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DMR is fine by me.

Mudfoot

Mudfoot

Elmer
Jun 17, 2009
10,936
6,333
698
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Southeast Ohio
I'm new to DMR. I've heard all the story's, but I'm liking it so far. I dabbled with Fusion in the past and quickly lost interest. Always someone to talk to. Made a few radio pals, which is always good. The available rigs are nice and extremely full featured.

I bought two Anytone 578's. My base is locked on amateur mode and my mobile is part 90. The software is easy to use. Luckily, several digital repeaters are in range. I have a Hotspot as well. There is much to learn, but I do enjoy it.
 

Both my Anytone 578s are fully opened 136-174/220-225/400-520 (mode 14). I have both a DMR repeater at my house and a GMRS repeater, and I don’t want to deal with separate radios for both (and sorry to those who get butt-hurt over that, but I have news for you...the FCC doesn’t give a f*ck about ham radio or GMRS anymore).

I think these are pretty decent radios for a Chinese mobile. In my vehicles, they are not subject to front end overload like other Chinese mobiles I have tried in the past. In fact, the reason I got rid of my $$$ FTM-400DR a few years ago is because that front end sucked on selectivity (every traffic signal I came to wiped out the front end, as did the LED/LCD billboards).

The controls on the microphone are well thought out, giving you access to the functions you need the most. I have my radios connected to my car’s Bluetooth, so the audio comes through the car speakers, and I have the BT PTT if I want to use it.

If someone is looking for a 578, I got mine from Ed at Anytone.us. I have been dealing with Ed for years and he is great to work with (honestly, you should check Ed out). I bought my old Xiegu X1M through Ed, and have bought several Anytone radios from him as well over the years. I got both my 578s from Ed and I am VERY happy with him ! (I do not get any kickbacks from Ed).
 
So, if I change bands to 14, I can have all ham bands, FRS, GMRS and 220MHz as well? Also, does band 14 allow front panel frequency input?

I have the amature model and the supposed part 90 mobile. I'll have to change my base to band 14. Thanks for the info.

The 578 is very capable, especially with all the crossband and crossmode capabili
 
Just checked. I don't have mode #14. I'm running firmware version 1.08. My part 90 model should be here in a couple days. I'm using it mobile. I don't mind my base being locked down outside ham bands. Just wanted it for my mobile.
 
You will need a small application to change to mode 14. It’s called AT_Options. Look here for info...http://members.optuszoo.com.au/jason.reilly1/578mods.htm#BandError

Also, if you have programmed your radios already, the current code plug may not be recognized when you open up the radio for full TX on tri band configuration. (look around that website for all sorts of info).

I will have to fire up my evil Windows computer if you need more info, so let me know (I hate Windows and only have it for programming radios). Or you can PM me and I will give you a talkgroup we can chat on.
 
All the 587s are capable of full Xmit on all three bands. It is simply a software configuration. I haven’t dealt with it in about 6 months, so I would have to refresh my memory. If you have problems, let me know, but the AT_Options app should get you there.

I am on firmware 1.09N. Go to Anytone.us, drill down to the 578 downloads section, and read Ed’s notes on the various firmware versions. He has good information about the versions, the full Xmit, etc.

You are fine on v1.08. Previous v1.06 was a problem with the full Xmit mod, but no issues with v1.08. Ed has good instructions on updating the firmware. You have to update your CPS along with the firmware.

DMR is a clusterf*ck when you really get into it. I have been dealing with it for 5 years, and it is still easy to miss something in the programming, but it is the best of the digital VOIP modes.
I have a private OpenSpot server, along with two repeater talkgroups (and a YSF reflector), so if you need one on one instructions, I can provide you the talkgroup numbers...IF you have access to a hotspot or Brandmeister repeater that allows you to key in a talkgroup.
 
Did you recover from this yet?

Did you reinitialize the radio after the firmware update by holding the P2 button and the channel selector button while powering up the radio ? It should have a screen prompt asking if you want to initialize.

You may try to reinstall the firmware if it failed the first time.

I have done 3 firmware updates on mine without any problems, so I can’t offer any other suggestions than those above. And there is a new version of the CPS that is used for the firmware update, so make sure you use that when programming the radio. That is a typical thing with the Chinese radios that the software changes versions along with the firmware.

Here is link to a YT video explaining the process...
 
After I uploaded the FW, it wouldn't allow me to initialize. Unit won't power on at all. I upgraded from 1.06 to 1.08 without issue. The problem started when upgrading to 1.09N. I have a support ticket open with Bridgecom. It acts like it's bricked.
 
I will be interested to hear the outcome of your problem. I have not found any discussion of bricking the 578 online, so I am hopeful you can resolve your issue easily.
 
I bought another 578 to put in my Jeep.

Turned it on, loaded codeplug and my volume is low. It remains the same no matter the position of the volume pot. I upgrade the FW and problem still there. I then did a baseband SCT 3258 install to make it factory. Didn't help at all. I researched a little and found similar issues. None of those people found a solution, other than to return the radio for a new one.

Pisses me off. Have close to $900 in these mobiles and can't use them. I also ordered an 878 handheld. If it has an issue I'm gonna flip.
 
I’m guessing you purchased your radios through Bridgecom, since you said you opened a trouble ticket with them. Did your radio not come with the latest firmware and baseband versions???

I bought my two 578s through Ed @Anytone.us (aka Importcommunications and Wouxun.us). I have been dealing with Ed since I bought the original Xiegu X1M (5 years ago???...maybe more ???), I don’t know how many years ago. Ed sets the radio up for you the way you want (operating mode), and makes sure it is fully updated. And I bet his pricing is extremely competitive (which is why you must email him for the price).

Not trying to pour salt into the wound, and I understand that people like to deal with the company they are familiar with, but there is no reason your first radio was “bricked” by installing factory firmware, and there is no reason your second radio should be suffering from low audio. I can’t explain the reason my two 578s are running flawlessly, even after several firmware updates since I have owned them. Version 1.09N added the much needed hold on a busy channel while scanning, by pressing the menu button. I am tempted to buy a third one, because it is better than any other ham mobile radio I have owned (and I have owned a lot of them), but everyone’s mileage varies. I ran an FTM400DR in the mobile a few years ago and was shocked at how crappy the front end rejection on that $450 radio was ! No issues with the 578.

I certainly hope your dealer offered an immediate replacement of your second 578.
 
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Just ordered a new 578 from Ed. Can't beat his price, especially paying by PayPal Friends and Family. Damn nice price. I shouId have bought from him first.

Ed has quite a few different storefronts. I started buying his stuff when he was the first dealers to import the Wouxun junk, before they shit on him. I was worried about future FW updates messing with band 14, but he has that all worked out. I also ordered an 878 handheld from him. I have the software password that opens up band 14. I'll always have that security, unless they change the password, which HAS been changed a few times from Anytone.

Bridgecom is replacing the one I got from them. Amazon is refunding my other one. I think the volume problem is hardware related. Anyways, I'll have two 578's. One mobile and the other for the shack.

One thing about Ed...he sure ships fast.
 
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