fully supported. TalkBack Pro is designed with the FT-857D in mind and works perfectly with the correct mic cable or an ACC tap.

✅ Yaesu FT-707:
TalkBack Pro can absolutely be used with the FT-707!
Since the FT-707 doesn’t have a modern accessory DIN jack, a small custom cable or mic tap would be needed to access the audio lines. It's a simple solution — tapping the mic audio and optionally the speaker audio if you want RX mixing.
I’ll be happy to guide operators on how to set this up if needed. (Nothing complicated electrically — just some basic wiring.)

✅ Other Radios:
TalkBack Pro is designed to work with any rig where TX mic audio (and optionally RX audio) can be accessed through a mic jack, ACC port, or external speaker tap.

Important Notes:

• TalkBack Pro does not come with any cables or batteries.
  Operators are responsible for providing the appropriate cable for their specific radio setup.
  
  
• I will post recommended cabling options for popular radios (like the FT-857D, FT-891, IC-706, etc.) very soon.
  
  
• Custom solutions for vintage rigs like the FT-707 are possible with a little DIY or assistance.

I also personally tried calling Marcelo (W6EUH) and left a voicemail to thank him directly for his thoughtful questions and interest.

Thanks again for all the support — it’s great seeing the TalkBack Pro getting this early attention!

73,
Glenn NØIDX

For both of our safety, just send me your email address, and I will return with a phone number to call, or you can pre-order with the information also.

 

Questions...

How about a Yaesu FT-710 with a M-100 Microphone?
What are the connectivity requirements for your intended product?

Is there a workaround if a needed port is occupied?

Please be specific.

Thank you.

 

TalkBack Pro Update — Version 2 Announcement!

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to share a quick update with all of you following the TalkBack Pro launch!

Thanks to the incredible feedback and support from operators worldwide, I'm excited to announce that TalkBack Pro Version 2 is now officially finalized and moving into production.

New features now standard on TalkBack Pro:

• New high-efficiency PAM8403 audio amplifier — drives external speakers or headphones cleanly with more power and cooler operation.
  
  
• ️ Built-in 30-second voice recorder — perfect for sending CQ messages or quick ID playback during POTA, DXing, and contesting.
  
  
• Internal 18650 battery system — portable operation without needing external USB power, complete with onboard charging.
  
  
• Power and battery status LED — easy to check when you’re live or charging.

The best part:
✅ No change to the original price structure!
✅ Founders Edition (Red): $159
✅ Standard Black Edition: $149

All new units shipping now will include these Version 2 upgrades at no extra cost.

I can’t thank the amateur radio community enough for all the encouragement, ideas, and early support that helped make TalkBack Pro a reality. You made this happen — and it's been an amazing journey so far.

If you'd like to preorder or find out more, visit n0idx.com.

See you on the air!

73,
Glenn Rollins, NØIDX
Inventor of TalkBack Pro

 

Hello Glenn N0IDX

I am reading this with great interest and following the development of TalkBack Pro.

If I understand correctly, the audio comes from the ACC socket on my TRX and goes to TalkBack Pro.
I have a Kenwood TS-590SG with a microHAM micro Keyer III connected to it. This means that my ACC2 socket on the TRX is already occupied by the connection cable to the micro Keyer III.
Is there a solution for this?

73 de HB9TZU
Chris

 

IMHO -

Port/Socket conflicts are a very real thing.
Tranceiver and other equipment manufactures will need to go USB for a real solution as add-on's are becoming so prevalent.

Glenn, could you kindly post some actual pictures of your prototype so we could understand it better?

Thanks.

 

TalkBack Pro + Kenwood TS-590SG / ACC2 Port Compatibility
Operators using the Kenwood TS-590SG with accessories like the microHAM microKEYER III can still fully utilize TalkBack Pro — even if the ACC2 port (13-pin DIN) is already in use.

Solution: Use a DIN Y-Splitter Cable
A simple 13-pin DIN Y-cable allows you to connect both your microKEYER and the TalkBack Pro at the same time.

• The key pins used by TalkBack Pro are:
  • Pin 11 – TX audio output
    
    
  • Pin 2 – Signal ground
• TalkBack Pro is high-impedance and draws no current from the ACC line, so there’s no interference with your microHAM system.

Where to Find Splitters
You can:

• Build your own with shielded cable and standard DIN plugs
  
  
• Or search online for:
  
  "Kenwood ACC2 13-pin DIN Y splitter cable"

Available at:

• eBay (ham vendors often list custom cables)
  
  
• AliExpress (longer lead time, low cost)
  
  
• DX Engineering or other ham gear suppliers

Configuration Tips

• Menu Settings: Ensure that the TS-590SG's menu settings are configured to accept audio input from the ACC2 port (Menu No. 69 set to ACC2).ManualsLib+3Kenwood+3dxlabsuite.com+3
  
  
• Audio Levels: Adjust the audio input and output levels (Menu Nos. 73 and 74) to match the requirements of both connected devices.
  
  
• PTT Control: Verify that the PTT control (Pin 9) is managed appropriately between the two devices to prevent conflicts.Google Sites
  

By using the appropriate Y-cable and configuring the TS-590SG settings correctly, you can successfully integrate both the microHAM microKEYER III and the TalkBack Pro with your transceiver.

 

TalkBack Pro: Max Tribute Mode
"Th-th-this is G-g-glenn — NØØØØIDX."
"Inv-v-v-ventor of the T-TalkBack Pr-Pro."

"We jammed in the P-PAM8403 Class-D ammmmp."
"It’s fast. It’s c-c-clean. It’s—puh-puhhhhnchy."

"Y-you want wa-wa-watts? One point five."
"Four ohms. E-eight ohms. A-any ohms."

"Final draft? L-l-l-l-l-locked."
"L-livvve. Sh-sh-sh-shipping."

"TalkBack Pro. H-h-h-hears you... the w-w-way THEY hear you."

Translation (For Earthlings):
This is Glenn, NØIDX — inventor of TalkBack Pro.

We’ve added the PAM8403 Class-D amplifier. It’s fast, clean, and punchy.

TalkBack Pro now delivers 1.5 watts RMS into 4Ω or 8Ω speakers.

The final draft is complete and shipping is underway.

TalkBack Pro hears you the same way the world hears you.

*From tin can to finished product…
Let’s change how amateur radios are designed — togeth

 

Having done my audio monitoring for a long time, sampling as this is done is not >fully< what gets through the RF stages.
I grant that if it does not sound good at the Audio level is usually does not sound good at the RF level.
If audio sounds good at Audio level, ..............after passing through Side Band filter separation for one side band and its frequency limiting, it will not sound the same.
That proof can be heard monitoring my speech processing equipment and sounds wonderful but after hitting the Radio it is nowhere near as good even before it gets to the RF stages. I guarantee it.
No overall testing has been done by the sounds of it.
Careful set up can make audio very good within about the 3000 hertz +/- limit of most radios.
When it comes to the receiving end, it becomes a comparison with how others sound, the Radio's reproduction and the listener.
Actually, there is no standard but an opinion in the end.
I have put a lot of work in all this and produced very nice Audio at the RF point using many tricks to produce it all inside about 3200 hertz.
Fancy wide band expensive Mics are no longer needed.
Only the newer radios that can be set a bit wider will outdo most lower end Radios.
Better think this through a bit more.
Good luck.