Direct Frequency Entry and TextLink

[FDRadioguy777]

Is Direct Frequency Entry in Harris Radios only for conventional mode?

Also, anyone familiar TextLink? Does it required preprogrammed messages or can you type a message if you have a system model radio?

Thank you.

 

[Syncopations]

Direct Frequency Entry(option 34), only works on conventional mode. You can change voice mode(analog or digital(P25) if supported), RX and TX values as well as TPL/DPL/NAC tones and such.

As for TextLink, I believe it requires preprogrammed messages using RPM. I haven't been able to test it.

Is Direct Frequency Entry in Harris Radios only for conventional mode?

Also, anyone familiar TextLink? Does it required preprogrammed messages or can you type a message if you have a system model radio?

Thank you.

 

[FDRadioguy777]

Thank you for sharing that information with me. I played around with TextLink a little bit and it seems like preprogrammed messages are required from what I found. Also, do you know, is there a limit on how many frequencies you can add using Direct Frequency Entry (option 34)? Thanks.

 

[Syncopations]

You can modify any existing conventional frequency that has been preprogrammed using RPM. Example, the 800mhz interop frequencies that most radios have. You can edit those to your liking.

Thank you for sharing that information with me. I played around with TextLink a little bit and it seems like preprogrammed messages are required from what I found. Also, do you know, is there a limit on how many frequencies you can add using Direct Frequency Entry (option 34)? Thanks.

 

[FDRadioguy777]

So it sounds like I can only modify the amount frequencies that are already programmed in there instead of adding them? Thanks.

 

[Syncopations]

That's correct.

So it sounds like I can only modify the amount frequencies that are already programmed in there instead of adding them? Thanks.

 

[rescue161]

You can edit ONE at a time. Once you edit a frequency, the radio display changes to "CUSTOM" for that channel. If you edit another frequency, the original one that you modified goes back to its original programming. It really does suck for an FPP option, but it does great for just a one-time edit until you can get back to the computer to program that frequency in on its own channel.

 

[FDRadioguy777]

Yeah, it sounds a little different than the Motorola FPP. But I have heard it is pretty rare in a Harris radio so I guess it is a bonus.

 

[rescue161]

I bought it for an M7100 that I had a few years ago. It was only $105 and did good for what it was. Now, it's like pulling teeth to get them to sell me that option. I should know something next week if Harris will allow me to have it - again...

 

[FDRadioguy777]

On they don't really offer that feature much anymore? Or was it always difficult to get?

 

[rescue161]

I went through a dealer to buy DFE and P25 conventional in 2008. I inquired and had the FEC in my email inbox shortly after I paid. NOW, I'm having to go through a different dealer who is asking a bunch of questions as to why I need either of the requested features. I keep telling him that we have a mixed-mode P25 repeater in my area and I'd like to have the DFE so if another ham asks me to go to a frequency that I don't have programmed, I can quickly change an existing channel so we can talk.

His argument is that, "Well, with DFE, you will be able to put any frequency in the radio." And I responded that I have the software and can program in anything I want anyway. DFE is just a temporary solution for a one-time edit. It is NOT like Motorola's FPP. If I could FPP an XTL5000, then I'd throw this M7100 back on Ebay where it came from.

 

[FDRadioguy777]

Yeah that makes sense. I hear Harris is really limiting who they do business with. But I definitely agree with you that it should not be a big deal especially because you have the software.

 

[mancow]

I went through a dealer to buy DFE and P25 conventional in 2008. I inquired and had the FEC in my email inbox shortly after I paid. NOW, I'm having to go through a different dealer who is asking a bunch of questions as to why I need either of the requested features. I keep telling him that we have a mixed-mode P25 repeater in my area and I'd like to have the DFE so if another ham asks me to go to a frequency that I don't have programmed, I can quickly change an existing channel so we can talk.

His argument is that, "Well, with DFE, you will be able to put any frequency in the radio." And I responded that I have the software and can program in anything I want anyway. DFE is just a temporary solution for a one-time edit. It is NOT like Motorola's FPP. If I could FPP an XTL5000, then I'd throw this M7100 back on Ebay where it came from.

BK DMH with a programming microphone, perhaps? They don't have fancy displays but they work well and the field programming is the tits.

 

[rescue161]

BK DMH. I haven't thought of that one. I'll look into it. Thanks!