TYT TH-UV8000SE: Tri-Band HT

Another tri-band HT via Nate:

TYT TH-UV8000SE

144/220/440 Tri Band VHF/UHF Handheld Transceiver
This radio doesn’t have cross band function
Feature:
1.    144/220/440 Tri band, dual display, dual standby
2.    100% Brand New & Special Edition!
3.    128 channels to store
4.    FM radio receiver and 25 channels
5.    Channel spacing selectable (25/12.5 KHz)
6.    Hand free VOX function
7.    CTCSS/DCS encoding and decoding
8.    Low battery alarm
9.    Emergency Alarm
10.  Shift repeater function
11.  ANI function
12.  DTMF function
13.  Reverse frequency function
14.  Tri-color background light selectable
15.  English and Chinese prompt
16.  MSK
17.  1750 Tone
18.  PC software programmable
19.  Channel scan function
20.  Busy channel lock-out (BCL)
21.  Monitor function
22.  Time-out timer (TOT)

Frequency range
VHF:136~174MHz up to 7 Watts
VHF:220~260MHz up to 10 Watts
UHF:400~520MHz up to 7 Watts
Frequency Stability
±2.5PPm
Operating voltage
DC 7.2V (Rechargeable Li-ion battery)
Channel NO.
128
Antenna impedance
50 ohm
Mode of operation
Simplex or semi-duplex
Battery capacity
3600mAh
Color
Black
Dimension(Exclude antenna)
13x6x3.5cm
Weight
291g

Receiver
RF Sensitivity
-122dBm(12dB SINAD)
Audio power
>0.5W
Audio distortion
<10 p="">Blocking
>=85dB
Intermediation
>=60dB, >=55dB
Selectivity
>=65dB, >=60dB
Spurious rejection
>=65dB

Transmitter
Output power
<=10w, >=5W
Modulation mode
F3E
Maximum deviation
<5khz p="" z="">Adjacent Ch. power
<=-65dB/ <=-60dB
Spurious radiation
<7 p="">Pre-emphasis characteristics
6dB
Current
<=2.8A(10W),<=1.8A(5W)
CTCSS/DCS deviation
0.55KHz±20.15KHz, 0.4KHz±20.1KHz
Intermediation sensitivity
8~12mV
Intermediation distortion
<5 p="">

We wondered about a tri-bander from TYT with the TH-UVF9. And, as is often the case, I don't see the TH-UV8000SE on the TYT site (but they do have the TH-UV8000D.

Available via Amazon ($75) or ebay ($75).

More Baofeng Version Notes from Nate

From Nate... he's compiled some information from the various links below. Corrections/additions are welcome.

Complete list of links:

General Radio Descriptions:
http://baofengtech.com/radios
Comparison Chart:
http://baofengtech.com/compare
FAQ (Myths and Facts)
http://baofengtech.com/faq
Firmware Guide:
http://baofengtech.com/firmwareguide

Also reference to:
http://www.brickolore.com/2014/06/baofengtech-charts.html

Radio's currently listed on BaofengTech (Plus some additions):


Generation Zero:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UV-3R, 3R+ (UV-100, UV-100 MKII, UV-200, UV-200 MKII, UV-3R MKII, Vero Electronics UV-X4.
The improved Vero Electronics UV-X5 = TYT TH-UV3R probably belongs here too*).


First Generation:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UV-5R, UV5R+, UV-5RA/X, UV-5RC/X, UV-5RE (and most re-branded clones such as the Ronson UV-8R, the Waccom WUV-5R . 409Shop models - UV5R[A-Q] ** belong here too. also if they have + or UU after the model number, it just means that the frequency range was extended by software on the UHF band from 400-470/480 to 400-520, not an improved firmware ).

Slightly better receiver and newer firmware:
UV-B5, UV-B6, UV-82 (=UV82L), UV-82X (=144/220 Mhz model), UV-82C, (And probably the F11, BFUV66 and BFUV89 belong here too).


Second Generation:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GT-3, A-52, B-580T, BF-F8+ (Also BF-530I, BFE500S and maybe BF-F9+  ***).

Notes:

* Vero Electronics UV-X5 = TYT TH-UV3R probably has some small changes in the filter section, similar to what RadioMart\Martyn was trying to do with the TYT TH-UVF9 that probably became the TYT TH-UVF9D.
Ref1: http://www.worldwidedx.com/handitalkies/153179-tyt-th-uv3r-2m-440-also-does-220-a.html
Ref2: http://www.uv3r.com/
Ref3: http://www.brickolore.com/2012/06/tyt-th-uvf9-more-tri-band-info.html
Ref4: http://www.brickolore.com/2012/06/tyt-th-uvf9-story-so-far.html
Ref5: http://www.tyt888.com/en/Products/Detail.asp?ID=2068
** 409Shop models names UV5R[A-Q] might have added letters to indicate the color R/BLUE/CC 
*** Note the lack of [BAND] button on second gen radios that have the UV-5R form - the BF-F8+, the 409Shop's Baofeng BF-F9+ and possibly other clones that we will see in the future.

