Anytone Avoid the 168 portable

[Falcon9h]

Info only. I got a new Anytone 168 HT, me all hot and ready to go on programming. Imagine my dismay when I hook it up to the computer... and... nothing, nada, zip.
Bridgecomm tech support texted me back immediately, kudos to them, they really tried to help. Plugging in the radio to USB killed the port and I had to restart the computer to get the port working again. Tried two other PC's-same thing.
Not taking a chance on frying things with a useless radio-right back to Amazon for a refund.
Just a heads up on maybe avoiding this thing. I'm not risking a replacement. (my other Anytone radios work and program fine) Thought you'd like to know.

 

[rf_patriot200]

Info only. I got a new Anytone 168 HT, me all hot and ready to go on programming. Imagine my dismay when I hook it up to the computer... and... nothing, nada, zip.
Bridgecomm tech support texted me back immediately, kudos to them, they really tried to help. Plugging in the radio to USB killed the port and I had to restart the computer to get the port working again. Tried two other PC's-same thing.
Not taking a chance on frying things with a useless radio-right back to Amazon for a refund.
Just a heads up on maybe avoiding this thing. I'm not risking a replacement. (my other Anytone radios work and program fine) Thought you'd like to know.

the 168 was a mistake on Anytone's part. The 878/578 series is tried and true, with Much more support.

 

[Falcon9h]

the 168 was a mistake on Anytone's part. The 878/578 series is tried and true, with Much more support.

Agree completely, I have the 6x2 (less $$) and I really like it.

 

[N4KVE]

I was at the Orlando ham fest last week. I sold $400 worth of stuff, & was looking to spend some of it on a new toy. A guy was selling the 168, & it seemed to work well, but I remember reading problematic reviews a few days before, so I used will power, & walked away. Bought a mint SL7550 for $70 instead, & it works great. I’m done with CCR’s.

 

[kd4moj]

Never had an issue with mine. Programs up just like the 878 that I also have.

 

[rf_patriot200]

Never had an issue with mine. Programs up just like the 878 that I also have.

It seems to be a crap shoot with the 168. Some get a "Monday" radio, and some get "Friday" radios.

 

[Louie7]

We can also remember that the Bluetooth module of the Anytone 878 dies when you make certain updates:

Anytone - Anytone 878UVII Plus Bluetooth gone missing...

Hi all, I have posted this on another person thread re firmware issues incase they have some insight but Id like to start a dedicated topic relating to this very strange issue.. I have a brand new UV878v2 Plus. But there is no bluetooth anywhere in the menu and if I set a quick key to enable...

forums.radioreference.com

Conclusion: Is Anytone now having its equipment manufactured in India?

 

[KD8DVR]

My 168 functions perfectly. No Issues whatsoever. And it has audio leveling! No more people blasting with their mic gains set too high.

 

[KD8DVR]

the 168 was a mistake on Anytone's part. The 878/578 series is tried and true, with Much more support.

The 168 was designed as an entry-level radio, based on the 878 series. It comes from a tried and true design.

 

[lamarrsy]

The 168 was designed as an entry-level radio, based on the 878 series. It comes from a tried and true design.

… not so « entry level » as it may first look.

In fact it has clearly advantages over the 878 series that compensate for its lack of Bluetooth or gps that 878s have :
- redesigned color display with more information
- audio leveling (as KD8DVR said)
- audio recording of digital *and analog*
- two batteries and two antennas *provided as standard*
- 4 power output levels, the lowest being 200mW (hotspot!)
- type C charging port

 

[K9KLC]

I was at the Orlando ham fest last week. I sold $400 worth of stuff, & was looking to spend some of it on a new toy. A guy was selling the 168, & it seemed to work well, but I remember reading problematic reviews a few days before, so I used will power, & walked away. Bought a mint SL7550 for $70 instead, & it works great. I’m done with CCR’s.

I'd take a couple at 70 bucks. That was a good buy.

 

[rf_patriot200]

I'd pay $70 for a D168 ... Maybe. But still prefer the features, of the 878 over the 168.

 

[K9KLC]

I'd pay $70 for a D168 ... Maybe. But still prefer the features, of the 878 over the 168.

Just to be clear I was saying I'd pay $70 for the SL7550, not the 168. I know nothing about the 168 or 878. That being said I do have the tri band version of the 578 and I use it on occasion.