Curious if a NX-340U16P could be programmed to work with a group of NX-1300-K's?

[tctx79]

Hello,

our company uses a group of NX-1300-K radios for person to person communication in our building. We have licensed frequencies we use programmed into 3 of the channels on the radios. I'm curious if we were to purchase an NX-340U16P if that radio would be able to communicate with the rest? They're both NXDN, but I note on the spec sheets for the 340 that it's NXDN conventional, and that the 1300 has some more options.

I'm new to these radios and trying to info-gather for management. One of the frequencies that we use doesn't show up in the frequency table list that I've found for the 340 so I'm not sure.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[mmckenna]

Unfortunately that is a complex question and there's a lot of "depends" involved in the answer.

The NX-340U16P is the "ProTalk" line of radios, and those are pre-programmed with common business use frequencies. From what you are saying, it sounds like at least 2 of your licensed channels are in those radios.

The NX-1300 radio has a lot more features, and those variables will impact the ability for the radio to work with the NX-340U16P.

The NX-1300 will do NXDN or DMR as well as analog.
The NX-340U16P will do NXDN as well as analog.

To make it even more confusing, NXDN comes in two flavors, 6.25KHz channel width and 12.5KHz channel width. The NX-1300 will handle both. The NX-340U16P will only do 6.25KHz.

So, without having both radios in my hand and reading them with programming software, no one can tell you if you can make both work together.

Your best option is to contact your local Kenwood dealer and work with them. It may cost some money, but they'll have the tools and knowledge to set everything up so it works together. They'll also do it in such a way that you don't run afoul of the FCC license limitations.

Just from a user training standpoint, keeping all your radios identical is really helpful. While buying the NX-340's might save you a few bucks, it'll cost you more in the long run since the chargers and batteries are not interchangeable. You'd have to stock spares for both models.

 

[tctx79]

Just from a user training standpoint, keeping all your radios identical is really helpful. While buying the NX-340's might save you a few bucks, it'll cost you more in the long run since the chargers and batteries are not interchangeable. You'd have to stock spares for both models.

Thank you very much for the reply, that was very informative. Also thank you for the tip on keeping radios identical, that makes perfect sense. Have a good day!

 

[mmckenna]

Thank you very much for the reply, that was very informative. Also thank you for the tip on keeping radios identical, that makes perfect sense. Have a good day!

Glad I could help.

Standardizing on your radios can save a lot of money in the long run. I've got about 400 of the NX-410's at work, and only having to stock one battery, one antenna, one charger, etc. really helps. User training is also MUCH easier. Radios become fully interchangeable between users without issues.

 

[tctx79]

Just for clarification, 2 things:

1.) Was I correct in assuming one cannot wireless clone between the two mentioned models, or is this possible?
2.) Knowing that the radio comes pre-programmed with itinerant channels, is it actually possible with the right cable and software to manually assign the wanted frequencies? They are within the frequency range of the transceiver, but I'm wondering if the difference in channel widths on the digital modes would be a limiting factor here.

 

[mmckenna]

Just for clarification, 2 things:

1.) Was I correct in assuming one cannot wireless clone between the two mentioned models, or is this possible?

Not between different models. To do wireless cloning, you need to have identical model number radios. The files that are transferred between radios need to go into a similar radio. The NX-1300 and the NX-340 are different beasts.

2.) Knowing that the radio comes pre-programmed with itinerant channels, is it actually possible with the right cable and software to manually assign the wanted frequencies? They are within the frequency range of the transceiver, but I'm wondering if the difference in channel widths on the digital modes would be a limiting factor here.

The "ProTalk" radios run a different firmware than the non-ProTalk models. It won't let you push in your own frequencies.

Sometimes you can force in the firmware from the non-ProTalk radios (in your case, a standard NX-340) and program in regular frequencies. But, unless you have experience doing this stuff, and are willing to risk bricking a radio, I do not advise doing it. I've done it in the past, but it always makes me nervous. Also, getting the correct firmware, FPRO.exe software and then the correct programming software for the radio will take some work and cost you some money.

Really, it's easier to just get the correct radio. Messing with firmware and all the stuff you need to make this work the way you want isn't worth it. It won't save you a lot of money.