1st Dual Band DMR HT.

[jonwienke]

I got an email from Radioddity customer service about the MD-5R. A summary:

Out of the box, the MD-5R will be Tier I compatible.

The radio can be updated to Tier II via programming software.

The upgrade software will be made available on Baofeng's factory web at some point in the near future. The site is currently under construction.

It's unclear if the $10 is a one-time cost for the software, or a per-radio fee. I'm awaiting clarification from Radioddity.

 

[jonwienke]

Big whoop then: 2 zones!!!

32 channels total!

What a deal... <that's snark in case it's not obvious> :roll:

No. 128 channels, if 16 channels per zone, that's 8 zones.

 

[N4GIX]

No. 128 channels, if 16 channels per zone, that's 8 zones.

Really? That's not what the promo video states!

"16 Memory Channels and 2 Zones"

 

[bharvey2]

I did some research on the Wouxun last night. Wouxun's own website lists it as only 16 channels and no mention of zones. I downloaded the programming software from their website and the default software shows two zones only. I tried adding another but was met with a message in Chinese (presumably). I'm going to bow out on this one.

 

[jonwienke]

I misread the post, thought it was referring to the MD-5R, which does support 128 channels just like the UV-5R.

 

[N4GIX]

I misread the post, thought it was referring to the MD-5R, which does support 128 channels just like the UV-5R.

No problem. The OP was about a single radio, but at least three others have been mentioned in the replies thus far...

...it's easy to get confused! :lol:

 

[EricCottrell]

Hello,

So the DM-5R is not something to buy right now for ham use as Tier II is a future upgrade with no time frame given.

73 Eric

 

[wa4ong]

The software zip is password protected,

 

[jonwienke]

123456

http://www.radioddity.com/us/2016-b...ital-radio-2000mah.html#view_tabs_03_contents

 

[wa4ong]

I wonder if the extra fee is to pay for the software licensing fee they pay for DMR II?

 

[wa4ong]

I did some research on the Wouxun last night. Wouxun's own website lists it as only 16 channels and no mention of zones. I downloaded the programming software from their website and the default software shows two zones only. I tried adding another but was met with a message in Chinese (presumably). I'm going to bow out on this one.

The copy I downloaded was password protected, what URL did youuse?

 

[N4GIX]

Being such a curious person, I ordered this BaoFeng DM-5R today so I can see if it actually works at all...

 

[wa4ong]

Being such a curious person, I ordered this BaoFeng DM-5R today so I can see if it actually works at all...

I ordered two, they would be useful in tier 1.

 

[WPXS472]

Update on Baofeng DM-5R tier II

There has been some discussion about the Baofeng DM-5R being only tier I compatible. I asked Radioddity about that and received this reply today.


Dear Customer,

We have an update for you on the status of the BaoFeng DM-5R.
Your DM-5R is ready to be shipped. We are confident you will enjoy the crisp, clear sound of the DM-5R. The DM-5R comes out of the box supporting only MOTOTRBO Tier I.
Thanks to the help of our Radioddity Review Team, we have found a bug in the software that makes updating the radio to Tier II inherently risky. If upgraded incorrectly, the user faces the possibility of disabling the radio, which would then need to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair. Radioddity does not suggest that you upgrade your DM-5R to Tier II manually. Manual upgrading should be done only by professionals.
We are working to fix this. We will re-release the DM-5R in one month’s time with a system update. This re-release will have Tier II standard.
Here are your options:
Maintain your order status, receive the DM-5R with the current software in the next 5-10 days.
Transfer your order to a DM-5R with upgraded software, for no additional price. Receive your radio October 20-30th.
Cancel your order, receive a full refund.

We are working to provide detailed documentation to assist in the Tier II upgrading process, to support those who wish to upgrade their DM-5R.

 

[N4KVE]

I knew it was too good to be true. Just JUNK

We have an update for you on the status of the BaoFeng DM-5R.
Your DM-5R is ready to be shipped. We are confident you will enjoy the crisp, clear sound of the DM-5R. The DM-5R comes out of the box supporting only MOTOTRBO Tier I.

Thanks to the help of our Radioddity Review Team, we have found a bug in the software that makes updating the radio to Tier II inherently risky. If upgraded incorrectly, the user faces the possibility of disabling the radio, which would then need to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair. Radioddity does not suggest that you upgrade your DM-5R to Tier II manually. Manual upgrading should be done only by professionals.

We are working to fix this. We will re-release the DM-5R in one month&#8217;s time with a system update. This re-release will have Tier II standard.
Here are your options:

- Maintain your order status, receive the DM-5R with the current software in the next 5-10 days.
- Transfer your order to a DM-5R with upgraded software, for no additional price. Receive your radio October 20-30th.
- Cancel your order, receive a full refund.

We are working to provide detailed documentation to assist in the Tier II upgrading process, to support those who wish to upgrade their DM-5R.

Please respond to this email and let us know which option you would like to take going forward.

Sincerely,
Radioddity

 

[wa4ong]

It's now listed as out of stock on the radioddity site.

 

[N4GIX]

I knew it was too good to be true. Just JUNK.
haha, just got this from Radioddity in regards to the DM-5R.. I knew it!

Yeah, I got the same email. I've opted for #2 and wait for the 'fix' to be done, and save the extra expense/aggravation.

Why did you spend the bucks if you know it's "JUNK"???

 

[N4KVE]

Why did you spend the bucks if you know it's "JUNK"???

You must be confusing me with somebody else. You've read all my threads where I preach against buying all these Dollar Store radios & to only buy Motoeola DMR radios. I did previously say that anybody who plans to buy one of these should wait until they are delivered already doing tier 2. But I guess this means you have the $70 wonder radio on order.

 

[N4GIX]

You must be confusing me with somebody else. You've read all my threads where I preach against buying all these Dollar Store radios & to only buy Motoeola DMR radios. I did previously say that anybody who plans to buy one of these should wait until they are delivered already doing tier 2

Okay, I just "assumed" since you got the email you must have ordered one. Evidently someone forwarded theirs to you.

I'd rather spend a few dollars to gain first hand data and not simply parrot what someone else claims to be true. Not a big deal.:lol:

 

[N4KVE]

Okay, I just "assumed" since you got the email you must have ordered one. Evidently someone forwarded theirs to you.

Exactly.