Alinco DJ-MD5T radio review

Alinco DJ-MD5TGP

The Alinco DJ-MD5T is a dual band 2M/70cm 5W analog and digital DMR handheld transceiver that is compact, lightweight and quite capable. This radio ships with one 1700mAh rechargeable battery, an OEM "high gain antenna", a charging cradle and adapter, USB programming cable, belt clip and wrist lanyard. It is FCC Part 90 approved. Frequency ranges are listed as 136.000 MHz thru 174.000 MHz, and 400.000 MHz thru 480.000 MHz. It also receives FM radio broadcasts ranging from 76.00 MHz to 108.00 MHz. A complete features listing may be found at Alinco.com, DJ-MD5T.

OVERVIEW: Please feel free to watch my basic overview video for this radio, found here. I purchased the DJ-MD5T (with GPS) shortly after it was released in the US, late August 2018. At that time, there were virtually no reviews or user-made reference materials available. This prompted me to write my own product review. Only slightly heavier and thicker than my analog Alinco DJ-500T, it's become my new everyday carry radio. PLEASE NOTE that I've mounted a Comet SMA209J sma-female antenna in place of the OEM antenna (see below photos). The Comet is a three inch 2M/70cm flexible rubber duck antenna... it's 1/4 wave on 2 meters and a 5/8 wave on 70cm. It's gain is 2.15/3.5 dBi respectively and it can handle up to 5 watts. I find it very functional, less obstructive to belt-clip carry, more cosmetically appealing and an affordable add-on to this radio.

All scores are rated 1 through 5. 

w/ Comet SMA209J

BUILD QUALITY (score 4): The Alinco DJ-MD5T body is comprised of a durable black plastic outer case. Seam lines are fitted together snugly and uniformly. The unit is not referenced as waterproof or water-resistant. The speaker is embedded behind the keypad panel, emitting audio through six small slots. Front panel buttons are semi-soft opaque plastic material with alpha-numerics printed onto them. Four menu navigation buttons are seated above these. The display screen is a clear plastic. The unit that I was shipped came with that same plastic screen cover slightly detached at the left lower corner. I gently removed this screen from the body (held in-place by a tacky retaining strip inside) and applied a very small dab of superglue on each inside corner and re-seated into the front panel. This seemingly fixed the issue. Top dials (channel/volume) turn and rest well and are firmly seated.  The OEM antenna sits securely onto the radio, no gap or looseness to speak of. The PTT button works smoothly under ordinary pressure, as do the programmable P1 and P2 keys beneath it. The mic/programming port cover also secures snugly to the body with almost no dust entry. The battery pack is equally durable, made of the same case material and clicks neatly into place. The battery has never come detached without my pressing the battery release. The included belt clip is an optional attachment, screwed onto the battery itself. It clips firmly onto even my heaviest leather belt and it's retention spring has remained firm. I find the overall build-quality good to excellent for this affordable radio.

