HT Dual Band Radio Size Comparison

Baofeng BF-T1, Baofeng UV-5RTP, Yaesu FT-4XR, Alinco DJ-500T, Alinco DJ-MD5TGP, Wouxun KG-UV8E

I thought it might be interesting or useful to share a photo of the compact handheld radios that I use most often. A side-by-side size, build and display screen comparison of my above HT radios... 

From left to right: Baofeng BF-T1, Baofeng UV-5RTP, Yaesu FT-4XR, Alinco DJ-500T, Alinco DJ-MD5TGP and the Wouxun KG-UV8E.

1. Baofeng BF-T1: discontinued analog radio, TX range 400-470MHz, receives FM broadcast, Up to 20 programmable channels max (requires software and cable to program), 1W max power. Can also receive-only VHF 136-174MHz. Direct conversion receiver. 1500mAH Li-oin battery.
   
2. Baofeng UV-5RTP: dual band analog, TX/RX range 136-174MHz and 400-480MHz, receives FM broadcast, up to 8W power max. Up to 128 programmable channels, direct conversion receiver. 1800 mAH OEM Li-ion battery.
   
3. Yaesu FT-4XR: dual band analog, ships TX range 144-148MHz and 430-450MHz, receives FM broadcast, 5W max power. TX frequency range can easily be unlocked to 136-174MHz and 400-480MHz (see video here). Up to 200 programmable channels, direct conversion receiver. 1750mAH OEM Li-ion battery.
   
4. Alinco DJ-500T: dual band analog, TX range 144-148MHz and 420-450MHz, receives FM broadcast, 5W max power. Up to 200 programmable channels, direct conversion receiver. 1500mAH OEM Li-ion battery.
   
5. Alinco DJ-MD5TGP: dual band analog and DMR, Tier 1 and II compatible, GPS option, TX range 136-174MHz and 400-480MHz, receives FM broadcast, 5W max power. Up to programmable up to 250 zones, 4,000 channels, 10,000 talkgroups and 200,000 digital contacts with Alinco's most recent update. Direct conversion receiver. 1700mAH OEM Li-ion battery.
6. Wouxun KG-UV8E: tri-band analog, TX range 144-148MHz, 222-225MHz and 420-450MHz, recieves FM broadcast, 5W max power. Up to 999 programmable channels, direct conversion receiver. 1700mAH OEM Li-ion battery.

 

I hope you find this useful.

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.

DMR Digital Contact List

Below are two downloadable .csv spreadsheet lists for DMR Digital Contact Lists, or DCL. These spreadsheets contain all DMR operators currently registered monthly.

Each file is created as an Excel .csv spreadsheet that can easily be edited for content: add, remove, copy/paste, reposition line/columns, etc. These should give licensed amateur radio operators a good starting point for adding registered DMR operators their device's codeplug.

Both DCLs are formatted for direct import into the Alinco DJ-MD5T and Anytone 868/878/578 software codeplugs. Please choose the correct .csv download file for your radio device. For other radio models, let me know if/how they work with your device. I'd be happy to share that info with others.

Last updated January 11, 2021:
DMR Digital Contact List spreadsheet for Alinco DJ-MD5T - click here.
DMR Digital Contact List spreadsheet for Anytone 868, 878 and 578 - click here.

If you would like a downloadable DCL for another radio device that is not listed here, feel free to send me a request through my blog's email Contact form.

You may download, share, revise and edit the above spreadsheets for your own personal use. My disclaimer is, of course, that I assume no responsibility for any complications or damage from their application or use, unforeseen or otherwise. That being said...

I hope you find these useful.

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.

Talkgroup Lists - DMR-Marc and Brandmeister

Below are two importable spreadsheet lists for DMR talkgroups; one for DMR-Marc networks and the other for Brandmeister networks. They each contain their network's primary talkgroups such as worldwides (by language), nationwides, US statewides and US regional groups. Subdivisions of these primary groups, such as the subdivision talkgroup 314249 SC PA Chat, a division of PA Statewide 3142, may not be included. 

