AnyTone TERMN-8R Full Length Video Review

[12dbsinad]

Anytone TERMN 8R

Got a chance to try out one of the new game changers. Figured I would spill my thoughts about it for anyone interested in them. No, I won't include anything about the FCC certs.

PROS
True dual receivers
AM/shortwave RX capable
OK battery life
Add/delete channels from scan from keypad
Radio feels beefy
Good TX audio/OK RX audio
Many more other features then other cheaper china units (2 tone, MSK,etc.)

CONS
The claim "able to talk on sub band while scanning on the main band" doesn't work. Well, it does, however while transmitting on the sub band you hear a loud clicking noise on the TX carrier. Rather annoying and the party listening to you will probably tell you your radio is a piece of junk. So, yes it works, but not really. Also, The sub band transmitter de-senses the other receiver so bad you prpbably wouldn't hear anything else unless it was a DFQ signal.

Cross band repeater is pretty much useless due to de-sense, even on low power setting

RX audio isn't as good as a UV-82

No way to automatically resume scanning after transmitting. Though, it will retain scanning function after power cycle.

Has receiver issues. When radio is moved around on a full quiting signal, audio fluctuates.

Only a 6 character alpha display.

These are some of my initial findings and a basic review just using the radio, without any test equipment.

 

[WyoDuner]

I just posted a video review of the AnyTone TERMN-8R on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Au6okgh6q4

Overall I really like the radio. I won't rehash the specs, etc, etc and I refuse to get into a debate about FCC certifications but in short here are my thoughts:

PROS:
Good audio on TX and pretty good on RX.
I really like the menu functionality - ease and usefullness.
I really like the fact that the light can be programmed to stay on.
The squelch functionality and monitor function are well thought out.
I like that the keys - numbers and functions both - are illuminated.
I really like the 2 programmable buttons on the side.
The receiver is very sensitive - surprisingly so.
Makes rated power and then some in my tests.
I like the rubbery feel of side buttons.
I like the removable speaker/mic cover.

GOOD BUT NOT GREAT:
I'm OK with multi band functionality - not something I personally use. Stock ducky doesn't do much on AM and Shortwave - need long wire.
Duplex DOES work but there are a couple caveats. Some frequencies interfere with each other and best bet is use headphones on Speaker out jack with only Tip and Shield connected to avoid feedback. Speaker/Mic or included headset cause feedback.
Cross-band repeat works fine in my tests but suspect it would be susceptible to having wrong combination of freqs like duplex. Need to test this more.
Locking down to only MURS/GMRS is a cool feature but not something I would use personally.
S-Meter works better than Baofengs but still not great like I think it should.

CONS:
I have no strong dislikes. I haven't spent any time programming by hand - I use the AnyTone software and it works well. Only complaint about Anytone software is you can't copy/paste and you can't import. Looking forward to Chirp support.

Overall I am pretty happy with the purchase.

 

[WyoDuner]

I just posted my thoughts on this radio as well. Interesting you are having problems with duplex anc cross-band repeat. I just retested this and was able to monitor 2 meter repeater on A and transmit on 70cm on B without losing the 2 meter repeater. I tried it the reverse way too.... Also, I have use cross-band repeat without problems. I have noticed during some testing that certain frequency combinations would interfere with each other - kind of a random thing.

 

[WyoDuner]

I came across a YouTube video of somebody having the same problem described above with regard to duplex operation so it got me thinking. Well, I was able to replicate the problem. Believe it or not, if I use an antenna with high SWR then I can't use duplex well. If I use a low SWR antenna all is well. Even a weak signal can still be heard when transmitting at full power. So, I tested all of my HT antennas and only 1 is even a little acceptable - the stock Kenwood rubber duckie from my TH-D72A. Using that or an external antenna like I have been mostly using and no problems with duplex operation.

I hope this helps somebody. I think it is significant to getting the most out of this radio.

 

[teufler]

gOT IT INTO CROSS BAND, NOW HOW DO i GETE IT OUT, BESIDES LOADING A FILE AGAIN.??

 

[WyoDuner]

Power off then hold PF1, B (MAIN) and power up. That will toggle the repeater mode. It's shown in the video I posted on Youtube and in the owner's manual.

 

[teufler]

I saw in the video, how to activate cross band. I have only one hand so its was tough but doable. I guess I missed you saying how to get out of cross band. Read the book,. and basically do the same steps again and the radio is out of cross band. Your videowas so good, I really didn't think about reading the book at first. Thanks..,.

 

[WyoDuner]

Luckily the manual is pretty good - much better than most. It's definitely worth running through the manual because there is a lot to this radio.

Thanks for the nice comments on the video. One thing I forgot to show was that if you have a PF1 or PF2 button programmed for MONI (Monitor mode - open squelch) you can hold that button and turn tuning control to quickly adjust squelch.

 

[nd5y]

if you have a PF1 or PF2 button programmed for MONI (Monitor mode - open squelch) you can hold that button and turn tuning control to quickly adjust squelch.

I read that the squelch level can be set for each channel. If you change it with the monitor button/knob does it stay at the new setting if you power cycle or change channels and back?

 

[WyoDuner]

If you change it manually via menu or button/knob it will revert back to the saved position when the memory is changed then back to the same channel again - in other words, it is a temporary change. Powering off/on will revert squelch to saved memory setting also.

 

[WyoDuner]

If you change it manually via menu or button/knob it will revert back to the saved position when the memory is changed then back to the same channel again - in other words, it is a temporary change. Powering off/on will revert squelch to saved memory setting also.