Anytone AT D578U, Tri-Band Mobile DMR Ham Radio Review

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Note: the radio can transmit APRS packets, but not decode received APRS packets.

[@ffeddersen]

The 578 has 300,000 contacts not 200,000

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

We should let Bridgecom know. That screenshot came from them.

[@LoveAcrossAmerica]

Question: Do you know what will happen if I get caught using my ham radio after my license has expired?

[@ffeddersen]

Nothing, Just call AARL And renew as soon as you can.

[@JamesHannibalKH2SR]

Hopefully the APRS decoding ability can be added later with a firmware update. It would also be cool if a future firmware update gave it the ability to act as either a simple APRS digipeater or at least a cross-band repeater since it can do full duplex. 73! James - KH2SR

[@joshuawest652]

Thank you for the brief conversation on 146.520 and the review...

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Hah! Thanks for the qso!

[@LeoStarrenburg]

I would have got (and will get) one if it came with a detachable head/display. Am very happy with the HT version, the AT-D878UVPlus. The Bluetooth feature is great for use on a motorcycle: PTT goes anywhere convenient and the connection with my helmet comm. set is perfect. An added Anytone bonus is their user-defined CTCSS tone as I found that a local supplier of commercial motorcycle gear tends to program non-standard tones.

[@JaronActual]

The best reason to get on the 220 MHz band is "because you can!" The idea that "no one uses 220" is a perception/reality thing that's causing a downward spiral and self-fulfilling prophecy. No one uses the band because no one is on it. This means a lower demand for 220 units, so manufacturers don't make as many. Since there aren't many good multi-band 220 units, or the ones that do exist are expensive, fewer people buy them so fewer people use the band. Wash, rinse, repeat. Admittedly it might always be an uphill battle since 220 is only available in ITU 2, so Asian manufacturers might not care to make radios that can't be sold locally. The other consideration is, as you mentioned, the band has already been chopped up and sold off before because it was "underutilized." If it stays that way, it likely will happen again. When I first got my license, I had long-time license holders actively persuading me NOT to get a 220 capable radio because they said it wasn't worth it. That doesn't help anyone.

[@nathanjames4242]

The best feature of this radio is that it does Cross-band AND cross MODE repeating. Its pretty much the only reason I'm getting it.

[@stridermt2k]

While I don't think it's the best fit for me personally, I really do love learning about new gear on this channel. Great stuff as always, Josh! 73 de N2NLQ

[@RonAir99]

OUTSTANDING JOB Josh!!!! Just wish it came with a detachable head............K9SX

[@brettbreza8815]

I have the blue tooth Mike for this you can do anything off the Mike you would need it's great

[@michaelmiether3102]

Josh, thanks for the great review and you are rocking that cute bandaid!

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Josh keep up the good work and have a Merry Christmas

[@siobhansworld7054]

Very good content josh. It's always good when new radios come out. It keeps our minds focused. Thank you

[@bigjohn8670]

I have the dual band version in my jeep, i love the speaker mic because you can also program it to play the sub channel off the mic speaker and while you are talking on the mic on your main channel you can still listen on the sub channel mic speaker. This also allows you to listen to both stations at the same time.

[@bendeleted9155]

Is this one unlockable to transmit on GMRS like the 878?

[@briannickels7376]

Hi Josh, Radio placement in a Jeep takes a bit of ingenuity. I have a 2006 Jeep Wrangler with a Yasue FT-8900 mounted under the steering column bracket and a detachable faceplate mounted over the rearview mirror. It works well and the controls are easily accessible.

[@Jeeptalkshow]

I think this unit supports cross band repeat would could be a great feature if you're in a bad area for handy talky to hit the repeater, but the mobile hits it fine. As a Jeep owner I agree with you on the removable head. I think this is a critical feature that ALL mobile radios should have. Even if you have plenty of space for a radio, being able to place the head anywhere you like makes driving safer and operating easier.