Each file is created as an Excel .csv spreadsheet that can easily be edited for content: add, remove, copy/paste, reposition line/columns, etc. These should give licensed amateur radio operators a good starting point for building their DMR codeplug talkgroup list.

Both talkgroup lists are formatted for direct import into the Alinco DJ-MD5T and Anytone 868/878 software codeplugs. Please choose the correct .csv download file for your radio device. For other radio models, let me know if/how they work with your device. I'd be happy to share that info with others.

Users may want to rename the listed talkgroups to better suit their displays, which are generally limited to 16 characters wide. I kept the original talkgroup naming conventions for user full reference.

DMR-Marc primary talkgroup spreadsheet for Alinco DJ-MD5T - click here.
DMR-Marc primary talkgroup spreadsheet for Anytone 868 and 878 - click here.

Brandmeister primary talkgroup spreadsheet for Alinco DJ-MD5T - click here.
Brandmeister primary talkgroup spreadsheet for Anytone 868 and 878 - click here.

Access to conjoined DMRC/BMSR talkgroups will depend on your connection to these DMR networks (via local repeater or personal hotspot). You may be able to connect with many talkgroups listed within both networks, so long as your access gateway permits this or is programmed for such. For local repeaters, be sure to check the list of available talkgroups that are accessible through a given repeater by researching that repeater on Repeaterbook.com. For hotspots, consult your device's operating manual for network/talkgroup programming instructions.

Special note: I did not merge these DMRC and BMSR talkgroup lists into one "master" list. This is because of several talkgroup conflicts that overlap on both spreadsheets, such as shared/same ID-numbers [your CPS software generally requires that each talkgroup be unique in their network ID-number]. Merging together both lists creates such import conflict errors. This may only be resolved by removing conflicting talkgroups from one or the other spreadsheets that share the same group ID-number assignment. An operator may then be able to edit together a "blended" DMRC/BMSR talkgroup list if they prioritize which conflicted talkgroup IDs they would like to retain/remove for their final codeplug.

As a reminder, it is entirely possibly to have two separate radio codeplugs, one for each DMR network, that may be imported into your radio as needed, or to suit your general network access needs.

You may download, share, revise and edit the above spreadsheets for your own personal use. My disclaimer is, of course, that I assume no responsibility for any complications or damage from their application or use, unforeseen or otherwise. That being said...

I hope you find them useful.

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.

Radioddity RD-701 antenna

I recently acquired the Radioddity RD-701 dual-band 2M/70cm antenna (SMA-female) that is represented as being compatible with several  radio device models (though not all); including Baofeng, Wouxun TYT and Kenwood. Please consult your manufacturer's device specifications before installation and use. 

Radioddity RD-701

I purchased my Radioddity RD-701 antenna through Amazon. Shipment was initiated through Amazon and handoff delivery was fulfilled by USPS within four days at a total cost of $21.18 (this includes S/H and tax). The package arrived in my mailbox within a bubble-wrapped bag. Included within was the antenna and a small rubber washer (optional fitting adapter) inside the manufacturer's own ziplock product bag.

Straight out of the bag I noticed that the antenna is slightly skewed to one side, even without attaching it to my Baofeng UV-5RTP radio (see attached photos). Both with and without using the included rubber washer did not improve this slant. The round base edge of the antenna does not fit fully down into the body of the antenna coupler. Furthermore, the washer impeded full seating of the antenna when attached to the body and, as such, seems unnecessary to use on the Baofeng UV-5RTP model shown. 

Radioddity RD-701

By all appearances, this particular antenna's slant seems to be a manufacturing issue. The long axis of the antenna is not fully vertically aligned, from the SMA-female connector on through to the antenna's tip, nor does it fully seat into the radio's body itself when attached. While this may not be casually noticeable to other operators, it is bothersome to me. Call it ham-vanity but I like my radio equipment to be well manufactured to tight tolerances and be clean, with minimal wear and scratches, etc. 

So how does the Radioddity RD-701 perform? Overall, it's a slight improvement over the OEM antenna that came with my UV-5RTP model. The RD-701 roughly two inches longer, offering bendable flexibility compared to the OEM antenna's rigid composition. While I've found no documentation that denotes the exact dBi gain of the OEM antenna, the RD-701 is represented as such on the Radioddity website...

