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  3. DR-MD-520E vs QT80

Alinco DR-MD-520E vs Radioddity QT80

What DR-MD-520E does better (2) and where QT80 wins (1) — every spec side by side.

Alinco DR-MD-520E
Alinco · 2026DR-MD-520E
9.7Score
2 advantages≈ £480
Higher score
vs
Radioddity QT80
Radioddity · 2025QT80
1 advantage≈ £260
8.7Features4.8
Dimensions

Size comparison

DR-MD-520EQT80
188 × 14140252 × 15848
DR-MD-520EQT80Difference
Height141 mm158 mm−17 mm
Width188 mm252 mm−64 mm
Depth40 mm48 mm−8 mm
Weight1,040 g1,270 g−230 g

Drawn to the same scale from the official dimensions (front and side).

Why is DR-MD-520E better than QT80?

  1. Privacy codes (CTCSS / DCS)1,074 vs 1427.6×
  2. Weight1,040 g vs 1,270 g+22%

Why is QT80 better than DR-MD-520E?

  1. Transmit power55 W vs 80 W+45%
Specifications

Side by side

Alinco DR-MD-520EAlinco DR-MD-520E≈ £4809.7
Radio & range
Radio standardsAmateur VHF, Amateur UHFAmateur
LicenceAmateur licenceAmateur licence
Dual band (VHF + UHF)Yes—
Frequency ranges430 - 440 MHz; 400 - 480 MHz; 144 - 146 MHz; 108 - 136.991 MHz; 76 - 108 MHz; 136 - 174 MHz28 - 29.7 MHz
Transmit power55 W80 W
Channels4,000—
Privacy codes (CTCSS / DCS)1,074142
CTCSS / DCS sub-tonesYesYes
Squelchadjustableautomatic, adjustable
Power & battery
Battery voltage13.8 V12 V
Power sourceMains / 12 V vehicleMains / 12 V vehicle
USB-C chargingNoNo
Design & durability
Weight1,040 g1,270 g
Width188 mm252 mm
Height141 mm158 mm
Depth40 mm48 mm
DisplayBacklit displayBacklit display
ColoursBlackBlack
Features
VOX (hands-free)—Yes
VOX sensitivity levels—9
Channel scanYesYes
Dual watch—Yes
Emergency / SOS alarmYesYes
FM radioYes—
Key lockYesYes
Roger beep—Yes
Monitor buttonYes—
Noise reduction—Yes
Voice encryption / scramblerYes—
GPSYes—
PC programmableYesYes
Connectivity
Headset / earpiece jackYesYes
ConnectorsRJ-45 Mikrofonbuchse, 3,5mm Klinke6‑polige Mikrofonbuchse, 3,5mm Klinke, micro USB
Radios in the base pack—1
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