AnyTone  D578UV* DMR Tri Band Mobile
 
The D578UV* is to date one of the premier TriBand DMR Mobiles. The firmware is upgradable so you always update to the latest version. The audio quality is excellent on both analog and DMR.
 
 
In the Box
 
Included with the radio are the:
-  Microphone w/ Number & Function keypad
-  Bluetooth module w/ Eternal PTT Key
-  Mounting Bracket and Hardware
-  12V power Cord w/ fuses
-  38 page User Guide
-  GPS Antenna
-  Programming Cable
-  Windows Software (download)
 
Specifications
      .pdf Format
  

User Guides
       D578UV      D578UVIII Plus
 
 
General Description
-   DMR / Analog
-   VHF / 220 / UHF Dual Band
-   Size:  7.4 x 5.5 x 1.6"  (188 x 141 x 40mm)
-   Weight:   2.3 lbs (1.04kg)
-   13 Selectable Frequency range options
        I used 144-148  222-225  420-450MHz for testing
 
-   1w-50W transmit
-   500,000 DMR DB IDs (w/ Latest FW/SW)
-   10,000 call groups
-   4000 channel
-   Analog & Digital APRS
-   250 zones (250 Chan / zone)
-   Built in GPS
-   DMR Roaming
-   AM Air Band Rx (108-136MHz)
 
 
Enclosure

The D578UV* case is 7.4 x 5.5 x 1.6"  and weighs in at 2.3 lbs. Most of the weight is heatsink which more than handles the 50W power rating. There's a small fan on the back of the chassis to assist with the air circulation.
 
The fan is thermostatically controlled and remains off until there is heat build up. When on, the fan is very quiet.
 
The rear of the case has two antenna connections. An SMA-F is used for the GPS, while the SO-239 handles the main antenna. The programming jack is located on the left side of the case. The programming cable uses a standard straight through Micro USB connector.
 
Along with Power On/Off, there are 6 programmable keys (each with 53 possible options) shown on the enlarged image below). The function keys respond to both short and long presses.
 

click on image to enlarge

Transmitter
 
The Frequency Range I chose for the power test was option 18 which is the US Amateur TriBand mode which includes VHF,UHF, and the 220 MHz band.
 
The power levels hold very close to the specifications. There are four power levels for each band, with a low around 1W and a high clocking in the 40-50 range. As advertised the 220MHz band has a high around 5W. On high power (50W) the radio draws approximately 15A.
 
Power levels are listed below and were taken using a calibrated Bird Termaline wattmeter.
 

D578UVIII Plus Low Mid High Turbo VHF 0.7 8.4 19.5 51.5 220 1.2 4.6 4.6 4.6 UHF 1.0 8.1 25.2 40.1

 
 

Frequency and Band Options
 
The D578UV* has 13 selectable band options. The proper mode depends on your country of operation.
Band Plans include US, Europe, Australia, Canada, Thailand and Commercial.
For the power tests below, I selected option 18 which is Amateur US TriBand.
 

Click to Enlarge

Microphone / Speaker
 
Along with the speaker in the radio, the D578UV* also incorporates a speaker in the microphone. You have the option to select the speaker in the radio, the microphone, or both.
 
There is a microphone gain adjustment in the software which will need to be adjusted according to your environment an voice level. There are also 4 programmable keys on the microphone as well frequency Up/Down keys.
 

Click to Enlarge

Receiver / Audio
 
The sensitivity is excellent on both digital and analog as is the receive audio quality. 
The receiver section has a 2W audio amplifier with more audio than you will ever need. It's crisp and clean whether you send the audio through the radio speaker, the microphone, or both.
  
 
Display
 
The multicolor high resolution screen size is 1.2" x 1.77" (2" diagonal). Here's are a few examples of the display.
  

click to enlarge

 
Analog & Digital APRS
 
The D578UV* now has both Analog and Digital APRS. Below is a sample of the APRS displays.
   
 
Bluetooth PTT
 
The D578UV* is fully Bluetooth capable for connecting hands free to your vehicles audio system. There is also an included remote PTT button for convenience when driving. The Bluetooth PTT button gives you the option to trigger the transmitter without using the microphone. This PTT also works with the D878UV handheld. It's a great option if you are also using a Bluetooth remote headset.
 
- Bluetooth Connection VIDEO
- Bluetooth Connection to Car Stereo VIDEO
 

Click to enlarge

Software

The software is almost identical to its DMR cousin, the D878 handheld. If you have a D878, the programming can be exported to a CSV file and then directly imported into the D578UV* mobile. This saved me hours of reprogramming.
 
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.
 
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.

Sample Code Plugs can be found HERE.
Links to the software and all updates can be found below.
 
 
Firmware
 
The D878UV 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.
 
     CPS and Firmware Updates
 
 
Programming Cable
 
The D578UV* comes with a Micro USB programming cable. No need to worry about a special programming chip.
 
Conclusion
 
I haven't found any bugs or concerns with this mobile. Simply put, I give this one a solid 5 star rating.
 
If you are relatively new to DMR, this may help put some of the pieces together.