Here's a quick user review of the new Alinco DJ-500T dual-band handheld:
Alinco DJ-500T, Alinco DJ500 HT
Pros: Excellent small size. Excellent build quality. Very loud speaker. Voice quality is excellent. Battery life seems very good. Clicky PTT switch. Sub-display for 2nd VFO. FM Radio band. Quality antenna (SMA Female.) 5w on both bands! (Okay, it's only 5w and 4.5w) Easily modified for Extended Tx. Price!
Cons: Requires ERW-7 USB cable ($50) or Generic FTDI USB cable ($25)
Nit-picks: Primary tuning knob slightly stiff but seems to work itself free over time. MIC/SP door squeaks when pressed (seems to be fixed now) Lighted keypad only lights up numbers, not functions.
Notes: Overall the unit is very solid. It feels very nice in the hand and its build quality is better than Wouxun. The size is small and compact. It's quite thin too. The DJ-500T is fairly easy to use. It's menu system is similar to other radios of its genre. Programming is straight-forward with Alinco's free cloning utility. You must use the ERW-7 USB cable if you plan to unlock Tx.
DJ-500T/E Detail information
Still planning to test it more in the coming days but it's a keeper.
Pictures:
Alinco DJ-500T, Alinco DJ500 HT
Pros: Excellent small size. Excellent build quality. Very loud speaker. Voice quality is excellent. Battery life seems very good. Clicky PTT switch. Sub-display for 2nd VFO. FM Radio band. Quality antenna (SMA Female.) 5w on both bands! (Okay, it's only 5w and 4.5w) Easily modified for Extended Tx. Price!
Cons: Requires ERW-7 USB cable ($50) or Generic FTDI USB cable ($25)
Nit-picks: Primary tuning knob slightly stiff but seems to work itself free over time. MIC/SP door squeaks when pressed (seems to be fixed now) Lighted keypad only lights up numbers, not functions.
Notes: Overall the unit is very solid. It feels very nice in the hand and its build quality is better than Wouxun. The size is small and compact. It's quite thin too. The DJ-500T is fairly easy to use. It's menu system is similar to other radios of its genre. Programming is straight-forward with Alinco's free cloning utility. You must use the ERW-7 USB cable if you plan to unlock Tx.
DJ-500T/E Detail information
Still planning to test it more in the coming days but it's a keeper.
Pictures:
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