Review – BTech AMP-25 series for Analog & DMR

by John ‘Miklor’
K3NXU

The  AMP-25  series  VHF / UHF Amplifiers

The recently announced BTech Digital and Analog amplifier series puts a whole new spin on mobile operation. It performs more like a mobile than it does a power amp. The D series are true TDMA Tier2 DMR amplifiers.

Note: This review was done using an Anytone D868UV on both DMR and analog.

In the Box
Included with the 40W Mobile Amp are:
–  Mounting Bracket
–  3′  Interface Control Cable (Kenwood K1 connectors)
–  3′  RF connect cable (SMA-M to SMA-F)
–  Microphone and Hanger
–  All necessary mounting hardware
–  User Guide

General Description
–  UHF or VHF Power Amplifier
–  2-6W  >  20-40W  Output

                         Modes of operation include:

V25  U25	V25D   U25D
Analog (FM) C4FM (Fusion) P25  (Phase 1) NXDN IDAS dPMR MPT1327	>  DMR Tier II (TDMA)  >  P25  (Phase 2) Analog (FM) C4FM (Fusion) P25  (Phase 1) NXDN IDAS dPMR MPT1327

A Different type of Mobile Amplifier

I found these to be much more than a typical power amplifier. Although they can function as a simple ‘In and Out’ power amp, this is about as close to a full mobile as you can get. Although the driving force was my DMR handheld sitting in my cup holder, the transmit audio was that of the included hand microphone and the receiver audio out was coming through the built in speaker driven by a four watt audio amplifier.

Transmit Power

I tested the power on two different models. The VHF V25 (non TDMA) and the U25D for UHF DMR.  The power was tested using the analog side of both into a calibrated Bird Termaline wattmeter. The maximum current drain from my 13.6V 30A power supply was just under 6A. This is low enough for the amp to be powered by the 10A accessory jack in your vehicle.

Enclosure

The basic frame measures 4.6″W x 1.3″H x 5.5″D (excluding the SO-239) and weighs in at 26oz.  I was curious to see the internal layout of the amp and to no surprise, there was a 5/8″ finned heat sink spanning the entire length and width of the case along with air vent along the back of the enclosure.

Operating Modes

These are single band amplifiers.
V25(D) = VHF 136-174MHz
U25(D) = UHF 400-480MHz.

Note: The V25D and U25D were designed to include DMR Tier II (TDMA) and P25 Phase 2 along with all other modes. Their operation varies slightly.

V25  /  U25
To operate VHF through the UHF (U25) amplifier, or UHF through the VHF (V25) amplifier, simply power off the amplifier. This will allow you to run straight through directly to the antenna without power amplification on that band.

V25D / U25D
These amplifiers will only operate within their specified VHF or UHF range. This is due to the circuit switching design of DMR Tier II and P25 Phase 2.

Hook Up

The simplest configuration is using the included RF cable to attach the radio to the amp. You could add a Spkr/Micr to the handheld, but you would still be bypassing some of the best features.

I use the two included cables. The 3′ RF cable to attach the radio to the amp, and the control cable. This allows me to use the full size hand microphone as well as connecting the four watt audio amp powering the speaker. The power included power cable is compatible with handhelds using the standard two pin Kenwood style connector, such as an MD380, D868, GD77, UV5R, F8HP, UV82, etc.

I use an Anytone D868 on DMR as well as analog with the hookup diagrammed below. Depending on your radios antenna jack, you may need to pickup an SMA-M to SMA-M adapter.

 

Convenience

All channel selection and volume adjustments are done using the handheld. No duplicate programming or code plugs are necessary. Whatever is in my handheld is what I operate in the mobile

Operating my handheld in the low power position, I still get 22W out on UHF and my handheld’s battery life remains excellent, but high power gives me a solid 39W.

Conclusion

I was glad to see someone finally develop what is a full featured mobile amplifier capable of  DMR as well as all other modes including C4FM and D-Star that is small enough to mount in the car, boat, and on top of your computer. This amplifier is Part 90 certified and definitely worth considering.

Available from Amazon:    V25     V25D     U25     U25D
and     

VHF /UHF
Digital / Analog
Mobile Power Amplifiers

 

Review – Pofung (Baofeng) UV-82HP

by John ‘Miklor’ K3NXU

Not just a Power Upgrade
The new UV-82HP is not just a power upgrade, but a combination of all major features of both the UV82 and UV5R series in one package.

What’s in the Box
– The UV82HP
– Newer upgraded A-V85 Antenna
– 7.4V 1800mAh Li-Ion Battery
– Upright Charger and wall-wart
– Manual written in English
– Belt Clip
– Hand Strap

The radio sports all traditional features of the UV82 design, with the larger keypad buttons and the zero at the bottom of the number pad where it belongs, etc.  It also is built using the latest generation chipset.

