Anysecu WP-9900

[WRTC928]

I wanted a radio for my truck which I could put somewhere unobtrusive, meaning I needed all the controls in the handset. There aren't a lot of options and the 9900 is the least expensive of them. YouTube reviews were mostly positive, and online reviews were generally not complimentary. Not knowing what to make of that, I rolled the dice and ordered one for $109 on sale from Amazon. For reference, I was previously using a Baofeng f8hp with 10' of coax to a Nagoya NMO-HDG GMRS-tuned antenna. With that rig, I could communicate through the only repeater in my area from about 35 miles away over urban terrain on a good day. I could only get that distance from southeast of the repeater, otherwise it fell to about 15 miles.

 

Upon arrival, the radio itself seemed solid enough with an (apparently) aluminum housing and the microphone/control head has a reasonably solid feel. It appears to be reasonably moisture-resistant with the data and external speaker jacks covered tightly by a door held in place by two tiny screws. Be careful not to lose them. You have to pay for the company's programming software, but fortunately it's Chirp-compatible. The first hiccup occurred with programming. The included cable doesn't work with Windows 11 drivers. Chirp directed me to a site to download legacy drivers which wasn't too much of a hassle and worked just fine. When I downloaded the radio to Chirp, I noticed that the frequencies corresponding to FRS 8-14 were blocked and you couldn't program them in at all. Not that it matters very much, but I like to be able to listen on those frequencies when I work some public events. However, when I cut and pasted the programming from my f8hp into Chirp and uploaded it, they appeared. I had "duplex off" on those frequencies and that transferred too. Note: Even if you have reprogrammed the radio in Chirp, when you download it again, it will show those frequencies blocked. I tested them with an FRS radio and I could hear just fine. Maybe it has something to do with FCC type certification? Regardless, the workaround was easy. 

 

The handset screen is reasonably visible, although it washes out quite a bit in bright light. Since it's inside the cab of the truck, that isn't much of a problem. It has the capability to monitor three frequencies at once (!) which I immediately disabled. I set it up with 3 channels I use frequently and can toggle through them using the button on the lower left. Of course, you can punch in any frequency or any channel you have programmed from the keypad, if you want. Interestingly, programming software only gives you the option to select high or low power, but from the handset you can choose low, medium, or high power. At present, I don't have any way to test power, but reviewers have noted that on GMRS frequencies, you will probably obtain somewhat less than the rated 20 watts. Setting volume is a bit of a pain if you follow the instruction manual, but some reviewers found that if you short-press the "power on/off" button which kills the squelch, you can then adjust volume using the "up and down" buttons on the handset, and indeed that worked for me. Some reviewers have reported that sound through the speaker/mic isn't very good, but in my experience, it's on par with most of the other speaker/mics out there. There is the capability to use an external speaker if you prefer. The mic wouldn't reach easily from under the seat to where I wanted it, so I got an aviation radio 8-pin extension cable, and it works just fine.

 

At least one reviewer reported that in use, the radio got really hot, but I haven't had that experience. It gets warm to the touch, but certainly nothing excessive or concerning. As for performance, it seems a bit better than the f8hp but not leaps and bounds better. Of course, power comes in no better than third after terrain and antenna in terms of distance, but depending upon where I am, I get maybe 2-5 more miles over the same terrain and with the same antenna. I do seem to get slightly better clarity both transmitting and receiving, so that's something. Only slightly, but I'll take it. 

 

Overall, I'm satisfied. It's not dramatically better than what I was using, but it's a lot more elegant and convenient than a HT bumping around in the cab and the ability to toggle channels from the handset is definitely an improvement. It's not by any stretch of the imagination a high-end Ham or GMRS radio, but what do you expect for the price? If you understand what you're buying and don't expect it to be something it isn't, it might suit your needs.

[Guest]

Good to know.  Thanks for the review.  
 

 It also comes in a dual band ham version so the 8-14 wouldn’t be a problem and it could use murs should that be something some one may want.  
With your antenna and coax you should be up from about 14radiated wats to almost 60 radiated watts.  

