AnyTone Dual Band Mobile Transceiver VHF/UHF Transmitter Vehicle Radio AT-5888UV

I waited just over two months after purchasing this radio before submitting a review in order to have a good break in period as the basis for offering an opinion. In short, I am very pleased with the radio and will purchase a second AnyTone Dual Band AT-5888UV in the near future. I originally hesitated on purchasing the radio after reading some reviews, however - so far the radio has functioned flawlessly. Transmissions have been made on all power levels to both repeaters near and distant as well as used on VHF simplex, but have not used it for UHF simplex yet.What I like about the radio:- Price - For a VHF/UHF, 50 watt capable transceiver I don't think you will find a better deal.- Frequency Coverage - Exceptional VHF/UHF coverage capabilities beyond the ham frequencies.- Power - 4 power ranges easily selected with 50 watts available make hitting distant repeaters or simplex operations easy.- Remote Head - The ability to remove the control head from the transceiver for mounting flexibility is a real plus.- Standard Coupling - Radio uses inexpensive standard Cat 5 type cable variations for microphone and remote head connections, not proprietary.- Programming - Chirp version software programming available in addition to supplied proprietary software packaged with the radio.- USB Cable - The cable was supplied with the radio from this seller and was not necessary to purchase separately.- Receiver Sensitivity - Exceptional receiver, beats my IC-706MKIIG VHF/UHF receiver.What I'm not thrilled about with this radio:- Slow Scan - If you have a gazillion frequencies programmed, it is slow. Best to select "skip" options for non-priority frequencies to scan.- Light Plastics - The radio is not "big name radio" quality in it's removable control head whereas the body construction is fine. Not a game changer.- Ext. Speaker - Must be programmed to turn on the capability rather than just plug and play.As far as "bleed over", adjacent frequency rejection, birdies, etc., the ONLY problem I found was when being physically located within a few hundred yards of a mountain top based array of repeaters and digital control links for public safety, commercial, phone, remote control/digital and cell phone system towers. Only two frequencies I programmed into the AT-5888UV exhibited this type of interference. One was FRS Channel 3 and the other was a MURS frequency. Both were when mobile and within a few hundred yards of the transmitters. This type of problem was not an issue for me with this radio.Running this radio mobile has been a real pleasure. It in combination with the Comet CA-2X4SRB mobile antenna makes a near perfect set-up if use on a variety of frequencies is needed. It is a "doable" combination for volunteer fire fighters, rural public safety, search and rescue needs, storm spotter comms, and community services, particularly when on a budget - and it allows flexible frequency coverage for gmrs/frs/murs, etc. if required.For those of us do not have the bucks to splurge on one of the "big name" radios, the AnyTone AT-5888UV offers the budget conscious consumer an excellent value and very capable VHF/UHF transceiver for the money.

Very nice radio. I have used it for a few months now and it performs very much inside my personal preferences (=what I expected). The manual is a bit of a pain in the ... but using a bit of imagination helps to get around it. The easiest way is to hook it up on your workbench/kitchen table with power, a dummy load, and your computer and try different settings and see what's happening. Programming cable must be ordered separately and the software is available online. You can use Chirp (latest version support this model) but then you are only able to program your memory channels and some minor basic stuff. Using the proprietory software makes it a breeze to get to all system settings and extended channel settings, giving you 100% control (Chirp only gives you 50%). Good thing is that if you get Anytones programming cable you don't need to do anything but to plug it in (Win10), no drivers to fiddle with!When it comes to the radio itself, the transmitter gives you the advertised power output measured at 14.3V, slightly less but still within margins of error on 13.0V and has a nice crisp sound to it. The compander gives your mic just that little that it needs to take down background noise in a car. The receiver is great! No problem picking up weak signals clearly and it deals with strong transmitters on nearby frequencies very well. And for me the ability to separate the head from the radio was a must, loves that it uses standard CAT5 cable (I use a CAT7 cable rated for outdoors since in the car its subject to some more wear and tear than indoors even when taking precautions.) Anytones separation kit didn't give me any good vibes and looks a bit weak... and pricey. I got the separation kit from Powerverks for their dual-band radio and it is made of metal and looks sturdier although you need to cut out a new slot for the cable, still it's much cheaper than Anytones. Yes, I will buy this radio again if needed...