AnyTone Tech: FCC

Via AnyTone Tech on Google+:

"FAQ: GMRS, MURS, and Commercial: How does it work? A clarification for users as we update our FCC certificates: The radios modes are individually tested and certified in each mode. The modes are able to be locked down to exclusively operate in the radio mode selected, and are ONLY legal to be used on those frequencies while operating in the selected mode. (No GMRS or MURS use while in the Commercial/Amateur mode). These radios are not to be used on FRS as these are not FRS radios or certified for FRS use. There will not be a firmware update to allow simultaneous GMRS/MURS use with the Part 90 frequencies. The NSTIG-8R and ANILE-8R are not GMRS or MURS certified."

As a reminder, the TERMN-8R and OBLTR-8R have the MURS and GMRS capabilities. The NSTIG-8R and ANILE-8R do not.

CHIRP: TERMN-8R and OBLTR-8R Support

Per the AnyTone Tech web page, CHIRP now has basic channel editing support for both the TERMN-8R and OBLTR-8R. I'm sure there will be more to come.

AnyTone Tech: MURS on the TERMN-8R and OBLTR-8R

I spent some time playing with MURS on the TERMN-8R and OBLTR-8R. I had some help.

She had a lot of fun and got the hang of the radio very quickly. I've seen the stories of young hams, but I don't think she's interested enough to study for the exam. After playing with them in the neighborhood, I took the TERMN-8R on my way to pick up dinner. I got about a mile away before she was unreadable on the OBLTR-8R. I had not thought about how handy and entertaining having the MURS option would be.

To access the MURS mode on the TERMN-8R and OBLTR-8R:

1. Turn the radio on while holding down the bottom button/the second programmable button. You will hear a beep.
2. Press the "B MAIN" button to cycle through the options until you see "PART95"
3. Turn the channel knob until "MURS" appears.
4. Press the ESC key.
5. You are now in MURS mode and can select the various MURS channels.

You can see the MURS settings in the software.

AnyTone Tech OBLTR-8R: Hans and John Review

All AnyTone, all the time right now... Hans and John review the OBLTR-8R.

They conclude:

"The developers of the Anytone OBLTR-8R packed a lot of features in a small package. The inclusion of:

– Certified GMRS, MURS and Commercial in one radio
– Upgradeable Firmware
– 200 channels/10 Banks
– Dual PTT
– 2TONE / 5TONE / MSK Messaging
– Stun / Kill capability 

at a price tag under $100 level is pretty darned impressive."

AnyTone Tech TERMN-8R: NOAA Weather

Maybe not the feature most folks are interested in, but I really like the pre-programmed NOAA weather frequencies in the TERMN-8R (and OBLTR-8R). Press the "A" Function key then press the "#" Bank/MSK key. Press the "*" Band key to cycle between Weather Off (WE OFF), Weather On (WE ON), or Weather Alert (WE ALT). Use the channel knob to switch between the seven NOAA frequencies.

When configured for weather alerts, the TERMN-8R will monitor NOAA on the sub-band while you can still listen to another frequency on the main band. (The note in the manual says that OBLTR-8R can monitor only one live/active frequency at a time, so the main band is muted on RX. You could still TX, but you can't hear anything while it is monitoring for weather alerts.)

AnyTone Tech: I got mail.

Speaking of AnyTone Tech... I got a couple of boxes today.

AnyTone Tech: Pricing

TERMN-8R

Dual Band (6 Band RX) (VHF/UHF) GMRS, MURS, Amateur (Ham), Commercial Portable Two-Way Radio:

$138.89

OBLTR-8R

Dual Band (VHF/UHF) GMRS, MURS, Amateur (Ham), Commercial Portable Two-Way Radio:

$98.89

NSTIG-8R

Dual Band (VHF/UHF) Amateur (Ham), Commercial Portable Two-Way Radio:

$68.89

ANILE-8R

Single Band UHF Portable Commercial Two-Way Radio

$46.89

AnyTone Tech: TERMN-8R and OBLTR-8R Video

A quick video from AnyTone Tech...

AnyTone Tech Hardware

Sounds like the radios should be available soon... and it would follow that we get to know pricing.

Is anyone else #excited? There was a plane that just landed in the USA - that has something on it... Hint Hint
— AnyTone Tech (@AnyToneTech) February 25, 2015

AnyTone Tech

So the smoke is clearing after the Baofeng Tech announcement about their new venture selling AnyTone radios as AnyTone Tech.

Here is my summary of what people are saying from the various forum posts, blogs, comments, and e-mail reflectors:

1. Some folks were disappointed that there wasn't a new, earth-shattering radio. 

2. Some folks were disappointed that the big news was that Baofeng Tech was selling AnyTone radios. 

3. Some folks were confused about Baofeng Tech selling AnyTone radios. 

4. Some folks don't like the names/models (ANILE-8R, NSTIG-8R, OBLTR-8R, TERMN-8R).

In general, there was a lot more time spent discussing the announcement than the radios themselves. That trend continues here for the moment. My thoughts about each of those points.

1. Sure, I'd like to have gotten new models with every feature imaginable under the sun - and for $25. While not revolutionary, I think we are still moving in the right direction. Upgradeable firmware - good. NOAA weather alerts - I want this feature. (A couple of my cars had the weather band and I loved having it.) 

