Radio: Cotre – C006D Reviewed (Skip the C001D, C004D)

UPDATE: Sampler Codeplug updated with major PNWD repeaters // Pricing for the C006D can be as low as $31, which makes it a good buy for a secondary or glovebox radio. // Buying your 5-star review / I updated this page to reflect more on my several months experience with these radios as well as their wider use on the PNWD network. Amazon pricing is volatile so check often. Skip all but the C006D if you think you want a Cootie as your primary radio.

These low cost UHF DMR radios are not “endorsed” by PNWDigital but may be used. If you are new to DMR, this series of UHF DMR HT’s will not provide the best user experience for you to fairly evaluate DMR. There may be a place for them such as for use on hotspots, Go-Box, Glovebox, back-up, demo, giveaway, throw-away, analog, simplex or full duplex monitoring. Only the C006D (yellow case, far right) is truly worth getting if you want something somewhat better in the low-cost range occupied by Baofeng level junker radios. I use the Anytones and always take MotoTRBO radios on hilltrips, but still, there is a place for the 6D Cootie Radio.

Amazon Reference: C001D // C004D // C006D // Prog Cables are $9 for the 1D and 6D, $20 for the 4D

BOTTOM-LINE TIP: All pricing can vary widely. If you must get a Cootie, go for the C006D. The C004D (at around $30) and “1D” for any use other than monitoring, is a waste of $$$, IMHO. The upgraded “4D” is better than the 1D and has multiple zone, 32 channels rather than 16 in the single zone, translucent display and works quite well on VHF and 220 with an antenna mod. But honestly, don’t spend time or money on the 1D or 4D Cooties unless they are priced at less than $10 or $20 respectively.

The C006D $31-$65 UHF “professional” radio is best of the lot (Pros/Cons) and can be useful on VHF also. So the value/cost is about half of the dual-band Anytone 868 at around $120. I’d go with the 868 if possible.

CPS, Codeplugs and Docs are at bottom of this page

C006D Update: Functions as described, no issues yet, single receive, no digital monitor, so must use the Rx/Scan technique for a pseudo digital monitor, has some interesting equalizer settings in radio’s menu. Simple opinion; this radio may be worth $50 but still the 868 at under $120 would be the better overall value to most hams. New DMR users likely won’t be given as good a DMR experience that would be expected from an Anytone. Again IMHO and with a bit of bias too. But then, $31 is a compelling price-point and why I just 4 more tor demo or giveaway hardware. Your mileage may vary.

While the Cotre’s are very low cost, they are especially poor for first time DMR users and should not be considered a primary radio. The user’s DMR experience is likely to be inferior as the radio does not have the great ham features of the Anytones and will not likely make for a good first impression of Ham DMR. Simplex and single slot hotspot use may be OK as well a a glovebox, backpack or secondary radio. Again, your mileage may vary.

The Cotre 6D’s should be considered as spare or back-up radios and not a primary DMR radio for new DMR users.

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I created test codeplugs so I can better evaluate the “1D”, “4D” and “6D”. It might give you a boost for a jump-off point.

Russell, K7RRL has created a nice programming guide for the “C006D” and it is in Document – Cotre files at the bottom of this page.

By using the AJ6JA Unlocker (or Hex Edit), codeplugs can be enabled for 144-470 Mhz channel entry (thanks to AC7RX). The C006D radio works fairly well when TX’ing on VHF with a dual band antenna. Rx operation can be enabled from 100-999Mhz and VCO lock in some of those segments are possible. Once modified, by sure save your codeplug, then read your radio and save that codeplug as you master

BEWARE: It appears that the CPS is the same for all 3 radios. But be sure to load and write the correct codeplug to hardware. The wrong version written to the radio can BRICK it. Ask me how I know this. The stock codeplug for each radio is included in each CPS for each version. Or you can just read your new radio, save it, tuck it away and then resave it again under a new working filename and build away.

