VK3KYY wrote: ↑Tue Feb 27, 2024 1:52 am
I looked on AliExpress and there seem to be some DM-5R but no mention of whether they are Tier I or Tier II
The prices for these is far more expensive than the DM-1701 so I don't see why anyone would buy them.
I don't think that AliExpress could "get out of Dodge" if they were still selling the Tier I - that is just a bad memory for Baofeng!
Isn't it a similar problem now for the 1801; which ones can use OpenGD77 and which of the newer ones can't? (or is that the 1701?)
AliExpress prices fluctuate so I always return to their website before I purchase to make sure I get the best price. In the case of the DM-5R it was $70 and free shipping.
The advantage of the DM-5R/RD-5R is its use of UV-5R accessories, including batteries, so that I was able to use my collection of high capacity batteries, battery eliminator (12v cigarette lighter plug) and AA disposable battery pack (which I never use because I always use rechargeable batteries when available) from my UV-5R collection. I find that sometimes the cost of a radio is dwarfed by the cost of all those wonderful accessories that are offered! HiHi
It does come with its own programming cable, as interestingly enough, the cable does not need a USB chip. Apparently the USB to serial conversion is included in the circuitry of the DM-5R/RD-5R. I do not know if that is also true of the original GD-77, as I have never owned one.