Anytone AT-779UV — Dual-Band Mini-Mobile Radio Review

Anytone AT-779UV — Dual-Band Mini-Mobile Radio Review

If you love small, car-friendly radios, the Anytone AT-779UV is going to be a game-changer. You may already be familiar with siblings of this radio: the AT-779 for the 4-metre HAM band, the AT-779U for the 70-centimetre hand band, and the AT-779V for the 2-metre HAM band.

The Anytone AT-779UV is all-around radio that manages to cover both the 70-centimetre and the 2-metre bands. But what does all this mean? Read our review and find out why we love this compact radio!

 

 

What's in the Box?

When you order from Moonraker, you'll find everything you need to get started waiting for you in the box.

The package contents include:

  • Dual-band radio, Pre-programmed Anytone AT-779UV 
  • Microphone (Handheld) 
  • Mounting bracket with screws
  • Power cable with cigar lighter plug
  • A guide for the user
  • USB programming lead cable
  • Free programming software capability via our website

AT-779UV Review: Our Initial Impressions

From the first glance at this mobile radio, it is obvious that Anytone designed it for drivers who are short on space — indeed, it only weighs 1.87 lbs! Don't be fooled by its small size, though — this radio still packs a punch with versatility. 

You would be right to call this a micro-radio. But it can work at home, too, if you pick up an outlet adaptor cable for the cigar lighter plug. If you're a bit handier, feel free to de-solder the wires.

Another benefit of this Anytone device is that it comes with a programming cable that plugs into the mic socket, so you won't need to make any adjustments on the back of the radio. All you need to do is remove the microphone, plug in the programming software cable, and hook up your laptop.

When you purchase this radio from Moonraker, all the UK FM repeaters come programmed into the radio, saving you the hassle. But there is still room for customisation. The USB programming cable allows for compatibility with programming software, so you can edit the memory (all 500 of them) as you please.

PMR and marine channels are also pre-programmed but only set to receive.

The display is quite easy to read and bright even under dark conditions. You can access almost all functions through the buttons on the microphone as well, which is ideal for keeping your eyes on the road while using the radio.

Here are some more detailed specs:

  • The frequency range on the Anytone goes from 136 to 174 MHz for VHF and 400 to 490 MHz for UHF.
  • On the FM broadcast band, the 779UV tunes from 86.7 to 108 MHz.
  • If you want to adjust your power output, you can choose between 25, 10, and 5 watts. If you order from Moonraker, the channels are automatically set to 10 watts, which is ideal for Foundation Licence Holders.
  • The in-built speaker is loud enough on its own, but you have the option to add an external speaker should you wish.

No review of this device would be complete without complimenting the price point. For less than £100, you won't find a quality radio with software customisation this affordable anywhere else on the market. 

What to Use the Anytone AT-779UV For?

When it comes to using the Anytone, there are two main attributes it excels in; the mini-mobile design and the dual-band coverage. 

The compact design stands out as one of the smallest radios on the market with these capabilities. Most personal vehicles do not have room to add a mobile radio to their dashboard without blocking the windscreen. But the Anytone stays out of your way and allows you to scan all channels without ever turning your head. 

The dual-band coverage lets you monitor two frequencies (memories) at the same time. If there are two channels you are interested in, you'll no longer lose one when listening to the other. Be aware that when one frequency is active, the other is muted, so you can watch the sub-band at the bottom of your display but will not be able to listen to two simultaneously. It only takes the flick of a switch to rock back and forth between your two active bands. This is perfect for anyone who does not want to lose track of their top frequencies.

Conclusion

This Anytone radio is set and ready to go right out of the box. What really sets this small device apart from others in the same field is its 500 memory capacity for programming channels. With hundreds of memories available, you'll be hard-pressed to run out of room any time soon.

A compact size and simple controls mean anyone can get a handle on this machine without much prior experience, the perfect choice for a curious analogue tinkerer. But the experienced aficionado will find this radio and its software a welcome addition for high-quality mobile use.

Pick up this Anytone AT-779UV radio at Moonraker and get listening today!

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