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6-27-23: Sadly, no longer available on Amazon and hasn’t been for months. // 12-29-22: Now $31.99 with coupon / 4-2-22 UPDATE: This radio is now $37 with Amazon coupon, great value radio at this price point

C006D Pro’s – Consider this model, skip the 1D and 4D below

• 4 watts, SMA-R antenna connector, same as the Anytone
• Closer to a professional radio…at least by Chinese standards but nowhere close to an old Anytone 868
• Fair battery capacity (7.4V/200mA/14.8wh) and easy to change out (similar to Anytone slim battery)
• 1024 channels, 1024 contacts, 10 scan lists, 32 talkgroups per RX Group
  • (more pro than con but weak against Anytone)
  • Scan is fairly fast looping through 14 channels
• Uses same Baofeng Ch340 cable as the C001D, ~$10 on Amazon
• Use of the AJ6JA Unlocker (or Hex Edit), codeplug can be enabled for 144-470 Mhz channel entry (thanks to AC7RX)
  • Unlocker works as well and appears to have normal low power, suggest setting the useful range to: 144-470 Mhz
    • Must use a dual band HT antenna but can hit a DMR repeater on low power, 8 miles out at -114 through the forest
    • SMA-R antenna connector is deep reach, so be sure your antenna connects to center pin
    • I trimmed the rubber off the base of the antenna to get an extra 1/16th inch
    • FM RF Power output using Bird 43 5 watt slug in appropriate range (used 3 slugs 100-1000 Mhz)
      • 445.00 – Low Power = 1.20 watts // High Power = 3.8 watts
      • 223.50 – Low Power = 0 watts // High Power = .05 watts (No Rx lock at 223.5)
        • No 223.5 Rx lock was evident on the 6D model
      • 146.00 – Low Power = 1.22 watts // High Power = 2.4 watts
      • 700.00 – Low Power = 0 watts // High Power = 0 watts
      • 925.00 – Low Power = 0 watts // High Power = 0 watts
      • No Rx sensitivity measurements done as yet, VHF is likely OK to good, based on Tx testing
    • Bottom line: get a 868 for around $120 for all but throw-away or back-up uses unless less than ~$50.
• Audio Equalizer has settings for 400, 1000 and 2500 Hz and then level changes from 0 to minus 4
  • not fully explored as to their effect, likely for Rx side
  • Mic has a denoiser (honest, that is the term), likely a form of level control

Might be a decent inexpensive $50 Dual band FM/DMR Starter Radio without the many features of the Anytone HT’s

C006D Cons

• UHF only (but can be unlocked “useful” VHF operation via the 100-999 Mhz radio chip)
• Single band receive and no promiscuous mode/digital monitor but, does support Rx Groups.
• $31 to $85, save your money and get a more mainstream and better supported radio for the money, but $31 is compelling
• Programing cable not included but uses the same cable as the inexpensive “1D”
  • (~$10 on Amazon), USB A with electronics to the Kenwood 2 pin type connector
• Less display information displayed compared to Anytones
• SMS is not compatible with Anytone

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Early testing puts the C004D (4D for short) at the head of the class of the 2 for a value/cost ratio only (go for the 6D if you must go with this manufacturer). the 4D is about $30 (Amazon with coupon) currently while the C001D (1D for short) is about $21. Get the “4D” as it is substantially better for a few more dollars if you must. It uses a different prog cable but uses the same puny battery as the “1D”‘s (nice if you already have one). Do not pay $60 for the “4D”, there are better and proven HT’s out there with a decent track record.

C001D Pro’s – Skip this radio, stick with the C006D model above

• Inexpensive at $13-$21 on Amazon (volatile pricing so may vary)
• This radio is fine for use with single-slot hotspots, better than tying up your Anytone
• Fine for monitoring, hotspot use, simplex, glovebox, backpack, spare or emergency use
  • Use it a duplex monitor radio back from a repeater for feedback on your signal
• Tx audio quality is good overall but very low and not adjustable
• Use external speaker for excellent Rx audio monitoring
  • 2.5mm RS male out to amplified computer speakers
  • Use 1k to 1.2k ohm resistor in series with a .01 mf capacitor cut bass and decrease level
    • This puts level 1 or 2 out of 1D to around 1/3-1/2 of computer speaker volume range
  • feed 2 “1D’s” (or 4d’s) out to left and right of computer speakers
    • I made a “Y” cable for two 2.5mm TS males to one 3.5mm TRS female (for standard computer speaker stereo in for radio left and right)
• Can be modified for very wide Rx, down into VHF and up higher, for RX only
• Standard low power USB port on a computer, etc will charge fine
  • Charge in car or RV via 5 VDC micro B USB male to charger base
  • Radio off draws almost nothing and radio on draws 45 mA with radio idling
• Great support site with a VHF Rx mod/service at: jhart99-AJ6JA
• Use of the AJ6JA Unlocker, CPS is enabled for 100-999 Mhz channel entry (thanks to AC7RX)
  • WARNING: Tx outside of 400-480 may break things
  • Rx on VHF analog and DMR works with less sensitivity and likely reduced Tx output
    • Tested was s220 RF repeater 19 miles away using quartwave spike antenna on HT
  • TX on 220 Mhz works on analog, DMR was not tested but should work (WARNING)