Right side DJ-MD5T

PROGRAMMING (score 4):  You may find my video tutorial here for programming the DJ-MD5T radio via PC software. For those with an existing understanding of DMR, programming the MD5T is fairly standard and straight forward. DJ-MD5T owners may download the free OEM programming software (CPS V1.01 Utility), USB drivers and operations manuals at this Remtronix.com page found within it's Downloads tab. Unzipping the CPS 1.01 Utility folder reveals the clone utility .exe file (Windows only) and it's PC software guidance manual. The guidance manual offers basic instructions on software programming this radio via your PC. It does not discuss FFP (front panel programming) or DMR principals for those who are new to DMR. A good video resource for learning about DMR basics may be found here, DMR Programming for Amateur Radio. Thank you, Mike K0NGA! For those who've purchased the DJ-MD5T, it's software is almost identical to the Anytone AT-868UV. You can easily reference many programming videos for the Anytone model on Youtube.com. One great video example comes from Chuck K0XM, How to Create a DMR Codeplug. Thank you, Chuck! I should comment that programming may be entered by either software or FFP, though front panel entry is more time consuming. When programming channels for a repeater, I do not assign a Receive Group List to my individual channels. This allows for receiving audio from any full-time or keyed-up part-time talk group on that repeater. Any DMR contacts that you may save upon your radio will later transfer to your software's Talk Groups list, rather than your Digital Contacts List (DCL), when you Read From Radio transfer to your PC. The Talk Group list is for connect to and communicating with users or groups. The software's Digital Contacts List is used simply for creating/importing/exporting a database of registered DMR user's information that will only display their personal information on-screen during their transmissions (ID number, name, callsign, location, etc). Those operators listed under your DCL do not appear in your Contacts list within the radio's menu. As such, any contacts that you wish to select for QSOs within your HT menu's Contact list (for private or group calls) should be added to your Talk Groups list in your software when transferring back to your radio via Write To Radio. You can FPP talk groups into your radio via the radio's Contact menu option. Be sure that when you add a TG this way (Menu > Contacts > New Cont > ID) that you toggle from Private ID to Group ID using the "#" hash-key on the front panel.

Left side DJ-MD5T

FUNCTIONALITY (score 5): The DJ-MD5T's transmit audio quality in both analog and digital have been reported as excellent. TX power can be adjusted to four levels; 0.2W, 1W, 2.5W and 5W. On 5W setting, I can generally hit repeaters in my area up to about 25 miles away on 5W. I have not tested radio-to-radio simplex ranges in either analog or digital mode, or operated this radio via a hotspot. Receive audio quality is also quite good. Though the MD5T does not have superheterodyne, it's RX sensitivity parameters exceed my personal expectations. I've noticed that when receiving transmissions in analog-mode I hear a soft clicking in the background of the received signal, which turns out to be the tempo of the display clock ticking off seconds. It's barely noticable (though odd) and no reports of this clicking in any TX reports. This soft clicking does not arise in digital mode. The 1W built-in speaker sound is clear and well-rounded. Volume may be adjusted incrementally from 0 though 8. It's actually quite loud at maximum volume 8 with only about ~10% or less distortion. At volume setting 1, it remains fairly audible in a quiet room or area. The display is a full color 1.77" enclosed screen. The programming software allows you customize your on-screen boot-up to your name/callsign (or whatever fits) or to a custom image, roughly 520 x 760 (found under Tool>Boot Image). You can adjust the display's duration and back-lighting level. Programming can be done though software and FPP (see Programming section above). This radio stores up to 250 zones and scan lists, 250 user ID numbers, 250 receive groups, 4,000 channels in any combination of analog/digital VHF/UHF, 10,000 talk groups, 160,000 digital contacts, 100 prefabbed/customized text messages and 100 programmable FM radio broadcast channels. On-screen channel names may be customized to taste, within the limits of the display size. The DJ-MD5T can operate in dual-watch mode in combinations of analog or digital Memory/VFO/FM Music. It also allows for DigiMoni (aka promiscous) mode settings for either TS1/TS2 or both slots. Internal VOX works well, should you care for that option, and has no notable depreciation of audio quality in my experience. Scan mode runs through stored channels at about three per second, and has adjustable scan-pause-time options. VFO scan mode can be adjusted by setting the steps increments from 2.5k up to 50k. I do not bother with digital (DMR) scan lists on repeaters. Power is provide by the OEM LI-ion 1700mAh rechargeable battery, good for 300+ recharge cycles (and more with partial discharge uses only). It is not necessary to completely deplete (condition) the LI-ion battery during it's first uses. I've operated this radio nearly 48 hours in always-on monitor mode with light to moderate QSOs and retained about 25% battery life at the end. This radio also comes with 32 encryption encode adjustable presets, though I remind operators that encrypted HAM transmissions are unlawful on amateur bands. The variation I own is a DJ-MD5TGP, which has GPS, which simply triangulates and can display radio position but does not connect to networks in any way.  

