Ham Radio 2.0: Episode 34 - Unboxing the TYT MD390 DMR HT

Ham Radio 2.0: Episode 34 - Unboxing the TYT MD390 DMR HT

TYT reveals their new IP67 rated DMR HT, the successor to the MD380. Both units are still in production , so let's take a look at the newest model.

https://youtu.be/Dq2fo8vtItg

TYTERA MD-390 being submerged under water

I have posted a video on the TYTERA MD-390 being submerged under water( for its baptismal).

Like its counterpart in the watch industry (TIMEX), the new DMR member of the TYT family still " keeps on ticking"!

The post is at:

TYTERA MD-390 being submerged under water

MD-390 is a MD-380

Many people feel the MD-390 is a MD-380 in a different case. The FCC # on both radios is the same. If the 390 was different, wouldn't it have it's own FCC #? The fact that the same CPS programs both radios doesn't mean much, as the same Moto CPS programs all Moto Trbo radios.

Manufactures often make small changes to the PCB without getting a new FCC number. In this case the PCB might be a slightly different size even though the electronic design might be the same. There might also be some slight electronic differences. This is not to say it is legal under FCC Part 90 rules but that is the reality of what happens. From a practical viewpoint, if you have to add a resistor to the PCB because of some slight design defect, it is not reasonable to have to wait months to get new certification. I will also be willing to bet that some manufactures will take the FCC ID number from a competitor or even their own products and assign the same number to a completely different product. Jerry Wanger KK6LFS

MD390 programming software

Just a quick note on the MD390 programming software. I have tried it and was able to read an MD380 with it. I did not try programming the MD380 with it. On a quick review, it does not appear any different than the MD380. I do not regard this as a negative in anyway. It is likely that one could program the MD390 using an MD380 code plug. Certainly a time saver.

MD-390 GPS

I have been in contact with tyt.

The md390 will have option for gps.

They say they are not ready with gps option. 

The photo I saw of a box listing features showed gps with an empty box next to it.

It seems that if the gps box is not checked,  the feature is not available in that package. 

Dave W9DAV

TYT MD390

TYT said GPS in two months. Not same board but same design. Literature shows Md380 with and without GPS beside the MD390. MD390 is a waterproof MD380 with bigger battery.  Jerry Wanger 

It seems that MD-390 shares the FCC-ID with MD-380 (PODMD-380) and that means it uses the same PCB, same software, functions, bugs and limitations and no future upgrades. The only improvement seems to be a waterproof case and an apparently bigger battery.

Tytera TYT MD-390 review

The Tytera TYT MD-390 is the latest DMR radio from Tytera or TYT that is the ruggedized twin to the Tytera TYT MD-380. This unit packs many features, including, superb audio, a multicolored LCD display, front panel programmability, rugged IP67 compliant construction, plus much more. This is a great radio for anyone looking for a durable DMR radio on the cheap for ham radio or commercial use. At the time of this review, the selling price for a new the MD-390 was $170 USD.

The Good

• Audio Volume and Quality: The audio from this radio is full, with a good response to low frequencies, making it pleasing to listen to and it will get heard, even in the noisiest environments;
• Rugged Construction: This radio is supposed to be IP67 compliant and thus waterproof for 30 min. submerged in up to 1m of water;
• Multicolored LCD Display: Having a multicolored LCD display on the radio allows for easy use and programming while on the move;
• Front Panel Programming: This radio is capable of being programmed via the keypad, allowing users to make limited changes without the need for the PC;
• Antenna Connector: The antenna connector for this radio uses a SMA connection, allowing it to easily be connected to an external antenna;
• Price: At $170 USD, this radio is a very attractive option for anyone looking for a rugged DMR radio.

The Bad

• Software Polish: There are a number of oddities within the firmware of the radio that impacts its overall user experience;
• Bluetooth Capability: This radio is not Bluetooth capable, so the use of wireless audio accessories is not possible;
• Desktop Charger: The desktop charger takes hours to charge the radio, plus the green “finished” LED indicator does not turn off, even when the radio is removed from the charger.

TYT MD-390 QSO

Tytera MD-390

Tytera MD-390. The new DMR radio of Hytera. These IP67 radio. This is ideal for eg. Emergency response, security, Red Cross, First Aid, Traffic wardens etc Expected price around $250 in December probably available.

Description
Tytera MD-390 IP67 DMR digital radio MD-390.

Choice of:
1) = MD390 VHF 136-174 Mhz
2) = MD390 UHF 400-480 MHz

MD 390 Main Functions:
- Compatible with MOTOTRBO and Hytera Tier I and Tier II
- Time - Division Multiple - Access (TDMA) digital technology
- Digital Protocol ETSI TS 102306-1, -2, -3
- Analog and combine digital
- Up to 1000 channels
- Emergency call
- Fast text message
- 1750Hz tone

- Firmware upgrade
- Private / group / all call
- Enhanced encryption
- Zone selection via sidekey

- IP67 waterproof Radio
- 3200mAh Li-ion battery
- Standard equipment includes 1 pc earphone IP67 waterproofed
- Used transflective LCD, so radio can be used in sunlight.
- Support quick text message
- Firmware upgradeable
- Audio: about 1000mW at 16 ohm
- Lone worker
- 8 hours of digital voice recorder

Tytera TYT MD390

Looks like Tytera has a new radio out. MD390.

Maybe this is why the 380 is now $125. GARY

IP 67 GPS waterproof DMR radio MD-390 with GPS! TYT Compatible with MOTOTRBO Tytera MD-390 digital radio transmitter


Quanzhou Nanan TYT Electronics Co., Ltd.
http://tyt888.en.alibaba.com/product/60360403724-222728557/IP_67_GPS_waterproof_DMR_radio_MD_390_with_GPS_TYT_Compatible_with_MOTOTRBO_Tytera_MD_390_digital_radio_transmitter.html

TYT Tytera customer warning

TYT Tytera customer warning

How does that go again...you can paint a old taxi a new color, but it's still a taxi?.....something like that?

I HIGHLY suspect the new MD-390 is NOT a improved model, but the same exact guts from a 380 with a larger battery.

I have lost any faith in TYT to produce a decent product. I had also ordered a quad band mobile from them. We sent that pile of crap (well it LOOKED nice) back to them (on their dime). The receiver was as selective as a crystal diode set.

TYT tried HARD really hard to screw us, but we had Paypal on our side.Paypal got involved and found in our favor 4 times! It got to the point were we contacted TYT and demanded to know how they wanted their shit sent home.They finally gave us a number to use with DHL (their account). Meanwhile we got threats from Joey Pan and his boss "Sophia", they were extremely angry at Paypal for refunding us and told Paypal they could not do that! (they need to read their Paypal agreement).

Would we do business with TYT ever again? NOT ON A BET!

All I can say is this.....buy from a store thats going to back the sale.They are going to be your backup.Ask this question...."What is the warranty period on this product and does it include postage".If you deal directly with TYT THERE IS NO WARRANTY.TYT never wants to see that shit again.

Now if spending $200 on a radio is "Expendable" like fruit that's going to spoil, you are golden, but if you see this as a INVESTMENT..think again.I would love to hear from others that have needed parts support from TYT.You drop your MD-380 and crack the case, or break a knob or control.So far as we see it, the only thing you can get is extra batteries and belt clips.If you have a Motorola, Kenwood, Icom,Yaesu..getting parts is no problem.