| KE6CD |
Rating:     |
2023-01-29 | |
| Bluetooth Remote Microphone |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Just added the BT-01 remote microphone control head to my radio.
The device (finally) overcomes one of the limitations of this radio. It makes it possible to mount the radio in a secure location -- such as a vehicle trunk -- and control it remotely from the microphone. The result is similar to using the Motorola O3 handheld control head on the XTL or APX series mobiles.
The remote microphone can be linked to the radio either via Bluetooth or the supplied cable. While using Bluetooth is perhaps the simplest method, the wired cable is the more reliable option and it eliminates the need to separately charge the microphone. I tried an 8 conductor straight-through coiled microphone cable from another brand radio and it works fine. It should be possible to use Cat 6 or higher Ethernet cable (preferably shielded) between the console and the vehicle trunk if the supplied cable isn't long enough. In some states, wired two-way radio microphones are excepted from bans on the use of handheld electronic devices while driving, so this may be another plus.
Anyone who has used the Motorola commercial Bluetooth microphone will find the range of the BT-01 to be very disappointing. At best, it is usable in the same room or in the same vehicle. However, for many, the option of a wired handheld remote is sufficient reason to buy it, even at $150. This is why I gave it a "good" instead of "great" rating. Also, the microphone battery is internal and not easily swapped for a fresh one. The supplied clip is designed for use on clothing but someone has created an open-source 3D printed conventional microphone button that fits perfectly. It's available at https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5733089
Some users may experience challenges in updating the radio's Bluetooth firmware to be compatible with the microphone as an Android phone or tablet is needed to accomplish this. |
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| KN4YBP |
Rating:      |
2022-02-26 | |
| Great radio and capabilities for the price |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I read these reviews and thought I'd wait 'till after I become familiar with the radio before reviewing. In my radio club a handful of fellas grabbed this radio...it's a popular unit.
Now after three months of mobile/base use I can add my voice to the positive opinions stated herein. I was already DMR familiar so programming was simple. It even "took" the program from my MD5 and only needed a few mods to take advantage of the addt'l capabilities. It will also take D878 programming. In one mobile radio I have FM, DMR and APRS digital & analog (in send only). I sold three radios as this one does what the others did individually. It does NOT receive APRS and decode it if you need that. (software 1.14 allows this)
My Daiwa says 1.1/10/24/59 on 2 meters. The PA mosfet part number is rated 70 watts. Info available that will allow adj of the outputs for those who must have it all. The fan is mostly for decoration and to advertise "it has a fan" This fan is nearly worthless so be conscious of power use and maybe invest in a fan as heat comes quick. I have a USB powered 3 speed 5" muffin fan for when it heats.
Would I get it again? Yep, in a minute. I paid $379 from Antenna Store, Lockport, NY. over 2020 Christmas. Free ship.
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Purchased a second one for my son in DENVER Feb 2022.
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| K6BEN |
Rating:      |
2021-05-27 | |
| *Great VHF/UHF/DMR Radio!* |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
This particular Anytone D578 comes in several “flavors”. They are the professional and amateur flavors, with the amateur version offering dual- and tri-band models. At least this is what Bridgecom wants you to believe. In actuality, it’s the same radio, all configured by using the CPS software and the AT Options software, available from Anytone for free.
The radio ships in professional mode to be FCC part 90 compliant. To unlock the radio (this is the term they use), connect the radio to your computer with a micro USB cable. Run the CPS software to configure the radio into amateur mode.
To configure the radio to tri-band mode (1.25-meter), use the AT Option software and select Mode 18, the only mode which offers 1.25-meter. This website offers a lot of information on how to do these things: http://members.optuszoo.com.au/jason.reilly1/578mods.htm
That being said, prepare to watch a lot of YouTube videos and Google search a lot. The included document is poor and the CPS software can be confusing to use. Once you watch a few videos on how to do something and talk to other operators who have used the software, then it starts becoming second nature.
For example, if you program a frequency into the radio you expect to see it after uploading the codeplug. Nope. The Anytone operates on the concept of zones. Using CPS, add the frequency to a zone, which you also create. Now, upload the codeplug and switch to the zone. Finally, you will see the frequency.
Let me also add that your version of CPS should match the F/W version of the radio. Otherwise, I don’t even think it will let you upload your codeplug. If I recall right, you will see a cryptic message, which fails to explain this is the case.
Also, if you create a codeplug with your radio in one mode, then decide to change the radio to another mode, CPS will refuse the upload the codeplug, displaying a “Band Error” message. The linked site I referenced earlier will show you how to work around this.
