Jason KC5HWB, Joop PA2JM, Carel PA3EHA and I had some pre-production pictures of this radio for quite a while, but some preliminary specs are now public.

The good

The most interesting fact is that the Baofeng DA-77 is a dual-band radio, something which didn’t exist so far. The second most interesting fact is the expected price point: $129,00.

The bad

Things bothering me a bit: only 160 memory positions and a meager 50 zones. Enough for professional use, but compared to the Connect Systems CS-700 (250 zones of 16 channels each) it’s far from impressive.

The ugly

The shell is identical to that of the UV-82, something I don’t like either. I do understand the decision though; re-using existing shells is much more cost effective than designing a new one. Another advantage is that accessories such as batteries are interchangeable.

Both Jason KC5HWB (Grapevine Ham Radio) and me are on Baofeng’s list for getting a review sample. To be honest I hope Jason gets one first, as he’s much more knowledgeable in this area than I am. Keep an eye on his blog.

Specifications

Dual-band, dual standby, mixed mode (DMR/FM) possible

– VOX

– CTCSS / DCS

– PC Programming

– FM

– Flashlight

– Single, group and general call

– Kill, Stun and revive

– Monitor, remote control

– Scanning

– Power saving

– Noise suppression function

– Manual dialing and storage dialing

– SMS

– AMBE+2TM vocoder

Frequency Range: VHF:136-174MHz AND 400-470MHz

– Memory channels: 160

– Zones: 50

– Operating Voltage: 7.4V

– Battery Capacity: 1800mAh

– Battery Average Working Time(5/5/90): 16 hours

– Frequency Stability: ±1.5ppm

– Antenna Impedance: 50Ω

– Power Output: 5/1 Watt (VHF), 4/1 Watt (UHF)

– Spurious Emission: – 36dBm1GHz/ – 30dBm≥1GHz

– Vocoder: AMBE+2TM

– Receiver Sensitivity: Digital 5%BER ≤0.3µV Analog ≤0.35µV

– Audio Distortion: <3%

– Conducted Radiation: –57dBm

STANDARD PACKAGE:

1. Baofeng DA-77 DMR Two-Way Transceiver

2. Dual-band Antenna

3. 110-240V Desktop Charger

4. Belt clip

5. User Manual

6. 1800mAh batterypack