Kirisun PT 8200

[radiobuff0978]

I just received my Kirisun PT 8200.

The radio is acting strange:

(1) The key tones are extremely loud! I can not adjust the volume of the key tones. It is almost deafening! (2) Also, if I plug in an external speaker or head phones, it doesn't cut off the internal speaker. (3) I was able to put the radio in receive mode, and when I can't adjust the volume until it is all the way silent.

I am waiting for my USB programming cable, and I hope I can re-image the radio to get it to work correctly, because I don't think the tones should be this loud and you can't adjust the key tone volume! I have had to re-image other Chinese radios like the Baofung. There seems to be a HUGE quality control issue with the Chinese radios It should not be acting this way out of the box!

Any Ideas?

Thanks!

 

[mikewazowski]

Thread moved to Budget and Entry Level Transceivers forum.

 

[Ghstwolf62]

You can change the volume of the tones in the software. It is not right but you can turn them off which is what I've done. They are either fairly loud and annoying or off. You can set them low but as I said there are so many they become incredibly annoying.

You may have to set the speaker from internal to external or choose both to be able to use either. Then you'd go into the menu and select the speaker you want to use.

That's all I can suggest.

 

[radiobuff0978]

Kirisun PT 8200 Programming Software Question

I just received the USB cable for the PT 8200.

The PT 8200 programming software has you select VHF or UHF. I would like to use the PT 8200 for Amatuer Radio VHF AND UHF bands. I assume I can enter both VHF AND UHF frequencies. If so, why does the radio programming ask for either VHF OR UHF frequency range.

Doesn't the PT 8200 radio programming software support entering both VHF and UHF frequencies?

Thanks!

 

[RAD909]

The PT8200 is what is know as a "Land Mobile Radio" or LMR. LMR radios are designed for business use within the US. As such, they do not have the same frequency range as an amateur radio. The PT8200 you have is either a VHF (134-174MHz), or a UHF (400-470MHz) depending on your model, but not both ranges. The radio is simply not designed for amateur use. Also be aware, in the US an FCC license is required to operate on LMR frequencies.

If you want to operate on amateur radio frequencies then you should be using a radio that is advertised by the manufacturer as a "amateur" or "ham" radio. This also requires a license in the US (don't know about other countries around the globe).

Here is some additional information on types of radio services, their uses, and FCC requirements in the US https://quality2wayradios.com/store/two-way-radio-license

 

[radiobuff0978]

PT 8200 Frequency Ranges

The Amatuer Radio Bands are:

144 -148 MHZ. VHF

420 - 450 MHZ UHF

Which are within the frequency ranges that that PT 8200 can operate in. It just needs to support CTCSS Or DCS.

I did see one of these radios sold on QRZ.com, so I assume it was used for Amatuer Radio purposes.
Can an Amatuer Radio operator possibly shed some light on this subject?

Thanks!

 

[kayn1n32008]

The PT8200 is what is know as a "Land Mobile Radio" or LMR. LMR radios are designed for business use within the US.

Correct.

As such, they do not have the same frequency range as an amateur radio.

Sort of correct. Majority of LMR gear will include the VHF and UHF ham bands

The PT8200 you have is either a VHF (134-174MHz), or a UHF (400-470MHz) depending on your model, but not both ranges.

Like this particular radio in this thread, It can be bought in either VHF or UHF. The VHF version includes the 144-148MHz band, and the UHF version, also includes the 430(420 for the US)-450MHz band.

Most companies will make a bunch of different models that cover multiple bands. Unless it is advertised as a dual/multi band radio, you usually have to pick one band segment you want when you buy the radio.

The radio is simply not designed for amateur use.

Sure it is. If it will operate FM @ 5KHz deviation, and come in an appropriate band split that covers a ham band it will most defiantly work for amateur radio.

then Also be aware, in the US an FCC license is required to operate on LMR frequencies.

Most transmitters are require a license of some type to be legal, even if it is 'license by rule'

If you want to operate on amateur radio frequencies then you should be using a radio that is advertised by the manufacturer as a "amateur" or "ham" radio.

I must disagree with you. I have a collection of radios that are for LMR, that I use on ham bands. There is nothing wrong with this. Amongst other radios I own the following LMR radios, that are used for amateur radio: TK-280, TK-380, TK-760, NX-700, HT-1000, MTS-2000, CS-700. All of these radios are 'designed for LMR' yet all cover ham bands either VHF or UHF depending on the model number of the radio. The TK-280 and TK-380 are the same radio, but one is VHF and the other is UHF.

You do not need to buy gear specifically marketed to amateur radio to use on ham bands.

Those of us that use LMR gear do so because it is not the ham crap that Ic-Yea-Ken feed hams, with their poor menus, lousy 6 character displays, crappy WIRES buttons, and barn door front ends.