[@nathantcampbell]

It does support cross band + cross mode repeat; very useful

[@jasonlockwood7395]

Yes does cross band

[@ahobbit56]

I hav an 878 vll plus and I love it I do want one of these radios too

[@Coyotes_Locos]

Thanks for reviewing. I also wish it had a removable face plate for the same reasons you mentioned.

[@paularmstrong8458]

Hey Josh, this one is next on my list to buy in a few weeks after several local folks had recommended it. Thanks for the breakdown. Stay safe!

[@douglasfellows9411]

Thanks Josh. Will be talking to the wife soon about getting two new radios. This and a AT handheld for DMR. Have 1, 220 repeater near by.

[@ronlewis6394]

I like the portion of your review about Satellites. I really like chasing Satellites. As a new HAM using HT's for Satellite work is what I use, 5 wts max. However, there are many people working Satellites who are booming power into space making QSO's. This prevents us Noobs from getting QSO's. The other thing about speaker mics, when the unit is in a pouch, ammo can or other item when working Satellites, the main speaker is difficult to hear or record. Having the speaker mic assists using and hearing the radio while hands are occupied with a directional antenna.

[@itswift]

Using a speaker mic while in full duplex mode is a recipe for feedback disaster on the sats. Btw, I've got hundreds of contacts with a 5 watt d72 and elk, the "high power" stations aren't really an issue, at least nowhere near as bad as the guys who transmit early and often before even hearing the downlink.....

[@johnckerner1007]

Great video. Gonna order one right now

[@terryshackelford712]

Great video on the Anytone AT-878. Thank you.

[@johnr8944]

Hi Josh, I've heard from many, that Bridge Com customer service is top notch. I've bought some radios from them but never had to call with questions.

[@ThePyleDriver]

Don't forget cross-band and cross-mode (analog/digital) repeater functionality! Nice with the 878 in a mobile install - Interesting example: DMR UHF (from 878)->578->Analog VHF repeater... :)

[@cfrivas]

Nice! My first radio is the Anytone AT-D878UV. I was saddened that since I haven't got my HAM License I can only listen, but I do have my GMRS (WRFP717) License. I was able to change the "MODE" from .00007 factory frequencies 144-148/420-450 to "MODE" .00000 which allows me to access GMRS frequencies minus a bunch of features.

[@bendeleted9155]

Bingo! Thank you very much. I was hoping this could use this as my do everything interoperable emergency radio in the shack and put my RT-95 in my truck. The RT-95 looks just like the 778 and if you change it to Mode 02, it will do the same thing, but is not true duplex. Is that 578 still working for you?

[@erics6177]

Also anytone 778 mini mobile, 5888/5888uviii (triband) have the speaker mic if you don't want to spend the more mulah on the dmr extra. 5888 models have full duplex and remote head mount.

[@Rusted_Link]

I'm glad to hear "yes" as I just bought one. Now, watts the morestgooderest antenneye for it??? (mobile) (magmount) No charge for the new wirds I lernt ya.

[@shaun900]

I couldn't help but notice your AVE ruler.. lol Makes me wonder how I went down this road to begin with, maybe there was a shout out somewhere...

[@tripslip38]

Nice review. I enjoy these detailed videos. I have an Anytone 778UV that I really like for mobile in my truck, but have yet to dabble in DMR.

[@JesterHellsingborg]

Likes everything you put up..dont always agree...but like it becuse you are honest... take care and stay healthy... you are a becon in the dark...

