Suggestions for Mobile DMR Radios

[W2SOX]

Hello Everyone, I have been getting into DMR, and having a blast.

I was looking at the Radioddity DB25D which is made under a handful of other names.
I am looking between the different manufacturers and wanted to know if they all had the magnet microphone. Also Radioddity's version is claiming 300k contacts where the others are claiming 200k. Can anyone clarify this and let me know what to avoid?

I really like the aftermarket software available for these and the ability to scan as I want to use this a scanner as well when I am not talking on it.


Also if anyone has an other suggestions on mobile DMR radios in that price range please feel free to make a suggestion...


Thanks!

 

[tweiss3]

Don't waste your time worrying about the contacts. The list is outdated mere minutes after you update your radio, and these huge lists really bog down the programming software. Other than the 5 people I private call, I stopped adding contacts long ago.

 

[W2SOX]

Don't waste your time worrying about the contacts. The list is outdated mere minutes after you update your radio, and these huge lists really bog down the programming software. Other than the 5 people I private call, I stopped adding contacts long ago.

I'm not too worried about the contact aspect, but if they are all within a few dollars of each other, why not get the one that hold more?

 

[sallen07]

I was looking at the Radioddity DB25D which is made under a handful of other names.

I had (key word HAD) the Retevis version of that radio, and I would not recommend it. The radio itself worked fine, but the CPS is horrible. I finally gave up on it. It's not harder to use than similar programming software, but it's very buggy, to the point where I would make a simple change (add a channel for example) and it would wipe out the settings (CTCSS codes, DMR talkgroup, etc.) on all the following channels. Of course I didn't notice that until I had written the codeplug to the radio in the truck and tried to use it during an event. Perhaps that's been fixed in the Radioddity version of the CPS.

 

[W2SOX]

I had (key word HAD) the Retevis version of that radio, and I would not recommend it. The radio itself worked fine, but the CPS is horrible. I finally gave up on it. It's not harder to use than similar programming software, but it's very buggy, to the point where I would make a simple change (add a channel for example) and it would wipe out CTCSS codes on all the following channels. Of course I didn't notice that until I had written the codeplug to the radio in the truck and tried to use it during an event. Perhaps that's been fixed in the Radioddity version of the CPS.

Thank you for the honest answer, from what i've read the CPS is down right garbage, something to do with it being a commercial radio that was morphed into a amateur radio, and that was my biggest fear with the unit. However recently saw there was an aftermarket software for these radios that was released and everyone says its outstanding, curious if you used it. ( https://www.cpeditor.co.uk/ )

 

[sallen07]

Thank you for the honest answer, from what i've read the CPS is down right garbage, something to do with it being a commercial radio that was morphed into a amateur radio, and that was my biggest fear with the unit. However recently saw there was an aftermarket software for these radios that was released and everyone says its outstanding, curious if you used it. ( https://www.cpeditor.co.uk/ )

I did not, no. I think that came out after I gave up on it.

The price was definitely attractive, and that's why I went that route even though I had a friend who had the Kydera version and warned me about the issues. Like I said, the radio itself worked fine and I was able to get into a number of repeaters even though it was only 25 watts. But the last straw was when I was at an event (far from my programming PC, of course) and discovered that half of the channels no longer worked due to the bugs in the CPS. After that happened I pulled it out and put the Anytone 578 I was using in my shack in its place and bought an Alinco DR-MD500 (which is the Alinco version of the 578) to use at home. Those are both radios I *would* recommend, although they are 2x or more as expensive as the Kydera/Retevis/Radioditty.

If this alternate software works well, then you should be good.

 

[K7MFC]

I have a Connect Systems CS800D which gets the job done pretty well without breaking the bank:

connectsystems.com/products/top/radios/CS800D.htm

 

[chief21]

Also if anyone has any other suggestions on mobile DMR radios in that price range please feel free to make a suggestion...

The AnyTone 578 mobile seems to be pretty reliable. The software is nearly identical to the popular 868/878 family of handheld DMR radios.

 

[bharvey2]

I also have a couple of Connect Systems CS-800D (and the UHF only version, the CS800) Accessories are reasonable, they are Part 90 approved, the CPS software is free and they've all been pretty reliable. Decent radios for the price. ( I can call and talk to the owner of Connect Systems when I have trouble too. Try that with Motorola,)

 

[N4GIX]

I have a Connect Systems CS800D which gets the job done pretty well without breaking the bank:

connectsystems.com/products/top/radios/CS800D.htm

I have two CS800 (UHF) as well as a CS800D (which has never been taken of the box)...

 

[popnokick]

+1 on the CS800D

 

[bharvey2]

I have two CS800 (UHF) as well as a CS800D (which has never been taken of the box)...

I had one like that too. They work better out of the box although the "newness" wears out faster

 

[N4GIX]

+1 on the CS800D

I also have the "BFD", the 7" color touch screen. That makes operating the radio so much easier, especially with the memory arrangement by custom location and repeaters desired.

 

[N4GIX]

I had one like that too. They work better out of the box although the "newness" wears out faster

Well in my weak defense, I am still not yet re-assembled after my decamping of NWI and move to Hot Springs, Arkansas...

 

[bharvey2]

I also have the "BFD", the 7" color touch screen. That makes operating the radio so much easier, especially with the memory arrangement by custom location and repeaters desired.

I'm thinking of getting one of those screens, at least for the base installation. It seem a little big for my mobile install.

 

[bharvey2]

Well in my weak defense, I am still not yet re-assembled after my decamping of NWI and move to Hot Springs, Arkansas...

Fair enough. I didn't know you moved. In all fairness, I might still have some unopened weeding presents. Can't tell you how long ago that's been!

 

[N4KVE]

I can call and talk to the owner of Connect Systems when I have trouble too. Try that with Motorola,)

No need to, as it always works, & the CPS is stable. Can’t compare a Fiat to a BMW.

 

[W2SOX]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions, I am going to chat with my Elmer, he has a CS800d dual bander for sale. He'll likely et me try before I buy. The BFD is also a nice feature I didnt know I could add to the radio that would help a lot.

 

[tweiss3]

I'll add, I am currently running CS-800D's in the cars now.

 

[N4GIX]

The BFD is also a nice feature I didnt know I could add to the radio that would help a lot.

Mine is mounted on a flexible stalk that uses the left front passenger seat's mounting bolt. I frequently get questions from folks on why I have an MDC in my car.