Back of DJ-MD5T

VALUE (score 5): At the time I'd purchased the Alinco DJ-MD5TGP, it was priced at $169.95 on Ham Radio Outlet's website. There is a variation that does not possess GPS, the DJ-MD5T, which was/is priced at $149.95. You don't need GPS to operate DMR networks. It's merely an option should you wish. Of course, there are other respected vendor sources for this radio, such as DXEnginering.com, Remtronix.com and Gigapart.com where prices and availability may vary. I feel this an excellent value for a dual-band analog/digital DMR HT for it's many features... compact size, attractive appearance, sturdy case, great battery life, a full-color screen, free user-friendly software, great performance. Consumer availability seems spotty at the time of this post, perhaps due to an unexpected demand versus initial production numbers. I can understand why. It's an excellent radio overall. It has much to offer at it's current price point and, as it is Japanese assembled, the MD5T may avoid the added tariff costs that it's Chinese manufactured competitors have begun to endure. As of 2018, just two months after it's initial release, I would have to say that it's a worthy competitor in a growing DMR marketplace.

CONCLUSION: My overall score is 4.5. I do recommend the Alinco DJ-MD5T, and DJ-MD5TGP. It's exceeded my expectations for an affordable analog/DMR HT radio. For those new to and veterans of amateur radio, this HT is an affordable, capable and attractive radio. Alinco has earned my respect with two excellent HT radios and has made me a fan of the Alinco product line in general. Should you purchase this radio, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have. I'm glad to have shared my user experience with you here and wish you all the best. Please check back for updates and upcoming videos related to products reviewed on this site.

73,
Patrick, K3NYJ

Disclaimer: All content presented on this site are subjective and solely representative of personal ownership experience and individual understanding of said products and related subject matter described herein. Any and all representations, descriptions and commentaries posted herein are offered from opinion and should not be regarded as expert affidavit or testimony, or as a manufacturer's statement in any way. Please consult with product manufacturers and their approved sources for complete details, specifications and applicable warranties of all products described herein. All photos presented herein are property of this site's moderator and are not public domain.

Alinco DJ-500T radio review

Front DJ-500T

The Alinco DJ-500T is a dual band 2M/70cm 5W analog-only handheld transceiver that is compact, lightweight and simple to program/operate. This radio ships with one 1500mAh LI-ion rechargeable battery, an OEM "high gain antenna", a charging cradle and adapter, belt clip and wrist lanyard. It is FCC Part 90 approved. Transmit (TX) ranges are listed as 144.000 thru 148.000 MHz, and 420.000 thru 450.000 MHz. Receive (RX) ranges are listed as 136.000 MHz thru 174.000 MHz, and 400.000 MHz thru 480.000 MHz. It also receives FM radio broadcasts ranging from 76.00 MHz to 108.00 MHz. A complete features listing may be found at Alinco.com, DJ-500T/E , as well as a listing of available accessories.

OVERVIEW: This transceiver has been my daily carry radio for about one year. I routinely wear this on my belt at work and when traveling abroad. Often attached is a low-profile Comet SMA209J flexi-stubby antenna, which works well. I listen to FM broadcast music quietly from the DJ-500T in the workplace while on dual-watch scan of local repeaters. I can get through a ten hour work-shift listening to music (occasionally TXing) with around 25% battery power to spare. I average about four to five hours of battery power under heavy TX and long QSOs. My workplace is a labor-intensive environment and subject to unexpected bumps and collisions. The DJ-500T has proven to be quite durable. After one year of continued carry, mine has only two minor scratches on the speaker grill from hard scrapes against metal loading ramps. Both are barely noticeable. The painted-on "Alinco" brand stamp (top of front face) shows a little wear, but not much. Attached photos were taken right off my hip (no cleaning) to show accurate, present-day radio conditions. This transceiver has not yet failed in it's TX/RX functions, nor it's operating software or firmware. It's shown itself to be reliable in my life's routine activities.

