State of the Everything and the Kitchen Sink Radio

"Where is that radio that will do D-Star, DMR and Fusion?  It seems like everything has gone no where?"

Hytera

Insert shocked face that anything like this could happen.

Judge says Hytera employees 'unquestionably copied' Motorola DMR technology https://t.co/TOZSQod6m4

— Bob Witte (@BobWEngr) August 29, 2018

BTECH DMR-6X2: Firmware Updates

Baofeng Tech has released a firmware update for the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89). You can sign up here to get e-mails when they release new firmware.

Changes in 1.01:

Added Support for Multiple DMR IDs
Allow Timeslot Switching as a Side Key Option
Added International Metric Support to the GPS
Allows the Auto-Repeater to be Enabled within a specific frequency range, Auto-Repeater can be seperated between A & B VFO
Minor Bug Fixes

Zastone Mini9+

Cute! Wonder if it's Tier2 compliant... https://t.co/aJF9csMp8b

— Jan-Willem Ruys (@Jruys) July 5, 2018

BaofengTech DMR-6X2 Review by Miklor

John got his hands on the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89) and his review is here...

He starts:

"Several Dual Band DMR handhelds have been introduced into the market in the past few months. Having owned most of them, I would have to place this one toward the very top of the list. The DMR-6X2 is both VHF and UHF, Tier II DMR digital as well as a FM analog with many features geared strictly toward ham radio use."

And concludes:

"If you think the BTECH DMR-6X2 very closely resembles a D868UV, you are correct, but it is definitely not simply a rebadged Anytone. There are features and enhancements that set these two radios apart. I think BTECH was wise to wait for the bugs to be ironed out before introducing the 6X2 to the market.

If you're waiting for this radio to drop down in price, don't hold your breath. Its features and performance make it well worth the price."

Lots of good stuff in the middle, so read the whole thing.

DMR

Since I posted about the BTECH DMR-6X2 (Amazon $169.89), I thought this short discussion about DMR might be helpful.

BaofengTech DMR-6X2 Digital (DMR)

From the BaoFeng Tech website:

"BTECH DMR-6X2 Digital (DMR) & Analog Two-Way Radio (with GPS and Recording) 

The BTECH DMR-6X2 is the most versatile dual-band DMR radio available. Designed for both amateur and commercial usage with its large, bright 1.77" color TFT display.The DMR-6X2 can store 4,000 Channels with 10,000 Talk Groups and 150,000 Contacts. 

The DMR-6X2 is a true dual slot DMR radio compatible with DMR Tier I & 2"

Available via Amazon for $169.89.

Radioddity Baofeng RD-5R: Software Update

Radioddity released an update for the software for the RD-5R.

Radioddity Baofeng RD-5R: $75

Radioddity posted the RD-5R on their site and you can order it for $75.

Radioddity Baofeng RD-5R: DMR HT

Based on the UV-5R form factor, Radioddity is releasing a new DMR HT... the RD-5R:

As the first Radioddity-Baofeng co-produced DMR, RD-5R is featured with solid quality and affordable price. The FM radio function, LED flashlight and built in VFO mode make it stands out from other DMRs.
Sticked with classical design of the 5R family, this time RD-5R is a true dual band dual time slot DMR.

Fingers crossed that this will be a better radio than the DM-5R. Projected price is approximately $70 USD. In the comments, they note that the "RD-5R share pretty much the same CPS with GD-77 and hopefully this will make it a lot easier" to program and thus it will have all the GD-77 DMR functionality.

DMR Contacts

A cool site to generate DMR-ID import files for various radio types.

Tekk D-30 DMR Handheld Radio

Tekk D-30 DMR Handheld Radio:

Smallest DMR Radio Anywhere!

Smaller than a credit card! 

The D-30 is our smallest and lightest unit. It's "Mini" size, flashlight feature, and it's superb audio, this unit is perfect for coaching, churches, restaurants, retail, and others.
Optionally available with a unique space saving 6-Gang charger, the D-30 is compatible with our other models and all major competitors. 

2 Watts
16 Channels
2000 mAh Battery
Only 5 ounces
3" x 2" x 1"
2 Year Warranty!

Includes one Tekk D-30 UHF digital mobile two way radio, antenna, belt clip, lanyard, AC charger, 2000 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery and one year manufacturer warranty. 

Programming Kit includes Programming Cable and Software

Hat tip to David B for the link to the D-30. Sorry it took me so long to post!

DMR Radio Comparison

A nice chart comparing the various DMR radios from Baofeng, TYT, Anytone, etc.

TYT MD-380 - not G - for $81

MTC has some mislabeled TYT MD-380 DMR HT's for $81.

"OOPS! We have Just received a full mismarked shipment of radios from the factory. We ordered MD-380G which is a MD380 with a GPS installed. What came in was a radio labeled MD380G. But it has no GPS. So we are blowing out these brand new mis marked radios. This is just a normal TYT MD-380 UHF Version that is marked as a MD-380G. This radio does not have a GPS installed. Quantities are limited and once they are gone, they are gone."

Via @HamRadio360.

TYT MD-380 to MD-2017 Code Plug

It's DMR all the time...

New software converts the MD-380 codeplug for the TYT MD-2017 https://t.co/l3Ii4eCQs9 #hamradio #hamr @HamRadioDMR @hamradio_rr @brickolore

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) June 7, 2017

TYT MD-2017: Pricing

BuyTwoWayRadios: $219

Grapevine: $219 (Use coupon GARMD2017 for $40 off.)

Which leads me to this article on pricing on the MD-2017.

Hytera's One Device to Rule Them all

Update: we're previewing our forthcoming dual mode device, offering LTE, TETRA or DMR and POC functionality in one smart handset! #CCE pic.twitter.com/QaptAViPrd

— Hytera UK (@Hytera_UK) February 8, 2017

Via @travisgoodspeed

TYT MD-380: $96 at MTC

Get the TYT MD-380 DMR HT with programming cable for $95.98 at MTC.

Radiosification: DMR Tier 1 and Tier 2

DMR Tier 1 and Tier 2 explained:

BuyTwoWayRadios.com: TYT MD-380 Spare Parts

Nice to have options:

We now have spare parts for the TYT MD-380 DMR radio. https://t.co/BwAFEU7Wo1 @brickolore @HamRadioDMR @amatradio #hamr #hamradio

— BuyTwoWayRadios.com (@2wayradios) January 27, 2017