Welcome to Ali’s Bargain Basement, a carefully curated collection of mostly radio and electronics bits I’ve ordered from AliExpress, waited an entirely reasonable amount of time for, and then bravely tested so you don’t have to. Some of it works surprisingly well. Some of it… less so. Everything here has been poked, prodded, soldered, and occasionally sworn at before being listed. I have no doubt similar items are available from other online market places like Temu and Banggood using the recommended search text.
tested and working as advertised (shockingly good)
⚠️ works … with encouragament, modification, or lowered expectations
problems encountered, caveat emptor
Think of this page as friendly guidance rather than gospel: cheap kit, real-world results, and no pretending that “close enough” is the same as “in spec”. Welcome to the basement — mind the steps, and don’t touch anything that’s still warm.
Momentary switch
Info: A handy little switch for momentary PTT. You will need to add your own plug/interfacing. The red circle on the back is a peel off self adhesive pad.
Search for: 1Pc Momentary Push Button On Off Switch Black Plastic 12V 24V Car Alarm Button DIY Flashlight Surface Mount Mini Button Switch
Typical price: £1.50
⚠️ Tactical switch
Info: This switch is originally designed for firearms, it will require some rewiring. Nevertheless, it’s a handy switch as the large down switch is momentary and the angle switch to latching. A useful PTT switch, just be aware that you will need to replace the existing plugs (eg. phono/RCA or 3.5mm plugs/sockets). Normally available in black and in tan colours.
Search for: Hunting Scout Light, Tactical Flashlight PEQ Laser Button, AXON Remote Two-Wire Dual Function Pressure Switch SF/2.5/Crane Plug
Typical price: £3
Vertical antenna thread adapter
Info: This is the adapter you need to use an M10 threaded antenna (like the AliExpress telescopic whips) with a standard 3/4 24 thread (for example on a SlideWinder coil). A well made adapter. Note: the same seller will often also sell the 3/8 24 female adapter to M10 male.
Search for: M10 to 3/8 Adapter JPC antenna
Typical price: £4 each adapter
Microphone preamp and compressor board
Info: A really handy little development board with the SSM2167 chip. Useful for your microphone audio projects, especially if your are building/modifying a radio without a build in speech processor/compressor. I will include more detail with links later. Be aware some of them have incorrect component replacement that requires a (simple) modification.
Search for: SSM2617 preamp compressor
Typical price: £2.50
RG316 RF PL259 patch lead
Info: RG316 is ideal for short connections at HF, e.g. radio to external ATU, and generally easier to handle than even RG58, lightweight for /P operations. I have a number of these at 20cm and 50cm and have had no issues. Also available swith SMA, SO239 and BNC connectors.
Search for: RG316 RF pigtail PL259 UHF
Typical price: £2 to £3
5.6m vertical antenna kit
Info: This is the (in)famous ‘red slug’ antenna which I am going to cover in more detail with it’s own page at some point. It’s generally cheaper to buy the full kit (antenna, red connector base, ground spike, counterpoise) if you need at the bits. Expect to pay around £12 for the 5.6m antenna only, but prices do seem to vary quite a lot during sales and between sellers.
Search for: 5.6m antenna
Typical price: £20-£25 (kit), £10-15 (telescopic antenna only)
Quansheng programming lead
Info: This the is the cable you need to programme new firmware on your UV-K5
Search for: Quansheng lead
Typical price: £2
Volt Meter
Info: No much to say about this, it’s a voltmeter, it’s cheap and it measures volts. 3-wire type. Actually accuracy isn’t bad at all.
Search for: Mini voltmeter, 12V
Typical price: £1