Radioddity RD-701 Antenna is upgraded on the basis of Nagoya NA-701. Much more stable and clear. Radioddity RD-701 is a dual band high gain antenna. Frequency: 144/430MHz; Gain: 2.15dBi; Max power: 10  watts. Compatible with most BaoFeng, Wouxun, TYT and Kenwood Handhelds. For example: UV-5R/5RTP (All models), UV6R, GT-1, BF-9700, BF-F9+TP, BF-888S, UV-82.

Radioddity RD-701

Testing through a SWR meter shows comparable ranges with the RD-701 vs OEM antenna. Both pegged in at about 1.2 to 1.3 SWR on mid-frequencies of the 2M and 70CM bands, only slightly higher at band's edge (though did not in excess of 1.6). Transmit output does appear slightly higher on the RD-701, which may denote the manufacturer's stated elevated forward gain compared to it's OEM antenna. The RD-701 seems somewhat better able to contact more distant repeaters, perhaps a three to five miles further away than the OEM. The receive quality and sensitivity of the RD-701 seems no better or worse than the OEM antenna. 

All said and told, the Radioddity RD-701 antenna is an option for operators who may want a slightly higher dBi output compared to most Baofeng OEM radio antennas and/or want a flexible antenna. For myself, the flawed manufacturing of the RD-701 antenna that I received has devalued this purchase. As such, my overall score for this antenna is a 2 (scaled 1 to 5). I would recommend to others to perhaps purchase the Nagoya NA-701 dual-band antenna as a possible alternative to the Radioddity RD-701.

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.

Talkgroup List - TGIF Network

The TGIF network is something of the new kid on the DMR radio block. It's hosting administrators offer registered licensed radio operators the opportunity to request/create user-defined digital talkgroups; such as specific geographical areas (like metros or towns), hobby related talkgroups (camping, hiking, tech, etc.), special radio services (ARES, RACES, Skywarn, etc.) and more. These requests must be submitted and approved through the TGIF network itself. At present, most points of access to the TGIF network appear to be sourced from home-based hotspots, but there some 20+ repeaters also linked to the network and growing. The TGIF network also offers a basic lastheard/netwatch feature on it's web page.

Below are two importable spreadsheet files for the TGIF network's DMR talkgroups. Both spreadsheets contain currently approved talkgroups for the TGIF network, as of June 22nd, 2020.

Each file is created as an Excel .csv spreadsheet that can easily be edited for content: add, remove, copy/paste, reposition line/columns, etc. These should give licensed amateur radio operators a good starting point for building their TGIF network DMR codeplug talkgroup list.

Both talkgroup lists are formatted for direct import into the Alinco DJ-MD5T (and MD5TGP) and Anytone 868/878 software codeplugs. Please choose the correct .csv download file for your radio device. For other radio models, let me know if/how they work with your device. I'd be happy to share that info with others.

Users may want to rename the listed talkgroups to better suit their displays, which are generally limited to 16 characters wide. I kept the original talkgroup naming conventions for user full reference.

TGIF primary talkgroup spreadsheet for Alinco DJ-MD5T (and MD5TGP) - click here.
TGIF primary talkgroup spreadsheet for Anytone 868 and 878 - click here.

For local repeaters, be sure to check the list of available talkgroups that are accessible through a given repeater by researching that repeater on Repeaterbook.com. For hotspots, consult your device's operating manual for network/talkgroup programming instructions.

As a reminder, it is entirely possibly to have separate radio codeplugs, one for each different DMR network, that may be imported into your radio as needed, or to suit your general network access needs.

You may download, share, revise and edit the above spreadsheets for your own personal use. My disclaimer is, of course, that I assume no responsibility for any complications or damage from their application or use, unforeseen or otherwise. That being said...

I hope you find them useful.

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.

Occam's Double Edge Safety Razor

Occam's DE Safety Razor

I purchased the complete Occam's Double Edge (DE) Safety Razor in December 2019. The razor is stated to be designed, machined and assembled in Idaho while it's parts are manufactured in China. The original MSRP shown for this razor at ClassicShaving.com is/was $79.99 USD. At the time of my purchase this item was price discounted down to $54.99 with free shipping. It was delivered undamaged from Idaho to Pennsylvania within four business days of purchase.

