I'm thinking of ordering an EF Johnson radio. I have heard that Motorola and EF Johnson are the same thing but I have also heard that they are two completely different pieces of equipment. I was hoping someone could give me some insight.
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Motorola VS. EF Johnson
- Thread starter KG5HHS
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MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
Motorola Solutions and EF Johnson are two different companies. EF Johnson is owned by JVC Kenwood.
When you say "you've heard they are the same" what are you specifically referring to?
Years ago some early production EFJ 5100s used XTS5000 RF boards, but today's EFJ products are 100 percent JVC Kenwood/EFJ.
FWIW, if you are thinking of acquiring one of those early rev 1.1.2 EFJ5100s, unless they are free, pass on them. Lots of problems and they are no longer supported by EFJ.
When you say "you've heard they are the same" what are you specifically referring to?
Years ago some early production EFJ 5100s used XTS5000 RF boards, but today's EFJ products are 100 percent JVC Kenwood/EFJ.
FWIW, if you are thinking of acquiring one of those early rev 1.1.2 EFJ5100s, unless they are free, pass on them. Lots of problems and they are no longer supported by EFJ.
The only same about EFJ and Motorola is the batteries, antennas and audio accessories. As MTS said the early production models used an XTS3000 RF board..
I have five of the EFJ5100 series in three bands, and they all serve me well. I also have two XTS 3000 radios from motorola that give me good service. The big difference is that the software for the 5100's is readily available and even those with a limited keypad can do FPP, which is not possible with the xts3000. The motorola software is not readily available and a subscription is in the $300 area. My 800 mhz EFJ5100 actually has better audio than my xts3000 on my local simulcast system. The microphone connectors are similar but have different pinouts and require different programming cables and hand mikes.
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