Build Quality
The radio is small. In fact, it’s so light-weight and small, I have had to use the included bracket to elevate the radio at an angle so that it’s easier to operate. When I press a button, I have to support the radio from behind or up top. Otherwise, I'll push it right off my desk.
It does feel solid. The buttons themselves are also solid and hard to actuate by accident. With my Yaesu FTDX10, I’ve found it easy to press a button or rotate a dial by accident, losing a QSO I’m trying to make because I did not take note of the frequency.
I have heard a lot of criticism around the faceplate not being detachable. This is apparently is what ham operators want when they install this in a car. They want the faceplate separate from the unit to make installation, usage, and hiding after they get to their destination easier.
I can see why, especially as placing the unit, say under the glove compartment or in the head unit space where the stereo is located, isn’t really a good option because of the antenna feedline. This means you actually need more space than the actual size of the unit.
Most operators prefer the unit in the trunk to make moot the extra space needed behind the unit for the antenna feedline. It's also nice to have the unit in the trunk so as to keep it out of sight from would-be car thieves.
As for the speaker, it isn’t the loudest thing in the world, especially when you’re on DMR and the volume of different stations vary a lot. The fix is simple. Pair the Anytone to your car’s stereo system through Bluetooth!
DMR
I played with DMR some, as this was the main reason I bought this radio. The audio quality is clear, which is expected because of the way digital modes work. The codeplug programming for digital mode is a bit more involved than analog modes. Again, example codeplugs will help you understand how to do the programming.
Analog Mode
I was unimpressed by the quality of DMR. This is far from an Anytone issue. It's an issue of implementation by the DMR founders, who opted to increase bandwidth over quality. This means you can have many more talkgroups, but at the expense of radio quality. Many people told me about the robotic quality of DMR, so that I would not be alarmed, thinking something was wrong with my radio.
Because of my disappointment with the audio quality of DMR, I mainly use the radio in analog mode. The audio quality in analog is MUCH better. My outgoing Signal and audio reports from other hams of me have been positive. They say I sound really good.
Antenna
I don’t think it’s too applicable for this review, but for the basis of comparison on why my signal quality and reports have been positive, I run a J-pole antenna. To be specific, I run the DBJ-1 by Dr. Edison Fong.
1.25 M Band
I have a dual-band antenna. While I cannot transmit because of a high SWR (almost 6), I can hear traffic on 224 MHz. The traffic in my area is pretty dead on this band. So, if you’re considering purchasing this radio for the 1.25 M band, you might want to first check with local hams to see how active this band is in your area. Or just use the radio in dual-band mode.
Highly Configurable
If you love playing with radios and configuring them, you’ll have a good time with the D578. It comes with 5 programmable keys (P1 through P5). You can configure them to perform 10 different things. A short press can do one thing while a long press does something else. Remembering what they do is a different story. That’s why I suggested having the CPS software easy-to-access so that you can always look it up.
ARES/RACES Work
If you’re looking for a mobile rig to do ARES work, this is a great radio. I know the local EOC, and he recommends the Anytone because of its ability to communicate on the bands that firefighters and police use.
If you’re supporting ARES/RACES in emergency relief, it’s easier to have one radio that does both things than carrying around a second radio.
The other reason is the dial, which makes it easy to change frequencies. This is useful in an emergency situation where the stress levels are high. Some radios only offer a button to move through the stations, which means it will take a lot longer to get to the station of interest. It’s also harder to use push buttons if you’re stressed and your hands are shaking. Or, if you happen to be wearing gloves.
D878 Compatibility
The codeplug you create for the D578 is compatible with the D878, provided you’re in the same mode. This is another great reason to get this radio, if you keep the D578 in your vehicle and carry the D878 as your HT for ARES/RACES work. Or, if you support public events, like a bicycle race where cell coverage is limited or even non-existent.
Fan Noise
If you transmit on high power for more than several minutes, then expect the fan on the back of the unit to run for minutes after you've stopped transmitting. Because it is a small fan (1.5-inches by 1.5-inches), it runs at a higher RPM for a longer period of time so as to cool off your radio. Yes, it is loud and can be annoying, especially if you're operating in your living room, as I do.
Crashes
I read some reports from other eHam reviewers, complaining about how this radio would crash if left running too long. They have to power cycle to get the radio back up. Some have even reported needing to completely pull power to force a hard reset. I have not experienced any of these issues.