– The frequency range is the full  136-174.99 MHz, 400-520.99 MHz range.
– VHF output on the test unit clocks in at 7.3W with UHF at 6.0W
– The Dual PTT button is now an option that can be turned off. Previously only available with the commercial version (UV82C)
– Live On-the-Air audio reports are excellent.
– Alpha tags can be added with the required software below.
– The receiver sensitivity is still excellent.

So, What makes this version an upgrade?
– The original UV82 took a traditional UV5R, and added design features such as an upgraded case and Dual PTT switch. (comparison)
– Next came the UV82C which included options to synchronize the Dual PTT function to emulate a Single PTT, and the ability to lock out the VFO to prevent accidental field programming.
– Next came the 8W F8HP, the first of the high power Baofengs.
– An expanded feature added is R-Tone, a repeater tone for those requiring a 1000, 1450, 1750 or 2000Hz audible tone for access. This is not to be confused with CTCSS or DCS. Prior models provided Burst for 1750Hz only.

The UV-82HP now includes all of the above features in one package. The PTT synchronizing, VFO lockout, High Power, R-Tone, and newest generation chipset.

It has kept the traditional UV82 case design to ensure compatibility between all existing options, including Dual PTT Spkr/Micr, battery cases, holsters, battery eliminators, etc.

Feature	UV82HP	UV82	UV82C	F8HP	UV5R
High Power  7-8W	Yes	–	–	Yes	–
Dual PTT	Yes	Yes	Yes	–	–
Single PTT Sync Option	Yes	–	Yes	–	–
VFO Mode Disable	Yes	–	Yes	–	–
Repeater Access Tones     1000, 1450, 1750, 2100Hz	Yes	1750Hz	1750Hz	1750Hz	1750Hz

As mentioned above, with software, the UV-82HP can lockout the VFO mode to prevent accidental changes.

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The Factory Software has been added to the Miklor.com  Software section.  The radio has also now included in the Latest Daily Build of CHIRP.

Note: A programming cable is required to run the software. Acquiring a quality cable is highly recommended. You will spend more time using the radio and less time trying to load special backdated drivers to your PC. A generic cable is less expensive, but a cable with an FTDI chip is Plug ‘n Play.

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The UV82HP allows locking the PTT Button to simulate a Single PTT and override the Dual PTT feature.

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Software Note
As you may have expected, running the UV82HP software will not activate or create new features on an older UV-82/82C.

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Compatibility
All of my accessories for the standard UV82 are compatible, including the Dual PTT speaker/micr. With the exception of the battery and charger, all UV5R accessories work as well.

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Conclusion
You can always run this radio in low/mid power to conserve battery, but when you need the extra power, it’s there.It’s nice to see a true upgrade of features to the UV82 series, and not just a fancy case or the addition of extra letters and numbers to the UV82 label.

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A Feature Comparison published between the standard UV82 and its predecessor can be found at UV82_vs_UV5R

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A full in-depth Technical Review of the Original UV-82 was done by Hans last year.

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More Information:  CHIRP,  Miklor.com, Review, BaofengTech

CHIRP Support now available for the new Anytone 8R series

By John ‘Miklor’ K3NXU

CHIRP, software that now supports over 80 different models of transceivers, is now providing basic support for the two newest models of the Anytone series, the TERMN-8R and the OBLTR-8R.  CHIRP’s Latest Daily Build can be found HERE.

The advantage of the basic settings is the “spreadsheet memory editor” which will allow owners to:
– import channels from a *.CSV file
– import channels from an *.img file
– copy-and-paste the stock config file
– load from external sources like RepeaterBook and RadioReference.

That is a BIG step and additional settings will be added in small groups.

SUPPORT:
Development of CHIRP is an all-volunteer effort and is offered as open-source software, free of charge. If you like CHIRP, please consider contributing a small donation to help support the costs of development and hardware.

More Information:  CHIRP, Miklor.com

 

Baofeng Tech teaser unveiled

From the moment Baofeng Tech posted their teaser, I’ve been in contact with Todd, Managing Director of Baofeng Tech and now Anytone Tech.

Basically I’ve known all along what was going on, but promised not to publish or share any information before a certain date: February 23, 00.00 UTC. It’s common practice to sign an NDA in such a case, which I did, and something I will always honor to the letter.

Over the course of some e-mails Todd explained what will change and why.

There are some changes coming. Although we do not have intentions of quitting Baofeng, we are moving to partner with another manufacturer closer. I believe you are familiar about them and have posted about them before – their name is ‘AnyTone’. AnyTone has a much larger R&D lab and we already have four models lined up with many modifications we proposed.

So on this note – we are not abandoning Baofeng, but instead are pursuing bringing higher class but affordable models to the market.  I hope you will not be upset over this transition – and we have some more details to follow.