[WSFL333]

I just received the same radio described as a KT 9900 gmrs radio. 
I had trouble communicating with the radio using the software that I downloaded from the website. It iis listed there as a dual band KT 9900 not a gmrs radio. I sent them an email to confirm that the software is the correct one. it will probably take several days to get a reply 

the software loaded up ok but was unable to see the comm port. I tried various ports but it didn’t recognize any of them and I assumed maybe the programming cable was bad. I reluctantly hand programmed a few channels and confirmed that they were able to communicate with my ht radio. 
 

I like the idea of the 8 pin extension cable since that will allow me to locate the radio body in a more out of the way place. 
 

I will be testing it out later today on the road. 

[WRTC928]

5 hours ago, Socalgmrs said:

Good to know.  Thanks for the review.  
 

 It also comes in a dual band ham version so the 8-14 wouldn’t be a problem and it could use murs should that be something some one may want.  
With your antenna and coax you should be up from about 14radiated wats to almost 60 radiated watts.  

The one I have is a dual band, I just didn't mention it. Despite that, it blocks 8-14. No problem, though, since you can just copy/paste over those channels and get them back. That may or may not be the case with other individual radios. These inexpensive Chinese radios can have quite a bit of "individual personality". It's possible that you could program them in from the handset; I didn't try it. Yes, it does function on MURS frequencies.

 

Yeah, I don't think wattage is my limitation. It's just a matter of being in an urban area with a lot of interference. Ironically, where I live it's actually rural but there doesn't seem to be anyone to talk to. Speaking of interference, I didn't mention that this radio seems to be fairly sensitive to certain types of RF interference. Most of the time I don't notice it, but when I drive past a road construction site, I get a lot of static. Even the ignition systems on heavy equipment can generate quite a bit of RF emissions and this radio is more sensitive to it than some others. Not a big deal to me, YMMV.

[WRTC928]

5 hours ago, WSFL333 said:

the software loaded up ok but was unable to see the comm port. I tried various ports but it didn’t recognize any of them and I assumed maybe the programming cable was bad. I reluctantly hand programmed a few channels and confirmed that they were able to communicate with my ht radio. 
 

I like the idea of the 8 pin extension cable since that will allow me to locate the radio body in a more out of the way place. 

The reason you can't find the comm port is because of the driver issue I mentioned. If you have Chirp, open it, select Anysecu WP-9900, and it will tell you about the driver issue and direct you to a site to download the legacy driver. Read the instructions carefully. According to Chirp, you may have to do this again in the future because Windows will automatically update your driver at the first opportunity. Just keep the downloaded file and run it again as necessary.

 

Be sure you get an aviation radio microphone cable. There's also a "microphone extension cable" that's intended for audio systems. It's also an 8-pin and looks the same in a picture, but it's a little smaller and won't fit. I found out so you don't have to. LOL!

[WRTC928]

On 11/22/2024 at 5:10 PM, WRTC928 said:

The reason you can't find the comm port is because of the driver issue I mentioned. If you have Chirp, open it, select Anysecu WP-9900, and it will tell you about the driver issue and direct you to a site to download the legacy driver. Read the instructions carefully. According to Chirp, you may have to do this again in the future because Windows will automatically update your driver at the first opportunity. Just keep the downloaded file and run it again as necessary.

 

Be sure you get an aviation radio microphone cable. There's also a "microphone extension cable" that's intended for audio systems. It's also an 8-pin and looks the same in a picture, but it's a little smaller and won't fit. I found out so you don't have to. LOL!

I forgot to say, in my radio, when I downloaded to Chirp, 8-14 were blocked as I noted above. When I copy/pasted from the spreadsheet for another radio, 8-14 were still blocked. I had to "select all" and then "delete" so that I was working from a completely blank spreadsheet. Then, when I copy/pasted from the other radio it worked fine. As I noted, if you download it again, in spite of the programming you gave it previously, it will once again block 8-14. Save the spreadsheet you just created and then use it whenever you want to change something.  I haven't tried to enter different frequencies into those slots, so I don't know if it would work, but if you want to have them, the copy/paste works. Just set duplex to "off" if you want to be sure you don't accidentally transmit on them. I wish the manufacturers wouldn't do this. Maybe in a "plug and play" dedicated GMRS unit it makes sense, but for a dual-bander that you're going to have to program from scratch anyway, it's stupid and annoying. Anyone who can program the radio can probably also turn tx off and anyone who wants to transmit with excessive power on those channels can probably figure out a way to do it.

