Polmar DB50M: Unboxing

Ben (PA2OLD) has an unboxing video of the Polmar DB-50M (aka Powerwerx DB-750X) over at his site. The radio looks thinner than I had ever noticed.

Powerwerx DB-750X: Polmar DB-50M

And while you are waiting on my report on the KG-UV950P, Hans has some more on the Polmar DB-50M / Powerwerx DB-750X. In short, he concludes:

"The Polmar DB-50M was a pleasant surprise. No major bugs or flaws; it’s a transceiver I might buy to replace my Kenwood TMV-71."

Hit the link above for the full analysis including a microphone mod to resolve the out-of-the-box TX audio issue.

He also has an image that lists the various models you could see for this radio. These cover the Powerwerx, Anytone, Intek, and Polmar brands.

5888UV
5889UV
5888UV1
5888UV2
5888UV3
5888UV4
5888UV5
5888UV6
5888UV7
5888UV8
5888UV9
588UV
DB-750X
HR-2040
DB-50M

Powerwerx DB-750X: Programming Kit

I just don't get it... $39.99 for the software and cable (plus almost $10 in shipping via UPS ground to me)! That really doesn't make me want to get my wallet out for the $300 radio.

Powerwerx DB-750X Dual Band Mobile Radio

I saw this advertised in the latest QST: Powerwerx DB-750X Dual Band VHF/UHF 750 Channel Commercial Mobile Radio - on sale for $299.99.

The manual is here (PDF). I've yanked the whole description from the Powerwerx page:

All of the features you want at an affordable price. The newest mobile added to the Powerwerx lineup features Narrow band transmit (2.5 KHz) except on the Amateur bands (selectable Wide or Narrow RX), true dual-band receive (V+V, U+U, V+U, U+V), Wide RX/TX 136-174/400-490 MHz, AM aircraft Receive 108-136 MHz and user selectable multi-colored LCD display. Since this is a Commercial Land Mobile Multi-band radio, the DB-750X ships keyboard locked. The RPS-DB750X-USB programming software kit is required to initially unlock and program this radio before use.

Ideal for Fire, Police, FEMA, CAP, security patrols, business communications, schools, construction crews, universities, and other organizations that have FCC licensed frequencies. Includes 2.5 KHz channel step for FCC 2013 narrowband compliance.

DB-750X Model Features

• 2.5 step for FCC 2013 narrowband compliance ^New!
• 750 memory channels
• 10 Memory Banks (with bank linking)
• 7 Character Alpha-Numeric Display
• Dual Receive Operation w/ separate Volume Controls
• Narrow band (2.5 KHz) operation for Land Mobile frequencies (FCC Part 90)
• Wide band (5.0 KHz) operation for Amateur frequencies
• Optional Base Station Configuration

FCC Approval

The DB-750X is Part 90 certified for commercial use. CE & FCC Part 90 certified.

Powerwerx Warranty Policy

• 12 month limited warranty on the radio against defects in materials and workmanship
• For complete warranty information please read the Powerwerx Limited Warranty Policy (PDF)

Standard Accessories Included with Every Radio

• Dual band transceiver w/ removable control head
• DTMF Microphone
• DC Power Cable
• Mobile Mounting Bracket (w/ mounting screws)
• English user manual

Features

True Dual band Receive (VHF+UHF, VHF+VHF, UHF+UHF) 7 Character Dual alpha numeric, backlit display 4 Selectable high/low power settings per band (VHF: 50/20/10/5W) (UHF: 40/25/10/5W) Single or Dual Receive/Display Modes User selectable multi-colored LCD display 750 Memory Channels w/ 10 Banks

FCC 2013 Narrowband compliant (2.5 kHz) Power on display: show battery voltage Built-in CTCSS / DCS per channel Programmable Time Out Timer (TOT) Selectable step sizes of 2.5, 5, 6.25, 10, 12.5, 25 kHz Multiple scan modes including priority scan

Specifications DB-750X

Frequency Receive Range
VHF: 108-136 MHz (AM)
VHF: 136-174 MHz (FM Wide or Narrow)
VHF: 220-260 MHz (FM Wide or Narrow)
UHF: 350-490 MHz (FM Wide or Narrow)

Frequency Transmit Range

VHF: 136-143.995 MHz (FM Narrow)
VHF: 144-147.995 (FM Wide or Narrow)
VHF: 148-174 MHz (FM Narrow)
UHF: 400-429.995 MHz (FM Narrow)
UHF: 430-449.995 MHz (FM Wide or Narrow)
UHF: 450-469.995 MHz (FM Narrow)
UHF: 470-490 MHz (FM Wide or Narrow)

Memory Channels 750 channels
Operating Voltage 13.8 VDC
Operating Temperature -22°F to 140°F (-30°C to +60°C)
Dimensions (W x H x D) 5.5 x 1.6 x 8.4 inches (140 x 42 x 211mm)
Weight 40.9 ounces (1159.5 grams)
RF Carrier Power VHF: 50/20/10/5W, UHF: 40/25/10/5W