AnyTone and AnyTone Tech launches new line of radios
9 March 2015
Today marks the launch of a new partnership between AnyTone Tech (the company also known as BaoFeng Tech), and AnyTone as a new line of radios are launched thanks to months of input and hard work from the BaoFeng Tech crew.
Today they launch 4 new radios, each with its own specific target demographic.
TERMN-8R
The Flagship of the new line, and highly anticipated multi-use radio comes in with some new tricks up its sleeve, with capabilities rarely seen before in consumer or even commercial level radios. All for under $150. Demand has been so great that within a few hours of release on Amazon, the first batch has already been sold out.
These radios have so many options that it take a long list just to display all the feature, but here it goes:
- New rugged case with IP53 rating for water resistance
- upgradeable firmware
- Part 90 AND 95 capable for legal use in Part 90 Commercial, Part 95 MURS and GMRS, as well as ham radio bands (all except MURS requires a license to transmit legally).
- True dual receivers, which also has built in cross-band repeater software
- Multiple tone methods including CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, 2 TONE, 5 TONE, and MSK calling methods.
- For the utmost of private communication, the TERMN-8R supports Frequency Hopping (FHSS) between other TERMN-8Rs.
- The TERMN-8R can even decode (receive) commands. This allows for ANI (Caller ID), Remote Stun, Remote Kill, Pager calls, and many more features.
- 2200mAh battery
- Similar extras in the box like the Baofengs, wrist strap, earpiece, belt clip, desktop charger.
- Transmit frequency range: 139-174MHz and 400-520MHz
- Receive frequency range: 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz, 520-1710kHz (AM Broadcast), 2.3-30MHz (AM Shortwave), 68-108MHz (FM Broadcast), 108-136MHz (AM Aviation Band).
- 200 memory channels
- Standard wide band (25kHz) and narrow band (12.5kHz) Tx/Rx
- Sensitivity: ?0.25?V (wide band) ?0.3?V (narrow band) (by comparison, most Baofengs come in around 8-12mV).
- SMA-Female antenna connector (same as the Baofengs and many other HTs)
- Accessory connector: Kenwood style 2 pin (same as the Baofengs, so the same programming cable and acessories -should- work the same.
- Output power: 5W or 1W GMRS/Ham/commercial frequencies, 2W MURS frequencies.
- Audio output 1W (higher than many Baofeng UV/BF models, same as the UV-82 series)
- You can add or remove channels from scanning list right on the keypad.
- The side keys are programmable to multiple options including adding a secondary (dual) push-to-talk option.
- You can give channels alphanumeric names, without using a computer.
- You can set VFO scanning limits, and resume scanning after a power cycle.
- 2 VFO banks, and allows you to be in both VFO and channel modes at the same time.
- You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as needed.
OBLTR-8R
The OBLTR-8R model comes in one step below the flagship, but its capability should still rank in higher than most Baofeng radios, which is why it does come in with a little bit higher price tag at ~$99.
The primary difference with the OBLTR-8R when compared to its "big brother", is the lack of the extra AM receive options (Shortwave, Airband, AM broadcast radio), making this model (and the rest of the line) as FM only brothers. Also this model only has a single receiver, so it loses the cross-band repeater option, but like the Baofengs, it still has dual watch, so you can listen in to both displayed frequencies at the same time. This one can be seen as the GMRS/MURS legal version of the Chinese radio lines, but only the OBLTR-8R and TERMN-8R are legal for use on the MURS and GMRS bands, the other 2 new models are not. Now for some stats:
- New rugged case with IP53 rating for water resistance
- upgradeable firmware
- Part 90 AND 95 capable for legal use in Part 90 Commercial, Part 95 MURS and GMRS, as well as ham radio bands (all except MURS requires a license to legally transmit).
- Single receiver but dual watch capability, which allows you to monitor two different frequencies (even on different bands (VHF/UHF)) and the radio will monitor both frequencies giving priority to the first station to receive an incoming call.
- Multiple tone methods including CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, 2 TONE, 5 TONE, calling methods.
- Decode (receive) commands. This allows for ANI (Caller ID), Remote Stun, Remote Kill, Pager calls, and many more features.
- 2200mAh battery
- Similar extras in the box like the Baofengs, wrist strap, earpiece, belt clip, desktop charger.
- Transmit frequency range: 139-174MHz and 400-520MHz
- Receive frequency range: 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz, 68-108MHz (FM Broadcast).
- 200 memory channels
- Standard wide band (25kHz) and narrow band (12.5kHz) Tx/Rx
- Sensitivity: ?0.25?V (wide band) ?0.3?V (narrow band) (by comparison, most Baofengs come in around 8-12mV).
- SMA-Female antenna connector (same as the Baofengs and many other HTs)
- Accessory connector: Kenwood style 2 pin (same as the Baofengs, so the same programming cable and acessories -should- work the same.
- Output power: 5W or 1W GMRS/Ham/commercial frequencies, 2W MURS frequencies.
- Audio output 1W (higher than many Baofeng UV/BF models, same as the UV-82 series)
- You can add or remove channels from scanning list right on the keypad.
- The side keys are programmable to multiple options including adding a secondary (dual) push-to-talk option.
- You can give channels alphanumeric names, without using a computer.
- You can set VFO scanning limits, and resume scanning after a power cycle.
- 2 VFO banks, and allows you to be in both VFO and channel modes at the same time.
- You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as needed.
NSTIG-8R
The NSTIG-8R comes in as the 3rd entry of the new line of radios. This one can best be compared to the Baofeng radios that so many know and love (or love to hate). It sheds a few more options of its 3 bigger brothers, so the MURS and GMRS are no longer a legal option, even if the transmit side is still capable of it. This model is still covered under the Part 90 commercial licensing.
