MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
Thought I would write a non-TLDR version of a review of two low cost (sub $200) DMR radios, specifically the CSI CS-700 and Tytera/TYT MD-380.
Owning both radios, I will say this: both are fine low cost entry level choices for HAM radio use. Both radios I bought included programming cables and software (which is pretty much identical), and both are current versions hardware and firmware.
Transmit and receive performance are superb on both digital and analog. No overload problems common to low cost WOC based radios like the UV-5R, these seem to be true commercial radios (the CSI does have what appears to be a fully vetted and legit part 90 FCC certification, ID number is Y4GDR6000-2). The MD380 does not, despite the ubiquitous "FCC" logo on the rear ID tag. But we all know how these Chinese radios can be when it comes to claims of FCC certifications...
Anyway, audio quality on the air on both radios is great. There is no AGC or mike gain, but I find the audio on both analog and digital to be quite good. No one has complained and in fact I get complements on the audio. The CSI IMO has a louder AF output and is a little fuller than the MD380, but both are quite robust and can be heard well in a car with the windows rolled down at highway speeds.
Features: both scan, but the CSI does not support nuisance delete, the MD380 does. Both have user selectable high/low power, repeater/talkaround, basic encryption on digital, etc. The real feature on the MD380 is the ability to modify existing channels in the field (FPP) including color code and time slots on digital channels. Note that you cannot edit the TX/RX group lists from the keypad, but you can modify everything else without having to run back to your computer.
Bugs: both have them. The CSI has some slow scan performance, and the volume control taper is a little strange. The MD380 firmware needs quite a bit more work: the display does not scroll and truncates long channel/zone names, alert tones (including talk permit) is either all or nothing, no day/nigh mode for display backlight color.
Battery life: no complaints, the MD380 seems to last slightly longer but both are about the same. They last me a couple of days of 8+ hours of mostly RX with light TX.
None the less, I like both radios equally well. I am enjoying them. One or the other is usually with me now.
Owning both radios, I will say this: both are fine low cost entry level choices for HAM radio use. Both radios I bought included programming cables and software (which is pretty much identical), and both are current versions hardware and firmware.
Transmit and receive performance are superb on both digital and analog. No overload problems common to low cost WOC based radios like the UV-5R, these seem to be true commercial radios (the CSI does have what appears to be a fully vetted and legit part 90 FCC certification, ID number is Y4GDR6000-2). The MD380 does not, despite the ubiquitous "FCC" logo on the rear ID tag. But we all know how these Chinese radios can be when it comes to claims of FCC certifications...
Anyway, audio quality on the air on both radios is great. There is no AGC or mike gain, but I find the audio on both analog and digital to be quite good. No one has complained and in fact I get complements on the audio. The CSI IMO has a louder AF output and is a little fuller than the MD380, but both are quite robust and can be heard well in a car with the windows rolled down at highway speeds.
Features: both scan, but the CSI does not support nuisance delete, the MD380 does. Both have user selectable high/low power, repeater/talkaround, basic encryption on digital, etc. The real feature on the MD380 is the ability to modify existing channels in the field (FPP) including color code and time slots on digital channels. Note that you cannot edit the TX/RX group lists from the keypad, but you can modify everything else without having to run back to your computer.
Bugs: both have them. The CSI has some slow scan performance, and the volume control taper is a little strange. The MD380 firmware needs quite a bit more work: the display does not scroll and truncates long channel/zone names, alert tones (including talk permit) is either all or nothing, no day/nigh mode for display backlight color.
Battery life: no complaints, the MD380 seems to last slightly longer but both are about the same. They last me a couple of days of 8+ hours of mostly RX with light TX.
None the less, I like both radios equally well. I am enjoying them. One or the other is usually with me now.
