Anytone D168UV

The D168UV is the new little brother to the AnyTone D878UV series. It is both VHF/UHF DMR as well as FM analog.
Here is a comparison between the D168UV and D878UVii series.  Compare
 
 
In the Box
Included with the radio are the following:
 
-  (2)  Li-Ion Batteries  1800 & 2600 mAh
-  Belt clip
-  Charger Base
-  AC adapter
-  Programming Cable (USB-C)
-  (2)  Antennas – 4.75" and 15"
-  46 page English  User Guide
 
 
Specifications 
 
 
General Description
 
-   DMR / FM 
-   VHF / UHF Dual Band
-   Size:  4.0.x 2.4 x 1.4"   (104 x54 x 36mm)
-   Weight:    7.9 oz   (224g)  w/battery
-   136-174   400-480 MHz  **
-   CTCSS / DCS 
-   DTMF / 2TONE / 5TONE

-   Analog / Digital  APRS
-   Analog / Digital Recording
-   4 Power Levels .2W / 1.0W / 2.5W / 5.0W
-   4000 channels
-   10000 Talk Groups
-   250 Zones
-   500K User DB Contacts
-   Updatable Firmware
 
-   (US) FCC Part 90 certified   T4K-D168UV
 
 
Transmitter
 
The overall frequency range of the D168UV is both VHF 136-174 and UHF 400-480 MHz. Along with DMR (12.5kHz) the radio also supports FM analog (12.5kHz and 25.0 kHz). Restrictions may apply. (see below) **
 
On the air audio reports were excellent on both DMR and Analog. There 5 selectable microphone audio levels. I chose the Mid-level (3) which provided smooth audio with excellent frequency audio range. I highly advise Not to use level 5 as the audio was way too hot and definitely not recommended for DMR operation.
  
The radio holds true to its power specifications. Rated at 5W, the radios output levels were right on target using a calibrated Bird Termaline wattmeter.
 
** Transmit may be restricted depending on country.
 

 
Receiver and Audio
 
The receiver sensitivity is very good on both digital and analog. I found the receive audio is smooth with a wide frequency range.
 
The volume control range is adjustable with the software. Level 1 sets the full range of the volume control to a soft level, even at full volume. Level 8 sets the volume range to very loud at the top end. My preference is level 5 which is plenty loud, even for mobile operation.
 
 
Enclosure

The D168UV case has a good solid feel and a bit lighter than it's big brother.  It weighs in at 7.9oz  (224g) with the battery attached. Battery removal requires a simple slide of the battery lock on the bottom.
 
The keypad buttons a bit on the small side but to be expected a radio with a smaller profile. It has the traditional 4x3 layout with the Up/Down arrows used for changing groups and the Green/Red Select/Return keys.
 
The top of the D168 includes both a Volume and Channel knob.
 

Click to enlarge

The PTT button requires only a light pressure that doesn't tire the finger to press. Below the PTT button are 2 program function keys. Each key has 3 possible options. Short press, Long press 1 (1 second) and Long press 2 (2 second). Each has 50+ selection options.
 
Antenna

There were 2 antennas inside the box. Both are dual band and when placed on a NanoVNA swept very well on both VHF and UHF.
                                                                                          
Display
 
The radio's latest firmware has a high contrast white on black display. The screen size is 1.77"  with excellent resolution. The Channel information and Zone name colors can be changed to Orange, Red, Yellow, Green, Turquoise or Blue.
 
 
Software

Along with entering data in the conventional manner, the software allows you to import and export data to 'csv' files. Loading in a contact (TG) list, channel list, database, etc. is relatively simple.
 
If you currently have an AnyTone 868 or 878 series handheld, your current code plug can be exported to a CSV file then imported to the D168.
 
I found being able to export to a 'csv' file has several advantages. I like having my channel list in sequence. With most software, you can only add new channels to the bottom of the list. Now I can sequence the list so it's easy to view then load it back into the code plug. Adding a new repeater can be done in minutes. I just cut and paste a copy of an existing repeater, change the frequencies, and load it back.
 
 
Firmware
 
The D168UV is fully upgradable. When enhancements, updates or additional features are added, the radio can be updated to the most recent version. A firmware upgrade can be done with a Windows computer in about 5 minutes.
 
Important Note: Whenever the firmware is updated, the software Must be updated as well for the new functions to be activated.
 
 
Programming / Charging Cable via USB-C cable
 
The D168UV uses a standard USB-C cable (included) for both Programming and Charging. The 2 pin K1 style cable is used for an external Spkr/Micr if desired.(not programming). The UART chip is inside the radio, so the cable itself is straight through. The driver for this UART chip will load automatically when the cable is initially plugged in. As for compatibility, I run the software on my Vista, Win7 and Win10 PCs with no issues.
   
Battery and Charger
 
The D168UV is supplied with  2  Li-Ion batteries (1800mAh and 2600mAh).

A charger base is also included as well as an charger for the USB-C cable. The LED on the front of the charger base is Red when charging, and Green when either fully charged or no radio in the cradle. The battery charges to full capacity with an overnight charge.
 
 
APRS
 
At this time the D168UV has Analog and Digital APRS, however not having GPS at this time, it requires fixed beacon information to be entered.
 

Conclusion
 
The D168 does not have GPS at this time but is slated to be added in the future.  The radio has excellent quality and is a very good performing DMR/Analog handheld.

The D168UV features are the following:

-  True Tier II DMR
-  Dual Band VHF / UHF operation
-  2TONE and  5TONE decoding
-  500K user database capacity
-  Two Batteries - 1800 / 2600 mAh
-  USB-C for both programming and charging
 
There are plenty of options geared more for hams than commercial use. It's a solid performing handheld and will make a nice addition to the ham shack.