[@mrhonda7680]

Nice review thanks

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Josh I'm really really impressed with bridgecom products right now I'm thinking about going that way you got the thumbs up buddy I subscribed to your channel thank you for sharing this video looks like a very nice radio I have the coronavirus so I think having radios like this I can communicate with new people instead of my local hands in Georgia

An interesting radio never the less. For DMR to rely on the repeater owners to have the talk groups that you want to access is very limiting. Here in Southern California, we have more repeaters than anywhere in the country but only a small handful of DMR digital repeaters and the talk groups on those repeaters are limited to what the owners want. For anyone who wants to get a mobile DMR radio setup, it is much better to get a hotspot and tether that off your mobile phone so that way, you can have access to any talk groups you want. Yes, you will need cell coverage but that's no worse than being in DMR repeater coverage and most of the time, it is better. Running a small 1W handitalkie may not have the necessary audio output needed in a mobile environment but that can be helped with a remote speaker mic.

[@drewbacca1662]

I agree with you Hosh. You're getting a lot of features per dollar spent. If they release an updated model with a removable face, I will buy one.

[@michaelmurphy5834]

Hi Josh. A couple things. You left out APRS and DPRS support. Also the mic cable can be extended easily with a cat 5 cable. Although with the coiled mic cord, it is made to be stretched.

[@wolfcryo]

It sounds like it doesn't really support APRS in any useful sense, same as the 878 HT they make.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Yeah, I mentioned the APRS back in the 878 video. Its not really a deciding factor for me as its only transmit APRS. It can’t do much with the received packets.

[@tbarber1027]

Excellent coverage, THANKS for all your effort. You are headed for your own cable TV channel like Oprah Winfrey! :-)

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Lol

[@brucesteele3052]

I have owned Jeeps since 1971, from wrangler to willy to commander and cherokee. I always find ways to install radios. Problematic has been a good antenna mount and grounding with the later Jeep models.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

This is a good point too!

[@stevenguyot7790]

That ruler is friggin awesome

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Haha thanks!

[@erics6177]

1.25 meters pairs great with some small batch rye whiskey and/or your favorite ejuice blend in your vape mod 😎

[@donsugg4048]

Josh Thinking about buying this for my first. ham radio

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Its not a bad direction. But DMR can be alot for a new ham.

[@williambeckman6900]

You failed to mention that it can cross and repeat AND cross mode repeat. This is the only radio that can be on DMR on the UHF side and crossmode to analog VHF. But I too would pass on it because most current vehicles have only enough room to mount the control head on the dash board and you need to find a place to mount the main chassis. It would be a good base radio. Keep up the great videos.

[@ryanjacob8568]

William Beckman Cross mode repeat is certainly the most amazing feature I’ve seen on a radio!

[@9999plato]

Yeah, I have a 4Runner and wish they left a larger space as a cubby where a radio would fit.

[@thebnbaldwin]

Great review, I'm surprised that you didn't mention APRS or, the Pro that deletes 220MHz and adds Part 90 acceptance and GMRS.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Aprs is not great on this. I believed it’s beacon only?

[@thebnbaldwin]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse I got my General back in 1978. When 2M started to get like CB, I dropped out. I jumped back into it after a 12 year gap. Now I have GMRS & Ham radios and started looking into DMR & APRS yesterday. It looks like the next logical step. A bit overwhelmed, I was hoping that your review would help. 73s have a good weekend!

[@mikep4199]

Anytone was developing a rechargeable, bluetooth, hand mic/speaker that has a screen on it since the head unit isn't detachable. I have unfortunately not heard any more details since the initial announcement.

[@N4BUT]

I just bought the pro model. Arrives on tues

[@KU9L]

Looks like a great radio, waiting to see if we will stay with a travel trailer or switch to a Motorhome yet as to whether I would be mounting one in our ‘17 F-150 or. 2-dr Jeep. I have a Yaesu FT2900 I’ve had for a long time, but never mounted it since I traded in our 2008 Chevy 3500. Mounting a mobile rig in a modern vehicle is surely for the brave & the determined. Dave - KU9L.

[@scavenger888]

The speaker mic can be louder if you change the settings to speaker only and the speaker settings to indoor.