Occam's DE Safety Razor is a three piece non-adjustable that features an all-stainless steel build, a machine knurled handle, the option of a smooth and/or ridged razor head and option of three separate base plates; closed comb, partial open comb and full open comb. For an additional charge, ClassicShaving.com will also include a 5 or 10 pack box of razor blades with your purchase so that you can jump right into wet shaving.

All scores are rated 1 through 5.

BUILD QUALITY (score 4): 

Complete Occam's Safety Razor kit

The Occam's DE razor build quality is very good with the full boxed set that I'd received with my purchased. The handle is machine milled with a nice grippable surface pattern that doesn't slip easily within a soapy hand. The overall weight is around 3.5 ounces that allows for the razor itself, in general, to apply enough pressure to shave away hair with a good blade, minimal user pressure required. The stainless steel base plates and top caps appear mold or press forged, their attachment screw is clean and firmly secured with a good hand finish, not mirror polished though.

Occam's safety razor - under top plate

The underside of the two top plates have a few minor finish discolorations near to and along the cutting edges, though the largest spots on the left cap (see picture) nearer to the screw and alignment posts were merely buffing compound that I removed with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol. The minor edge discolorations in no way impede performance and are not noticeable when fully assembled. Blade gaps are spot-on and level across the entire length of the installed blade on both sides. An installed DE blade is a safe distance away from the razor's top/base plate corner edges so as not to nick or cut when shaving around tricky spots like ears, lips and more. All three razor parts (handle, base and top plates) screw together evenly and firmly with no wobble or looseness using average hand-torque pressure.

Occam's safety razor - base plates

FUNCTIONALITY (score 5): I've shaved with the Occam's DE Safety Razor many times since receiving it in the mail. As a man with average thickness hair who routinely shaves bald and maintains a smooth face (aside from a short-cropped Van Dyke beard), I spend a respectable amount of time with a razor in my hand each week. For me, the Ocaam's DE safety razor shaves great on both my scalp and face with very little to no skin irritation using the closed comb base plate. I generally use Astra Superior Platinum DE blades as my everyday blade, occasionally switching to milder Derby Extra DE blades when my skin sensitivity may be higher on a given day, such as drier skin during winter weather. Above is a picture of all three available base plates. In terms of aggressiveness (1 thru 10, mild to very aggressive), I would rank them as such (from left to right): closed comb 3, hybrid comb 5 and open comb 8. Of course, your experience in aggressiveness will vary depending on your choice of DE blade installed. The razor suffers no hair clogging when cutting my average course stubble. I've routinely achieved smooth shaves with as little as one to two passes. It also edge-cuts well around facial hair like sideburns or moustaches.

Occam's safety razor - top caps

VALUE (score 5): The value of the Occam's DE Safety Razor is great when considering it's well manufactured stainless steel build quality and cost of purchase. At the time of this review, my purchase was $54.99, sale-priced and using a coupon code for the complete kit with free shipping from ClassicShaving.com. You may also elect to purchase this razor with a single choice of either top cap and base plate for less money should you choose. But, for a few more dollars, you can own the entire set and have an heirloom safety razor that should last for many years with proper care.  While there are many great razors available from other manufacturers in this price range, the appeal of the Occam's DE safety razor is it's quality stainless steel build that I feel outclasses it's chrome and/or nickel plated competitor's offerings. It's an solid affordable addition to your every day shaving needs.

OVERALL (score 4.5): The Occam's DE Safety Razor is now among the top of my weekly razor rotations. My favorite safety razor is still my 1965 Gillette Slim adjustable, which performs incredibly well at settings 3 thru 4 using Astra Superior Platinums. But, the Occam's DE razor performs almost as adept and smoothly as my Gillette does, much to my surprise, and outperforms all the other non-adjustable DE razors in my rotation. Overall, I find this razor to be one of the best DE safety razors currently available for it's price point in terms of functionality and quality of build.

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.