Analog and Digital
In this article we will share the 5 best handheld transceivers that cover analog and digital modes that we own or have owned. The digital mode for each radio will vary depending on the manufacturer. There will be C4FM, DMR, and D-STAR digital mode radios.
There have been fantastic advancements in handheld designs and features over the last 10 years. These handheld transceivers encompass the best of the best.
Yaesu FT5DR
The Yaesu FT5DR is a dual band analog/digital(C4FM) hand held radio. It has a large touch screen and dual watch to receive two frequencies at once. It offers 5 watts of RF power output, and achieves a loud 1 watt of audio power
The FT5DR includes a high sensitivity 66 channel GPS receiver, 1200/9600bps APRS Data modem, SD card slot, and is powered by a 2,200mAh High-Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack.
The wide range RX receiver has continuous reception from 0.5MHz to 999.99MHz (A Band) & 108MHz–580MHz (B Band). A voice recorder function let’s you save everything you want.
The high visibility full color TFT touch panel display is easy to see day or night.
Features
- Band Scope
- Wireless hands-free operation using Bluetooth® headset (SSM-BT10)
- VOX function
- Memory Auto Grouping (MAG)
- VFO Band Skip Function
- Wide-range RX coverage
- Built-in high-sensitivity 66 channel GPS receiver
- 1200/9600bps APRS Data modem
- 2,200mAh High-Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack (SBR-14LI)
- Voice Recording Function
- Simultaneous AM/FM reception while monitoring two frequencies
- Micro SD Card Slot
- A Quick-Release Holster and belt clip
This is my everyday radio for VHF/UHF, and digital when operating portable.
Icom ID-52A
The Icom ID-52A is a dual band w/D-STAR handheld transceiver that comes in a larger body and has a large 2.3” color screen with 320 x 280 pixels.
It comes with 5 power levels and a loud 750 mW of speaker audio. Dual watch in V/V, U/U, V/U, and DV/DV. The air band reception has been expanded from VHF(225.) to UHF(374.995).
The newest D-STAR technology enables you to send, receive and view saved photos on the installed MicroSD card with just the ID-52A/E radio. Some other features include the DR function, a built-in GPS receiver, a micro SD card slot, IPX7* waterproof construction, and Terminal/Access Point modes.
If you like larger handhelds this radio will make you happy.
Features
- 5W / 2.5W / 1.0W / 0.55W / 0.1W output power
- Wideband Receiver 88.0 – 174, 225 – 479
- VHF/UHF Airband and FM Broadcast Receiver
- Guaranteed range: 144-148, 440-450 MHz
- 1000 memory channels
- Built-in Bluetooth
- IPX7 weatherproof rating
- Built-in GPS
- Dual Watch Receive VHF/VHF, UHF/UHF, and VHF/UHF
- Integrated GPS/GLONASS Receiver
- MicroSD card slot
- Micro USB Jack
- QSO log in CSV data format
- Voice recorder
A great DSTAR HT Radio.
Yaesu FT70D
The Yaesu FT70DR is an entry level dual band dual band handheld transceiver. The colored LED Mode Indicator displays what mode the FT-70DR is in and clearly shows the transmit / receive mode by changing color.
Some feature include System fushion(C4FM) with a digital group monitor (GM), DG-ID, and DP-ID. Automatic mode select(AMS) to detect if the incoming signal is analog or digital, and a mini USB port for easy programming or software updates.
There are scanning option that include a frequency range, or memory channels. The FT-70DR is built to commercial grade standards for the harshest of environments.
Safety features include a weather alert that alerts you when bad weather is close.
Features
- IP54 Rating, Dust and Water Protection resistant
- Wide band receive coverage of 108 – 579.995MHz
- Scanning Capabilities, Programmable VFO and Memory Scan
- Priority Channel Scan
- External DC jack for DC supply operation or to charge the battery
- Mini USB port
- Double-Conversion Superheterodyne receiver
- F2D, F3E, F7W modulation type
- 5W/ 2W/ 0.5W
- 700 mW audio output
- CTCSS/ DCS Operation
- Automatic Power Off (AFO) feature
- RF Squelch
- Transmitter Time Out Timer (TOT)
- Busy Channel Lock-Out (BCLO)
Kenwood TH-D74A
The Kenwood TH-D74A is a 144/220/430 MHz handheld with D-STAR. It has a large 1.74 in. (240 x 180 pixel) color transflective TFT display that offers excellent day or night visibility.
Kenwood raised the bar with features like simultaneous D-star and APRS, 13.8 input jack, Bluetooth, and a rugged IP54/55 weatherproofing rating.
Other features include 1000 Alpha Memories, a built-in 1200/9600 bps TNC, DSP Voice Processing, and extended receive on HF, CW, and SSB.
A powerful 750 mW audio output coupled with simultaneous reception in V/V, U/U, V/U, and DV/DV. A long lasting 7.4V 2000mah LI-ion battery powers the radio, the micro SD card saves all your data.
It is loaded with many more features and boosts a performance packed design make this a real performer.
Features
- Compatible with the APRS communication/ APRS menu settings
- Other station position
- Station list
- Messaging functionality
- QSY Functionality
- TNC KISS mode
- D-STAR Compatible
- Weather station information
- DV fast data mode
- Simple operation in DR mode
- Kenwood proprietary sound
- Compatible with wide band and multi mode reception
- Built-in IF receive filter and IF output mode
- High-performance DSP voice processing
- IEC 529 IP-54/ 55 weatherproof standards
- Dual frequency reception VxV, UxU, and VxU functions
- Micro USB (Serial, Mass Storage Class
- External Decode function
- Voice Recording
- MicroSD memory card slot
- GPS Logger mode
AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus
The Anytone AT-D878UVII Plus is a Dual Band DMR/Analog handheld transceiver with APRS on RX and TX. It ships with a Bluetooth PTT button and strap that can be fastened to steering wheel or finger.
It offers a powerful 7 watts on VHF, and 6 watts on UHF that will get your signal heard. A large 4,000 memory channels, 10,000 DMR Talk Groups, and 500,000 digital contact list so you never run out of storage.
You can program up to 250 zones with 250 channels in each zone.
Features
- Built-in GPS
- Bluetooth
- Roaming
- 1 watt audio output
- Talker Alias
- Analog and DMR with APRS
- Custom Standby Background Picture and Power-On Picture
- GPS
- 3100mAh Battery.
- DMR Tier I and Tier II operation.
- 136-174 / 400-480 MHz TX/RX
- IP-54 Water and Dust Resistant
- 1.77-inch color TFT Color TFT Display screen
- 4 power levels: VHF: 7/5/2.5/1 watt, UHF: 6/5/2.5/1 watt
- 1.77-inch color TFT Screen with a selectable dual channel or single channel display
- Bandwidth 12.5 DMR / 25.0 kHz Analog
- Allows direct channel input, digital IDs and talkgroups
- Two-Tone Encode / Decode
- Up to 35 hours use between charges with the 3100 mAh lithium-ion battery
This is my go to DMR HT, the RX and TX is fantastic. I will not sell it.