The Anytone AT-D868-UV is a VHF and UHF hand held radio with both Digital DMR Tier I and Tier II and Analog capabilities. It offers a total of 4,000 channels (Analog and Digital), 10,000 Digital Talk Groups and up to 150,000 contacts, as well as multiple DMR ID numbers for a single radio. Retailing at £139.95 from Martin Lynch, the AT-D868-UV is extremely good value for money.
The radio comes with a short stubby dual band antenna and a charging cradle. The short antenna is adequate for normal use but the use of a longer 40cm Diamond SRH-771VHF/UHF Handheld Antenna is much more practical.
The AT-D868-UV is easy to program and a Word document is available on-line which is easy to follow. The Anytone codeplug is slightly different to other units to program but it does not take long to get used to it. The code plug program is easy enough to use but it does differ from the Tytera and Motorola approach. The first few entries did take time as the program was a little unfamiliar but, after the first ten had been programed it was easy to get into the order and rhythm of the program.
Starting from scratch, the Talk Groups are programmed in first.
It is necessary to type in the number of the TalkGroup, Give it a name and also define the type of call which in most cases will be a Group Call.
Setting up the Channels and defining mode and frequency is the next task using the screen below:
As with most CPS programming the Channel Name, the Channel Mode and the frequency is required. If Analog modes are used it is possible to define the squelch type and tones required.
With DMR channels it is necessary match the channel name with the Digital contact or TalkGroup, set the colour code and TX permit. This rig also requires the Radio ID to be defined for each contact. It does default to the first on the list so it is not a problem. It is however possible to define the ID of the radio for specific channels. If you are on holiday this may be a useful facility.
Lastly the zone has to be defined and appropriate channels assigned to it.
The creation of a Zone and the addition of channels is a simple task and much like any other radio.
Whilst not really required, a Scan List and/or a Receive Group List may be created if the listening to or monitoring of multiple channels is required.
The radio has been put through it paces and the first thing to note is the good quality of audio from it. Secondly the receive side is sensitive on both DMR an Analog Channels. The first test was with the 70 cm GB7NS Repeater located in Caterham some 8 miles from the G4GFC QTH. The path was not line of sight and
there were many obstructions in the path. It was possible to access the
Repeater using low power and a good report was received. Using the
Diamond SRH-771 antenna resulted in an increase in received signal.
GB7EP and GB7AK located at Epsom and Barking, north London were not
workable, however, walking to a higher location would have made this
possible. The G4GFC QTH is located behind hills in the direction of
GB7EP and GB7AK. GB7AK would undoubtedly be the repeater of choice
whilst pedestrian mobile in London by virtue of its location.
The stubby antenna does not really do the radio any favours but, the addition of a longer antenna such as the Diamond SRH-771VHF/UHF Handheld Antenna improves performance. This a matter of taste really as the longer antenna gets in the way but it is way more efficient. It is really down to the type of work you wish to use the radio for at the end of the day. There is no doubt that the existing antenna will work from point to point over a clear path and from high ground the longer antenna will undoubtedly prove its worth.
The radio has a good quality case and it does not feel as though it will fall apart if accidentally dropped.
The battery capacity is excellent at 2100 mAH for normal use obviously consant use at 5 - 7 Watts will reduce the battery life before needing a charge.
As a dual bander, this radio would definitely be my first choice as it ticks more than most of the boxes and well worth the money. The code plug software is easy enough to use although it is slightly different to its competitors
A Code plug for this radio can be found on the Galway VHF Group Facebook Page.
