CCRs

[sonm10]

There have been several budget radio threads started today, I'll just add one more.

I've been thinking about getting a CCR just to try out.
USE - ham frequencies and scanning aviation and railroad frequencies.

DISCLAIMER before you all start jumping around - I already own a Yaesu FT-70D for ham frequencies and also does Fusion digital that is common in the area. I am fully aware of the common issues with CCRs.

Four choices: which of the below would be the best and why?

1) TTIDRADIO TD-H5
2) Radtel RT-470x
3) Quansheng UV-K5
4) Senhaix GT-12


CONCERNS: I read on the forum that squelch tail is horrible on CCRs, which of the above has the quietest squelch tail. One thing I don't like about the FT-70 is FPP, it is a pain. Which CCR has the best FPP?

Any other CCR you all might suggest? Thanks

 

[AK9R]

If I really wanted a CCR, I think I'd stick with the well-established brands such as Anytone, Baofeng, TYT, or Wouxun. The newer brands seem to be quirky and have issues. Just read the threads in this forum.

For any of them, research the availability of programming software before you buy. Too many threads in this forum, IMHO, from people who just bought an odd-ball CCR and can't find the programming software.

 

[ladn]

Four choices: which of the below would be the best and why?

1) TTIDRADIO TD-H5
2) Radtel RT-470x
3) Quansheng UV-K5
4) Senhaix GT-12

I have a couple of Quansheng UV-K5 CCR's. Performance is fair to decent, and like their Baofeng CCR cousins, they are subject to front end overload. VHF air band coverage using the stock antenna isn't as good as my Uniden scanners. On the air reports via a local repeater, and via simplex, indicate the radio had decent modulation levels.

I got mine because, unlike some of the other CCR's, the firmware can be upgraded and because the battery can be recharged via either the drop in charger or via USB. There are various firmware options available on GitHub.

 

[rgchristy]

I can't speak to the four radios that you mentioned above.

I have a Radioddity GD-77 and a Retevis RT-3S and others. I only use them for receive-only, but on both analog & digital, they smoke any scanner that I own.

I would definitely visit opengd77.com before I make any decisions. The firmware modifications actually make these radios very usable as scanners, especially regarding scan speed and number of channels. Also, they receive up to 520 MHz, which is relevant for where I live.

The only short-coming that I can think of, is that there are no duplicate TGIDs, like with scanners. If one channel uses TGID 1 for buses and another for fire dispatch, you have to decide how to name the TGID. It can't be both.

For your usage, I think that you might enjoy them.

 

[rescuecomm]

The GT-12 doesn't receive quiet on the Motorola reverse burst so get to hear the crash. It does quiet using the CCR 55 hertz burst which AFAIK nobody uses on repeaters in the USA, but most CCRs send on simplex. Most sellers have increased the GT-12's price up to $175. Their are other radios to consider in that price range.

 

[Golay]

Personal opinion. CCR's make a rather inexpensive scanner. Only caveat of the one's I've owned is the scan rate is so slow. Like maybe 3 or 4 channels a second. So if you program 40 channels in them, you're pretty much always missing the first few seconds of whatever was said.

 

[rgchristy]

Personal opinion. CCR's make a rather inexpensive scanner. Only caveat of the one's I've owned is the scan rate is so slow. Like maybe 3 or 4 channels a second. So if you program 40 channels in them, you're pretty much always missing the first few seconds of whatever was said.

The OpenGD77 firmware dramatically increases the scan speed. I can't find the latest results, but back in 2022 it was at least 20 channels per second.

It makes the radios definitely usable as a scanner, at least for me.

 

[lamarrsy]

But why a CCR ?
Why not a Uniden BC125AT handheld scanner ?

This scanner performs superbly on AM aviation and VHF rail freqs, scans blazingly fast, and has way more niceties that adds to air and rail scanning (like close call or freqs range scanning).
If you are on a tight budget, take a look at the used market, 125ATs can be bought used for real good price.

 

[rf_patriot200]

There have been several budget radio threads started today, I'll just add one more.

I've been thinking about getting a CCR just to try out.
USE - ham frequencies and scanning aviation and railroad frequencies.

