Anytone Anyone use the AnyTone AT-D578UV III Pro Tri-Band yet?

[wb4sqi]

Received my new 578 yesterday and loaded an 878 codeplug I had in my files. No issues after uploading but when stepping though different menu items in the CPS the 578 starts rebooting. Will connect antenna today and try local repeaters. Came new from Bridgecom with FW 1.11.

Was hoping that most bugs were eliminated from introduction but maybe not?

 

[jonwienke]

Don't load an 878 codeplug (rdt file) directly. Export the codeplug to CSV files, then import those into a blank 578 codeplug.

 

[TailGator911]

Keeping an eye on this thread, as I have been contemplating the purchase of a 578. Extremely satisfied and impressed with the AT-878UV, altho I have yet to fiddle with the Blu-tooth accessory. The more I hang out in DMR, the more I like the idea of a good base station radio and 578 seems to be the logical choice for me. I can't say enough good things about Bridgecom and their helpful staff. Their Bridgecom University and UTube vids are all ya need if you have any questions or hit a snag. They are on it.

 

[wb4sqi]

Don't load an 878 codeplug (rdt file) directly. Export the codeplug to CSV files, then import those into a blank 578 codeplug.

Too late Jon, already loaded and apparently no issues so far. Made several modifications to "clean up" the code plug yesterday, uploaded and saved at least a dozen times. I "borrowed" it from an Ohio ARRL page that has statewide codeplugs for several different Chinese radios. Seems like CPS reported >4000 channels both analog and digital. Also added a recent contact list with >185k contacts.

Someone put a ton of effort into creating this file but without a secret decoder ring I struggle with trying to identify individual digital repeaters due to liberal use of abbreviations. So as I get local-to-me digital repeaters identified I'll be making changes to help identify them.

My only complaint so far is the volume of the beep tone. Even at level 1 I find it too loud for my tastes and suggested to Bridgecom that Anytone consider lower levels in the next FW release. I really don't expect Anytone to listen to me but at least the suggestion is out there.

Next project is to modify the codeplug for my hotspot as my attic antenna is marginal for the two local DMR repeaters. So far it has been a great learning project while stuck at home anxiously waiting for spring weather and herd immunity.

 

[wb4sqi]

578 Update 1-29-21

Got my hotspot programming completed with 8 different TG's including Parrot. Audio check sounds good on parrot with mic gain set to 4.

The other complaint is volume control, which others have complained about since this radio was introduced. The setting is either off or loud, not any adjustment between too loud and no audio. I'm using an external speaker and receive audio is very clean, much better than the internal speaker (which I would rate as communications quality).

Checking CPS this morning I have 1150 channels programmed although the "help" window at the bottom shows 4002. Programming is more difficult for me as I use both DMR and D-star equipment, which requires clear thinking and tends to get more difficult above age 70.

 

[sallen07]

The other complaint is volume control, which others have complained about since this radio was introduced. The setting is either off or loud, not any adjustment between too loud and no audio. I'm using an external speaker and receive audio is very clean, much better than the internal speaker (which I would rate as communications quality).

Did you change the max volume level? If you are using the CPS, select "Optional Setting" then the "Volume/Audio" tab. I don't recall what the default setting was but I have mine set to "Indoors" and that makes the volume knobs do something other than "off" and "FULL BLAST".

I do still notice that DMR volume is much lower than analog. I have to crank the volume up all the way for DMR and maybe 40% to get the same volume on analog. I may try a setting of "1" or "2" and see if that let's me run less than full open for DMR while maintaining a reasonable level for analog.

 

[jonwienke]

I do still notice that DMR volume is much lower than analog. I have to crank the volume up all the way for DMR and maybe 40% to get the same volume on analog. I may try a setting of "1" or "2" and see if that let's me run less than full open for DMR while maintaining a reasonable level for analog.

That's probably because the default channel width for analog is 12.5K rather than 25K, and you probably have that setting configured wrong for what's being transmitted.

 

[sallen07]

That's probably because the default channel width for analog is 12.5K rather than 25K, and you probably have that setting configured wrong for what's being transmitted.

Nice theory Jon, but wrong.



I have not received any complaints about transmit volume, which would probably be the case if I had the analog channels configured wrong.

Analog is LOUDER, not quieter. And yes, these are Ham repeaters, so wide band.

 

[jonwienke]

If you have a 25khz channel set to 12.5, RX will absolutely be louder. Your TX would sound quiet to others.

 

[sallen07]

If you have a 25khz channel set to 12.5, RX will absolutely be louder. Your TX would sound quiet to others.

Be that as it may, I have the analog channels set for wide, as they should be. So that's not what is causing the issue.

Oh, and I talk to a lot of the same people on both DMR and analog, so it's unlikely to be "mike too far from mouth" or something like that.

 

[wb4sqi]

Did you change the max volume level? If you are using the CPS, select "Optional Setting" then the "Volume/Audio" tab. I don't recall what the default setting was but I have mine set to "Indoors" and that makes the volume knobs do something other than "off" and "FULL BLAST".

I do still notice that DMR volume is much lower than analog. I have to crank the volume up all the way for DMR and maybe 40% to get the same volume on analog. I may try a setting of "1" or "2" and see if that let's me run less than full open for DMR while maintaining a reasonable level for analog.

That did the trick, set Max Volume to 3 and now I have a smooth rise in audio from off to room filling. Thanks Sallen07.