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Reviews For: Alinco DR-592

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Base/Mobile (non hand-held)

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Review Summary For : Alinco DR-592
Reviews: 1MSRP: 599.95 (1991)
Description:
50w/35w twin band mobile. Features true dual band operation, cross band repeat, DTMF remote control and separate antenna outputs.
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.rigpix.com/alinco/dr592hx.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0015
KB4TPP Rating: 2008-03-19
Superb classic true dual band mobile. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently picked up one of these cheap at the recent KARC hamfest. I am very impressed with this early 90's radio that is kind of a rare gem. It has quite a few features for it's time and is built like a tank.

Pro's:

-True dual band operation with independent VHF and UHF sections.
-Cross band repeat, can even be set to "private" mode which requires a 3 digit DTMF ANI to access
-3 power settings (50/10/5 on VHF and 35/8/5 on U)
-Optional CTCSS decode and DTMF paging boards
-plenty of loud clear audio
-full remote control from the mike and via cross band operation
-separate VHF/UHF ext speaker outputs
-28 freely programmable memories

CON'S:
-no built in duplexer, must supply your own or use separate antennas for 2/440
-power setting is radio wide, not adjustable for each band
-no alphanumeric tags (what radio had them back then anyway?)
-mike remote control requires use of a "cheat sheet" as the functions are not labeled.
-uses oddball style power cable connector
-uses barrel style mike plug, not RJ45.
despite it's minor shortcomings, this is an excellent no-frills dual bander if you can find one. Audio is excellent, and it is a snap to enable/disable cross band repeat (can even do it from the mike). The only downside is the radio wide power settings, for example, if you crossband and need high power on 2 meters, you are also running it on 440 (even though you could only use 5 watts to get to your HT). This causes the rig to heat up quick, and even though it has a thermally controlled fan, it still gets HOT.

About the only other issue I have is the memory backup cell is gone, it's a simple fix though. It works well and was easy to program the 28 memory channels. The manual is on their website though I never had to consult it for basic use. The radio is built like a brick house and gets ZERO intermod though mine had the optional CTCSS board in it so it stays quiet anyway. I am very pleased with this radio so far and would recommend it to anyone looking for a basic crossband capable unit and doesn't want to plop down close to 4 bills for one.