All scores are rated 1 through 5.

Back DJ-500T

BUILD QUALITY (score 5): The Alinco DJ-500T body is comprised of a durable black plastic outer case. Seam lines are fitted together snugly and uniformly. The unit is not rated as waterproof, but is rated IP54 dust/splash proof. It has been tolerant to light rain when clip-attached to my belt, though I'm cautious of excess water entering through the speaker grill. Only a black cloth (or membrane) protects the speaker within from openings on the external grill. Front panel buttons are semi-soft translucent material with alpha-numerics printed onto them, and menu options painted above them. After about one year's frequent use, none of these have rubbed or scrapped off. The display screen is a clear scratch-resistant plastic. My DJ-500T display screen has had no noticeable scratches whatsoever after continued carry/use. Top dials (channel/volume) turn and rest well and are firmly seated.  The antenna sits securely onto the radio, no gap or looseness to speak of. The PTT button works smoothly under ordinary pressure, as do the programmable P1 and P2 keys beneath it, without any wear. The mic/programming port cover also secures snugly to the body with almost no dust entry. The battery pack is equally durable, made of the same case material and clicks neatly into place. The battery has never come detached without my pressing the battery release. The included belt clip is an optional attachment, screwed onto the battery itself. It clips firmly onto even my heaviest leather belt and it's retention spring remained firm. I find the overall build-quality excellent for this affordable radio.

Right DJ-500T

PROGRAMMING (score 4): This transceiver may be programmed by software and FPP (front panel programming). Alinco offers a free cloning utility on their MD-500T product page near the bottom of the page, DJ-500T Clone Utility. Software installation details are listed just below the link for this clone utility and requires Windows OS. For those using Linux CHIRP software, this model is not yet supported. Additionally, you will need to purchase a programming cable to connect the radio to a PC. Alinco's cloning utility software is basic but functional, allowing for common radio program settings. My single grievance is that I'm not able to move up/down or reorganize memorized channels that I've created within the software (or by FPP). It's seemingly minor, but frustrating. I prefer my assigned channels to flow in frequency sequence. Regardless, free cloning software is still nice to have. I would strongly recommend buying your programming cable through a respected radio dealer like Ham Radio Outlet or DX Engineering, as there are flawed counterfeit cables being sold on the market elsewhere. RT Systems also sells reliable programming kits for the Alinco DJ-500. FPP program this radio is simple and no more time consuming, in my opinion. You can program frequencies in VFO mode; adjust frequency offets, PL tones, CTCSS/DCS, DTMF, 5Tone and more, or program simplex frequencies. You can then store those frequencies and their individual settings to memory as assigned channels, right from the front panel. A short Youtube video for FPP programming may be found here with step-by-step written instructions found in the video's notes below. Thanks, Paul K6PDF! Lastly, for those who wish to access IRLP nodes via repeater, the Alinco DJ-500 possesses built-in DTMF key-dialing. Simply hold PTT, enter command numbers, release PTT, repeat as necessary.