[@danielwarren7037]

I love mine! I do wish it had a detachable head unit though. I'm debating mounting the whole thing on my dash lol

[@charlesisbell4340]

I would mention the difference between the Amateur and Commercial versions as Bridgecom mentioned in their video. The Commercial version face is locked out and is only a dual band, not tri band so I would go with the Amateur version.

[@DavidS-iw4ei]

Thank you Ambassador Josh, Great Video. It would be nice if Anytone offered a remote head option for this radio. I do use the uv-D878 with bluetooth on my motorcycle. 73's KE6UPI

[@jeffhenderson402]

It might be a good way to get into DMR. I have played with Fusion for a couple of years.

[@Cliff-Spark]

Cross mode is neat. Just wish it would ID automatically so I don't have to worry about possibly breaking FCC rules/regs.

[@carlignacio4576]

Really interesting radio‼️

[@elmoreignacio8741]

Sir, saan ka sa Pinas? Dito ako Brgy Sucat, Muntinlupa City. Pero laking Marikina 😁

[@stonehenge11]

Good Job Josh. Beware that the bluetooth doesnt work with GMs Bluetooth on the 2018-20 trucks. I am hoping that a firmware update will fix someday

[@jneale5204]

My biggest complaint about this radio is the receive on analog. I would pick up analog repeaters with my ID-5100 or FTM-100 that the 578 would not hear it using the same antenna.

[@CRIZS_CREATIONS]

This video is above my knowledge but can you use this as a 80 channel uhf cb 40 channel simplex 41-80 duplex in 470-480mhz for Australia cb usage?

[@BruceWolfe-Profile]

You forgot to mention it has both analog and digital APRS! ~Bruce KI6BSL

[@allenvestal4474]

Texas is covered with DMR repeaters. If you have the 878 with bluettoth and a mag mount antenna on your car you can get by with 6 watts. Actually Texas is covered with Bridgecom repeaters which limit you to few talgroups so every person who can come up with a hundred bucks for a hotspot doesn't need repeaters.

[@souta95]

Love the AvE ruler! LOL

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

me too!

[@allanlazarov7844]

Hey Josh, I have a question: Has anyone measured the real input dynamic range and IP3 of this transceiver? (The 578 plus version in comparison to the 878uv plus version)

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

Everyone I know calls it 220, Young Jedi...but I digress... Decent radio, performance-wise; my main gripes are the no remote head-thing, the tiny display (same as the 878, which is pretty useless w/o reading glasses if you're over 40...), plus I despise the old scanner-type scanning (rotating display of every scanlist member). They should just put a scan icon and display the selected channel until there's a active scanlist member. Good choice for a base radio, though.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Well I refer to it both ways so you have all the information 👍

[@markusgruenewald]

Here over in Germany it's only a dual band radio. Unfortunately we don't have the 1.25m-Band here in IARU Region 1. Never the less a nice radio.

[@paulbaran1381]

Josh, have you ever reviewed the Radioddity QB 25 Quad band radio?

[@SteveYancey]

Paul, I have one in my shack, it serves me well.

[@TheMultisportGeek]

That would look great in my rig!!!

[@Martinroadsguy]

Oh, damn. That thing is a lot more expensive than I thought it would be. I was thinking like $250ish.

[@frostfire462]

Where did you get that ruler? That thing is awesome!

[@swirrllfolfsky9803]

AvE ruler! nice!

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

So love my 878 I’m considering selling my Yaesu ftm500 I use as a base to get a 578uv3 with the BT01 controller what ya think?

[@elmoreignacio8741]

Hi Josh. Thanks for the very informative review. But since you mentioned that it has full duplex capability I was kinda hoping it could do cross band repeat. I only own a Yaesu FT-65R right now and is looking for a mobile rig that can act as a repeater to amplify my signal.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I believe it might cross band repeat.

[@nathantcampbell]

I can confirm it does do cross-band repeat

[@nathantcampbell]

While I knew from other videos it can cross band repeat I hadn't played with it until just now; it's actually very very simple. You just set each slot to the two channels you want to link, and turn the repeater on. It not only does cross band repeat but also cross mode. I linked an analog VHF simplex channel to DMR UHF simplex channel. Worked flawless.

