VHF/UHF Dual-Band Mobile Radio M520D
Dual-band DMR and analog vehicle radio with 3,000 memory channels and a keypad hand microphone
A mobile radio covering VHF 136-174 MHz and UHF 400-480 MHz with high and low power selection, DMR digital and analog working modes, 3,000 memory channels, CTCSS/DCS analog signalling, Bluetooth, FM radio and PC programming.
Reviewed by Ellen Zhou
- Bands
- VHF 136-174 MHz + UHF 400-480 MHz
- Output power
- VHF 25 W / 5 W; UHF 20 W / 5 W
- Channels
- 3,000 memory channels
- Modes
- DMR digital + analog
Overview
The M520D is a dual-band vehicle-mounted mobile radio that covers VHF 136-174 MHz and UHF 400-480 MHz in one chassis, so an operator licensed in both services needs one radio per vehicle instead of two. It runs DMR digital and analog modes, stores 3,000 channels and is operated from a display front panel with a keypad hand microphone.
Positioning and role
- Two bands, one chassis: VHF 136-174 MHz and UHF 400-480 MHz in a single radio.
- One unit instead of two: suits operators who hold licences in both services.
- Digital and analog: DMR digital working plus analog for equipment not yet converted.
- Staged migration: analog mode lets a fleet move to digital in stages.
- Driver control: display front panel with control knobs for quick operation in the vehicle.
Core functions
- Digital mode: clearer audio and better use of a licensed channel.
- Analog mode: keeps the vehicle able to talk to unconverted equipment.
- Analog signalling: CTCSS about 50 groups and DCS about 104 groups, which decides shared-channel use with existing handhelds.
- 3,000 channels: full-frequency coverage keeps plans for several sites, departments or regions in the radio, with no reload when a vehicle changes duty.
- PC programming: plans are prepared on a computer and written to the radio rather than entered by hand.
In-cab operation
- Display front panel: shows a VHF frequency on one line and a UHF frequency on the other, so a driver can check the channel at a glance.
- Controls: menu, exit and channel up/down controls are on the panel.
- Hand microphone: keypad microphone on a coiled cord.
- Bluetooth: documented for wireless accessories.
- FM radio: broadcast reception when the vehicle is parked or waiting.
Configuration choices
- Output power: VHF 25 W / 5 W and UHF 20 W / 5 W, with high and low power selection.
- GPS: optional; confirm at order if vehicle location must be reported with voice traffic.
- Band version: licensed service and band plan differ by market; confirm the matching version.
- Channel plan: check whether the radio must sit on the same channels as existing analog handhelds.
Installation
- Power: DC 13.8 V working voltage, connected as a normal mobile-radio fit to the vehicle electrical system.
- Size and weight: 135 x 125 x 46 mm and 1 kg, leaving freedom about placing the unit on or under the dash.
- Installation quality: power wiring, antenna position and grounding decide performance and are agreed with the dealer or installer.
Ordering and OEM
- Licensing: business channels are licensed locally by the operator or importer.
- Technical documentation: we supply what the application needs.
- Order checks: licensed band, GPS option and shared channels with analog handhelds.
- OEM and ODM: branding customisation available.
- Quote confirmation: exact configuration, accessories and programming confirmed with the quotation.
Full specification
| Frequency band | VHF: 136-174 MHz & UHF: 400-480 MHz |
|---|---|
| Output power | VHF: 25 W / 5 W; UHF: 20 W / 5 W |
| Working voltage | DC 13.8 V |
| Channel memory | Full-frequency coverage + 3,000 memory channels |
| Working modes | Digital DMR and analog |
| Analog signalling | CTCSS ~50 groups / DCS ~104 groups |
| Bluetooth | Supported |
| FM radio | Supported |
| Programming | PC programming |
| GPS | Optional |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 135 x 125 x 46 mm |
| Weight | 1 kg |
Shipping & compliance
- Lithium battery: UN38.3 test summary and SDS are available for transport.
- Type approval, FCC or CE documents depend on the model and band version; confirm at quotation.
- Project pricing on request. MOQ and lead time depend on the model and configuration.
- Warranty and spare-parts terms are confirmed in the project quotation.
Typical applications
- Taxi, shuttle and ride services coordinated by a dispatcher
- Logistics, distribution and delivery fleets
- Fleets licensed in two services that would otherwise need two radios per vehicle
- Plant, yard and site vehicles working alongside handheld crews
- Operations that need location reporting through the optional GPS function
- Companies running several channel plans from the same vehicle pool
Frequently asked questions
Click a question to see the answer
How is it mounted in the vehicle?
The M520D is a mobile radio, so it is fitted in the vehicle, typically on or under the dashboard with a bracket, with the keypad hand microphone on its coiled lead. Tell us the vehicle type and where you want the unit, and we confirm the mounting bracket and wiring kit for the version ordered.
What power supply does it need?
The documented working voltage is DC 13.8 V, which suits a vehicle electrical system of that class. Confirm the vehicle supply with your installer, and we will match the power lead and fuse arrangement to the version you order.
Which band version should I order?
The model is documented across VHF 136-174 MHz and UHF 400-480 MHz. Which service you may use depends on the licence held in your market, since band plans differ from country to country; tell us the destination country and we will confirm the matching version.
Do we need a licence?
Transmitting on business radio channels normally requires a licence issued to the user. Licensing is handled locally by the importer or the operating company, and we provide the technical documentation needed for the application.
Can the radio work with our existing handhelds?
Yes, subject to the licence and the channel plan. The radio runs DMR digital and analog modes with CTCSS and DCS analog signalling, so it can be programmed onto the same channels as existing handhelds where the signalling matches.
Is GPS included?
GPS is documented as an optional function, so it is confirmed with the quotation rather than assumed. If you need location reporting, say so when you ask for pricing and we will include the option in the configuration.
Request a quote for this model
Send your required quantity, frequency band and target country — we will reply with pricing, lead time and shipping options.
Get a Quote