The TYT TH-UVF1
TYT TH-UVF1

Now we all know that the Chinese government is buying up our government’s debt these days but it seems that the Chinese have no intention of stopping there.

I recently noticed that some of the better known Ham Radio stores like AES and Universal Radio now sell the TYT and the WOUXUN (pronounced Oh- Sheng) HT’s. I was also a bit surprised to see a full review of one of the WOUXUN radios in a recent QST.

So you might ask yourself; why are these radios gaining traction in the Ham Radio stores and what is so attractive about these radios anyway? I have to fess up and say that I don’t actually own one of these HT’s but have spent a fair amount of time chatting with Joe, w2ofd about his recent purchase. Joe recently bought the TYT TH-UVF1 dual band HT and has favorably commented about its features and functionality on several occasions.

Joe’s recent purchase from Lentini Communications included the desk charger, car charger (for a limited time), software and programming cable for under $150 (shipping included). When listening to his TYT, the audio is strong and sounds very natural. Joe happens to also own a few Yaesu HT’s and as far as I am concerned, the audio of his TYT is superior to those radios.

Like most (if not all) new radios sold these days, programming is best done via the computer. I own the Kenwood TH-F6A and find that the advantage of programming it with the computer adds a new dimension to the term “user friendly”.

Programming via the computer makes frequency updates and adding alpha-numeric id’s a snap. Loading different, preprogrammed (profiles) into the radio  is a real asset when away from the home QTH.

Rather than repeat the radio specs here, I have included a few links for your review.

http://universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/5565.html

http://universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/5541.html

http://universal-radio.com/catalog/ht/5547.html

Pros:

Wide Band Receive, Clean Design, Solid Construction, Included Extras, Programming Software, Audio Quality, Low Cost

Cons:

Poorly Written User Guide

Wrap Up:

If you are looking for a nicely designed radio (with extras) for a very reasonable price and you have the patience to decipher the user manual, then, in my opinion the TYT TH-UVF1 is a great buy for the money.