Product Review
Baofeng
DM-32
DM-32UV
Dual Band
DMR Handheld
John 'Miklor'
2025
|
DM-32 / DM-32UV
- Basic Description
The DM-32 is the latest 2025 Baofeng DMR entry to their line of radios. For clarification, the DM-32 and DM-32UV are the Same radio. The UV-32 looks the same but is Analog/FM Only. In the Box - DM-32 DMR Handheld - 2500mAh Li-Ion Battery - Charger base & AC adapter - Belt Holster - U/V Antenna – 8.0" (20cm) - User Guide – 57 page English - Earphone / Microphone (optional) Features, Details, User Guide Feature Summary - VHF / UHF Dual Band - 4000 channels - 50,000 Digital Contacts - 250 Zones - DMR + Analog - 8W Output - GPS - APRS - Size: 7.2 x 2.6 x 1.6" (182 x 67 x 41mm) - Weight: 12.3oz (350g) w/ant & 2500 mAh battery Frequency Range Receive - FM 65-108MHz - AM 108-136MHz - VHF 136-174 / 220-260MHz - UHF 350-390 / 400-520MHz Frequency Range Transmit - 136-174 / 400-480MHz Note: The frequency range may be restricted to ham bands only, depending on your country. Transmitter The transmit frequency range of the DM-32 is VHF 136-174MHz and UHF 400-480MHz. Along with DMR, the radio also supports analog FM (Wide and Narrowband). The power levels hold pretty close to the specifications with the high near 8.0W. I personally run mine in 5W mode. High power mode isn't going to Make or Break the signal, but it helps the battery life. My audio reports have been very good on both my DMR hotspot and the local repeaters. There is a separate microphone gain setting for both digital and analog which allows you select the microphone gain level best suited for your voice. Power levels are listed below and were taken using a calibrated Bird Termaline wattmeter.
Receiver and Audio The receiver sensitivity is very good on both digital and analog. The receive audio is clear with wide and smooth frequency range. GPS Capability The DM-32 also includes GPS capability as shown below. The satellite sensitivity and GPS accuracy is excellent. I took a reading from my house. I entered the GPS coordinates shown into Google Maps and it responded with my home address and picture of my house. The elevation shows the altitude in Meters. It would be nice if the elevation had the ability to select either Meters or Feet.
The DM-32 case is a bit larger than most due the the larger keypad and 2" LCD screen. It has a solid feel and weight and fits the hand well. It weighs in at a hefty12.3oz (350g) with the 2500mAh battery attached. Battery removal requires a straight blade screwdriver as shown here.
The case views show a few differences from the normal layout. The battery charge contacts are on the front of the handheld and the speaker is located on the rear. Not wrong, just different.
The PTT button requires only a light pressure that doesn't tire the finger to press. Under the PTT button are 2 programmable function keys.
The lighted keypad buttons a bit larger than most with a format of three across and four down. This puts the zero (0) at the bottom of the keypad where I personally believe it belongs. Along with the two (2) programmable side keys there also two programmable keys (P1/P2) on the keypad.
The included dual band antenna is 8.0" which is a bit longer and quite a bit stiffer than the antenna found on most handhelds.
The left side has a standard SMA-M antenna connector. The right side is the volume control and in the center is a channel/menu rotary selector switch.
An accessory Included with the radio is a drop in carry holster for easy access. The radio I received has the plastic holster shown below. This holster makes an ideal Drop In Mobile mounting bracket with a little creativity. Note: I have also seen the radio sold with a cloth/canvas style holster.
The display is a 2" LCD screen. The resolution is excellent for indoor use and the display format and color combination are user selectable. However even on full brightness, I found the display difficult to read outdoors. You can select a simple single channel display or dual display at the push of a button. Switching from upper to lower is just as simple. As mentioned above, the color combinations are your choice, from multicolor to a basic white on black. The Channel information and Zone name colors can be changed to Orange, Red, Yellow, Green, Cyan or Blue.
This is the area where the DM-32 falls a bit short. Some of the concerns are: - The software only allows for 50K records in the Contact List. There are currently over 285K records in the database. - There is no way to import/export channel information using a standard .csv file. - You cannot copy/paste a channel from one location to another. Note: This is a DMR radio and not supported by CHIRP There are multiple sites where the current DMR User Database is available for downloaded. A link to these sites can be found HERE. CPS Language The software that I received was formatted in Chinese.
Use this as a guide to convert the software to English.
As additional features and enhancements are developed, the radio's firmware version can be updated. Note: The DM-32 firmware is specific to this radio. It cannot be uploaded to a different model in hopes of adding new features. Programming Cable The DM-32 uses a standard K1 style programming cable. The preferred cable is one using an FTDI programming chip.
Included with the DM-32 is a 2500mAh battery. Unlike most batteries that clip onto the radio, the DM32 battery requires a straight blade screwdriver for removal. If the radio is accidentally dropped there is no chance of the battery coming off or the clip breaking. The only downside is if you have multiple batteries, it takes a bit more effort to exchange them. The charger base requires a USB-C power source. The front charge indicator shows Red when charging and Green when fully charged. The AC power adapter is included, but any USB-C source will work. There's a also USB-C slot on the battery with the same charging indication.
Summary The DM-32 is a solidly built and a well performing handheld, however it's programming can be a bit of a challenge, especially on DMR. If you are relatively new to DMR, this may help put some of the pieces together. DMR Tutorial
Note: This equipment was received for the purpose of a fair and unbiased review. All findings are factual based on the equipment I received. Any issues found have been reported both here and back to the seller or manufacturer. |
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