TYT MD-UV390 Plus Waterproof Dual Band DMR Digital Two Way Radio

I have purchased two of these radios and would say that you should prepare to spend some time with youtube videos to become educated with the use and programming. After struggling a bit, the concepts clicked with me, and I think the way the radio software is designed is a very good way to manage the radios when you have more than a few memory channels you want to use. Grouping the stored frequencies into zones and groups makes a lot of sense and makes it easier to find a given frequency.

We are working on standardizing our equipment for our extended family comms, and the TYT MD-UV390+ is a top contender

I chose to use TYT CPS software rather than replacing it with a third parting operating system. So far, I can do what I need with the radio.

I have tested the digital capabilites in simplex mode and am happy with the radio's capabilities.

Pros:
-Speaker sound quality is good. Contacts report back that my transmissions sound good on their end.
-Supplied antennas seem to work well. Have not swapped them out.
-Build quality seems good. Have had no issues so far.
-I like the IP67 rating for water and dust.
-Transmit and receive power and sensitivity is better than any of the other cheaper model hand-helds I own. I checked the transmit power and it is near the 10W advertised level.
-I have programmed analog 2m and 70cm repeaters into my codeplug with no problems.
Cons:
-The volume control is a bit loud on the lowest settings when used indoors.
-My batteries use a cradle for recharging. I would much prefer a USB C connection on the battery as it makes it far easier to recharge in the field. I have heard that TYT is shipping some radios now with the USB C connection. Look for that option when buying if it is important to you.

TyT MD - UV 390 & Wouxun .I like it

Great radio and got it in three days.

Video on THIS page AND the Blog post on this site for this product state the PLUS has GPS and 10 watts output, but this model DOES NOT HAVE GPS!

Extremely disappointed after re-reading THIS product's specs after ordering to discover this, as everywhere else on the site it mentions the product has both GPS and 10 watt output and a forum post from the product manager 30 days ago mention from now on all TYT will have 10 watt output. Posts in other forums also stated that BOTH were available if you get the buytwowayradios.com version, which is not actually true and also led me astray.

Apparently there are two "PLUS" models, you get EITHER 10 watts -OR- GPS but not both, and this is the NO GPS model.

Wish that was mentioned in the specs "NO GPS" so its easier to tell which one they're selling here.

The TYT MD-UV390 Plus is now available!
https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2023/08/the-tyt-md-uv390-plus-is-now-available.html

"The new TYT MD-UV390 Plus has a lot of the same features as its predecessors, plus GPS, IP67 dust and water protection, AES-256 encryption and more. "

Video Introduction to the TYT MD-UV390 Plus DMR Digital Radio
https://www.buytwowayradios.com/blog/2023/08/video-introduction-to-the-tyt-md-uv390-plus-dmr-digital-radio.html

Minute: 12:21 regarding GPS and the clock and when he says

I am unable to get the radio to accept a program and
will not be get tang more TYT units or buying from
2 way radio again

Perfect learning platform. Impeccable performance and quality.

TYT MD UV 390 Plus . Screen locked up ( froze ) for 24 hours on my first day of use .

Bought this radio after a friend bought an Anytone 878. This radio lacks some of the features that the Anytone has but for $200 off that price, it's understandable. Very difficult to program without help. Once I understood how to do it, it wasn't hard, just annoying. Just the DMR standard from what I can tell. The radio has great transit and receive, even with the two stock antennas. One big complaint is lack of DMR id import. This radio only gets a DMR id flash on the screen when someone talks and not their call sign and not their name like other TYT DMR radios. Apparently this can be fixed with a firmware update from a 3rd party but I don't want to have to completely update the firmware in a brand new radio. TYT or buy two way should come up with this addition. Also, the programming software is very basic and non customizable. Have to completely remove zones and make them back to rearrange them. Again, once the radio is programmed and I u got used to it, works as intended. Just could be more user friendly. Will definitely recommend this radio, especially for the price point to other local hams interested in DMR.

after receiving their radio, I needed support. Their support was the best I’ve ever experienced. I did not have to wait on hold for long. The person spent plenty of time with me. Working out some issues. My fault because I did not understand. They had me up and running in no time. They even went out of their way to upload my DMR code plugs into the software for me to program. I will never buy a radio from anywhere else. I wanted till the people at by two-way radios.com. Thank you very much for a great product. Had a decent price , and most of all for your customer support. You guys are awesome. I have told plenty of people on HF and in the Ham groups and clubs all about you guys.

