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Anytone AT-D578UV Pro vs TYT MD-9600! Which Wins?

Hey guys! Today, we have a comparison between two popular mobile DMR radios: the Anytone AT-D578UV Pro and the TYT MD-9600. Both radios have their strengths and weaknesses, and I’m here to break down what makes each one stand out—and where they might fall short.

Build Quality and Design

Let’s start with build quality. The Anytone AT-D578UV Pro is a robust radio. It’s solidly built, and you can tell it’s made to withstand some tough conditions, which is great if you’re planning to use it in a vehicle or a demanding environment. The TYT MD-9600 also boasts a strong, commercial-grade build with a mostly metal chassis that feels quite durable. However, while it is generally well-built, some users have noted that the overall fit and finish could be improved. The buttons and knobs, while functional, don’t have the same premium feel as those on the Anytone, which might make the radio feel a bit less polished in comparison.

Display and Interface

When it comes to the display, the Anytone AT-D578UV Pro has a 1.77-inch color TFT display. While it’s fully customizable in terms of color, the small screen size can feel a bit cramped, especially if you’re trying to read it while driving. On the other hand, the TYT MD-9600 has a much larger screen, making it easier to read. However, it’s not a true color screen—it’s more of a monochrome display with black text on a blue background. Although TYT markets it as a color screen, it’s really just black and blue, with no customization options like the Anytone.

Features and Functionality

One of the areas where these radios differ significantly is in their feature sets. The Anytone AT-D578UV Pro is loaded with features that make it highly versatile. It comes with full APRS support, Bluetooth connectivity, and DMR Repeater Roaming. These features are fantastic for those who like to track their position or use Bluetooth headsets. Anytone even includes a Bluetooth PTT button, which is a nice touch.

The TYT MD-9600 also offers a lot of features, but it’s a different story when it comes to usability. The stock firmware on the TYT is quite buggy, and many users find it frustrating to work with. However, after installing the OpenGD77 firmware, the radio becomes much more reliable and user-friendly, particularly in both digital and analog modes. So, if you’re tech-savvy and don’t mind doing a bit of extra work, the TYT can be a powerful tool. But out of the box, it’s not as polished or as ready-to-use as the Anytone.

Performance and Power Output

In terms of power output, both radios are quite capable. The Anytone offers multiple power levels—1W, 10W, 25W, and 50W, with UHF maxing out at 45W—which gives you flexibility depending on your operating conditions. The TYT MD-9600 provides 50W output power on both VHF and UHF bands, which is solid and should be more than enough for most users.

However, the Anytone’s 220 MHz band only outputs 5W. This is a bit of a letdown for those who were hoping for more power on that band. There’s potential for this to be improved with future firmware updates, but as it stands, it’s a limitation.

GPS and APRS Capabilities

GPS and APRS capabilities are where these radios really start to diverge. The Anytone AT-D578UV Pro includes both GPS and APRS features built-in. This makes it a great choice for mobile operations where you need accurate location tracking. The APRS function works well, although there have been reports of occasional intermittent issues, which could be addressed in future firmware updates.

The TYT MD-9600 does include GPS, but many users have reported that it’s of poor quality. It can take 10-15 minutes to acquire a position, which is far from ideal. Moreover, the GPS function in the TYT isn’t as integrated or reliable as you might expect. Some users have even opted to install third-party GPS modules for better performance, which adds an extra layer of complexity.

Ease of Use and Programming

Programming is another key area where these radios differ. The Anytone AT-D578UV Pro is generally straightforward to program, especially if you’re familiar with Anytone’s software. The company is also good about releasing regular firmware updates, which can resolve bugs and add new features. However, if you’re transitioning from an Handheld Transceiver to a mobile unit, you might find the Anytone a bit more complex due to the sheer number of features.

The TYT MD-9600, in contrast, can be a nightmare to program with its stock firmware. The programming process is often described as frustrating and time-consuming. However, once you switch to the OpenGD77 firmware, the TYT becomes much easier to handle, making it a strong contender if you’re willing to invest the time to get it set up properly.

Audio Quality and Microphone

Let’s talk about audio quality. The Anytone AT-D578UV Pro has a microphone with a full numeric keypad, which is well-placed and feels comfortable in hand. The audio quality is reported to be excellent, which is crucial for clear communication. On the other hand, the TYT MD-9600 also has good audio, but there have been some complaints about minor audio issues that can be fixed easily and cheaply. Additionally, the TYT microphone has a nice feel to it—it’s not lightweight and actually feels substantial in hand, which many users appreciate.

Price and Value

Now, let’s talk about price and value. The Anytone AT-D578UV Pro is on the pricier side, especially if you opt for the full-featured Pro model that includes APRS and Bluetooth. However, you get a polished experience right out of the box, which many users find worth the extra cost.

The TYT MD-9600, on the other hand, is more affordable, making it a tempting option if you’re on a budget. However, you might end up spending more time and effort getting it to work the way you want, especially if you plan to install the OpenGD77 firmware. If you’re okay with doing some extra work and want to save some money, the TYT might be the better value. But if you prefer a more seamless experience without the need for extensive setup, the Anytone is likely the better investment.

The Verdict

So, which radio should you choose? If you’re looking for a feature-packed, reliable radio that doesn’t require a lot of tweaking, the Anytone AT-D578UV Pro is the way to go. It’s more expensive, but it offers a better overall experience with APRS, Bluetooth, and a solid feature set

On the other hand, if you’re on a budget and don’t mind putting in some work to get the most out of your radio, the TYT MD-9600 can be a great option. Just be prepared to deal with some initial frustrations, especially with the stock firmware.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you value more: ease of use and reliability or affordability and customizability. Both radios have their strengths, so choose the one that best fits your needs.