I hope this will put an end to the Baofeng/Pofung model variation confusion.

Lots of Radios

I've posted about a lot of radios...


AnyTone
AT-5888UV / AT-588UV

Baofeng
BF-F9
BF-F8
F-11
UV-3R
UV-5R
UV-B5

Baojie
BJ-UV55

Chierda
CD-UV55

Hong Litong
HL-UV8R

Hora
HR-76D

HYS
TC-UV55

INTEK
HR-2040

Kirisun

KYD
NC-5H
NC-UV90A
UV-5H

MYT
MYT-Q1
MYT-Q2

Nanfone
NF-369

NKT
NKT-R3
NKT-R5

Puxing
PX-888K

Quansheng
TG-K4AT(UV)
TG-Q5 (Lucky Stone)
TG-UV2

Ronson
UV-8R

Shi Ying
SR-31

SMP
SMP698

TYT
TH-9000
TH-9800
TH-F8
TH-UVF1
TH-UV3R
TH-UVF9

Vero Telecom
UV-E5
UV-X5
VR-2200

Waccom
WUV-6R

Wouxun
KG-UVD1P
KG-UV920R / KG-UV920P
KG-UV6D
KG-UV2D

Chinese Radio Reference

I'm losing track. I'm gonna build a reference list. I'm not sure of the format, but I thought I would link to the manufacturer's website, maybe get pricing, link to my posts about that radio, and then any notes about what made that radio special. Maybe a list like this...

TYT

HT

TH-UVF1

Kight Radio $109.95

409 Shop $105.00

My Posts

TH-UVF9

Kight Radio $69.95

409 Shop $68.50

My Posts

Radio-Mart tried to make this a tri-bander

TH-UV3R

Kight Radio $59.95

Import Comm $64.95

409 Shop $51.00

My Posts

Moleculeo's favorite

TH-F8

Kight Radio $89.95

409 Shop $63.00

My Posts

TYT TH-UVF9: No Tri Band

I was just wondering around and thought I would check on the TYT TH-UVF9 that Radio-Mart was looking at modifying to be a tri-band radio. They've updated their page with the following:

"We managed to have had a prototype we were playing with that we managed "ok" results on the 1.2 band however it is not cost effective and we have found time consuming to offer this as an option and as I understand it if we sell a modified transceiver then it will itself need to be tested to see if it meets FCC approval so bottom line, sorry it does not seem worth it at this time."

TYT TH-UVF9: More Tri-Band Info

Radio-Mart replied back that they are using a combination of hardware and software changes to make the TYT TH-UVF9 work well as a tri-bander. In a response to my question about output power:

"That’s what we’re messing about with before we release them. With a resonant antenna currently 3 watts but know we can tune it but it all takes time."

Sounds good to me - especially if they are already at 3 watts. That's a lot better than some of the other radio mods that only get a few milliwatts out.

TYT TH-UVF9: Tri-band

Well, the plot thickens. I got a reply from Radio-Mart about the TH-UVF9. It sounds like they are making a modification to the radio to get 220.

"The model is originally a dual band but we have the correct way to make it work on the 220MHz band also"

I've asked if they get full power out on 220 and if this is a software or hardware modification. I'll let you know more as I learn more.

TYT TH-UVF9: The Story So Far

On 5 May, Kight Radio says the TH-UVF9 will be available soon. This was the first time I've run across anything about this radio.

On 21 May, Kight Radio is testing the TH-UVF9.

On 24 May, Kight Radio has the TH-UVF9 for sale as does the 409Shop.

On 31 May, 409Shop does their usual unboxing video.

On 31 May, Nate comments that Radio-Mart lists the TH-UVF9 as a tri-band radio. The link from Radio-Mart to a brochure shows the radio as a dual band. (I had not posted about this earlier as I could not find the time to review all my notes and surf to the end of the TYT internet to reconcile all this information.) Radio-Mart says they have 494 of the tri-banders available for $111 USD for pre-order and that delivery will be in three weeks. (Three weeks from when?) There is also a note that "the display is LCD and not dot matrix."

On 3 June, Kight radio says the TH-UVF9 is almost ready - just a minor problem with the channel/frequency display.

On 6 June, TYT has the TH-UVF9 listed as a dual band radio on their web page.

Today, I've e-mail both Radio-Mart and TYT to see if they can clarify the situation on the tri-band version.

While we wait, Nate has some other cool finds. Here are some pictures from a Hungarian Facebook page along with a couple of videos.

Thanks to again Nate, Steve, and others for links/info along the way.