I may buy the TERM-8R depending on it's price. Price is my segue to my big point about Chinese radios in general... value. What has kept my interest in them for so long (starting with the Wouxun KG-UVD1P and then kicking in to high gear with the UV-3R) is that, for the most part, they've offered a lot of utility compared to the price. It started with the HTs and now we are seeing mobiles and HF rigs.

2. If I'm Baofeng Tech and I'm branching out like this - it is big news to me and I'd be excited about it. You want to get the word out. I don't have a problem with them "selling" the news. I was happy to post the teaser. It was fun to imagine what they might be doing. It's up to us to decide if we want to "buy" - the hype, the radios, etc.

3. If you follow anything in the start-up world, people talk about "pivoting." Some times you start out in one direction and then realize that there are additional opportunities (or better ones) that necessitate a change. We saw Wouxun.us move away from Wouxun radios and become Import Communications. Also, there is a difference from the manufacturer/factory and companies that are resellers.

4. I'm not a big fan of the names, but I really understand what they are trying to do. They wanted something that created a family of radios (the "ator" or "-8R"). They wanted something that would differentiate them from other radios and models. As others have said, while not perfect, at least they are trying and it could be worse (UV-3R Mark II Plus+). The way the current ecosystem works, the manufacturers don't exert any control over the names, so that leaves the resellers to battle it out.

So, where does that leave us? For me, I'm gonna watch for the pricing... and I  might add another radio to the shack.

Baofeng Tech + AnyTone Tech

Winner, winner, chicken dinner - here. Hans confirms the new Baofeng Tech radios are AnyTone radios. He's got some details. Or check out the AnyToneTech website. Or there are a few notes below. I didn't see any pricing yet.

TERMN-8R - THE TERMINATOR

TERMN-8R Dual Band (VHF/UHF) Analog Portable Two-Way Radio

The most versatile two way radio on the market, certified for use for commercial, public and amateur frequencies. The TERMN-8R includes built-in GMRS and MURS modes with 23 GMRS channels and 5 MURS Channels. The TERMN-8R is FCC Certified for Part 90 and Part 95 usage. The TERMN-8R is able to Transmit and Receive fully on Narrowband (12.5kHz).

The TERMN-8R has a very rugged case with a Water Protection IP53 Rating making it PERFECT for dirty environments, field and outdoor use.

With any future firmware revisions or updates, your TERMN-8R purchase is able to be updated indefinitely! Firmware upgrades are done in-house at our AnyTone Tech facility and the process is seamless! When you register your warranty with AnyTone Tech, you will be notified of any upgrades that are available for your TERMN-8R.

The TERMN-8R has two built-in receivers (full duplex). You can receive two signals at the same time; you can even transmit and scan (or receive) at the same time! The TERMN-8R also allows you to use your radio as a cross band repeater (VHF/UHF or UHF/VHF).

The TERMN-8R is one of the most flexible radios available, it can receive transmissions on 6 Different Bands. It can receive on UHF (400-520MHz), VHF (136-174MHz), Aircraft AM (108-136MHz), FM Broadcasts (64-108MHz), Short-Wave AM (2.3-30MHz), and AM Broadcasts (520-1710kHz).


OBLTR-8R - THE OBLITERATOR

OBLTR-8R Dual Band (VHF/UHF) Analog Portable Two-Way Radio

The most versatile two way radio on the market, certified for use for commercial, public and amateur frequencies. The OBLTR-8R includes built-in GMRS and MURS modes with 23 GMRS channels and 5 MURS Channels. The OBLTR-8R is FCC Certified for Part 90 and Part 95 usage. The OBLTR-8R is able to Transmit and Receive fully on Narrowband (12.5kHz).

The OBLTR-8R has a very rugged case with a Water Protection IP53 Rating making it PERFECT for dirty environments, field and outdoor use.

With any future firmware revisions or updates, your OBLTR-8R purchase is able to be updated indefinitely! Firmware upgrades are done in-house at our AnyTone Tech facility and the process is seamless! When you register your warranty with AnyTone Tech, you will be notified of any upgrades that are available for your OBLTR-8R.

The OBLTR-8R has one built-in receiver but can "watch" two channels (semi duplex). Monitor two different frequencies (even on different bands (VHF/UHF)) and the radio will monitor both frequencies giving priority to the first station to receive an incoming call.


NSTIG-8R - THE INSTIGATOR

NSTIG-8R Dual Band (VHF/UHF) Analog Portable Two-Way Radio

The NSTIG-8R is certified for use on commercial and amateur frequencies. The NSTIG-8R is FCC Certified for Part 90 usage and is able to Transmit and Receive fully on Narrowband (12.5kHz).

The NSTIG-8R has one built-in receiver but can "watch" two channels (semi duplex). Monitor two different frequencies (even on different bands (VHF/UHF)) and the radio will monitor both frequencies giving priority to the first station to receive an incoming call.

ANILE-8R - THE ANNIHILATOR

ANILE-8R Single Band UHF (VHF Coming Soon) Analog Portable Two-Way Radio

The ANILE-8R is certified for use on commercial and amateur frequencies. The ANILE-8R is FCC Certified for Part 90 usage and is able to Transmit and Receive fully on Narrowband (12.5kHz).