Need a suggestion for a mobile radio

[kilodelta97]

Hi all! Looking to install a radio in my new truck. Hoping to throw the net out here and see if anyone has any good recommendations for me.

I need a VHF (multiband not necessary but a plus!) for public safety bands. I’ve had Kenwoods before (7180 and 7160) in other vehicles. For mounting options, I’d like something with a remote head. I’d also like a display that is a dimmable LCD screen. I’m not sure where to even start so I figured this was the best place to post the question.

I’d also like to stay in the sub-$800 range. I’m okay with used units from ebay or what have you.

Thanks for the help all!

 

[tlemke940]

this one could be an interesting question as everyone has there own opinion on this subject. as you have already been using Kenwood you could go with a few options. the $800 price range for a remote head could be tough but doable if you keep an eye out on eBay they do pop up from time to time. first option is a single band remote head nx-5700 that can be upgraded to multi band down the road as you get more money to put into the project by adding another deck to the system I have seen these radios on eBay as a remote kit for down to as low as $600 then add in software. the second option is a nx-3720 I have not seen these on eBay as a remote kit yet but they are out there might need to get a remote kit for a dash mount radio I have seen these dash mount radios as low as $300 on eBay. the last option and possibly the cheapest option is to do ether a nx-700H or a tk-7180H and just put a remote kit on it. nx700 I have seen in good working order as low as $150 and a tk-7180 as low as $50. most of these pricing depends on time of year and if you keep looking they do pop up.

Note: staying with Kenwood will allow you to use "Most" of the accessory you already have if you have any parts left over from other radios.

I run a nx-5700 setup myself with the full feature head but I also have a few nx-700 radios as both remote and dash mount.

 

[prcguy]

Harris XG-100M, covers 136-174, 380-520, 760-870MHz plus 30-50MHz receive. They have been running in the $308 range for the basic brick or $344-$360 including control head and the needed cables, mic and speaker to finish it off run under $100. Programming software and latest firmware are said to be "out there" When complete this radio competes with a Motorola APX-8500 which runs in the $5k to $7.5k range. The Harris will run circles around a Kenwood and you could have a Harris multi band for easily under your $800 budget.

If your truck is tight on space you can get the HHC-731 remote control head mic for the Harris.

 

[FKimble]

I this for receive only or will you need to transmit?

Frank

 

[kilodelta97]

Thanks for the replies so far!

To answer a few questions:

I already have the remote head kit for the 7180 and it has done me well. The issue is that I’m not a fan of the orange/analog display. As silly as it sounds, my new truck is quite fancy and I want a radio with a display that will look a little more refined.

I do need to transmit on VHF analog. At some point in the next few years I imagine we will move to digital so I’d like to have that capability.

I’ve found a couple nice gently used Motorola APX5550s in the 600-900 dollar range. I’m leaning toward that as I like the sleek look of the unit and the modern display features.

Of course, everyone has their opinions and preferences, but that is what I want to hear. There are so many options out there and although I’m pretty familiar with Kenwood’s line I don’t know what else is out there.

If anyone has more suggestions I’d love to hear them as the radios named above I’m unfamiliar with and has helped me refine my search

 

[AM909]

... I do need to transmit on VHF analog. At some point in the next few years I imagine we will move to digital so I’d like to have that capability. ...

The type of "digital" will affect your choice greatly. If you're talking public safety, it will likely be P25, which will greatly limit your choices, and be more expensive. If trunking, you would likely need approval and programming by the agency's radio maintainer, both from a policy and technical standpoint.

Commercial or public-safety-adjacent (e.g. ambulance) digital is more likely to be DMR or maybe NXDN or least likely LTR (not really "digital"), which many more radios will support either initially or as cheaper options than P25.

 

[mmckenna]

Thanks for the replies so far!

To answer a few questions:

I already have the remote head kit for the 7180 and it has done me well. The issue is that I’m not a fan of the orange/analog display. As silly as it sounds, my new truck is quite fancy and I want a radio with a display that will look a little more refined.

OK, well, the TK-7180 was going to be my suggestion based on you already having experience. Plus, the KRK-10 kits are really expensive on e-Bay. Already having one saves you some money.

The display color thing is understandable.

NX-3720 might be something to consider. It has a nicer display and should fit in your budget. If you don't need P25, then that'll save you some money. NXDN or DMR plus analog right out of the box without having to add feature licenses. Remote head capable. The programming cable for your TK-7180 will work.
Don't forget to figure in the cost of the KPG-D3N.

I've got a few of the NX-3920's, and they've been nice radios. They are mostly in transit applications, and seem to work just fine. Again, if you don't need P25, they are a nice option.

I do need to transmit on VHF analog. At some point in the next few years I imagine we will move to digital so I’d like to have that capability.

Which 'digital' will matter.

I’ve found a couple nice gently used Motorola APX5550s in the 600-900 dollar range. I’m leaning toward that as I like the sleek look of the unit and the modern display features.

Nice, but you can get new radios in that same price range. But if you need P25, then let us know and you'll get some better suggestions.

 

[alcahuete]

I’ve found a couple nice gently used Motorola APX5550s in the 600-900 dollar range. I’m leaning toward that as I like the sleek look of the unit and the modern display features.

I'm sure you mean APX5500, but just want to make sure. The XPR5550 is DMR, not P25.

 

[nokones]

Kenwood is a great radio, but I prefer Motorola. However, I would not overlook the Harris line of radios. Quality wise, the three aforementioned brands are essentially equal and will provide a good service for many years.