GD-73A DMR/Analog Two Way Radio 2 Watts UHF Handheld Ham Radio for Beginners with Dual Time Slot, 3600mAh Battery, USB Rechargeable & Programming, Compact Long Range Walkie Talkie Black

I've only had the Radioddity GD-73A a few days.This is a 70cm DMR/FM HT that transmits 1/2 or 2 watts. It about the size of a pack of cigarettes. It is pretty light weight, but it has a tough case so it looks and feels like a quality made radio.The radio can only be programmed by software, but the software is easy to use and looks almost exactly like the software used on most other DMR radios I've seen so far. It is as easy to use as filling in the blanks and sending data to the radio with the click of a button (two, actually, LOL) The software is a free download from the Radioddity website.As this is my first exposure to DMR, I found I needed someone to help me know what to fill in the blanks. My suggestion to newbies is to find a local DMR user that is experienced and ask them to walk you through it. DMR is complex and once you learn all the little pieces, the software makes it easy to program the radio. I got it started well enough to make a local contact using YouTube videos, but needed a local to help me understand the local DMR radio settings properly.The DMR works about 10+ miles from the repeater on 1/2 w most of the time. Occasionally, I find a shadow and have to raise the power.This is not a full-feature radio with on-face button based programming or GPS, but it allows for sending pre-programmed text messages, and operating any voice mode of DMR on either slot and for simplex or repeater use.I bought it without any discounts, and I found the regular price on Amazon at this time to be well worth it for the radio.I have no complaints.There was one confusing component in the case - a lanyard! I'm sure it was included accidentally, but the radio does not have any provision for using a lanyard. It does have a belt clip that goes on the battery.

This small form factor DMR radio is pretty neat. It’s lightweight and features 2 watts on the high side and half a watt on low but even on high I’m able to hit my local DMR repeater. I have a couple of UHF analog repeaters around me that I’m able to hit without a problem. The battery life is great and audio is plenty loud. One of the features that I love is that the micro-USB charging cord is also used for programming so you don’t need a separate cord for that. Plus that will allow you to charge the radio on the go in your car if need be. They include in the package the radio, a 2600mAh battery, belt clip, micro-USB charging/programming cord, power adapter, earpiece and user manual. The programming software and driver are available from Radioddity’s website. I will mention make sure you follow the instructions exactly while setting up the driver and programming software to avoid problems. Also while programming make sure you also setup receive group or you will be able to transmit but not hear anyone come back to you. There are buttons that you can programmed to do various tasks such as changing zones. Overall it’s a neat radio and if you don’t happen to have a DMR repeater close by it would be a great radio to use with a hotspot.

So have been playing around with this radio and have really enjoy it. It's now on my EDC Bag wherever I go! Battery life seems to be quality as other radios. The whole radio can fit in my hand and still have space. I really enjoy the Micro-USB charging port, that is also the programming port. The size is great for easy pocket storage and with the small clip, can be clipped on the pants pocket when slipped into the pocket, keeping it up top and easy to grab. Another item I thought of is the "A" when on Analog Channel and "D" when on Digital. This may be on other radios, but I like it since my programming was an error of multiple names for local repeaters with same name one being analog and one being digital!Now for the negative issues and needs improvement of this radio. The first, and biggest, is the programming! The programming software could use some improvements. When installing everything make sure to read the instructions and follow word by word (extended manual on their website). If you do anything other it won't work. Next while in the program and working on the different fields, some you can't tab over or move to the next field without the mouse. This is just time consuming to type, click, type when most can just hit a tab button or enter a lot quicker. Also make sure to save it, there is no warning if you close the software. This is where that teacher said save a lot comes into play. I got over 50 contacts done, closed it, and it didn't save nor gave the "you want to save?" screen.The next issue I find is that you can't disconnect the antenna and add an aftermarket or attach to a base/mobile mount antenna. This would be nice to allow better signal quality within the house or in the field. So as long as you are close to the repeater, have a hotspot, or live in a big city with plenty of repeaters this could be an issue. With that said, I was surprised by the ability to reach a UHF Analog repeater from the basement of a library, with the repeater being about a mile away at 65 ft antenna height. Came in loud and clear!End of end I would buy this radio again and would recommend it. In fact, this being the first Radioddity product I've gotten, I am now looking at the GD-77 also for dual band capabilities! Great job Radioddity! Keep up the great work!

Its a great little compact radio, fits in your pocket, simple to opperate.Pros :SmallCompactUSB chargingGreat AudioCons:Does not seem to allow me to set the Admit Criteria to Color Code, only seems to work when set on AlwaysThere is a glitch in Battery level display, it goes from 3 bars battery to No Bars making you think it needs to be charged, but then a while later its back on 2 bars battery.Overall, not a bad little radio, only 2 watts on high, great for hotspots I imagine, I go thru a repeater, it seems to get in OK but would be nice if it had a little more power. Would also be awesome if it was dual band 2m/70cm, but its only 70cm.But still, I would recommend it to others, its a decent radio.