Left DJ-500T

FUNCTIONALITY (score 4): While the DJ-500T may seem simplistic in features and usage compared to more expensive radios, it makes for an excellent everyday HT transceiver for those both new and experienced to HAM radio. TX audio quality has been reported as good to excellent. TX power can be adjusted to three levels; 1W, 2.5W and 5W. On 5W setting, I can generally hit repeaters in my area up to about 25 miles away. I have yet to test radio-to-radio simplex ranges. RX audio quality is also good. RX sensitivity parameters meet listed and personal expectations. The 1W built-in speaker sound is clear and well-rounded. It's actually quite loud at maximum volume with only about ~10% or less distortion, and comfortable to listen to quietly at around 10% volume.  The display is a legible dot-matrix with three color backlight choices that illuminate display and front buttons. I prefer the brighter "white" backlighting. You can adjust the duration that the lighting remains on to conserve power. Programming can be easily done though FPP and thirty-one menu options that include all functions needed for analog simplex and repeater operations. The radio stores up to two-hundred channels, in any combination of VHF/UHF. Channel information can be displayed as either frequency or name (i.e. W1ABC) but not both. The DJ-500T can operate in dual-watch mode in combinations of Memory/VFO/FM Music. Internal VOX works well, should you care for that option, and has no notable depreciation of audio quality in my experience. Scan mode runs through stored channels at about 5 per second, and has adjustable scan-pause-time options. VFO scan mode can be adjusted by setting the steps increments from 2.5k up to 50k. Power is provide by the OEM LI-ion 1500mAh rechargeable battery, good for 300+ recharge cycles (and more with partial discharge uses only). Mine has stayed strong longer, considering that I've used it nearly every day for the last year. It is not necessary to completely deplete (condition) the LI-ion battery during it's initial uses. I understand that the DJ-500T is MARS modifiable though I remind operators that permits are likely required for that mod and may void manufacturer warranties. 

VALUE (score 5): As of the posting date of this review, the Japanese-built Alinco DJ-500T was listed at about $100.00 USD. While this is more expensive than other dual-band HTs available (i.e. Chinese-built Baofeng, Pofung, Quansheng), it easily outshines them all in build-quality and functionality in my opinion. Conversely, the DJ-500T is less expensive than other notable manufacture HT radios (i.e. Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu) while still offering a great deal in cost-to-features value overall. I feel that this radio is a solid return on investment, great for new and experienced HAMs alike and continues to serve me reliably as my go-to analog radio.

CONCLUSION: I do recommend Alico DJ-500T. It's exceeded my expectations for the price-point I invested. Straightforward, dependable, compact and easy to use. It's made me a fan of Alinco product line in general. I regard the DJ-500T as my little radio that can. A complete listing of the Alinco DJ-500's feature may be found here. I'd encourage you to consider this transceiver should you be looking for an affordable dual-band analog HT.

73,
Patrick, K3NYJ

Disclaimer: All content presented on this site are subjective and solely representative of personal ownership experience and individual understanding of said products and related subject matter described herein. Any and all representations, descriptions and commentaries posted herein are offered from opinion and should not be regarded as expert affidavit or testimony, or as a manufacturer's statement in any way. Please consult with product manufacturers and their approved sources for complete details, specifications and applicable warranties of all products described herein. All photos presented herein are property of this site's moderator and are not public domain.

Alinco DJ-500T and DJ-MD5TGP comparison

A side-by-side general comparison of two Alinco HT transceiver models:

Alinco DJ-500T 5W Dual Band transceiver, 2M/70cm analog
Alico DJ-MD5TGP 5W Dual Band transceiver, 2M/70cm analog/digital DMR

Alinco DJ-500T, Alinco DJ-MD5TGP

Left to right: Alinco DJ-500T, Alinco DJ-MD5TGP (click pictures to zoom).

Please note that the DJ-MD5TGP radio (pictured on right) has an aftermarket antenna attached: the Comet SMA209J three inch 2M/70cm flexible rubber duck antenna... it's 1/4 wave on 2 meters and a 5/8 wave on 440 MHz. Gain is 2.15/3.5 dBi and it can handle up to 5 watts. Both models ship with the same longer OEM antenna shown on the Alinco DJ-500T (pictured on left).

The compact dimensions of both radios are roughly the same. Weight and size are comparable, as are TX/RX audio volumes and twin top dials (channels/volume). Cases and screens are both made of the same resilient plastics. Front panel buttons and top dials operate nicely, and the PTT operates well under ordinary pressure, along with their assignable PF1 and PF2 buttons.  The most obvious differences are in their functionality, display screens, front panels and menu systems.

