New AnyTone hand helds with FHSS

[KD8DVR]

Initial testing seems to indicate that the Anytones don't do real FHSS. I set up SDR# on my laptop to see what the radio is doing when the FHSS button is pressed. It sends out a chirp on the programmed channel frequency when the FHSS button is pressed, and the display shows FHSS. Then when the transmitter is keyed, the transmission shows up in the specified 1MHz window, but the TX freq doesn't change until the FHSS button is pressed again. So while it's a convenient way for a group of radios to semirandomly change channels together at the press of a button, it doesn't appear to be true FHSS.

I was afraid of that. Useless option then. If Ed has a review link for that radio, that needs to be mentioned.

 

[nd5y]

I was afraid of that. Useless option then.

I would not jump to that conclusion until some experienced person tests one using a real spectrum analyzer.

 

[prcguy]

I have a pair for testing and am getting the same thing, more of a random frequency change with normal FM modulation, kinda like trunking but definitely not "frequency hopping" or spread spectrum as we are looking for. You do need to set up the channel edit for MKS signaling, etc. I'm working with Ed at Import Comm to get a file from a known working FHSS radio to test. Will post the results soon.
prcguy

The Anytones have some nice features that do work as advertised. Cross-band repeat, independent receive (transmitting on frequency A while receiving on frequency B) is possible, good audio quality and modulation, good build quality, and TX power that matches specs. The only thing not living up to the hype is the FHSS feature. It's still cheaper than a comparable tri-band Yaesu, Icom, or Motorola.

 

[WB4CS]

Got an email from Ed at Import Communications today.


•Tri-Band Mobile
•This radio will be available October 2014

This Tri-Band mobile, unless I missed it, what bands will it cover? If it does 2/222/440 or 2/440/900 I may have to break my rule of never buying a Chinacom radio

 

[nd5y]

The AT-3318UV-E covers 2m/220/440.
Here is a second dealer that will carry them http://www.grapevineamateurradio.com/store/?model_number=AT3318UVE

 

[prcguy]

I like Grapevines prices on some stuff, but I'll bet he gets the AT-3318UVs from Import Communications, so why not just get them from the importer?
prcguy

The AT-3318UV-E covers 2m/220/440.
Here is a second dealer that will carry them Anytone AT-3318UV-E Triband HT Radio |Store - Grapevine Amateur Radio

 

[jonwienke]

This Tri-Band mobile, unless I missed it, what bands will it cover? If it does 2/222/440 or 2/440/900 I may have to break my rule of never buying a Chinacom radio

Here's what the -E model will do:
136~174MHz (TX/RX)
220~260MHz(RX) 222 ~225MHz(TX)
400~520MHz (TX/RX)

FM: 64~108MHz(RX)
AM: 117~137MHz(RX)
SW: 2.3~29.99MHz(RX)
LW: 0.52~1.71MHz(RX)

 

[jonwienke]

The Aircraft, SW, and LW are AM, so you can listen to aircraft, AM broadcast, shortwave, CB, and 10-meter AM.

 

[jonwienke]

I'm working with Ed at Import Comm to get a file from a known working FHSS radio to test. Will post the results soon.

I was going to email him asking for the exact same thing, but if you already did, I will await your results.

 

[prcguy]

Here is some programming info for FHSS.
prcguy

I was going to email him asking for the exact same thing, but if you already did, I will await your results.

 

[jonwienke]

It's the same data as the main manual, pg 65-68. Following those instructions, the radios communicate, but the TX frequency only changes when the PF1 button is pressed. It does not change continuously during TX.

http://www.wouxun.us/Manuals/Anytone/AT-3318UV_USA(A,D,E)_English_Edited.pdf

 

[kc5hwb]

Just to be clear, I also import Anytone directly from the manufacturer in China, the same as I do with wouxun, Baofeng, Zastone, TYT and a few others. The only radio that Ed has a monopoly on is the AT-3318UV HT radio. I buy these from Ed at a bulk discount and sell them to local hams in my area, for the same price that Ed does.

Thanks for mentioning my store, though. Ed is a good guy, I'd highly recommend his products. Stop by and see me if you are in the DFW area.

Jason - KC5HWB
  - Grapevine Amateur Radio

 

[jonwienke]

Do you have any further info on the FHSS feature on the AT-3318UV -D and -E radios? Are we configuring something incorrectly, or do the radios not have true FHSS?

 

[kc5hwb]

Do you have any further info on the FHSS feature on the AT-3318UV -D and -E radios? Are we configuring something incorrectly, or do the radios not have true FHSS?

Nothing further than what has been stated here already, no.

 

[prcguy]

Got info from Ed via the factory and its not good for the FHSS option. It operates the way we are experiencing and it seems the factory is not up to speed on industry standard terms for frequency hopping or spread spectrum.

The radios operate in a mode similar to trunking and choose a random frequency within a MHz of the programmed frequency when the PF1 button is pushed. That's not what "we" call frequency hopping and its certainly not spread spectrum.

Contact your dealer if you have any problems with the way these radios operate.
prcguy

Do you have any further info on the FHSS feature on the AT-3318UV -D and -E radios? Are we configuring something incorrectly, or do the radios not have true FHSS?

 

[jonwienke]

Any chance there could be a firmware update to get the radio to do "real" FHSS?

 

[prcguy]

It sounds like the manufacturer has a language problem and interpreting what "frequency hopping" and "spread spectrum" actually are and they marketed the radios trunking type feature as FHSS. If this is true then don't count on them figuring out how to actually make a FHSS radio, let alone upgrade the current radio to FHSS as we know it. That's just my opinion and check with your dealer for the latest info.
prcguy

Any chance there could be a firmware update to get the radio to do "real" FHSS?

 

[nd5y]

If it has the same EM78P568 microprocessor as some other CCRs, then there is probably no way to upgrade the firmware.

 

[jonwienke]

I got an email from Ed at Import Communications over the weekend acknowledging that the radios don't do real FHSS, and offering a refund if the lack of real FHSS is a deal-breaker.

Kudos to him for good customer service. I'm leaning toward keeping the radios, as $180 is not a bad price for a well-made tri-band HT with cross-band repeat, true dual receive, and several other nice features.

 

[w5che]

How's the front end of the AT-3318UV -D and -E? Are they better than other Chinese made HT?