C001D Con’s – Skip this radio, stick with the C006D model above

• No Display, 2 Watts, UHF only (mod for 100-999 Rx available)
• 1 zone of 16 channels from a selection of 32 channels ,maximum
• No digital monitor but can use mix of scan and RX groups for pseudo promiscuous mode
• Short battery life
• Hot minimum audio level with hot voice annunciation as well
  • Internal speaker audio quality is OK, external speaker or speaker/mic might be an improvement (pending)
• Programming cable is not included, uses Baofeng style cable but most cables fail as the Cotre expects the CH-340 chip
  • Prog cable most likely to work uses the CH-340 chip, prog cable is $9 on Amazon
• Antenna connector is a 3mm screw with no ground (but has been modified to an SMA)
  • Antenna modification recommended as the stock antenna is marginal

So now have 2 1D’s listening the desk chargers 7/24. The wall wart is 5VDC @ 550mA into a micro B connector. The tiny radio batteries charge at 4.2 VDC and float at 4.1 VDC. Radio on in charger with fully charged battery is drawing about 45mA. So a standard low power USB port on a computer, etc will keep these radios charged, so you can charge them in the car if you like. The battery is hard to change out with the belt clip in the way.

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C004D Pros – this is the model suggested as having the best value/cost ratio (VHF, 220 & UHF)

• Around $30 currently (as low as $20 if you watch pricing and use the coupons)
• Much improved over the “1D”
• up to 32 channels in 1 zone
  • Need to create a channel chart unless you are blessed with a wonderful memory
  • Or screenshot the zone channel table in CPS and print
• Numeric display through translucent case
• Lowest volume level better than the hot 1D
• Tx Audio is higher (better) and has more settings (not yet explored, but seems good to enable all 3 in Tx)
• Uses same battery and charger (more of less) as the 1D
• Smaller than the 1D, more a pocket radio
• Better for use by EmComm or other groups that need simple radios
  • Cheaper for mass users by personnel who don’t full need displays
  • Near disposable radio
• Unique PTT approach, not a plus or minus, just different or weird
  • The PTT switch is where the speaker normally is – very large button
  • But it is fine, speaker is located at the bottom front of the radio
• LED for PTT, Signal Rx, etc is located as a ring around the base of antenna and is used for several functions
  • Red for Tx, Dark Green for active talker, light green for TG Group Call Hang Time and Scan active
• Display is numerical, translucent through front of radio above the speaker
• Use of the AJ6JA Unlocker (or Hex Edit), codeplug can be enabled for 144-470 Mhz channel entry (thanks to AC7RX)
  • VHF and 220 work on DMR, antenna is very poor for out of band operation and needs to be mod’ed
  • AC7RX has upgraded the antenna for better Rx and Tx
  • See more info in the C001D Pro section above
• Best Value for a $30 FM/DMR Tri-band HT with translucent display, far better than the “1D”
  • But still not recommended as a starter radio for new DMR users or NON-experimenters

C004D Cons

• 2 watts, UHF only, Fixed antenna (poor antenna design)
• Shorter battery life (if like the “1D” model), battery difficult to access, so likely must keep the charger handy
• Cotre Prog cable is a micro B and is $20 on Amazon…but see below for $13 cable
  • Included a CD but didn’t need it on my windoZe 10 Pro box
  • This GoCom $13 cable also works: Amazon ConneCom/GoCom GD700-800 (thanks Greg!)
• Headphone Jack is 2.5 mm, marked as headphones
  • Unknown if it supports mic, but likely does (undetermined at this time)
  • Unknown if this 2.5 jack is TRS or TRRS version, guess would be TRS
• Antenna is not removable, about 3 inches in length with green LED ring at base
  • Needs to be modified for use on VHF or 220, either cobble antenna or hardware your own wire/antenna

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Cotre CPS

Cotre Codeplugs

Documents for the Cotre line of hardware

First Published: January 20, 2022 Last Updated: 1 year ago by Mike – NO7RF

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