PMR-171 From spoločnosti Guohe Technology patrí medzi najdiskutovanejšie rádioamatérske novinky posledných mesiacov. Konštruktéri sa pokúsili vytvoriť kompaktný SDR transceiver capable of covering the bands from HF to UHF in one device. On paper, this is an extremely interesting concept combining SDR receiver, spectrum analyzer, waterfall display, automatic antenna tuner, CAT rozhranie a podporu digitálnych módov.
However, the wide range of functions has also raised many questions among radio amateurs regarding real-world parameters, firmware quality, and long-term reliability.
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Negatives summarized EB3CJR
One of the most cited reviews of PMR-171 is the review by Spanish radio amateur EB3CJR published on the portal eHamThe author states that during testing he noticed several operational problems such as low resistance to VHF and firmware instability. He criticized the quality of SSB modulation in particular, which he described as unsatisfactory. The conclusion of his review was unequivocal - in his opinion, the device does not correspond to its price.
User M0AFJ also gave a similarly critical assessment of the device, pointing out problems with AGC, lower performance in the VHF and UHF bands, more complicated operation through converters, and the absence of technical support from the manufacturer or dealers.
However, it should be added that the above ratings represent individual user experiences. Other radio amateurs especially appreciate the wide functional options and unusually extensive frequency equipment in one device.
Main features of PMR-171 SDR
PMR-171 uses SDR architecture and, according to the manufacturer, allows reception in the range of approximately 100 kHz to 2 GHz. Transmission is intended for amateur radio bands from 160 m to 70 cm.
The device has an integrated spectrum analyzer and waterfall display. The user has digital filters, adjustable RF and IF gain, AGC, NR and NB filters, RIT/XIT functions, split operation and two VFOs. The manual lists support for USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY and FT8 modes. Some versions also list optional DMR support.
An interesting feature is the integrated automatic antenna tuner for bands from 160 m to 4 m. The manufacturer also lists the possibility of Bluetooth control, Bluetooth FT8, USB sound card and CAT control via a single USB cable.
For mobile and expeditionary use, the device is equipped with a replaceable battery module. Power supply is also possible from an external source in the range of 9 to 18 V DC.
PMR-171 SDR Technical Specification
| Architecture | SDR |
| Income | 100 kHz - 2 GHz |
| Broadcast bands | 160 m to 70 cm |
| Fashions | USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM, RTTY, FT8 |
| Display | Spectrum and waterfall |
| CAT management | FT-817 / FT-847 compatibility |
| USB | CAT + integrated sound card |
| Power supply | 9-18V DC |
| Oscillator accuracy | TCXO ±0.5ppm |
| Weight | up to 2 kg |
| Optional equipment | GPS, BeiDou, electronic compass |
The manual also lists support for CAT protocols, Bluetooth SPP, BLE, RS-232 and USB communication. An open communication protocol is also available for custom application development.
FCC approval
PMR-171 received US FCC approval under identifier 2BEJV-PMR-171. Dokumentácia bola zverejnená vo februári 2024 a obsahuje používateľský manuál, fotografie zariadenia a meracie protokoly. FCC dokumentácia identifikuje zariadenie ako „Ultra-portable "Transceiver".
What is particularly interesting for radio amateurs is that the manufacturer has made available quite extensive technical documentation, including a user manual and information about communication interfaces.
YouTube video
Practical measurements and experiences with PMR-171 have been published by several well-known amateur radio channels.
The Tech Minds video includes performance measurements, HF operation tests, and evaluation of reception characteristics.
Consideration of service options
From the perspective of a European radio amateur, service is probably one of the biggest issues. The manufacturer claims warranty service and firmware updates, but all official support is concentrated in China. The manual states a 12-month warranty on the device, while some accessories have a shorter warranty period.
In the event of a failure outside the warranty period, more demanding logistics, longer shipping times and limited availability of spare parts must be expected. Unlike established manufacturers such as Icom, Yaesu or Kenwood, there is no extensive service network or community of specialized repairers.
From a design perspective, more open documentation and the availability of the CAT protocol can be an advantage. On the other hand, the high integration of SDR circuits can significantly complicate repairs at the component level.
Price and availability
The PMR-171 is sold through several Chinese and European retailers. The price ranges from approximately 700 to 1000 euros, depending on the configuration, battery and optional accessories.
When evaluating the price, it is necessary to take into account that the device combines a HF, VHF and UKV transceiver, an SDR receiver, an integrated tuner, a CAT interface, Bluetooth and support for digital modes. However, there are user reviews pointing out firmware shortcomings and operational problems.
PMR-171 can therefore be considered an interesting experimental SDR solution for technically oriented radio amateurs who are willing to accept certain compromises in exchange for an extremely wide range of functional equipment.
FCC testovalo verziu 1.0 v maji 2024 (frekvencia konci na 1GHz). Predava sa ale verzia 2, ktora ma rozsah do 2GHz. Takze je otazne, ci aktualne predavany typ ma FCC certifikaciu. A dolezite je pozriet aj co bolo certifikovane, aby amater co chce s tym aj vysielat nebol prekvapeny, ako si cinan poradil s „certifikaciou“ TX a ci to je OK vobec pouzivat 😉
Videl som aj viacero produktov s akože CE. Buď sa to na nich ocitlo náhodou alebo tie normy sú veľmi divné.
Pre mňa je na zariadeniach napríklad zaujímavá aj ergonómia či prepojiteľnosť. Napríklad TS-2000 nemá pásmový výstup ako FT-1000MP. Ak by som napríklad potreboval prepínať pásmové filtre, PA alebo antény, tak možnosť je „napichnúť“ sa na CAT komunikáciu a čítať z nej údaj o frekvencii.
Ďalšou otázkou je životnosť. Niektoré zariadenia aj renomovaných značiek napríklad mávali problémy s budičmi (Icom IC-746 a podobné), Other mali výrobné série osadené filtrami, ktoré sa ukázali po rokoch ako závadné (aj spomínaná TS-2000, FT-897 a pod.).
A samozrejme elektrolytické kondenzátory je sama kapitola o sebe.
Link čo máš v odkaze pre FCC ID 2BEJV-PMR-171 – Report No.: AGC16235240101FE01 je test report či toto zariadenie spĺňa STANDARD(S) : FCC Part 15 Subpart B.
Toto je test pre zariadenia, ktorých vyžarovanie je sekundárnym javom, teda dosky počítača, televízory, prijímače. A toto aj je v tom teste, ako sa správa receiver z pohľadu elektromagnetickej kompatibility, ako vyžarujú napájacie káble, CPU… Na stránke FCC som nenašiel test vysielača PMR-171.
Dá sa nájsť aj dokument s hlavičkou FCC a mal by byť From rovnakého „labáku“, ktorý testuje aj vysielač, ale tento sa nenachádza na stránkach FCC (je to na ysjianzhan.cn) a obrázky pri teste sú také, ehm, no nevzbudzujú vo mne dôveru. To čo je na obrázkoch z testreportu zodpovedá skôr DIY kategórii typu MCHF, uSDX, ako „profi“ výrobku. Vysielať z tohoto v konteste do normálnejšej antény, nedajbože s PA, tak susední amatéri by mali „radosť“.
Na základe dostupných informácii si nemyslím, že to má „plnú“ FCC certifikáciu ako transceiver.