[@elmoreignacio8741]

@@nathantcampbell that's cool. Thanks for the info.

[@lonskay7911]

Josh, the one thing I haven’t been able to figure out about my Antone 578 UV is exactly how to program or put in analog frequencies from local repeaters and local hams on top of my DMR frequencies that are already coded in. Is there a way you can demonstrate that or explain it to me.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Just add a new channel and make the channel analog. 👍

[@timmurray6980]

My phone screen isn't big enough to read the ruler. So what are the dimensions for this radio? I haven't seen them published online anywhere.

[@ebreevephoto]

So I have been torn on which way to go and this review is very good, but I still am not sure of my path. I have yet to test for my Tech license thanks to HMV - and I listen to repeaters on my 878. But the reason for me wanting a ham radio and license is really for mobile as I travel between SoCAL, Wyoming, and Washington state quite a lot. Anyway - to the question - my choice for a mobile is boiling down to this Anytone or the ICOM 5100a. Which way would you go?

[@kens5871]

Depends on if you want dmr or not. You should look up if there r dmr repeaters where you travel and decide!

[@jamesjbarrek6086]

Hi im sorry to bother you but you might be able to help. Ok I just got the AnyTone AT-D578UV,When I turn my power supply on the radio comes on and it brings me to the Calibrate Date Menu,I set everything but im suppose to press the Confirm key where is that? I press all the buttons on the radio and nothing happens I cant get to the Confirm word. Please help i've been at this for like a hour or more :( Please help :(

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

So do I really need to buy the RT Systems DMR Programming Software that they claim is only for one radio? So if I buy a 578 and a 878 I need to purchase $50 in software or is there free software or do you recommend the RT for a beginner?

[@Chriskelly19067]

Hey Josh have you done a video on issues with zumspot and ftm400? It works to connect on mine but i can't search or save rooms.... constantly get "no data" errors. I can get on channels and transmit... but no ability to save or search for some reason while using the hotspot.

[@g-whiz286]

Bluetooth functionality is weak since it will support only one bluetooth device. The PTT OR a headset but not both, which would make a lot more sense. Also, since DMR supports SMS through the Brandmeister network, being able to add a bluetooth keyboard would be a plus.

[@FoxPlayzFromYT]

I am disappointed that the AT D578 is limited to a mere 5 watts on the 220 band. Why is this? Can it be adjusted or special-ordered with more power output - 40 watts maybe like the 70cm band?

[@betheking2222]

Josh thanks for another great video. What type of vehicle antenna or antenna combos would you recommend for 1.25m. Having a hard time finding a true triband antenna that works with the 220. And there are a few 220 repeaters in my area that see some decent use. Thanks again and 73! KO4KMA

[@DJBlackhawk]

Josh, have you tried this 578 radio in full duplex with satellites yourself yet? If so, can you please film setup and or show an example of full duplex operation in real world use. Thanks and 73 DE KK4MND

[@softsmoken]

Help! So... I picked up a triband mirkit for a first radio and I just ordered a yaesu ft65r.. but for now I can seem to get picked up by anyone else on the baofeng.. how can I test this without another radio right here of my own? I've got the yaesuft65r on the way(saw the ft4x and ft65 going for 75$and 80$ both new) had to go for it. also a 10khz-1.5ghz vna coming in the next couple days, if it's broken I wanna return it before it's too late which is only like 8 days away... So gotta figure it out. I do have some electronics stuff if it helps to test, work on cars computers and build drones. Great videos, awesome to lookout for noobs and other people. ANY help is greatly appreciated. One love.

[@apar1560]

👍👍👍 Thanks ...Alan in 🇨🇱

[@pfmcdermott1]

Why is the power so much less on 220? Is there a technical reason that this radio and others that include 220 usually give it substantially less power?

