Some thoughts on Baofeng DM-1801

[DU2XXR]

I have shared some thoughts on the radio on my website: https://n2rac.com/baofeng-dm-1801-runni ... f5471a477f .

So far, I'm liking the radio. It's a good buy for 65 bucks (some stuff are cheaper where I'm from, due to our proximity to China).

Would I recommend it?

For 65 bucks, yes. It’s a good entry-level device. In fact, I have preferred using my openGD77 radio to my Retevis RT-8 and TYT MD-380, both of which also run custom firmware. I like the openGD77’s speed, flexibility, and performance.

In fact, I prefer these cheap-o DMR radios that run custom firmware over more expensive ones like the Ailunce HD1, Anytone 878 or Alinco DJ-MD5. Those are certainly more feature-packed, but openGD77 makes the cheap-o radios even more flexible and feature-packed.

[VK3KYY]

Thanks Angelo

[kd2lh]

In the US, Ebay is listing the radio at similar prices shipped from China.

[N2FNI]

I have both display versions of the GD-77 and thought I got a deal on a RD-5R on Woot for 60 dollars. I have opengd77 running on all three without any issues although the RD-5R took a bit of tweaking of the calibration tables to get it right on.

Then I started reading about the DM-1801 and found one delivered to me in 3 days stateside for 55 bucks with programming cable and ear piece speaker mic. Took it out of the box and loaded opengd77 and the code plug image from the gd-77 and this radio was almost right on with RF power and frequency.

All four of these play perfectly with the many Jumbo hot spots I have. And I compare it to the GD-77 since they both have a much better display than the RD-5R. AND the batteries are interchangeable between the 2.

I have not had any battery issues as some have noted in a previous post.

Thanks Roger and crew.

[VK3KYY]

I have both display versions of the GD-77 and thought I got a deal on a RD-5R on Woot for 60 dollars. I have opengd77 running on all three without any issues although the RD-5R took a bit of tweaking of the calibration tables to get it right on.

Then I started reading about the DM-1801 and found one delivered to me in 3 days stateside for 55 bucks with programming cable and ear piece speaker mic. Took it out of the box and loaded opengd77 and the code plug image from the gd-77 and this radio was almost right on with RF power and frequency.

All four of these play perfectly with the many Jumbo hot spots I have. And I compare it to the GD-77 since they both have a much better display than the RD-5R. AND the batteries are interchangeable between the 2.

I have not had any battery issues as some have noted in a previous post.

Thanks Roger and crew.

The design of the DM-1801 is almost as good as the GD-77, but the RD-5R is a far inferior radio.