Best Portable for analog encryption?

[BigDogg795]

Looking to pick up a couple of portables for my licensed frequencies and would like to have some sort of encryption. I'm not looking to transmit government secrets but at the same time I'd like to keep my transmission sort of private. I know DMR radios typically offer AES on the digital side, but I'm curious which portable radios might offer some type of analog scrambling. Any input would be appreciated and thanks!

 

[mmckenna]

For analog use, most of your Icom or Kenwood business tier radios are going to include an analog scrambler. Something like a Kenwood NX-1x00 series radio would be a good choice. I use a lot of those at work for non-critical/non-life safety applications. Icom has a similar products.

True encryption, rather than simple scrambling, is going to be something you'll either pay additional for, or require a higher tier radio. The Kenwood series radios mentioned above, can be purchased with an add on ARC4 encryption feature.

Probably other options out there from the CCR market, but I don't use any of those at work.

 

[K6GBW]

The TYT MD-380UV and 390UV do encryption. For a radio that only cost about $125.00 they are very functional. I've used one on simplex DMR and the range was impressive. I actually am planning to buy a pair for my own use with the wife on our trips. We caravan a lot and the DMR hand held car to car work better that you might think.

The APD encryption is better than you might think as well. The NSA and CIA can get past it, but you're typical schmow on a scanner won't have a clue. I've used it and it's more than good enough to prevent most issues.

 

[devicelab]

Just adding on to mmckenna's point, you can buy VHF/UHF Kenwood TK models for really cheap off E-Bay. Very easy to program and they include analog scrambling. Also, I can (through first-hand experience) point out they are EXCELLENT performing portables as well. Great audio quality.

The CPS/firmware can be easily obtained online these days. Accessories such as batteries/antennas/programming cables are cheap and plentiful. (The batteries are 3rd party though.)