TYT TH-UVF9: Miscellaneous Notes

Once again thanks to Nate for the pointers:

TYT has listed the TH-UVF9 on their site. Also, a Hungarian site has a beautiful close up of the display. It looks so good, I'm assuming it is an enhanced marketing photo.

TYT TH-UVF9: Kight Radio Update and Service

Also from the 03 JUN 2012 update from Kight Radio (his update, but my links):

"The TH-UVF9 is almost ready. It is not full of bugs, there was one little problem that has been solved and that had to do with the Ch Display / Freq Display. If you order one from Hong Kong, you may get the first production run which has that bug. When you order you want to be sure you get the latest production run. One thing Kight Radio will do, if you buy one that has a factory bug, when the new version comes out, we will exchange the radio for you at no charge. We have already done this with a couple customers for the TH-UV3R."

Exchanging an early model radio for a new version is a fantastic service. It takes all the risk out of being an early adopter.

TYT TH-UVF9: Unboxing

TYT TH-UVF9: Now Available

Kight Radio has updated their site today with the news that they are taking orders for the TH-UVF9:

"The TYT TH-UVF9 4 watt HT is Available Now. We have these in stock in our China warehouse and all orders will be shipped from China until we receive stock in the USA Office. If you want one NOW, you can order and delivery time is about 7 - 10 days from China. We should have stock in the US Office in about 2 weeks. I will be adding specs and more pictures today to the site."

The site says out of stock, but has the note about shipping directly from China. Link here, but I cannot see the price on the product page. It is only on the main page: $89.95.

Kight Radio - Post Dayton Updates

More updates from Kight Radio posted on 21 May 2012:

"We are back from a long trip to Dayton. We have the TYT Dual Band Mobile now (This was displayed at Dayton Hamvention) I will be taking pictures of it in the morning and then its going back to TYT in China. Thank you TYT for letting us have this to show at Dayton. (TYT was happy to supply the Dual band Mobile, Wouxun was not interested in having theirs on display ???)"

I'm not sure which specific model he is referring to when he says the "TYT Dual Band Mobile." I thought the TH-9000 was a single band radio. The TYT TH-9800 is supposed to be the quad band mobile. He mentions it below. I need to finish my post about the TH-9800. I spent a few minutes looking and didn't see the dual-band pictures on his site either.

I thought there might be some news from Ed about the Wouxun KG-UV920R - I was predicting that he would have a demo unit. Based on the current chatter (here and here), no response from Ed (to his credit he is usually really good about engaging with the on-line community), and comments like the above, maybe we should be looking at TYT or Vero for the amazing value in mobile rigs.

"We also had the New TYT Th-UVF9 4 watt HT. Ed and I both have one and testing it now. This will be available within a couple weeks. I will post detailed pictures of it on this site in the morning. I will also post the New Specs for the TYT mobile too on the catalog page. They added AM receive coverage for the Air Band. This F9 HT does have the dot matrix readout."

Air band. Cool. Dot matrix readout. Also cool. I don't see the pictures and specs on the catalog page. Maybe I need some glasses or more coffee.

"TYT DUAL BAND MOBILE expected to ship in October. This is the mobile to watch for ... its actually a Quad Band Mobile covering 10, 6, 144 and 440. The other Chinese mobiles are only 144 and 440. Those of you that have waited for the Wouxun mobile should wait for the TYT first before buying one."

Earlier in the month, Nate pointed out in the comments that there could be some photoshop action going on in the TYT TH-9800 Dual/Quad band - a Yaesu FT-8800R screen? It doesn't mean the radio is fake by any stretch as I can image the marketing designer grabbing something convenient to complete the image. At least there is hard date for availability - October.

I'll keep looking and see if he posts any additional information.

Updates from Kight Radio - TYT and Baofeng

Kight Radio updates from 05 May 2012:

"Great News - The TYT TH-UV3R is in stock and shipping. I have been using one for the past 2 weeks and I love it. The size is about the same size as the Baofend UV3 but construction is much stronger."

 "The New TH-UVF9 Dual Band HT (4 watts) will be available soon. I will have 2 of these to test within the next week and I will update everyone on this new radio. I have pictures posted on this site."

This is the first I've heard of the TH-UVF9. Here is the link to the listing. No price yet on this dual band, dual display 4 W unit. He does mention he will have one at Dayton.

"Baofeng UV5 - They report that the problems have been fixed and shipping the updated ones now. We will wait to test them and then release them to sell at that time. If ordering from other companies you might want to wait until they get rid of their old inventory before ordering."

Amazing how quickly they can respond with fixes. They are getting a lot of free testing from the hams that are early adopters.

"Just in case your wondering, the Baofeng UV5 looks like a TYT radio however it is not. TYT did not sell or mft the radios for them, They simply took TYT's case design and copied it. There have been some questions on who makes the TYT radios for them .... TYT is the MFG!"

I am beginning to think the cases are a core competency for China. They can make copies faster than anyone and in any color you like.