In the rapidly evolving landscape of amateur radio, few handheld transceivers manage to strike a balance between advanced digital functionality and practical everyday use quite like the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus. Whether you’re a seasoned DMR operator or a newcomer looking to bridge analog and digital worlds, this radio delivers a compelling mix of features, performance, and real-world utility. Ham Radio Hub+1
A Dual-Band Powerhouse
At its core, the AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus is a dual-band VHF/UHF handheld that supports both analog FM and DMR (Tier I/II) digital modes. This means it’s equally capable on traditional voice repeaters as it is on modern digital networks—making it a versatile choice for varied operating environments. Anytone
Operating covers 136–174 MHz on VHF and 400–480 MHz on UHF, giving radio amateurs access to all the primary local repeater bands commonly used around the world. Anytone
Advanced Digital Features
What really sets this radio apart from many entry-level handhelds are its digital communication capabilities:
- DMR Tier I & II support, compatible with most DMR repeaters and networks. Anytone
- Massive contact and talk group capacity — up to 500,000 digital contacts and 10,000 talk groups. Anytone
- 250 programmable zones with up to 250 channels per zone. Anytone
This expansive capacity makes it easy to organize your channels, contacts, and talk groups without constant memory juggling, a common pain point with radios that have limited storage. Anytone
APRS and GPS: Location Made Simple
One of the standout extras in the 878UVII Plus is the built-in GPS coupled with APRS transmit and receive capabilities—for both analog and digital modes. This lets you share your location, track other operators, or participate in APRS networks without needing additional hardware, an impressive integration for a handheld. Ham Radio Hub
Bluetooth Connectivity That Works
Bluetooth on handheld radios sometimes feels like an afterthought, but the AnyTone implementation has earned positive remarks from reviewers and users alike. The radio supports:
- Hands-free operation with Bluetooth headsets. b3n.org
- Bluetooth PTT (push-to-talk) accessory support. Ham Radio Hub
- Wireless connections to car audio systems or external speakers. Anytone
For mobile operators or those who like hands-free setups, this feature significantly improves usability compared to radios where Bluetooth barely functions. Comms Gear Report
Powerful, Flexible Performance
Power management and RF performance are well thought out:
- Adjustable transmit power levels let you tailor output depending on need—from low-power local operation to higher power for extended range. Anytone
- The included battery (3100 mAh) offers extended run time (often quoted around 30 + hours with typical use). Anytone
- Battery life and efficient power use make the radio well suited for field days, emergency comms deployments, or portable operation. Anytone
The ergonomics are also robust: a solid build with comfortable controls, tactile knobs for volume and channel selection, and a bright color display. While it’s slightly larger and heavier than basic HTs, most operators find the feature set worth the added bulk. Ham Radio Hub
Learning Curve and Programming
No review of the 878UVII Plus would be complete without acknowledging the programming and setup complexity. DMR radios generally require code plugs created via software (usually on Windows), and the initial configuration for repeaters and talk groups can be daunting for beginners. DX Engineering
While the included or optional software tools are powerful, they also demand patience—especially if you’re used to simpler analog-only radios. That said, once the programming is done, the rewards in network capability and flexibility are significant. DX Engineering
How It Compares
Compared to basic handhelds like the ubiquitous Baofeng units—which are inexpensive but limited in features—the AnyTone 878UVII Plus is in a different league. It offers:
- Comprehensive digital protocol support vs. basic analog only
- Bluetooth and GPS vs. no advanced connectivity
- Large memory and contact capacity vs. limited storage
Against other mid-to-high-end handhelds (e.g., competitors from Yaesu or Icom), the 878UVII Plus holds its own with a better integrated Bluetooth and APRS experience at a much lower price point. Everyday Marksman
Final Thoughts
The AnyTone AT-D878UVII Plus represents a meaningful evolution in handheld amateur radio. It’s feature-rich, flexible, and capable for both analog FM and digital DMR communication. While the learning curve for DMR setup is real, the payoff in connectivity and capability is worth the effort for many operators. Whether you’re building out a mobile station, joining digital networks, or simply want one radio that can do it all, the 878UVII Plus stands out as one of the most capable handhelds in its class. Comms Gear Report