[@skinny4070]

I want this radio. I already have an 868. Will the same code plug work for both?

[@TRF1118]

Fairly new Tech ordered the Anytone AT-D878 HT would this be a good in a non-mobile home base application. (Sorry if not using best terminology)

[@FriendBears]

Pls help me understand more fully how to access the HRCC TG. Thanks

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Check out HRCC.link and join our discord if you have questions. Link in description.

[@DM-pt4ej]

How would you compare it to the 5888uv iii?

[@gotammo9148]

I have a 878, just haven't turned it on yet.

[@truck57us]

Lock and load, then get er done! :)

[@charliehawkins7479]

How do you get that dark I’d number ?

[@DrFearCo]

Hi total noob here. Can I get decent reception with an antenna indoors? Not a basement... upper floor, close to a window. I just don't really want to mount an antenna to my house. If so... any recommendations? Money no object. I want a mobile unit for my desktop. I am thinking either FTM100 or FTM400. I currently have an HT Yaesu FT3DR.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Check out an Ed Fong flexible jpole antenna.

[@n7ekg]

Does this radio support DMR Roaming? If so, how useful is it when you're traveling?

[@N9IBZED]

Can this radio do a mixed mode function analogue and DMR on the same channel we are looking at getting a repeater for one of the club repeaters that will do both on the same frequebcy pair and hav it switch between the two modes kinda like the way that the A. M. S. feature on a fusion repeater and I don’t want to have to take up a couple memories for the same repeater

[@scottabeers]

Not sure if it can do both on the same "Channel" or not. However...with 4000 channels available in the radio...you have plenty of room in the memory to create multiple channels per frequency.

[@N9IBZED]

@@scottabeers true I just hate having to do that

[@davidarnold9192]

Does anyone make a try or quad-band radio that's all mode?

[@austinspendlove6150]

Looks cool.

[@GarageProfessor]

Hi I noticed that you had the Papa system programmed in (Sounded like Cecil as your Papa 3 Contact!). I'm a member and just got a 578, is that codeplug available on the papa site or can you make it available? Thanks Sandy WN6CTY

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Should be. Check the members section.

[@GarageProfessor]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse pulled the code plug but won't load with the CPS that is up on the papa site. What version CPS did you use. Or any way to get an export LST file?

[@MikeG-js1jt]

does it have a hardware AMBE+2 Vocoder?

[@oldman5139]

About the test... Why take a test for building a radio or antenna? When you buy them ready to go. I think the FCC needs to change with the times. We need a test for plug in and go. Thanks

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

I noticed you posted this question on Ham Radio 2.0s channel. I read your replies there, so I’ll just jump to them. There are three license levels. All try to require get the applicant a basic level of electronics & radio understanding. If you was a radio activity that doesn’t require that level of knowledge take a look at gmrs or cb.

[@timbarrage]

you mentioned a DMR ham radio crash course talkgroup. what talkgroup is it?

[@pnwgeek]

hrcc.link

[@TalmidAndy]

I keep hearing the "20 watts on 1.25m" quote from multiple KZbinrs and other sources but have yet to see anyone demonstrate that. The manufacturers spec is 5 watts and as with all of these compromise circuits you are never going to get a significant amount of power out. What actual output did you get and how did you measure it?

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Power meter, into a dummy load.

[@TalmidAndy]

@@HamRadioCrashCourse did you get a consistent 20 watts and were there any issues at that power like heating etc?

[@rjb7569]

I know nothing but would like to start educating myself on ham radio use... Where do I start? Thanks to any who reply.

[@danbrandon8545]

Josh I am sorry but I have to point out you have such a cute bandage on your finger lol keep up the good work and thanks for the review been looking at getting this radio

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Haha! I was wondering who was going to be the first to mention it!

[@therealwolfspidertoo]

Mine blew up. Got my money back.

[@aldenjoneskc1jwr138]

Use a mic cable extensions they work nice