One thing I dislike about DMR is the huge variations in RX volume from one station to another. With other handsets I'm forever turning the volume up and down, but the RX AGC setting in the D168 has fixed that.
Great video, Michael, thanks! Getting the Radioddity version tomorrow. I HATE playing with codeplugs, but I'll give it one more shot with my new radio HI 73, K7KS
I called Bridgecom about GPS/APRS. They said a later model would have these features. It's probably not just a FW update - I suspect the current model does not have a GPS antenna.
I agree its a great radio and probably all you really need for about 99% of us. It was introduced serval years ago by Alinco as the MD-5. I am sure from the same factory and touched up by Anytone with the latest firmware (including satellite) and more contact memory up from 200000 to half a mill. I may get another as the Anytone or Radiodity for the satellite feature.
Had an Anytone D878UVII Plus for just over two years. The microphone dust cover finally broke. No replies from Anytone seeking a replacement, and although Bridgecom was prompt and what I call friendly professional, they were not able to fill my request to purchase. Also, the GPS has stopped decoding received APRS packets. So, out of warranty and no joy. You have to understand Bridgecom cannot offer the same service that Icom and Yaesu can as manufacturers.
Thanks for the video. I picked one up on the last shipment they had. This my first radio. As a newb, it's a bit confusing as to how to tune in an analog frequency and set up for the local repeater, it's not intuitive. I contacted Bridgecomm, and while they were quick to respond, they didn't help me and said I needed to wait for the course to be uploaded, but they were still working on that. That was two weeks ago, and as of this morning still no course. argh. No doubt it has a lot of features, it really does have a quality feel and look to it. It's money well spent. But I need the rationale behind how to tune this in on a quick start guide or point me to the page in a manual to get going. 7-3
DMR radios are not normal APRS, only beacon. Is this radio any different? tnc available? messages? connect with aprsdroid via bluetooth for the pro version of HT
That looks a lot like my Alinco DJ-MD5XTG. The charging cradle is similar as well. I'd give it a shot if I lost the Alinco and the 878UVII. Decent price for the package!
I had the previous version of this radio. It worked great for FM VHF/UHF, but the DMR setup is so complex I gave up and sold the radio. Instead I got a Icom ID-52 and D-Star is so much easier to setup and use. Until they simplify the DMR implementation and setup process I will stay away from any DMR radios.
Yes and no. they released a prod version, but it had bugs that gave incorrect times for the ISS predictions and was pulled back. We're still waiting for the prod version with bug fixes.
@ I bought a new 220 mHz radio directly from Bridgecomm, and when it arrived, had someone else’s frequencies programmed in it. They would not send me a rms to return it! They sold me a used radio as new, which I believe is against the law.
I bought it way to small in hand.. Vhf and uhf quality is absolutely terrible... Programming was easy but do yourself a favor and get the 878.. Even if it's used
I'm not a fan of Anytone. I have an 878 and its weak signal analog performance is mediocre, at best. A relatively cheap Quansheng UV-K5(8) will easily outperform it on analog. The 878's menu is clunky and non-intuitive, and it appears that the 168 uses basically the same menu architecture from what I see. I wondered if I had gotten a poor quality 878, but a friend of mine has one and his experience with it is the same as mine. For the record, I've used commercial two-way radio equipment for over two decades, and I maintained a digital commercial two-way radio system for several years.
Video is a perfect example of why you're our trusted ham mentor.
Thanks for the video, happy Thanksgiving!
Good on ya Micheal !!! Top effort.
One thing I dislike about DMR is the huge variations in RX volume from one station to another. With other handsets I'm forever turning the volume up and down, but the RX AGC setting in the D168 has fixed that.
Great video, Michael, thanks! Getting the Radioddity version tomorrow. I HATE playing with codeplugs, but I'll give it one more shot with my new radio HI 73, K7KS
I called Bridgecom about GPS/APRS. They said a later model would have these features. It's probably not just a FW update - I suspect the current model does not have a GPS antenna.