This is a State of the Art Radio. I love it and recommend it. Nice working instrument and the best of the best. Thanks Buy two Way Radio.

I have bought 4 of these radios so far. I bought 2 last month and liked them so much I bought 2 more this month. The best radio for the price out there. No complaints.

As an entry level commercial radio, it is very solid. May not be the most user friendly for HAMs, but it is certainly has HAM capabilities in analogue and DMR an excellent price point. I have a small writeup below on how I solved my USB Cable driver Issues. Hope it helps some peeps out.
I hear a lot of gripes about DMR learning curve, if you want to use DMR be prepared to educate yourself. You will need to unlock the radio freq range by holding PTT+Top function keys while powering on. BuyTwowayradios.com made a ytube video on this specific radio and I'm fairly certain the gents mention this as an FCC requirement now.

This is just an initial review and not a full evaluation. Purchased two so far for eval outdoor commercial applications .

Cons:
- FCC gripe - All the radios get shipped in a locked Freq configuration.
-Drivers on Windows 10 was a bear (Solution below)***
-Screen brightness cannot be dimmed. Not ideal if working in an environment requiring light discipline.
- TYT CPS Software is not great. If you dig on Google you will find open source third party solutions that are way more user friendly. *Note- This is not a 3rd party SW endorsement, so USE AT YOUR OWN RISK

Pros:
- Radio ABS enclosure feels as durable as a few old Moto XTS we have sitting around.
- Battery life is pretty decent, and spare batteries are affordable if you are on walkabout for several days.
- Analogue RX and TX outstanding.
- Stock antennas SWR tested well in both bands, and are durable. I don't feel the immediate need to swap them out.
- Learning the DMR Schema was enjoyable, definitely more refined/restrictive than FM operations. Be sure to watch a conceptual vid online to wrap your head around Zones, Talk Groups, Scan Groups, channels etc.. There are quite a few that specifically reference TYT MD-380/390 and MD-UV380/390. DMR Transceivers will not communicate unless they all have same group info, even if they are on the same Freq.

***USB Cable driver solution (Windows 10) : What worked for me anyway
1) Be sure you have the correct driver (x86 or x64, depending on your operating system and PC processor rating). It will be a .inf file. If you have issues getting driver off of disc or from TYT, google "STM driver for DFU mode windows 10). The driver from TYT works though.
2) Be sure to disable "Fast Startup" on windows 10 (google "disable fast startup Windows10" for instruction).**
3) Be sure to disable "USB Selective Suspend Setting" on Windows 10 (also a quick google search).***
4) Be sure your K type connector is fully seated into the radio comm port. If it is not in fully you may receive "USB device descriptor request failed" message in Windows device manager.

Usb cable and drivers are not working

Please if you are holding information how to unlock the radio and/or get the cable drivers to install PUT THEM ON THE SITE! Before someone else waste there time and money on this POS. Most overly complicated radio I have ever had to try and program. It is right now a expensive paper weight

After a rough start the support at BTWR got me up and running fast including placing the drivers as a download the next day after my first review and letting me know that you need to go through the "unlock" process on the radio before it will work on the ham bands (Thanks John). The radio is working fine now on the analog side.

Buy Two Way Radios shipping is fast.
This is my first jump into DMR radios but I haven't been able to even fight that battle yet.
The radio looks and feels great but the USB drivers should not be this hard to find.
It's not included on the CD in the box and tyt888.com is not a great site to get help on.
It would be nice if BTWR could have a link to that in the downloads section with the CPS app.
If I can get this thing to work I will update the review but for now it's just a nice looking paper weight.