Motorola APX N70. I have mixed opinions about this line of radios. While they seem to be built very well with exceptional audio quality, the pricing on this single-band P25-only radio is comparable to competing multi-band, multi-mode radios from other manufacturers. Motorola SmartConnect over LTE seems to work very well, but is cost-prohibitive to smaller agencies. SmartConnect also requires a P25 core to operate.
#motorola #apx #p25 #comms
After my BKR9000 post yesterday, I realized I should mention the legacy of its predecessors. The BK DPHX (shown), GPH and older models were mainstays in the wildland fire service for decades. Originally manufactured by Bendix-King, these metal-cased radios gained a reputation for durability, reliability and ease of use. The Bendix King line of LMR radios was eventually sold to Relm, and was rebranded as "BK Radio". It will be hard for the BKR9000 and BKR5000 to live up to the legacy models, but so far I am impressed with this 9000.
Testing out a BKR9000, all-band P25 radio. One of the cool things about this unit is that it allows true non-affiliate scan of P25 trunked radio systems. No trickery or system key required.
Putting the SiteHawk to work today. Among other things, it makes tuning mobile antennas a breeze. And it's pretty cool to be able to send a screenshot of the customer's SWR reading to their phone or email.
#lmr #landmobileradio #sitehawk #emwave #antennas #comms
Mobile radio install inside a factory center console, for a client who wanted a low-profile installation. Close the lid and you wouldn't know it was there.
#comms #twowayradio #kenwood
Let's talk mobile antennas for a bit.
Whenever I install a mobile radio antenna, I always try to use a permanent NMO mount on the roof. Properly installed, a NMO mount will rarely leak or damage the vehicle, aside from the initial 3/4" hole required.
While there is a place and time for fender mounts, truck bed mounts and even mag-mounts, they are all a compromise in one way or another. They either lack an effective metal ground-plane to enable most antennas to work effectively, are slightly directional due to the vehicle blocking parts of the signal, or lack durability.
When choosing an NMO mount and antenna, stick with the major brands like PulseLarsen, E/M Wave, Laird and PCTel. While there are exceptions to this, those brands have been used by public safety and industrial users for years. I'm very fond of the E/M Wave (shown) and Larsen antennas due to their weather resistant bases.
#comms #twowayradio #antennas
Whatever comms you use, don't forget to practice with them. It's just as important as range time.
While now discontinued, the Motorola HT1250 and other Motorola "Waris" series radios have been a mainstay in the commercial and public safety world since 1999. Commercial grade analog radios like these are still a great choice as long as you don't need digital capability.
#comms #twowayradio #motorola #ht1250 #p365
Setup another power-failure alarm at one of the repeater sites I maintain today. I have installed several of these Ritron RQT voice-alert radios for this function. They can also be used for door open, temperature, or other alarms.
This one is set up to send a 2-tone page and voice message over the existing radio system when mains power is lost, and when it is restored.
#ritron #radiorepeater #towersite #twowayradio #comms
Another recent radio install. The color displays on the Kenwood NX-5000 series are great for applying custom agency power-up screens
#kenwood #nx5000 #p25 #comms