I agree its a great radio and probably all you really need for about 99% of us. It was introduced serval years ago by Alinco as the MD-5. I am sure from the same factory and touched up by Anytone with the latest firmware (including satellite) and more contact memory up from 200000 to half a mill. I may get another as the Anytone or Radiodity for the satellite feature.
Was going to comment saying the same thing. I've got a DJ-MD5, and it's a decent little radio.
Had an Anytone D878UVII Plus for just over two years. The microphone dust cover finally broke. No replies from Anytone seeking a replacement, and although Bridgecom was prompt and what I call friendly professional, they were not able to fill my request to purchase. Also, the GPS has stopped decoding received APRS packets. So, out of warranty and no joy. You have to understand Bridgecom cannot offer the same service that Icom and Yaesu can as manufacturers.
Great honest review……. The issues you pointed out are legitimate…. Seems like a good first time DMR radio…. 73
Thanks for the video. I picked one up on the last shipment they had. This my first radio. As a newb, it's a bit confusing as to how to tune in an analog frequency and set up for the local repeater, it's not intuitive. I contacted Bridgecomm, and while they were quick to respond, they didn't help me and said I needed to wait for the course to be uploaded, but they were still working on that. That was two weeks ago, and as of this morning still no course. argh. No doubt it has a lot of features, it really does have a quality feel and look to it. It's money well spent. But I need the rationale behind how to tune this in on a quick start guide or point me to the page in a manual to get going. 7-3
So I sold my 878 I want a new one but this 168! Seems to suffice what I need
DMR radios are not normal APRS, only beacon. Is this radio any different? tnc available? messages? connect with aprsdroid via bluetooth for the pro version of HT
The Anytone AT878-uv-ii does full aprs. I know, since I use it when I am not using my FT5.
Thanks Michael! AI5SS
That looks a lot like my Alinco DJ-MD5XTG. The charging cradle is similar as well.
I'd give it a shot if I lost the Alinco and the 878UVII. Decent price for the package!
Could you disassemble it and show the circuit board to us, please?
yes you can see which band your on A or B it will be slightly bolder than the other
Yes it does that now. I had a pre-release model and feature was added via a firmware fix.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Makes it even better!
will you do a video on the satelite mode and use
I had the previous version of this radio. It worked great for FM VHF/UHF, but the DMR setup is so complex I gave up and sold the radio. Instead I got a Icom ID-52 and D-Star is so much easier to setup and use. Until they simplify the DMR implementation and setup process I will stay away from any DMR radios.
I don't think they uvk5 are garbage it's all relative to what u pay.
Worth $150 bnib?
Screen looks same size as 878
3:30 Didn’t the 878 get a firmware update to add satellite mode as well? 🛰️
Still in beta last I heard, but yes, soon.
Yes and no. they released a prod version, but it had bugs that gave incorrect times for the ISS predictions and was pulled back. We're still waiting for the prod version with bug fixes.
Seems to work on mine.
I would NEVER buy anything from Bridgecomm .... They sold me a USED radio and New and refused to make good on it.😡😡😡😡😡
Do you mean used AS new? If so my first question is: did you buy it on Amazon from their store or a third party?
@ I bought a new 220 mHz radio directly from Bridgecomm, and when it arrived, had someone else’s frequencies programmed in it. They would not send me a rms to return it! They sold me a used radio as new, which I believe is against the law.
I bought it way to small in hand.. Vhf and uhf quality is absolutely terrible... Programming was easy but do yourself a favor and get the 878.. Even if it's used
Another paid promotion! What most ham RUclips channels have become these days. I guess these guys need to make a living somehow.
I'm not a fan of Anytone. I have an 878 and its weak signal analog performance is mediocre, at best. A relatively cheap Quansheng UV-K5(8) will easily outperform it on analog. The 878's menu is clunky and non-intuitive, and it appears that the 168 uses basically the same menu architecture from what I see. I wondered if I had gotten a poor quality 878, but a friend of mine has one and his experience with it is the same as mine. For the record, I've used commercial two-way radio equipment for over two decades, and I maintained a digital commercial two-way radio system for several years.