The DJ-500T has been my daily carry for about one year. It's been both durable and reliable. I'm very fond of the DJ-500T. This unit is an analog-only transceiver. It's easy to program, either FPP (front panel programming) or by downloading the free DJ-500 Clone Utility (at bottom of the linked Alinco page). Programming cables are sold separately for this model. It ships with one 1500mAh rechargeable battery, the OEM antenna shown in picture, a charging cradle and adapter, belt clip and wrist lanyard. It's FCC Part 90 approved. Transmit ranges are listed as 144.000 thru 148.000 MHz, and 420.000 thru 450.000 MHz. Receive ranges are listed as 136.000 MHz thru 174.000 MHz, and 400.000 MHz thru 480.000 MHz. It also receives FM radio broadcasts ranging from 76.00 MHz to 108.00 MHz (See more details in my upcoming review of the Alinco DJ-500T radio). 

Alinco DJ-MD5TGP

The DJ-MD5TGP is my first entry into DMR radio. It's both an analog and digital transceiver (DMR) with built-in GPS option. Programming this radio (and DMR in general) is more challenging than programming an analog radio. However, this can be achieved by FPP or by installing the free DJ-MD5T CPS V 1.01 Utility found at dxengineering.com (the download link found within the Documentation > DMR Software Link Information .pdf file). This DX Engineering page also provides a downloadable User's Manual, Operation's Manual and Software Guidance Manual. This radio ships with an OEM programming cable, one 1700mAh rechargeable battery. an OEM antenna (shown further below), charging cradle and adapter, belt clip and wrist lanyard. It is also FCC Part 90 approved. TX ranges are also listed as 144.000 thru 148.000 MHz, and 420.000 thru 450.000 MHz. RX ranges are listed as 136.000 MHz thru 174.000 MHz, and 400.000 MHz thru 480.000 MHz. It too receives FM radio broadcasts ranging from 76.00 MHz to 108.00 MHz (See more detail in my upcoming review of the Alinco DJ-MD5TGP radio).

With OEM antenna

It's worth mentioning that both radios share several compatible parts, should you own each, as I do. Both units currently ship with the same OEM "High Gain Antenna" that are interchangeable between these units, SMA Female connector type. The belt clips and wrist lanyards are also interchangeable, though the lanyard that shipped with my DJ-MD5TGP is slightly smaller, making it a tighter fit upon my wrist. The battery packs for both units are completely compatible. The DJ-500T ships with the EBP-87 1500mAh and the DJ-MD5TGP ships with the EBP-88 1700mAh. You can easily swap these batteries between both HTs. This also means that charging stands and adapters are compatible as well. Should you own both models and choose to operate one while charging the other, they can utilize the same charging cradle.

However, the DJ-500T and DJ-MD5T do NOT share the same programming cables, interface or software. They are completely independent of one another and are not program-compatible. This is obviously due to the nature of their TX/RX formats and imbedded systems, analog-only versus analog/digital DMR. As such, they also cannot be cloned directly from one to the other. Nor can their programming files or codeplugs be shared or opened in one another's software utilities. And, for any Linux OS operators, there is (to date) no support for either unit using CHIRP software to clone or program. I'm count myself among those Linux operators.

Custom start screen

I do hope this article proves useful to other HAM radio operators. At the time of this posting, the DJ-MD5T(GP) had only just been released perhaps three weeks earlier and there was/is very little to no information or support available online, aside from vendor's sales listings alone. I'm sure more will come from the HAM community as this transceiver is further purchased and explored. I will post additional, more detailed information about this and both transceivers soon.

In the meantime, thank you for visiting my website. I hope you'll check back again.

73,
Patrick, K3NYJ

Disclaimer: All content presented on this site are subjective and solely representative of personal ownership experience and individual understanding of said products and related subject matter described herein. Any and all representations, descriptions and commentaries posted herein are offered from opinion and should not be regarded as expert affidavit or testimony, or as a manufacturer's statement in any way. Please consult with product manufacturers and their approved sources for complete details, specifications and applicable warranties of all products described herein. All photos presented herein are property of this site's moderator and are not public domain.