General Description

The GS800D is the latest GMRS offering from QYT.  I've had this one for about a week now and have used it on several local repeaters. Reports are good and doesn't do bad for a 20w mobile.
 
  
In the Box
 
Included with the radio are:
-  Microphone with a 16 button keypad
-  Chrome metal microphone hanger
-  Metal bracket with mounting screws
-  6' DC Power Cable with lighter/accessory plug
-  Full 36 page English User Manual
-  Programming Cable
 
FCC Part 95E: 2AV62KT-8900D
 
It weighs in at 15.8 oz  (448g)
Chassis Size is  3.9" (W) x 1.7" (H) x 5.0 (D)"  (98 x 43 x 126 mm)
 
 
Specifications
 
The GS800D is a fully certified GMRS radio with 30 pre-programmed GMRS simplex and repeater channels as well as 10 weather channels. There are also 170 receive only channels that cover VHF 136-174 and UHF 400-470 MHz. These 170 channels cannot be made to transmit as part of the FCC Part 95E certification.
 
Channel Configuration:
  01-07  (TX/ RX)
  08-14  (RX only)
  15-22  (TX/RX) 
  23-30  (TX/RX)  Repeater
  31-40  (RX only)  10 NOAA/weather channels
  00 and 41-199  (RX only)  Programmable scanner channels

Specifications from the manual can be found here:   Tx / Rx   General
 
 
Enclosure and Mount
 
The main chassis weighs in at just under 1.0 lb with a top finned heat sink and cooling fan in the rear. The fan does not run full time, but only when the chassis gets a little too warm.
 
The radio is terminated with a standard SO-239 connector.
 
Note: The channel and volume knobs are a rubber compound rather than a traditional plastic. They are a bit spongy and tend to slip and pull off. I found a strategically placed dot of "Super Glue Gel" with a toothpick took care of the issue. If you do this, however, be Very careful.
 
Transmitter
 
-  Channels 1-7 are restricted to 5W (FRS/GMRS)
-  Channels 8-14 are receive only. This is by design.
-  Channels 15-30 (Simplex & Repeater) show 18.6W using my calibrated Bird Termaline Wattmeter.
 
 
Microphone & DTMF
 
The over the air audio reports were excellent. The best audio reports were with the microphone one inch away and speaking across the front.
 
The 16 button keypad functions are for Menu, MR/VFO, Lock, Power, Reverse, Scan, Up/Down, Channel and DTMF tone selection.
 
 
Receiver / Multi-Receive  (TMR)

The receiver sensitivity is excellent and provides plenty of clear/loud audio with its 2W output.
 
The GS800D can display four frequencies on its display as shown below. The TMR option allows any 2, 3, or 4 displayed channels to be selected for 'on screen' scanning. If a selected channel becomes active, the display will lock onto that channel and remain there for a predetermined amount of time before resuming the scan.
 
This is a nice option when traveling to a new area and not knowing which repeaters are the most active. The scan rate is 3 to 4 channels per second. Fast enough to go through the four channels and not miss a call.
 
 
Channel Scanning
 
Normal channel scanning is still available with a little added bonus. I can now add or delete a channel from the scan group on the fly. This eliminates my need to reprogram using software to make minor change.

 
Display / Display Syncing
 
The OLED* display (1 3/8 x 1 1/8") can be configured with 9 different color combinations for both the Foreground and Background. Color options include Black, White, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Indigo, Purple, and Gray, giving virtually thousands of color combination possibilities. I found the resolution of the new OLED display outstanding.  Regardless of the color, the display is bright and extremely clear. No more squinting.
 
My iPhone didn't capture the display image as well as I had hoped, but this will give a rough idea of some various color combinations.
   
Programming
 
One new capability I found extremely helpful was the ability to change channel parameters such as tones, power, and 'scan add' via the keypad, without the need for deleting and reentering the channel data.
 
When using the factory software, remember to do a 'Download from Radio' to create the initial template and save it for future reference..
 
The software for the GS800D can be found HERE.
 
The included programming cable uses a real Prolific chip so the correct driver should load automatically.
  Mobile Power Cable

All power cables are not created equal. My GS800D requires only 4A on the high power transmit mode. This is well within the range of the average cars accessory socket which is normally fused at 10A.
 
 
Base Station Operation
 
When choosing a power supply for base station operation, I would recommend a supply that delivers a minimum of 8-10A continuous. An insufficient power supply put strain on both the supply and radio resulting in damage or equipment failure. Here are a few power supply  Examples  that may assist.
 
 
In Summary
 
It looks like QYT took one of their proven designs and joined the GMRS market.  I have found no issues with the radio while testing except for the rubber tuning knobs.
 
 
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.


 
 

Amazon:  QYT  GS800D  GMRS