Conclusion
For all the reasons outlined above, I recommend this radio. |
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| N7JFF |
Rating:      |
2021-02-17 | |
| Great DMR Mobile |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
First, buy this radio where you can get the best price, or your favorite vendor. Don't let Bridgecom make you thin that they are providing the best value with added Bridgecom University. Most people buying this radio are buying it for the extra features, APRS, Crossband repeat and such. While the University can help those new to DMR programming and setup, they do not provide any lesson on how to setup Cross Band repeat, or APRS. They will however provide plenty of information of their Sky Bridge Hot Spot, at $399, that they want to entice you to buy. You will get the same radio and accessories at any other retailer carrying this radio for the same price.
Now, the radio;
I have had several other DMR mobiles, and this one can have its quirks like all the rest. However, i really like this radio. I replaced the TYT 9600 in my truck with this AT-578. I enjoy it so much, that I let go the 9600 that I was using in the shack and replaced it with the AT-578. I like being about to not have so many different DMR radios to program and keep up with. The Anytone family of DMR radios are very easy to setup and program. Hey, for APRS, it is only a position tracker, and does not receive any APRS data, but at this price you can't ask for much more. APRS, can be a bit quirky as well, and others in my area say that not all of their packet reports to the node are being received, and sent to APRS.fi. I have experienced this as well, and I have only 4 mile line of site to the node. This is analog APRS. I have not tried DMR APRS yet, but told that we can operate APRS through our area DMR repeaters.
If I had a need to buy another mobile radio, this would be the one that I would select. I have not experienced any of the strange rebooting, or other issues that folks have submitted in their reviews. If so, I would have just sent the radio back for replacement. Those radios are defective and not what we are seeing in my area for operators buying this radio.
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| WG5ENE |
Rating:      |
2020-12-09 | |
| Very easy to use - great on DMR and analog too. |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I purchased my Anytone AT-578 from Powerwerx along with a power supply. I can say, so far, very happy. I had earlier purchased an Anytone AT-878 HT from BridgeComm and was very satisfied with that - so it was a natural to go with the 578 for use as a base station. It operates much the same way as the handheld - very easy to use. |
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| W5GNB |
Rating:   |
2020-12-05 | |
| RUN the Other way !! ~~~~ |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| The radio should still be on the Drawing Board, not in the market for sale ... after setting unused overnight, it will be Locked up in the morning requiring a reboot. Volume control is either OFF or ON ~~ They should have put a toggle switch there in place of the pot. Audio quality from the speaker is "Tinney" ~~ I am beginning to wonder if ANYONE of these manufacturers can make a Good DMR radio these days !!! ~~~~ |
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| W9JTC |
Rating:      |
2020-11-07 | |
| Awesome radio |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| Purchased the AT-578UV3 non pro version for the base. Works great on analog and DMR. Was able to import my codeplug from my 868 following some easy instructions. You really can't beat this radio for the price versus features. If you really need GPS and Bluetooth another 100 bucks is not too bad. I didn't need or want it for the base. The latest firmware and CPS makes the radio easy to program. |
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| DFIAS |
Rating:   |
2020-10-30 | |
| Firmware problems |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
Using always the latest firmware, but the rig stops working due to hanging software. This happens after hours or days. Without sending, just listening. No watchdog restarts the rig in such a case. Sometimes the power-off button still works, sometimes I have to cut the supply cord.
Analog mode sounds terrible but I don't use it, so doesn't matter. Digital quality however is excellent. So why does analog fail?
The volume control is almost unusable. Changing from OFF to loud to very loud, only. Seems to be linear with 32 steps where step 0 is OFF and step 1 is already loud.
Last but not least the display is small and unclear. In contrary, the mic is far too big. |
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| N4KXO |
Rating:      |
2020-08-16 | |
| Neat radio to have in your shack |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
The Anytone 578 comes in 2 versions. With GPS/Bluetooth/APRS and non GPS ETC.
Fairly easy to program. I only wish that Anytone will come out with a version that has a detachable faceplate. There is nowhere to mount this in my vehicle.
Overall a great Tri- band/DMR transceiver for the price point. |
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| W0VET |
Rating:      |
2020-08-15 | |
| What fun! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| Why I give this radio five starts? This radio is loads of fun as my introduction of DMR. For those who understand the fundamental concept of Access or spreadsheets, programing your own code plugs for this rig is as Peter Rabbit says: "Easy peasy lemon squeezy". Or download code plugs, talk groups, and other useful stuff from the Internet. The one weakness for me is a poor audio speaker, but will consider an extension speaker. The capability of uploading personal photographs for display backgrounds or at startup is certainly a way to personalize the rig further. The mobile mount is versatile and a second installed mount in another vehicle makes for an easy transfer from one to the other. I only wish for a detachable face plate. |
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