So, these GE Orion/ MAcom/ Harris radios seem to have been produced over a wide range of time with many different models that look similar. I'm brand new to them and so I don't know exactly which ones to look for for ham use. I know there is a 110w VHF model that can be modified to be used from 144Mhz and up. I know there is a few UHF models, can either one be modified to cover the entire ham 70cm band? (420-450Mhz). What models should I look for? It seems the MAcom branded models with blue strip may have less p25 capabilities or something. Does anybody know the time frame, or is there a time chart that explains what year the different models were released and by what name, as well as differences in capability if any? I don't even know the naming conventions, was the radio the "ericsson" under GE, the Orion under MAcom, and the XG100 under Harris? I know nothing... I will continue to do research, but the goal is cheap durable mobile radios for ham use. I understand there is a learning curve, and I will need to obtain the ProGrammer software or EDACS, and will then need to learn how all that works, so any advice here on what to look for and what to stay away from would be helpful. I haven't made any purchases yet. I think ideally I would have the 110w VHF and 50w UHF rigs connected together (however that is done) and then use that hand mic that can be used as the control head.
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What models to buy for ham radio use?
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prcguy
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The M5300/M7300/XG75 series are mono band and made by Harris with some older M5300/M7300 possibly made by M/A-Com. I have a UHF version and its very nice programming 440 amateur through my local police in the 506MHz range in P25. I also have several Harris XG-100Ms and prefer them to a Motorola APX8500. They are easy to program and the features and performance are very especially for the price. The XG-100M covers 30-50MHz receive, 136-174, 380-520 and 760-896MHz, analog, P25 and PII.
One of my XG-100Ms has an HHC-731 control head mic which is really nice in a cramped space vehicle.
One of my XG-100Ms has an HHC-731 control head mic which is really nice in a cramped space vehicle.
BMDaug
I am licensed…
Biggest thing to remember about all Harris radios is that the feature codes determine the value of the radio, not the hardware. Sure, if the thing is smashed, the feature set doesn’t really matter, but assuming all physical characteristics are equal, the feature codes will determine a fair price. Features for these radios are getting a bit harder to add these days and the price for some features exceeds the asking price for the radio, so do your research and don’t get burned!
A well-featured 100M is a fantastic radio for a ham or for a first responder. They include many convenient and accessible features and can be set up with a sound card modem for data modes hams love (aprs, varafm, etc.) due to the 40pin accessory port.
I’m also a big fan of the HHC-731 because you get the display on the mic and having everything in hand is really convenient! Plus it matches my Codan HF radios, which use handheld controllers almost exclusively.
-B
A well-featured 100M is a fantastic radio for a ham or for a first responder. They include many convenient and accessible features and can be set up with a sound card modem for data modes hams love (aprs, varafm, etc.) due to the 40pin accessory port.
I’m also a big fan of the HHC-731 because you get the display on the mic and having everything in hand is really convenient! Plus it matches my Codan HF radios, which use handheld controllers almost exclusively.
-B
Those responses were perfect! Thank you! What is a reasonable price for a well featured XG-100M? They seem to be around $700-$2,000 USD on ebay at the moment depending on cables/accessories, and features by code. (honestly, $1,000 seems good for a tri-band radio that is p25 capable and built like a tank). I've seen a few at local government auctions, but I was completely uninitiated back then. (and now I am semi-initiated) One last two part question, how/where does one obtain programming software? And, do all of the radios (M5300/M7300/XG75/XG-100M's) utilize the same software for programming?
Hello prcguy,
Apologies for necroposting, I do have a related question. Can ProGrammer V17 program the UHF 5300/7300 radios? Looking to program for 441.000.
Thank you!
prcguy
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I dunno, I only have experience with "a friends" RPM14 and RPM2.
No version of ProGrammer can program those radios.
Thank you for confirming!
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I also use an XG-100M as my mobile all bander. It's a solid radio though I admit its VHF performance with an all band antenna is a bit of a compromise, 35 watts and a multiband antenna just doesn't match a 110 watt radio with a 3 dB gain antenna.
The CH100 control head, which you don't NEED, is what drives the price of an XG-100M way up. That head alone can fetch a thousand dollars.
The CH100 control head, which you don't NEED, is what drives the price of an XG-100M way up. That head alone can fetch a thousand dollars.
Thanks for the additional details!