I love my LMR gear I use on the ham bands. They have much better front end filtering, all the buttons are freely assignable, and the ability to easily temporarily delete channels while scanning is soo much better than any crap Icom, Kenwood or Yaesu amateur gear.

While I do own actual ham gear, about the only actual ham radio I use consistently is my TM-V71a, and my IC-92ad.

This also requires a license in the US (don't know about other countries around the globe).

EVERY country requires hams to be either certified(Canada) or licensed after passing some sort of exam in one form or another.



Here is some additional information on types of radio services, their uses, and FCC requirements in the US https://quality2wayradios.com/store/two-way-radio-license[/QUOTE]





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[kayn1n32008]

I just received the USB cable for the PT 8200.



The PT 8200 programming software has you select VHF or UHF. I would like to use the PT 8200 for Amatuer Radio VHF AND UHF bands. I assume I can enter both VHF AND UHF frequencies. If so, why does the radio programming ask for either VHF OR UHF frequency range.



Doesn't the PT 8200 radio programming software support entering both VHF and UHF frequencies?



Thanks!

Because the radio is either VHF OR UHF. Not both.

Before you do anything, read the radio, and save the data, then enter your frequencies, write to the radio, and do a 'save as' with the new data, to a new file.

If you read a VHF radio, then the software will allow you to enter VHF frequencies, if you read a UHF. Radio, it will allow you to enter UHF. Frequencies. If you attempt to force a UHF frequency into a VHF radio, or a VHF frequency into a UHF radio, the software should throw you a warning.




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[kayn1n32008]

The Amatuer Radio Bands are:



144 -148 MHZ. VHF



420 - 450 MHZ UHF



Which are within the frequency ranges that that PT 8200 can operate in. It just needs to support CTCSS Or DCS.



I did see one of these radios sold on QRZ.com, so I assume it was used for Amatuer Radio purposes.

Can an Amatuer Radio operator possibly shed some light on this subject?



Thanks!

Depending on the model you bought, it will work just fine on ham frequencies.


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[radiobuff0978]

PT 8200 Specs

Thank you everyone for your replies:


I think the issue maybe in the Kirisun PT 8200 programming software. With Baofung HT I purchased the CHIRP software to enter the frequencies didn't care if it was VHF or UHF. It worked fine. With the PT 8200 programming software it makes you select either a VHF or UHF range.

Here is description of the listing from the dealer I purchased the radio from:


We buy new, overstock and returned merchandise from major retailers at highly discounted prices. We turn those savings into the best prices for you. Our mission is to have the lowest prices anywhere. If you find anything we sell at a lower starting bid or buy it now price, let us know and we will see if we can adjust our price to be less.

DESCRIPTION – (There are a few others on eBay selling these radios.) Some have listed VHF/UHF and others have only listed UHF. We wanted to get the facts so we could tell our customers the truth and list these radios properly. Therefore, we did the research and here are the facts: This radio can operate on both VHF and UHF frequencies. It is set from factory to operate on the UHF 400~470MHz band. It can also be programmed (via optional software and cable, not included) to the following bands: VHF 136~174MHz, UHF 300-350MHz, UHF 350-390MHz, UHF 339-390MHz, UHF 400~470MHz (programed form factory), and UHF 450~520MHz. RF output is also selectable depending on operating band, VHF 5w/25w/50w, and UHF 5w/25w/45w. Complete specs are available at PT8200 - Products - Kirisun Communications Co.,Ltd


So I am still kind of unsure, but the limit seems to be in the PT8200's programming software. Has any Amateur Operator programmed the PT 8200 to use both VHF and UHF frequencies?

Thanks again everyone!

 

[Ghstwolf62]

I noticed a lot of the radios being sold on Ebay where I purchased mine said VHF/UHF and if not said outright, implied it was dual band.

From everything I have been able to find out that is NOT the case. As far as I can find there is not even a VHF version out or if it is out it is extremely recently out.

It has a strange programming set up with asking you which type of programmer you are and such too.

Its Chinese which should say it all. They are often confusing and often use terms that aren't what we're used to.

I've also seen Kirisun advertise things as out that are coming out but not here yet. So maybe a VHF version will be coming out but isn't so far. I know they offered the VHF and UHF versions of the DP770 as well as TM840 digital radios when only the UHF Portable was actually out. None of the rest were although that has since changed.

I use the radio on Amateur frequencies including the four state EmComm net out here that does check ins every night and once I got rid of the expander/compander or whatever its called I had no problems.

Audio is fine. Using that setting though lowered the audio to the point the owner of the most of the system emailed me to say it was bad. Took off the setting that was supposed to improve audio and didn't and since then have had no problems.

Even make use of the MDC 1200 which I think is a great feature. Would love if all used it. Just clicking the mic would make check ins infinitely more easy.

These and other "Commercial" radios can be and often are used on Amateur bands and they are much better quality than ham rigs. I use a CSI HT as well as Kirisun and am going to be picking up some more Moto gear too.

