Which NXDN model should I choose?
- Thread starter Louie7
- Start date
Why do you think you need a NXDN radio? Which NXDN amateur radio systems do you want to use?
How many channels do you want? Do you want DMR and NXDN at the same time? Lot's of factors. Current Kenwood offerings are the NX1000 line, which are okay, pretty basic but models with a screen have basic FPP. Software is the same price as NX5000 and NX3000 software.
Next is the NX3000 line, which is quite a bit more advanced, models ending in 00 have a better microphone connector, and I think all 3000 series radios have audio recording. FPP is pricey. IIRC programming software is $120-$150, and the wide band key is about $150 as well. Wideband key is needed for programming 25 kHz channels in a UHF radio. VHF may not require it for ham frequencies.
NX5000 line is the top tier NXDN radio, it will do 2 digital modes at a time (not on the same channel). NX5000 supports P25, DMR and NXDN, but only 2 at a time. Lot more features that can be purchased like SD Card recording, 4000 channels and a few more features. FPP is also expensive. Wideband keys for UHF have to be purchased, programming software is a similar price to the NX3000 software.
If you want to buy used, NX210s are okay, parts are still available, but be careful that the radio isn't stolen. Most NX210s on eBay have had a hard life. NX210s only come in VHF. NX300s and NX200s are similar to NX210s, just a different shape and battery. 300s are UHF, 200s are VHF. No FPP that I know of exists for NX210s, 200s, or 300s. Pretty much all NX210s from railroads are password locked as well. I use an NX210 and had to repair it, it was fairly easy, NX1000 radios are not as easy to repair.
I know absolutely nothing about Icom, other than older radios don't support 12.5 kHz NXDN.
Talk to a dealer for pricing and recommendations. @kd4efm is a dealer who will work with hams.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Pretty much comes down to Icom or Kenwood.
Some good info on Kenwood above. I've got a bunch of NX-210's that are in PD service and they've been running for a bit over 10 years now. Also, quite common in the railroads. A good durable radio that will last you a long time if you find one that hasn't been totally abused. A good VHF radio for analog/NXDN. Same chassis/accessory line as the TK-x180 series, so a lot of stuff out there if you are looking.
Do not expect these to trunk-track a trunked system, they won't do it.
But, for 2 meter amateur radio use, a good option. Even if they've been narrow banded, they'll do wide below 150.1MHz, so you are golden for 2 meter band.
KPG-111 software is out there if you look under the right internet rocks. KPG-111 will cover a lot of the earlier NX series radios, NX-210, NX-#00 series portables and mobiles. NX-411 can be tricked into doing 900MHz if you have the skills.
NX-1000/3000/5000 line radios have software that is licensed to the seat, so no bootlegging off the internets, you'll have to buy the software and license from a Kenwood dealer. Also, it's tough software to learn if you are not experienced with it.
NX-1000 series are nice little radios with some good features. I'm running some NX-1300 UHF models at work, some on NXDN at one site, DMR at another. As mentioned above, the UHF models will force you to narrow band, so no 70cm/GMRS wide band FM unless you get the wide band license.
NX-3000 series are nice radios. I've carried an 800MHz version for about 5 years now and have quite a few of them running on my system. Will do analog + DMR -or- NXDN out of the box.
Just make sure you understand the wide/narrow band thing and know about the costs of software if you want the newer models.
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ Say it, say 'ENCRYPTION'
I used a NX-200 for years at a previous employer. Solid piece of kit. If you need UHF, you want the NX-300.
MMcKenna offered solit advice for other Kenwood radios.
Having used both Icom and Kenwood LMR radios, I much prefer Kenwood.
MMcKenna offered solit advice for other Kenwood radios.
Having used both Icom and Kenwood LMR radios, I much prefer Kenwood.
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