Real world experience with the TERA TR-590?

[zuren]

I've searched the forum (and Google) and only find a smattering of information here and there about the TERA TR-590 Part 90 radio. A couple users here have given it some good feedback but those posts were 2-3 years ago. Does anyone have long term experience with the TR-590 and would be willing to offer your opinion?

https://powerwerx.com/tera-tr590-handheld-commercial-radio

I have experience with a Wouxun KG-UVA1, a Baofeng UV-82, and own a Yaesu VX-7R. I understand that radios from company like TERA do not compare to Yaesu/Vertex, Motorola, etc. but I'm looking for a Part 90 compliant radio for volunteer first response work (ski patrol, bike patrol). The features and accessories offered for the TERA radios are attractive at an approachable price point.

Thanks!

 

[Jimbnks]

Here is my humble opinion of the TR-590

Overall for the cost, it is not to bad.

I used it on MURS, and two company radio systems one VHF the other UHF, and Public safety department on VHF I was on, as a carry around radio, when I was not carrying my department radio.
Some takeaways:
1. One of the key things to keep in mind unless you lock it to prevent keypad programming “It is not Part 90 certified”

2. I was really impressed with the sound quality, however, if you use paging tone, it gets distorted during the tone.

3. Has a nice scan speed of about 3 to 5 channels a second.

4. I noticed sometimes the squelch does open right away on the signal, you could miss the first two or three second of radio traffic.

5. When scanning if you key on the channel, aka try to set priority channel it might key up on the one want.

6. If you are using dual channel, its good in tracking radio traffic in both bands.

7. What was nice you could program both bands in one mode.

8. Sometimes it easy to knock of the primary channel when your not in scan mode.

9. Change channels, sometimes it is slow to change, (I.E. when you change the channel it has to click two or three times.

10. Transmit audio quality is surprisingly good.

11. Battery life was good, I get 8 to 12 hours on one charge while scanning.

12. I used the tac headset for a while, it was good at first, then audio quality seemed to drop on it

13. Overall, I would say it might meet your needs. However again remember to keep in mind unless you lock it to prevent keypad programming “It is not Part 90 certified”

I hope this is what you were looking for.

 

[zuren]

Here is my humble opinion of the TR-590

Overall for the cost, it is not to bad.

I used it on MURS, and two company radio systems one VHF the other UHF, and Public safety department on VHF I was on, as a carry around radio, when I was not carrying my department radio.
Some takeaways:
1. One of the key things to keep in mind unless you lock it to prevent keypad programming “It is not Part 90 certified”

2. I was really impressed with the sound quality, however, if you use paging tone, it gets distorted during the tone.

3. Has a nice scan speed of about 3 to 5 channels a second.

4. I noticed sometimes the squelch does open right away on the signal, you could miss the first two or three second of radio traffic.

5. When scanning if you key on the channel, aka try to set priority channel it might key up on the one want.

6. If you are using dual channel, its good in tracking radio traffic in both bands.

7. What was nice you could program both bands in one mode.

8. Sometimes it easy to knock of the primary channel when your not in scan mode.

9. Change channels, sometimes it is slow to change, (I.E. when you change the channel it has to click two or three times.

10. Transmit audio quality is surprisingly good.

11. Battery life was good, I get 8 to 12 hours on one charge while scanning.

12. I used the tac headset for a while, it was good at first, then audio quality seemed to drop on it

13. Overall, I would say it might meet your needs. However again remember to keep in mind unless you lock it to prevent keypad programming “It is not Part 90 certified”

I hope this is what you were looking for.

Thank you! This is the best and most information I have read on this radio.

Did you use the free software to program, or did you buy a cable and software from RT Systems?

Thanks again!

 

[Jimbnks]

I bought CD and cables to program them.