Author: Marius Lubbe ZS1ML
www.learnminds.co.za
My Experience with the TYT TH-8600: Hands-on Review.
As a seasoned ham radio operator, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with various radios, but the TYT TH-8600 has been a delightful addition to my experiences. Let me walk you through why this compact powerhouse has become a favourite of the mobile radios I have reviewed.
MAIN FEATURES
The TH-8600 is not just another mobile radio; it’s a well-thought-out device with a plethora of features designed for practicality and ease of use. Here are some of its standout features:
- User-Friendly Design: The buttons are distributed reasonably, making it convenient for operation. The radio is built with superior quality material and high-quality radiators to ensure stable and durable operation.
- IP 67 Waterproof (Optional): An optional feature, but if you opt for it, you can take the radio on off-road adventures and never have to worry about the elements affecting its performance.
- GPS (Optional): Another optional but handy feature for those who like to venture into unknown territories.
- Tone Options: The radio supports multiple tones, including 1750, 2100, 1000, and 1450, providing flexibility in your communications.
- Automatic Power-Off: A useful feature to conserve battery life.
- 200 Programmable Memorized Channels: You can program up to 200 channels and identify them by editing names, making it easier to navigate through your preferred frequencies.
- Advanced Programming Features: The radio allows for the programming of different CTCSS, DCS, 2Tone, and 5Tone in each channel, enabling you to reject extra calls from other radios.
- Bandwidth Flexibility: You can set different bandwidths per channel, with 25K available for wide band.
- Five Programmable Multi-Functional Keys: These keys can be programmed for various shortcut operations according to your specific requirements.
TRANSMITTER POWER AND EFFICIENCY
One of the most impressive aspects of this radio is its transmitter power. With a 25-Watt output, it offers robust performance. What’s even more appealing is its efficiency; the specifications indicate that it uses a very reasonable 4 Amps at transmit. This makes it ideal for use in your car without draining your vehicle’s battery.
PROGRAMMING MADE EASY
The TYT TH-8600 comes with its own programming software, and it’s straightforward to use. I had my frequencies and settings up and running in no time. And if you’re in South Africa and you buy this radio from Dirk ZS1X, you’re in luck! Dirk provides excellent support for this radio, so you don’t have to deal with the Chinese mother company for any issues.
PERFORMANCE AND USABILITY
The audio quality on both transmit and receive is crystal clear. I’ve used it for both simplex and duplex communications, and it’s been flawless. The display is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. The buttons are well-placed, and the user interface is intuitive.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
As I mentioned earlier, if you’re purchasing this radio from Dirk ZS1X, you’re in good hands. He provides excellent customer support, so you don’t have to worry about reaching out to the manufacturer for any issues or queries.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
At the time of writing, this radio is available from Dirk ZS1X for a mere R2695. See his advertisement in the advertiser space at the end of this magazine It’s surely a Christmas stocking stuffer if ever I have seen one!
FINAL THOUGHTS
The TYT TH-8600 has proven to be a reliable, high-performing radio that offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s compact, rugged, and waterproof, making it an excellent choice for any mobile setup. The programming is straightforward, and the customer support, especially from Dirk ZS1X, is top-notch.
Dirk Lotz – Cell: +27 84 552 8573
Questions to Ponder
- How important is a compact and rugged design for your mobile ham radio setup?
- Would you prefer buying a radio with local support, like the support provided by Dirk ZS1X, over dealing with an overseas manufacturer?
- How much value do you place on ease of programming when choosing a ham radio?
Note: This review is based on my personal experience and the experiences of other users. Always do your own research before making a purchase.
