Intro
In this post, I will compare the DM 1701 with the RT-4D / DM-UV4R I made a Video Programming the RT-4D / DM-UV4R with modded firmware
Radio Links
- DM 1701: AliExpress Link
- DM-UV4R (RT-4D): AliExpress Link
Comparison
RT 4D
Pluses
- TS/CC decoding is instant (Has Promiscous Mode)
- USB-C!.. No Power Delivery tho (Need to use USB-A to C, C-C Wont work)
- Bright display (But since its a mono display, not really needed)
- “Stronger” DMR TX? (From the short tests)
- Supports Texting
- Has 1 Click Freq search (limited, not all bands at once, eg; 400-480MHz, 18-64MHz, 136-174MHz, 920-1000MHz… ect.)
- Has FM Radio
- Has AirBand
- Dual Watch
- Saves channel settings (CC, TS, FM or DMR)
- Programmable keybinds (No need to use CPS)
- CPS not needed to add a channel
Down Sides
- Annoying to set up
- Has less contact memory (idk if it even has enough for all dmr id’s)
- If a signal is too strong it wont RX properly (Only NFM)
- Saved channel scanning is so slow its not even funny
- Stock antenna is trash
- Only “Low” & “High” for output power
- Firmware is not open source
- Cant use as a hotspot
DM 1701
Pluses
- I think the 1701 is louder
- More precise power output control (50mW-5W)
- Can be used as a hotspot
- Has good stock antenna
- OpenGD77 is open source
Down Sides
- No encryption (if even allowed)
- cc/ts is annoying to change 4d
- Does not supports Texting
- Only a dock to charge, no USB
- No Dual Watch(Technically yes but.. No.)
- Saves channel settings (cc, ts, FM or DMR)
- No 1 Click Freq search
Notes: (Stuff I dont mind)
The RT 4D looks older
The RT 4D has a tiny display, And Body
The DM 1701 is Faster at deconding DMR (by 100ms)
Final thoughts
I may be biast to the new radio, but i do like it more, readable display outdoors, on the go programming, and a bit more. Not to say the DM 1701 is bad, both are good. I just like having one click frequency search, and sadly the 1701 doesnt have that, Thats probably why I dont like it as much. but my pick for a radio with amazing scanning is the Tid H3 (Analog Only). Preset scanning bands is great! Both radios feel good in the hand, I dont mind a bulky radio like the DM 1701 or a smaller form factor like the RT 4D.
Thanks for reading!