Hope this helps a bit

 

[radiobuff0978]

Can anyone else confirm this

Can anyone else confirm that this radio (PT8200) is only UHF?

The specifications even indicate it is a VHF/UHF radio.

http://en.kirisun.com/detail.aspx?id=17

(Click on Specifications)

Thanks!

 

[kayn1n32008]

I do not think it is dual band, like many companies, it appears that they make it available in multiple band segments. The XTS-5000 for example is available in 4 band splits, but is only a single band split when you buy it.


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[robertmac]

I hope this isn't taken as stealing a thread. When I took the ham test in Canada, I saw that only radios designed to work in the amateur bands could be legally used by Basic or Basic + certified operators. Modified commercial radios could only be installed and operated by amateurs with an Advanced certification. I am not certain if this applies to the USA or not. With the influx of these CCRs, I am not clear as to which ones are designed to operated in the amateur bands only as most transmit out of the amateur band. Thus are they considered "amateur radios" or commercial radios especially for Canadian use.

 

[jk77]

I hope this isn't taken as stealing a thread. When I took the ham test in Canada, I saw that only radios designed to work in the amateur bands could be legally used by Basic or Basic + certified operators. Modified commercial radios could only be installed and operated by amateurs with an Advanced certification. I am not certain if this applies to the USA or not. With the influx of these CCRs, I am not clear as to which ones are designed to operated in the amateur bands only as most transmit out of the amateur band. Thus are they considered "amateur radios" or commercial radios especially for Canadian use.

Technically they are not considered amateur radios.

 

[kayn1n32008]

I hope this isn't taken as stealing a thread. When I took the ham test in Canada, I saw that only radios designed to work in the amateur bands could be legally used by Basic or Basic + certified operators. Modified commercial radios could only be installed and operated by amateurs with an Advanced certification. I am not certain if this applies to the USA or not. With the influx of these CCRs, I am not clear as to which ones are designed to operated in the amateur bands only as most transmit out of the amateur band. Thus are they considered "amateur radios" or commercial radios especially for Canadian use.

Define modified...

As well, I have a written opinion from an IC inspector stating, that as long as a LMR radio is designed to cover the ham band, they are of the opinion that ANY licensed ham can use it. If you have to modify the radio to cover a ham band then yes, you need an advanced. So if it, out of the box will cover 144-148, or 430-450 with out having to modify the software, or hardware is fine for any hams to use in Canada.


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[radiobuff0978]

PT8200 VHF or UHF

I am still waiting for someone that has actually used this radio on VHF and UHF. Can you program the radio with both VHF and UHF frequencies? Or choose VHF or UHF?

The first frequency that comes up in the memory listing is a 460.XXX. Does this mean this is a UHF radio only?

Or can I select the 136-174 frequency range with the software and then us it on VHF?

Again according the specification, it will support bot VHF and UHF.

I have another Chinese Hand Held. a Baofeng. It has the ability to be programmed with VHF and UHF frequencies.

Thanks!

 

[kayn1n32008]

I am still waiting for someone that has actually used this radio on VHF and UHF. Can you program the radio with both VHF and UHF frequencies? Or choose VHF or UHF?

The first frequency that comes up in the memory listing is a 460.XXX. Does this mean this is a UHF radio only?

Or can I select the 136-174 frequency range with the software and then us it on VHF?

Again according the specification, it will support bot VHF and UHF.

I have another Chinese Hand Held. a Baofeng. It has the ability to be programmed with VHF and UHF frequencies.

Thanks!

Have you tried to program a VHF frequency into it? Try and see what the software does., just make sure you read and save the radio first before you try and stuff VHF frequencies in it. That way if it pukes you can fix it.


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[chuck_e7]

Kirisun PT8200

I am still waiting for someone that has actually used this radio on VHF and UHF. Can you program the radio with both VHF and UHF frequencies? Or choose VHF or UHF?

The first frequency that comes up in the memory listing is a 460.XXX. Does this mean this is a UHF radio only?

Or can I select the 136-174 frequency range with the software and then us it on VHF?

Again according the specification, it will support bot VHF and UHF.

I have another Chinese Hand Held. a Baofeng. It has the ability to be programmed with VHF and UHF frequencies.

Thanks!

As stated before, this radio is single band. Most of what is sold is the model PT82000-02(E) which is the UHF version. I don't believe the PT8200-01(E) which is VHF is sold in the US. Also Kirisun was recently bought out by another company that may or may not sell in the US again. The software will work with either model but will not change the frequency range of the model.

 

[radiobuff0978]

PT 8200

I have contacted the seller and requested a RMA or Return / Refund. If I can't at least program and use the radio on VHF, then it is of no use to me. I need a dual VHF / UHF band radio around the same price $100 -$150, but I want at least 50 watts output. I have a simplex type distance requirement.

Any suggestions on a radio in that price range?

Thanks to all who responded!