Also this model does not have the IP53 water resistant case, instead opting for a slightly more open feel for better audio output, less hindered by the waterproof case. Price comes in closer to the range of Baofengs 8W BF-F8HP, just shy of $69, although for a better quality product, it usually means slightly higher prices. These are not the same cheap Chinese radios, so quality is expected to be MUCH better.
One aspect that still remains to be seen is the firmware updatability of the 2 lower models. There is no mention of it, so it is possible they moved to a locked firmware on the 2 lower models. On to the specs
- New rugged case with more open design for better Tx and Rx audio
- ?? upgradeable firmware ??
- Part 90 capable for legal use in Part 90 Commercial, as well as ham radio bands (all bands used by this radio requires a license to legally transmit).
- Single receiver but dual watch capability, which allows you to monitor two different frequencies (even on different bands (VHF/UHF)) and the radio will monitor both frequencies giving priority to the first station to receive an incoming call.
- Multiple tone methods including CTCSS, DCS, DTMF, 2 TONE, and 5 TONE calling methods.
- Decode (receive) commands. This allows for ANI (Caller ID), Remote Stun, Remote Kill, Pager calls, and many more features.
- 2200mAh battery
- Similar extras in the box like the Baofengs, wrist strap, earpiece, belt clip, desktop charger.
- Transmit frequency range: 139-174MHz and 400-520MHz
- Receive frequency range: 136 - 174MHz, 400 - 520MHz, 68-108MHz (FM Broadcast).
- 200 memory channels
- Standard wide band (25kHz) and narrow band (12.5kHz) Tx/Rx
- Sensitivity: ?0.25?V (wide band) ?0.3?V (narrow band) (by comparison, most Baofengs come in around 8-12mV).
- SMA-Female antenna connector (same as the Baofengs and many other HTs)
- Accessory connector: Kenwood style 2 pin (same as the Baofengs, so the same programming cable and acessories -should- work the same.
- Output power: 1W or 5W
- Audio output 1W (higher than many Baofeng UV/BF models, same as the UV-82 series)
- You can add or remove channels from scanning list right on the keypad.
- The side keys are programmable to multiple options including adding a secondary (dual) push-to-talk option.
- You can give channels alphanumeric names, without using a computer.
- You can set VFO scanning limits, and resume scanning after a power cycle.
- 2 VFO banks, and allows you to be in both VFO and channel modes at the same time.
- You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as needed.
ANILE-8R
The ANILE-8R comes in as the very baseline entry of the new line of radios with many options available as a Commercial level radio, yet still under $50. This one can best be compared to the Baofeng BF-888S line of radios. This model has no visual display, is only single band (UHF), and does not have most of the options the other 3 have. This model has a very specific target audience, which is typically Part 90 commercial use where they program it and forget it, or possible emergency CERT/ARES/RACES groups that are spreading out to check neighborhoods after a disaster, and allows everyone to be on the same channel. This model still has a few options that some may find useful for regular UHF ham radio use as well.
One aspect that still remains to be seen is the firmware updatability of the 2 lower models. There is no mention of it, so it is possible they moved to a locked firmware on the 2 lower models. On to the specs
- Rugged commercial style case
- Part 90 capable for legal use in Part 90 Commercial, as well as UHF ham radio bands (all bands used by this radio requires a license to legally transmit).
- multiple options of priority scanning, never miss an important call again. While scanning through the channel bank you can select a priority channel to keep checking in, even if another channel receives a call.
- internal VOX (Voice Operated Transmit) function for convenient hands-free operation and can be used in conjunction with the included earpiece and mic. The VOX level and VOX delay time are adjustable your needs.
- Smaller 1300mAh battery
- Similar extras in the box like the Baofengs, wrist strap, earpiece, belt clip, desktop charger.
- Transmit AND receive frequency range: 400-520MHz
- 16 memory channels
- Standard wide band (25kHz) and narrow band (12.5kHz) Tx/Rx
- Sensitivity: ?0.25?V (wide band) ?0.3?V (narrow band) (by comparison, most Baofengs come in around 8-12mV).
- SMA-Female antenna connector (same as the Baofengs and many other HTs)
- Accessory connector: Kenwood style 2 pin (same as the Baofengs, so the same programming cable and accessories -should- work the same.
- Output power: 1W or 5W
- Audio output 1W (higher than many Baofeng UV/BF models, same as the UV-82 series)
- The side keys have functions programmable for both 'short' and 'long' key presses allowing up to 4 programmable options on two keys.
- The dual selector knob allows you to choose from one of 16 channels, with a secondary knob to control the volume.
- You can easily program from a PC to set-up the radio to operate exactly as needed.
So as we see, there is a wide range of possible options for a wide range of users. The top 2 models allows for MURS and GMRS usage plus a wide range of options, the NSTIG-8R brings along the tried and true basic radio setup with higher quality, and the commercial/emergency sector is also brought along for the ride. Either way this looks to be a great time to release this new line of radios. Some of the cheap Chinese options have been faltering due to poor quality controls, and the high end companies are not bringing down the prices, making sure to maximize profits for themselves, versus this new line gives us the quality at affordable prices, which should work out very well for AnyTone and AnyTone Tech. With the TERMN-8R selling out on Amazon within a few hours, you can bet that the people are looking for more options, and these radios seem to fill it quite nicely.
I am hoping for a sample radio at some point, and once I do I plan to use it and review it here, so "stay tuned"!
Thank you and God Bless!
Mike de KM4FMK (soon to be K4ISR)
As more blog entries are added, some get moved to the archived blog entries page. As this is a new website, this will probably not need to be done for a month or two.