DISCLAIMER before you all start jumping around - I already own a Yaesu FT-70D for ham frequencies and also does Fusion digital that is common in the area. I am fully aware of the common issues with CCRs.

Four choices: which of the below would be the best and why?

1) TTIDRADIO TD-H5
2) Radtel RT-470x
3) Quansheng UV-K5
4) Senhaix GT-12


CONCERNS: I read on the forum that squelch tail is horrible on CCRs, which of the above has the quietest squelch tail. One thing I don't like about the FT-70 is FPP, it is a pain. Which CCR has the best FPP?

Any other CCR you all might suggest? Thanks

The FT70D is quite easy to use the menu if you spend some time with it, but the other way which is easier would be the RT Systems software for it. It makes programming a breeze. I actually like the FT 70 more than the FT5DR.

 

[sonm10]

But why a CCR ?
Why not a Uniden BC125AT handheld scanner ?

This scanner performs superbly on AM aviation and VHF rail freqs, scans blazingly fast, and has way more niceties that adds to air and rail scanning (like close call or freqs range scanning).
If you are on a tight budget, take a look at the used market, 125ATs can be bought used for real good price.

CCRs (particularly the ones I mentioned above) are known to be quite sensitive on the bands, albeit not at all selective.

And for the sake of mere curiosity.

 

[a727469]

But why a CCR ?
Why not a Uniden BC125AT handheld scanner ?

This scanner performs superbly on AM aviation and VHF rail freqs, scans blazingly fast, and has way more niceties that adds to air and rail scanning (like close call or freqs range scanning).
If you are on a tight budget, take a look at the used market, 125ATs can be bought used for real good price.

While I agree on the benefits of the 125, for some you can get 2 ccr analogs and 1 dmr (Baofeng 1701 if you need dmr) for the about same price. By the way, the Baofeng UV-17R Plus gets you.…

• FM 76-108 MHz; AM 108-136MHz;
• VHF 136-174MHz, 220-260MHz;
• UHF 350-390MHz, 400-520MHz

again I would like to avoid ccr, but reality is they do offer quite a lot.

 

[merlin]

I came across the Quansheng UV-5R(8). No mods, it does quite well within its 7 bands.
I use mine scanning air band including MIL air, 6 meter, 2 meter, 1.25 meters, 70 Cm, Rail channels, and some LMR.
Can't say scanning is the fastest, but acceptable for my use.
I flip firmware with the IJV mod and that adds some features and functions

 

[pb_lonny]

Quansheng UV-5R(8). I used a pair of these and was very happy with them, mainly after I did some firmware updates to get some extra features.

 

[Falcon9h]

Also revegrse burst works on the Quansheng. Tidradio td_H3 is afnother (keyboard sux) in which reverse burst worksf as long as the firmware is up to date.

 

[Fishnfever]

There have been several budget radio threads started today, I'll just add one more.

I've been thinking about getting a CCR just to try out.
USE - ham frequencies and scanning aviation and railroad frequencies.

DISCLAIMER before you all start jumping around - I already own a Yaesu FT-70D for ham frequencies and also does Fusion digital that is common in the area. I am fully aware of the common issues with CCRs.

Four choices: which of the below would be the best and why?

1) TTIDRADIO TD-H5
2) Radtel RT-470x
3) Quansheng UV-K5
4) Senhaix GT-12


CONCERNS: I read on the forum that squelch tail is horrible on CCRs, which of the above has the quietest squelch tail. One thing I don't like about the FT-70 is FPP, it is a pain. Which CCR has the best FPP?

Any other CCR you all might suggest? Thanks

Stay away from the Radtel radios because of the massive amount of spurious emissions. I have the 470X and I like build quality and the massive amount of available frequencies but they are extremely dirty in the VHF bands including the 1.25m band. I talked to the manufacturer and they recommend the 890 because all the others are built for satcom users which is a very stupid move on their part. They are great looking radios but not useful for the VHF users who are self conscious about the signal quality. I like the TidRadio H3 but for great quality dual band HTs I really like the Retevis RT-85 which is a great quality build and very clean signal purity. The volume control is really sensitive at the lower volumes and should have been more gradual but it is not a big deal really.

