I received my Anytone AT5555 Plus N today and after perusing the owner's manual powered it up and I am pleasantly amazed at the ease of operations. The antenna that I connected is a simple homebrew end fed coax cable dipole known as a "flower pot antenna" or "T2LT" that's suspended vertically from a limb of our tall redwood tree at only 7 feet from the feed point up to 23 feet. I made it out of the cheapest China made RG58 that I could find on eBay; 100 ft for $16.99, as an experiment. (Watch "Build an easy 10 meter vertical antenna for DX" by Ham Radio DX.) Tuned at 1.01:1 at 28.4000 I hoped I'd have some success, but only dreamed of what came next. My Technician privileges for voice are 28.3000-28.5000 SSB only, so searching the 31 10k step frequencies on band B, I made contact with three stations from my QTH in Rio Dell, CA; grid CN70wl. First RX 59 from Minnesota reported TX 59. Second RX 57 from Texas reported TX 57. Third RX 57 reported TX 57 all within an hour of sunset, just before the band closed. I also monitored stations in Mexico, Washington, and Colorado. This transceiver is so easy to dial in with the clarifier. Each push on it changes to the next digit left until it returns to the right and can be fine tuned on each step for clear reception. I haven't even used the NR, yet. It has full sound and can be turned up way too loud. Checking with one station I found it spot on frequency. I'm studying for my General that I'll take next month, so I will have full privileges on 10 meters including AM, FM, and SSB up to 29.7000. My next antenna projects for it are an inverted V wire dipole for NVIS, a 1/4 wave telescopic with four 8' radials a few feet off of the ground, and another flower pot T2LT out of stranded Mil-Spec RG58 A/U. 10 meters is opening and it's only going to get better. I think I've found my favorite base and portable radio. It's perfect timing to get on the band and have some QSOs. IMHO, the AT5555 Plus N is the best value and CB is a bonus; I think.???? After months considering alternatives at all powers and prices all I can say is this one's a sleeper and the best bang for the bucks. HOORAH!!!
P.S. The radio comes preprogrammed and is easily programmed via Windows with the cable that's NOT INCLUDED. I didn't buy one, as I used the TYT cable I have for my TYT TH-9800. Prolific USB to MINI USB at the back of the radio. The fun has just begun.