During our work with AnyTone we have insured that chip sets cannot be replicated in different cases across US import (we have not negotiated on European markets yet, but will once we solve the logistics.) This not only protects vendors promoting the radios, but also the consumers from confusion. The long story short – a different case will always mean a truly different radio and not just a replication of a two-year old radio.

Two models will be dual certified for USA Part 95 and Part 90, they will have a MURS and a GMRS mode for use (Kenwood made a 90/95 model), but these will be the first models to have 90/95 and amateur usage, making it the most legal flexible radios. These features are mainly for North American users; if you follow prepper (aka survival) blogs this is one of the most heated debates for using Baofeng radios.

• Two radios will have upgradeable firmware – a win for all,
• Two radios will have NOAA weather alerts – a feature for USA customers,
• Two radios are IP53 certified and they were production units, not modified samples for the lab,  and rated weatherproof rather than water resistant,
• One radio will be able to cross-band repeat and be a full duplex unit,
• Co-operation with the developers of CHIRP.

Click here for the models Todd is talking about.

MODEL	The “Annihilator”	The “Instigator”	The “Obliterator”	The “Terminator”
	ANILE-8R (single band)	NSTIG-8R	OBLTR-8R	TERMN-8R
Power Output (watts)	1, 5	1, 5	1, 2, 5	1, 2, 5
Wide Band / Narrow Band	25KHz / 12.5KHz	25KHz / 12.5KHz	25KHz / 12.5KHz	25KHz / 12.5KHz
Speaker	1 watt (1000mw)	1 watt (1000mw)	1 watt (1000mw)	1 watt (1000mw)
Channels	16 Channel	200 Channel	200 Channel	200 Channel
Battery	1300 mAH	1800 mAH	2200 mAH	2200 mAH
TONES
CTCSS / DCS	YES	YES	YES	YES
DTMF / ANI	YES	YES	YES	YES
Stun Kill Feature	YES	YES	YES	YES
Call Tones
2 Tone / 5 Tone			YES	YES
Pager Function (2 Tone Page)			YES	YES
MSG (Private MSG) – 5TONE			YES	YES
MSG (Private MSG) – MSK				YES
MSK				YES
TX /RX
136-174	YES	YES	YES	YES
400-480 (Expand to 520)	YES	YES	YES	YES
FHSS (Frequency Hop)				YES
RX
FM		YES	YES	YES
AM				YES
SW: 2.3-30MHZ				YES
MW: 0.52-1.71Mhz				YES
Transmit / Receive Style
Single	YES
Dual Standby		YES	YES
Dual Receive				YES
Certifications
Part 90	YES	YES	YES	YES
Part 95			YES	YES
Channel Options
16 Channel	YES
200 Channel		YES	YES	YES
Memory Banks			YES	YES
2 Group VFO			YES	YES
Scan Options
Channel Scan	YES	YES	YES	YES
Frequency Scan		YES	YES	YES
Channel Skip on Scan (Select by Display)		YES	YES	YES
CTCSS Scan		YES	YES	YES
DCS Scan		YES	YES	YES
Normal / Fast Scan			YES	YES
Priority Scan	YES( set by programming software)
Additional Modes
Work Mode: Disable Menus / Frequency by Software	YES	YES	YES	YES
NOAA Weather with Alert: 7 pre-programmed NOAA channels, monitor or set for alert (monitor in background while on frequency)			YES	YES
MURS MODE – 5 pre-programmed channels. User can only modify CTCSS, DCS (tones)			YES	YES
GMRS MODE – 15 pre-programmed simplex GMRS channels, 8 pre-programmed repeater (duplex) GMRS channels. User can only modify CTCSS, DCS (tones)			YES	YES
Additional Features
Flashlight	YES	YES
Secondary Knob			YES	YES
Squelch (Carrier/ Tone)	YES	YES	YES	YES
Squelch Tail Elimination (Program Select 120/180/24)	YES	YES	YES	YES
VOX	YES	YES	YES	YES
Talk Around Function	YES	YES	YES	YES
Reverse Function (Repeater)		YES	YES	YES
Programmable Side Keys	YES	YES	YES	YES
Dual PTT (programmable)		YES	YES	YES
Black Side Buttons	YES	YES	YES
Orange Side Buttons				YES
Cross-Band Repeater				YES
UPGRADEABLE FIRMWARE			YES	YES

Pictures:

Beware of false claims

On quite a few pages belonging to UV-5R sellers you will run into the following claim:

Unfortunately this is not true: no UV-5R, UV-82, nor any of their countless varieties, can store FM stations. All you can do is set one default frequency. To make sure I didn’t miss something, I checked with the people behind Miklor and Chirp. They confirmed my suspicions.

If you want to store FM stations, buy a Baofeng UV-B5/B6 (room for 16 FM stations) or the Sainsonic RST599 (room for 20 FM stations). A RST599 review will be posted shortly.