If I really wanted a CCR, I think I'd stick with the well-established brands such as Anytone, Baofeng, TYT, or Wouxun. The newer brands seem to be quirky and have issues. Just read the threads in this forum.

For any of them, research the availability of programming software before you buy. Too many threads in this forum, IMHO, from people who just bought an odd-ball CCR and can't find the programming software.

Retevis makes some quality stuff for a normal CCR price.

But why a CCR ?
Why not a Uniden BC125AT handheld scanner ?

This scanner performs superbly on AM aviation and VHF rail freqs, scans blazingly fast, and has way more niceties that adds to air and rail scanning (like close call or freqs range scanning).
If you are on a tight budget, take a look at the used market, 125ATs can be bought used for real good price.

Yeah I like the BC125AT and especially since I bought mine like brand new at the thrift store for under $15. It was either $5 or $15 but either way I stole it.

 

[Falcon9h]

Stay away from the Radtel radios because of the massive amount of spurious emissions. I have the 470X and I like build quality and the massive amount of available frequencies but they are extremely dirty in the VHF bands including the 1.25m band. I talked to the manufacturer and they recommend the 890 because all the others are built for satcom users which is a very stupid move on their part. They are great looking radios but not useful for the VHF users who are self conscious about the signal quality. I like the TidRadio H3 but for great quality dual band HTs I really like the Retevis RT-85 which is a great quality build and very clean signal purity. The volume control is really sensitive at the lower volumes and should have been more gradual but it is not a big deal really.


Retevis makes some quality stuff for a normal CCR price.


Yeah I like the BC125AT and especially since I bought mine like brand new at the thrift store for under $15. It was either $5 or $15 but either way I stole it.

Jealous... dirty toys and used baby clothes are optimistic for thrifts around here in Pa. Anything good goes to ebay. Craigslist is 10X worse. This just isn't a radio area. I got my 125at on FB marketplace last year but nothing locally since.

 

[Omega-TI]

I just now found this thread, so I'll dump in my two bits...

While I have many so-called "real scanners", SDR's and shortwave radios, different tasks require different gear. Sometimes I only want to listen to three or four frequencies, sometimes fewer, while doing other things. I'm a recent convert to these "CCR's" as some like to call them. Why buy overkill when it's not necessary? In the past week I've ordered two UV5R's and a 5RM and I've spent less than I would have on a single new BC125AT. I dunno about you, but when radio and thrifty ride in the same cart, I'm happy. Would I do it again? Heck yes!

 

[pb_lonny]

I just now found this thread, so I'll dump in my two bits...

While I have many so-called "real scanners", SDR's and shortwave radios, different tasks require different gear. Sometimes I only want to listen to three or four frequencies, sometimes fewer, while doing other things. I'm a recent convert to these "CCR's" as some like to call them. Why buy overkill when it's not necessary? In the past week I've ordered two UV5R's and a 5RM and I've spent less than I would have on a single new BC125AT. I dunno about you, but when radio and thrifty ride in the same cart, I'm happy. Would I do it again? Heck yes!

I 100% agree... The same happened when I got my AOR8600mkii. It was 90% of the performance of the AOR5000 for a fraction of the price... I am a fan of the "CCR's" due to the low cost, if I am working in the yard I would rather risk $30 than $300...

 

[nd5y]

Why buy overkill when it's not necessary?

Do you consider a decent receiver that works properly necessary?

 

[Omega-TI]

Do you consider a decent receiver that works properly necessary?

Of course! For my application I use those cheap little UV5R's for local reception of the public service frequencies that come off the local repeaters. Honestly, on those analog frequencies I cannot tell a difference in reception quality from the SDS100, probably due to the strong signal. I will add though that I've noticed the squelch tail is almost non-existent on the UV5R's compared to the old Kenwood TH-22AT that I've had sitting on one frequency for the past few years. In fact I'm going to retire that old HT and put one of these on the digital recorder.

Now, if I still had my ticket, I doubt I'd use one to have a QSO, I'd probably gravitate towards a Kenwood TH-D75A.