[Hans]

I have been using one of these on my desk for a good while now and it gets hot... too hot... like it's going to melt through the desk hot on anything longer than brief communications. It's an interesting radio but I would only recommend it to someone who has a need for the couple of specialize features it offers (weather proof, display on handset, extremely small footprint, and good microphone connection - none of that RJ-45 or whatever nonsense).
 
ETA: I would certainly choose it over just an HT in the Jeep.

Edited November 25 by Hans
ETA

[WRTC928]

6 hours ago, Hans said:

I have been using one of these on my desk for a good while now and it gets hot... too hot... like it's going to melt through the desk hot on anything longer than brief communications. It's an interesting radio but I would only recommend it to someone who has a need for the couple of specialize features it offers (weather proof, display on handset, extremely small footprint, and good microphone connection - none of that RJ-45 or whatever nonsense).
 
ETA: I would certainly choose it over just an HT in the Jeep.

That's interesting. I'll watch for that. Maybe I just haven't used it for a prolonged enough time to notice it. It may be getting a lot more "air time" as a base unit than it will as a mobile. Thanks!

[WRTC928]

6 hours ago, Hans said:

  good microphone connection - none of that RJ-45 or whatever nonsense

Out of curiosity, what problems have you had with the RJ45-connected microphones? I have one on a CB in the truck (same situation - all controls on the handset) and it seems to work as well as the one on the Anysecu. I was able to extend the mic with a piece of ordinary cat 6 cable, which was convenient. If there are issues, I'd like to know what to watch out for.

[Guest]

I’d like to know also.  My rj45 plugs on all my Motorola radios work just fine and the are OLD!!! And abused. 

[WRTC928]

6 hours ago, Hans said:

I have been using one of these on my desk for a good while now and it gets hot... too hot... like it's going to melt through the desk hot on anything longer than brief communications.

With this in mind, I just went to Amazon and found a fireproof 16" x 24" mat for $10. I figure with that under the radio, I'll smell something scorching before it sets my truck on fire. I installed the radio with a quick-disconnect coupling on the power wire, so I can kill it quickly if necessary. Since the mat was so cheap, I ordered one to put under the CB as well. I didn't live to be this old by leaving stuff to chance.

[Hans]

(I'm having trouble right now finding the individual reply buttons and I never could seem to get the hang of properly mutli-quoting so...)
 
I had read in a few places that people noticed them running a tad warm, even warmer than would be expected while at idle. I began checking mine and noticed the same thing. Then I ended up being an unscheduled net control one evening. By 3/4 or so through I noticed the radio was alarmingly hot. I limped through the rest of the net. From there on, I began checking the radio regularly during normal communications that I would've done with any other radios and noticed that it does run considerably hotter than any other radio I have used in this location. When impromptu net control again, I kept a much closer eye on the radio and it did get very hot early on. I alternated between handhelds and the radio to finish off the net.
 
I have a different brand and model radio coming to replace it on my desk. The Anysecu will go into storage for future installation or temporary use. I was really only using it on the desk to play around and test it a little when I didn't have anything better to use. Originally, it was to go in a Jeep but something else was used in its place. Don't misunderstand, I really like the Anysecu and would have no problem using it but would remain aware of how hot it can get in a short amount of time. I would certainly install it on a motorcycle, quad or side-by-side, small recreational fresh water fishing/pontoon boat, snowmobile, etc.
 
When I first got the radio, I checked power output with a meter and found that this radio was not changing power levels when set to low. At least my sample of one is putting out 20+ watts regardless of the power setting. That might play a part in the temperatures. Normally I am running my radios at the lowest power setting that will get the job done.
 
