NOTICE – Since this was written Anytone has released a new version labeled AT-500M II. This radio has some added features such as weather channels and FM deviation of 2 or 4 khz according to the specs. Modification information is here https://simonthewizard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/anytone-at-500-ii-frequency-band-setting-power-modification.pdf
The new version is now available through Amazon @ https://amzn.to/44whEBq
Original AT500M evaluation:
The instruction manual is a little vague on some functions. Repeater offset is not adjustable other than plus or minus shift. RX audio is loud and sounds good for a radio of this size. The speaker is mounted on the underside of the chassis. This radio is perhaps one of the best sounding radios I have ever heard for a radio this size.
This radio is sold as a 10 meter radio and it covers several bands out of the box. No modifications are required to make it transmit out of band. The radio is not continuously tunable but channelized with some channels labeled as “A” channels to correspond with the 11 meter CB band. Each “BAND” or frequency range requires turning the radio off and holding the “EMRG” button in while powering on, then turning off again after selecting the “BAND” letter. “D” is the normal 11 meter CB band.
Pros:
Frequency readout in addition to channel numbers.
Background color is selectable in 7 different colors.
No skip over of the “A” channels, channel indicator indicates “A” channels.
EMRG button can be programmed to 2 channels. Default is 9 and 19.
Supports plus or minus 100 khz repeater splits.
+5 khz offset so your frequencies can end in either 0 or 5 khz.
DCS and CTCSS selectable tones in menu.
15 watts FM and 7 watts AM.
NBFM means you are not limited to frequencies above 29.000 mhz and can use it on any 10 or 12 meter amateur frequency where voice is permitted. FCC rules state a modulation index of not more than 1 and this meets those specs.
Cons:
AM/FM only.
FM deviation is around 2.0 khz maximum. This would cause low audio on most 10 meter repeaters. No provision for +/- 5 khz deviation for use above 29.000 mhz. Reports of weak or low audio would be a common occurrence above 29 mhz.
AM modulation is only about 60% on high power but 100% on low power. This is a common complaint voiced by others.
No physical internal adjustments.