The thing I dont like is doesnot not cover airband.
Any thoughts about that?
It's a HAM transceiver not a scanner. If you needed airband then why didn't you buy the Yaesu VX-3R? It's only $10 more.
The thing I dont like is doesnot not cover airband.
Any thoughts about that?
I can change the modes on my DJ-500T as described here (putting it in Mode 1 to open up the frequencies), but that erases all my programming (of over 100 channels). I've tried uploading all my programming using the Alinco Version 1.02 software first, but the software doesn't seem to be able to upload software from a radio in Mode 2 and then download it to a radio in Mode 1. (i.e. uploading from a radio set up as a DJ-500T and downloading to a radio programmed as a DJ-500).Hi Nick,
I have the E model. 1 does open everything up for me though. I wish there was a way to change PF2 to a PTT on the sub band like the Anytone this is based off.
Quote "Unlocking TX: I’ve seen several people comment that opening up the TX frequency range is easy with the Alinco software, but I can’t seem to figure out how. <del>
look back through this thread,
here's what worked for me on a brand new 500tb:
hold pf2 and 'd'
power on
select 'mode 1' with ch dial
power off
power on
/guy
Any of you current owners have anything to add review/feedback wise on this radio? Seems like a quality made in Japan product, at a somewhat affordable price.
It's a very good radio. Way better than the chicom units out there. My only complaints (minor) are battery doesn't last very long and its menu system is a little wonky (relative to other mfgs) but it's pretty good.
If the trigger gets pulled it will be my first HAM radio, I'll be testing next week, so I am trying to get my ducks in a row for a future purchase.
With that said, I am guessing the included charger allows for just battery charging without the actual radio inserted?
May even look into just shelling out the dough for the RT software or something similar if need be. You use any with this radio?
Well a portable is a good start and a good first radio but you'll soon find out that you'll probably want a mobile radio next. The power output can make a huge difference. It just depends on where you live -- i.e. what the terrain is like and where the repeaters are located.
No actually it has a nice base charger. Radio sits in the base with battery attached.
No need as you download the software from Alinco's web site for free. You will need the USB cable. Be sure to get the proper cable that I've mentioned in this thread. It's like $50-ish but it'll save you time later.
If, for example, you purchased a Kenwood TH-D72, it would come with a USB cable to connect the radio to your computer and the software is a free download from Kenwood's web site. I've never had to call Kenwood with a technical question about their software, but I assume they will support. Of course, a TH-D72 is considerably more expensive than Alinco you are talking about.Its just not Alinco though, all the other "big" boys come with these associated (if you desire) PC programming costs too....... and that thought scanning was expensive.
can't use the radio on the charger though, if you were wondering that. and it's not a quick charger--from nearly depleted it will take up to 4 hrs. it is somewhat intelligent though and it will allow for how much charge is left to time the charge.
and for $50 you can get a guaranteed cable and the rt software module. i used to shun these folks because of what seemed like high prices, but their stuff works and if necessary they will make it work for you. also, if you have subscriptions to radio ref or rffinder, you can download freqs directly from those sites into the radio.
i did notice when i was programming my new radio that rt doesn't seem to allow for programming the fm channels and since you can't do it from the radio, it would take a delicate dance to use the factory software just to do that and then overwrite the other mem channels using chirp or rt. i don't know if chirp allows this or not. in any case, the fm vfo and scan modes work well enough i can do without channelization.
oh, and i discovered to my delight that the dj500 will take the anytone 3318e accessories. i won't have to buy more just for this radio.
/guy (73 de kg5vt | wqpz784)
oh, and i got mine on a closeout deal from mct in paris, tx for $85. great ham place! they said they found two cases of the 'tb' models in their storeroom so you might sign up for their emails and see if they put them on sale again over the holidays.
i just now got mine programmed, so i don't have much of a review--i've been futzing with the usb bus--i just installed a new computer and it fritzed things out. on the few stations i tuned in, the sensitivity seems as good as anything i have here (and i have quite a lot of varied radios!) and the audio is clear and loud.
on the keyboard there are some 2nd-function labels which are dark blue and you just can't see them. luckily they are on two of the most used keys, so you should learn what they are in short order.
the manual is rife with typos and errors, so be on your toes when reading it.
/guy (73 de kg5vt | wqpz784)
If, for example, you purchased a Kenwood TH-D72, it would come with a USB cable to connect the radio to your computer and the software is a free download from Kenwood's web site. I've never had to call Kenwood with a technical question about their software, but I assume they will support. Of course, a TH-D72 is considerably more expensive than Alinco you are talking about.
i might mention there is a nice gent on the chicom and anytone fb groups who sells ftdi-chipped cables (which will work with rt systems modules) at a reasonable price. they are good quality and he has one for just over $25 which will work with a hundred or more different radio models. or you should be able to find a legit cable for $15-20 if you search around.
chirp software is free, multi-platform, open-source, and supports dozens of radios. it has a huge number of users.
/guy (73 de kg5vt | wqpz784)
yes, you can charge the battery outside the radio. this is always a nice feature for those of us who have to have a spare battery or two.
the fm is no biggie. it's just that many of the newer h/t's have been including commercial fm band and on some you can even listen and monitor a ham channel simultaneously. or even scan on one half of the display.
if you're on facebook, i highly suggest joining at least the chicom group and perhaps the anytone group as well. and a site you need to bookmark immediately and memorize the layout of is miklor.com. john is on both the groups i cite and perhaps the most knowledgeable and helpful person on chinese radios. baofeng and anytone both list his site in their descriptions of their radios.
/guy (73 de kg5vt | wqpz784)