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.

TYT MD-2017: VA3XPR Review

Check out the VA3XPR review - especially helpful are first two sections (The Good and The Bad) - which concludes:

"The MD-2017 is a great low-cost option for anyone looking for a rugged dual band DMR radio. It is sure to come in very handy for users that live in or travel to areas where there are both VHF and UHF DMR repeaters. At a $159 USD price point for the non-GPS version, users really cannot go wrong with this radio, as it is feature packed, durable, and performs well. While the radio has some usability issues, they are unlikely to adversely impact the functionality of the radio for most users.

Overall, we feel that the MD-2017 is a great value priced dual band DMR radio that is likely to please the most demanding ham radio or light commercial user who needs a dual band DMR radio that can withstand the elements."

Yaesu FT-818: More of the Same

Larry (W2LJ) offers some thoughts on the FT-818 and its incremental change from the FT-817.

My father-in-law loaned me his FT-817 when I first got started. I loved that it was a do anything radio. It's probably why I ended up a VX-3R and the IC-7000. I am a little surprised it was such a small set of changes.

ARRL Requests Expanded HF Privileges for Tech

#ARRL #HamRadio ARRL Requests Expanded HF Privileges for Technician Licensees - ARRL has asked the FCC to expand HF privileges for Technician licensees to include limited phone privileges on 75, 40, and 15 meters, plus RTTY and digital mode privileges... https://t.co/u3DWyAYxN8

— ARRL (@arrl) February 28, 2018

BTECH AMP-25 Series Amplifiers - Miklor Reivew

Miklor reviews the BTECH AMP-25 and concludes:

I was glad to see someone finally develop what is a full featured mobile amplifier capable of DMR as well as all other modes that is small enough to mount in the car, boat, and on top of your computer. This amplifier is Part 90 certified and definitely worth considering.

BTECH AMP-V25 Amplifier for VHF (136-174MHz)
BTECH AMP-U25 Amplifier for UHF (400-480MHz)

BTECH AMP-V25D Amplifier (Supports DMR) VHF (136-174MHz)

BTECH AMP-U25D Amplifier (Supports DMR) UHF (400-480MHz)

BTECH AMP-25 Series Amplifiers

Baofeng Tech introduces a new amplifier series:

"The AMP-25 series do more than just amplify a signal, they also purify your signal as it passes through! We are also thrilled to present a whole new way to connect with amplifiers, allowing you to use a handheld mic and built-in speaker - just as if it were a mobile or base radio (but at a significantly lower cost)."

Prices range from $88 to $105 based on the model.

BTECH AMP-V25 Amplifier for VHF (136-174MHz)
BTECH AMP-U25 Amplifier for UHF (400-480MHz)

BTECH AMP-V25D Amplifier (Supports DMR) VHF (136-174MHz)

BTECH AMP-U25D Amplifier (Supports DMR) UHF (400-480MHz)

NooElec and AmateurRadio.com Giveaway

NooElec and AmateurRadio.com are teaming up to give away 50 prizes including a HackRF One SDR Transceiver Package. The giveaway is open to licensed ham radio operators worldwide and NooElec will pay for the shipping. The deadline to enter is Sunday 25 February 2018 at 20:00 UTC.

Morse Code Tools

I love this RSS newsfeed/Twitter morsereader. I asked for support of international letters a while ago and @dc3dreamer implemented it. Works perfectly for Norwegian æ ø å, as well as Swedish ä ö. #hamr https://t.co/kHCnppttIE

— Sverre Holm, LA3ZA (@LA3ZA) February 18, 2018

HamRadio 360 Podcast SK

I know how he feels... it's hard to blog sometimes and it doesn't require a fraction of the effort to produce a podcast. Good luck Cale on your next endeavor!

All Good Things:

"However, I began to realize just how much of me it took to produce quality content and maintain the brand. In October of 2017 I took a break from my regular show production with a promise to return in 2018. I upheld that promise but soon realized that the continued pressure to perform and create was more than I was willing to maintain anymore. 

With that understanding I have decided to discontinue, in it’s entirety, the Ham Radio 360 Podcast. I plan to maintain the HamRadio360.com Website and Podcast Feed of past shows and content as a contribution to the Amateur Radio Hobby."

Yaesu FT-818: Update

Almost 6 years since this post... maybe the FT-818 is real.

Thanks to Razvan for the heads up.

Ham Radio for the Win

Some good press...

Dummies

409Shop Dummy Loads

The Radios

Wow... it has been probably a year since I updated the list. I bet I added 40-50 to The Radios page.

Radioddity Baofeng RD-5R: Software Update

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

National Signing Day

Funny...

Local Ham Signs With Yaesu https://t.co/Yu9urfI3Lj #NationalSigningDay pic.twitter.com/L8EwiDNemz

— Ham Hijinks (@HamHijinks) February 7, 2018

Ham in a Can

I post a lot about Alexa and other similar devices, but I had not thought about adding one to the ham shack.

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.