APX8000

[buddrousa]

As I said training. Never would I have patched Main Dispatch Channels with other Main Channels. If comms need to be mixed it should be done on an Interop Channel. The training can be done on none vital channels and should be done with all involved on a regular schedule to keep everyone proficient.

 

[R_Rabbit10]

Thanks all. You have given us some things to think about and consider.
To answer a few questions, the contract is directly with Motorola. Primary dispatch does not have access to the airband in their consoles and as such cannot patch. We provide extensive training and our end users are well aware on what band (700/800, UHF or VHF) they are operating their radio on. They are capable of switching banks and channels when directed to do so or when entering another area where those are the primary bands. There is bi-annual training on the subject of radio's, radio operation and radio procedures that all end users attend. We do have access to interop channels, however external agencies are either not willing or trained to switched to those channels so this is more miss than hit.

 

[GlobalNorth]

My apologies for not understanding completely to capacities of the NEXT radio.

However, I still maintain that some people will always misuse the technology assigned to them. In 2020 during the George Floyd riots in Phoenix, the Phoenix Police Chief and her command staffers had city purchased and issued smartphones for them. A city directive stated that no employee was to alter their assigned phones, not to download any app not previously approved [that list was short], and not use it for anything other than city use.

Most of the Phoenix PD commanders and above, to include the Chief, had unofficially downloaded 'Signal' a communications app that was designed to circumvent recorded conversations, texts, etc. with an open source encryption. They used this app to intentionally circumvent the state law regarding records management and open meetings laws about this incident and other purposes so that their communications could not be tracked and monitored by city and state authorities. Not one of the police executives had their personal phones connected to a work based Signal accounts.

And yes, they actually found an assistant chief who had downloaded nekkid photos from the interwebz.

 

[KE4ZNR]

Were I a Chief Officer of a public safety agency, I would not select a NEXT for issuance. Multiband radios can be a headache for personnel on a critical incident and adding in a 'smart' device is too much of a temptation to some personnel to screw around.

When we got MDCs years ago, the system we bought could not be locked down to prevent internet access. While most used the access to research addresses, people, and the like; some officers and supervisors were looking up p0rn sites and they were not sex crime detectives.

You do realize you can't sideload apps onto a NEXT radio right? and it has no way for a web browser to be launched to access the web.
it is locked down straight from Motorola. It is the furthest thing from a "smartphone with radio access". I would suggest maybe getting some hands on time with one before offering advice on the line of radios. No Cornhub on this line of radios.

 

[mmckenna]

My apologies for not understanding completely to capacities of the NEXT radio.

Not a problem. These things are way beyond what most hobbyists comprehend.

 

[GTR8000]

You do realize you can't sideload apps onto a NEXT radio right?

He definitely does not. He's in good company, though, a lot of silly posts in this thread illustrating little to no real world knowledge or experience.

 

[n3obl]

Everyone is a expert teknishun!!!

 

[MTS2000des]

Not a problem. These things are way beyond what most hobbyists comprehend.

Which is why I discourage hobbyists from wasting their time (and money) on them. These converged devices are only useful for the agencies that have a need for broadband connectivity. No matter how hard on someone is to get those features, not even Luxury Radio purchasers can shoehorn one onto an actual system unless the admins use up a license and provision it in the backend then the attached core.

Plenty of other radios make CopSounds™. FireSounds™ amd CADSounds™ that the average enthusiast can afford and not break the law or go crazy trying to set one up.

 

[MTS2000des]

Everyone is a expert teknishun!!!

No shortage of those round these parts vomiting out bad (and in many cases dangerous) advice.

 

[prcguy]

Which is why I discourage hobbyists from wasting their time (and money) on them. These converged devices are only useful for the agencies that have a need for broadband connectivity. No matter how hard on someone is to get those features, not even Luxury Radio purchasers can shoehorn one onto an actual system unless the admins use up a license and provision it in the backend then the attached core.

Plenty of other radios make CopSounds™. FireSounds™ amd CADSounds™ that the average enthusiast can afford and not break the law or go crazy trying to set one up.

If you discourage a hobbyist purchasing an APX8000, then how are they to achieve Luxury Nirvana?

 

[mmckenna]

No shortage of those round these parts vomiting out bad (and in many cases dangerous) advice.

Right, every good hobbyists knows that public safety agencies are wasting taxpayer dollars by not just buying the latest Baofeng radio for their needs. Or better yet, just install CB radios like "real men".

 

[nikronzo]

Luxury Radio

Luxury Transceiver paired with Rolex's, Lambo's, and Penthouses

 

[buddrousa]

Redneck Penthouse

 

[12dbsinad]

Thanks all. You have given us some things to think about and consider.
To answer a few questions, the contract is directly with Motorola. Primary dispatch does not have access to the airband in their consoles and as such cannot patch. We provide extensive training and our end users are well aware on what band (700/800, UHF or VHF) they are operating their radio on. They are capable of switching banks and channels when directed to do so or when entering another area where those are the primary bands. There is bi-annual training on the subject of radio's, radio operation and radio procedures that all end users attend. We do have access to interop channels, however external agencies are either not willing or trained to switched to those channels so this is more miss than hit.

So you're using Kenwood platform but have a contract with Motorola? Some further explanation would be needed here if you're so inclined so we can all understand better. Is it a State contract?

Regardless, you'll still need a separate AM aircraft radio, doesn't matter who you go with... Kenwood, EFJ, M, Tait, Harris, etc. to answer your original question and not derail the thread with stupid nonsense.

Hobby forum is not a good place to ask advice on PS radios and systems. You need to go with the best support, best taxpayer money spent, best bang for the buck. Motorola makes excellent products. DO not like their business ethics, never have. Some feel the same way so it's a catch 22.

I do not know of any Motorola salesman pushing or willing to sell the 8000 line to a new account. The NEXT is the generation going forward, that's just the way it is. They are in the business to make money, advance technology. They are not going to push or continue to support 10+ year old radios/platform forever. I would seriously consider the NEXT line if you are interested in them, especially if new radios are going to be phased in over time.

Hope this helps. Good luck!