As to the RJ-45, I don't like them on microphone connectors as they simply cannot be as robust as something like the good ole DIN type and locking ring (can't remember the nomenclature ATM... aviation connector?).  Comparing a Motorola RJ connector with a CCR RJ connector is a joke, right? But, if one were to pull on the locking aviation connector and then apply the same force to an RJ connector, the RJ is going to let go a lot earlier. Add a strain relief spring to that aviation connector and you have something really robust in comparison. If you like your RJ mic connector, you can keep your RJ mic connector. I simply prefer the other type.

[Hans]

5 hours ago, WRTC928 said:

With this in mind, I just went to Amazon and found a fireproof 16" x 24" mat for $10. I figure with that under the radio, I'll smell something scorching before it sets my truck on fire. I installed the radio with a quick-disconnect coupling on the power wire, so I can kill it quickly if necessary. Since the mat was so cheap, I ordered one to put under the CB as well. I didn't live to be this old by leaving stuff to chance.

(I figured out how to quote again at least... progress today.)
 
lol
 
I wouldn't worry about it setting anything on fire in a normal installation. My concern was that it was going to flow it's surface mount components out of place on the board and the innards would end up a mass of old flux, solder, and SM components is nice metal box. Or, the transmit burn up at least. So far, so good. People report that audio suffers a little when it gets extremely hot.
 
Then again, this thing is weather proof so it's encased in that full case heat sink so perhaps it seemed hotter to my touch than it was . For all I know, it could've ran twice as hot as I got it with no ill effects other than Tx audio quality suffering a little. There were the audio quality issue others reported when it felt that hot so something was being affected.

[Guest]

As for the rj45 plug I guess Motorola really dropped the ball on all those professional radios in law enforcement and fire and emt vehicles.  I’m sure your much harder in them then these guys.   I mean I’ve never pulled out of damaged any rj45 or any other plug in a mic and we use them every day all day.   But I’m an adult that takes care of my stuff. 

[WRTC928]

Thanks for the info! As I commented above, the QC on inexpensive Chinese radios can be spotty and it's entirely possible some of them get really hot and others don't. Also, it's very unlikely that I'll run mine as hard as you did yours. For $10, I doubt I'll regret buying the fireproof mat, and it makes me feel better. 

 

Yes, I can see that the DIN cords are probably more robust than the RJ45, but the way I have it set up, there's not likely to be any significant strain on my CB mic cable. It's something to watch, though.

[Hans]

9 hours ago, Socalgmrs said:

As for the rj45 plug I guess Motorola really dropped the ball on all those professional radios in law enforcement and fire and emt vehicles.  I’m sure your much harder in them then these guys.   I mean I’ve never pulled out of damaged any rj45 or any other plug in a mic and we use them every day all day.   But I’m an adult that takes care of my stuff. 

The snark is absolutely unnecessary. I simply relayed my experiences with the radio and my opinions. You have a problem with that then I really don't care.
 
If you have anything of relevance that isn't snark or idiocy, I am delighted to read and digest it.

[Hans]

9 hours ago, WRTC928 said:

Thanks for the info! As I commented above, the QC on inexpensive Chinese radios can be spotty and it's entirely possible some of them get really hot and others don't. Also, it's very unlikely that I'll run mine as hard as you did yours. For $10, I doubt I'll regret buying the fireproof mat, and it makes me feel better. 

 

Yes, I can see that the DIN cords are probably more robust than the RJ45, but the way I have it set up, there's not likely to be any significant strain on my CB mic cable. It's something to watch, though.

Yeah, I understand the mat and you got it cheap enough. $10 for your peace of mind is a small price, IMHO. And, yes, a long net like that was a lot to ask of a CCR. To its true credit, it did the job and survived so that has to count for a lot. I do like the radio but for specific duties.
 
Some like the DIN and some like the RJ type connectors. Whatever you like is the one to go with.
 
Thank you for the review of a unique and, IMHO, good little niche radio.