MD-UV380 / 390

Unlike its predecessor (MD380) The TYT MD-UV380 is a dual band (VHF/UHF) handheld with dual mode capability that can be used as both an analog and DMR transceiver.
The radio reviewed below is the UV380. The UV390 is the same radio with a waterproof case. Both are available with and without the GPS option. The picture shown above is UV380.
 
 
In the Box

Included with the radio are the:
-  7.4v  2000mAh Li-Ion Battery
-  78 page User Guide – English
-  120 / 240v Charger base & AC adapter
-  Belt clip
-  Antenna – 6.5" (17cm)  SMA-M
-  Programming Cable (optional)
     This is not always included with the radio.
     You must confirm when ordering.
 
 
General Description

-  VHF and UHF
-  DMR / FM
-  1W > 5W transmit
-  250 zones (64 chan / zone)
-  3,000 channel
-  10,000 contacts
-  100K User DB (with proper FW)
-  Optional GPS
 
 
FCC Part 90 Certified

Both radios are FCC Part 90 certified for US Commercial use.
-   UV380  FCC ID:  POD-MDUV380
-   UV390  FCC ID:  POD-MDUV390
 
 
Enclosure

The MD-UV380 case has a good solid feel and fits my hand well. It weighs in at around 10 oz (280g) with the battery and antenna attached.

Unlike the original MD380 with a 16 position rotary knob, the UV380 knob can be continuously rotated to accommodate the 64 channels per zone.
 
 
Transmitter

The frequency range is VHF 136-174 or UHF 400-480MHz. Along with DMR, the radio also supports FM, both Wide and Narrowband.
 
OTA audio reports are excellent and power levels based on a calibrated Bird Termaline are shown below.
  

Receiver

The receiver sensitivity is excellent, and the audio quality is clear, loud, and undistorted. There is no Squelch Tail with digital. When a transmission is completed, the radio goes silent, sometimes leaving you to wonder if it's your turn. Fortunately, there is a tone option that will Beep to let you know the signal has dropped.
 
 
Audio

The audio is full and loud with excellent frequency response both high and low. 
The major advantage of DMR is the audio quality. Noisy signals no longer exist. If a signal has enough strength to be heard by the receiver, it is digitally processed where all noise is eliminated and what would be a noisy signal on FM now sounds as though the person is standing right next to you.
 
 
Scanning

This option to scan channels can be selected by either Menu selection, or by using one of the programmable side keys. A nice additional feature of the MD-UV380 is the ability to add / delete channels from the scanning list via the keypad.

click to enlarge

 
Display

The radio has a multicolor display. The main background is a sky blue with multicolor icons. The screen size is 1.1" x 1.4" with excellent resolution.
 
The image on the right shows the LCD with the User DB loaded to the radio.
 

click to enlarge

Programming

If you are entering the world of DMR for the first time, be aware that programming a digital radio is a bit different from a standard FM transceiver. Although the FM side is similar, the digital side requires a bit more in depth knowledge. I recommend that you find someone in your area that can help by supplying an initial template to start you on the right path.
 
You will learn to be familiar with the word 'Code Plug'. This is the software data image that contains the information necessary to access you local DMR repeater, and connect you to the worldwide network.

Once familiar with the programming basics, the radio can also be programmed via the front panel, although a bit more challenging.
 
 
Software

The factory software is fairly straight forward, but again, contains terminology that may require a bit of research. A little intimidating at first, but call it a basic learning experience.
 
 
Firmware

The firmware in the MD-UV380/390 series is upgradable. When changes and upgrades are introduced, the radio can be upgraded using a standard Windows PC.

There are four different FW versions available.

Standard radio
-  Dxx   Record
-  Vxx   User Database

With GPS option
-  Pxx   GPS + Record
-  Sxx   GPS + User Database

Note: Installing the GPS FW to a non-GPS model will not add GPS to the radio. GPS is a hardware option.
 
 
Programming Cable

The programming cable resembles the cable used on many ham transceivers, but that's where the similarity ends. The programming UART chip is in the radio, not the cable. Although the cables looks the same and used the same connectors, you must use the cables provided with the radio.
  Battery and Charger

I can easily get a full day out of the radio if it's fully charged. An exhausted battery could take as long as 10 hours to reach full charge.  The bright LED bar on the front of the charger is unmistakable.  Bright Red when charging, and Bright Green when either fully charged or no radio in the cradle. It's bright enough to be used as a night light.
   
Accessories

Although the programming cable above is not compatible, accessories such as Spkr/Micr are. Be cautious when selecting a Spkr/Micr. Many inexpensive models have poor shielding, This allows RF to get back into the radio via the microphone cable. This will produce a motor boat sound on your signal.  I use a QHM-22 and the reports were excellent.  Accessories such as car chargers are also available.
 
 
Transmit Audio

The transmit audio reports are very good. The radio does not have an audio adjustment, so please remember, loud audio does not equate to good sounding audio. Holding the radio approximately an inch (2.5cm) away produces full, clear, and undistorted audio
 
 
Conclusion

The MD-UV380 is a solidly built transceiver, with plenty of options.  This is a solid, good performing DMR transceiver which doubles as an FM transceiver on the same band.  For the price, it's a great way to get started in the world of DMR digital.
 
 
Note: This equipment was purchased by me. This is an unbiased review. All findings are factual based my personal experience.