Hello all, currently I use a Motorola XTS to monitor a TRS. I've been thinking, should I get a new radio? Which is where I'm stuck at right now. My question is, should I buy a KNG2 P800 or a SDS100? I have heard that BK has a "true NAS (truly just RX only)" option. So that begs the question, KNG2 or SDS?
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BK KNG2 P800 or SDS100?
- Thread starter fmcc0789
- Start date
I have both
KNG2-P800
If you want the cool factor, sure.
If you aspire to be a radio programmer for a shop or a system, absolutely get one to start learning with.
If you want to be limited to scanning 16 talkgroups on one site on one trunked system at a time, this radio is the one for you.
It is a subscriber unit meant to be actively on a radio system, so it receives very well but it has its limitations.
The overall cost versus a scanner, including the proprietary batteries and chargers and cables, the learning curve of the not free programming software.
I use mine on occasion and do enjoy it.
SDS100
It’s a heck of a lot cheaper even at ~$700
You can scan a thousand or more talkgroups from multiple systems and sites along with conventional channels all in one scan list if so desired.
No risk of appearing that you’re trying to connect to a radio system.
While still proprietary batteries are less expensive and easier to obtain.
FREE SENTINEL SOFTWARE to program using a regular ole USB cable that doubles as the charging cable and is included in the initial purchase.
You can attach a GPS when traveling and listen start to finish and never have to program anything when using the Full Database.
I use mine regularly and love it.
They are both great receivers in their own right but vastly different in pricing, programming and operations
KNG2-P800
If you want the cool factor, sure.
If you aspire to be a radio programmer for a shop or a system, absolutely get one to start learning with.
If you want to be limited to scanning 16 talkgroups on one site on one trunked system at a time, this radio is the one for you.
It is a subscriber unit meant to be actively on a radio system, so it receives very well but it has its limitations.
The overall cost versus a scanner, including the proprietary batteries and chargers and cables, the learning curve of the not free programming software.
I use mine on occasion and do enjoy it.
SDS100
It’s a heck of a lot cheaper even at ~$700
You can scan a thousand or more talkgroups from multiple systems and sites along with conventional channels all in one scan list if so desired.
No risk of appearing that you’re trying to connect to a radio system.
While still proprietary batteries are less expensive and easier to obtain.
FREE SENTINEL SOFTWARE to program using a regular ole USB cable that doubles as the charging cable and is included in the initial purchase.
You can attach a GPS when traveling and listen start to finish and never have to program anything when using the Full Database.
I use mine regularly and love it.
They are both great receivers in their own right but vastly different in pricing, programming and operations
IMO, the SDS is just going to aggravate you if you’re used to Motorola quality. I’d suggest the KNG2.
That being said, for travel, or quick and easy programming, the SDS is invaluable.
Get both ? lol
That being said, for travel, or quick and easy programming, the SDS is invaluable.
Get both ? lol
d119
Patch & Channels Clear...
Are you using proprietary system keys?
No. The KNG won't require that for receive only operation.
Are you transmitting on the system?
No. The KNG won't require that for receive only operation.
Are you checking a box that essentially says "receive only"?
Yes. You'll have to check that box to even enter the system.
Don't stress on the legalities of the KNG2. It's not like Motorola where you have to do hinky stuff to make it work.
The KNG just does it. (HELLO... KENWOOD???)
Thank god. No felonies this time! (the felonies part is a joke i have never been arrested)
gtaman
TACSAT
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
The KNG will also happily decode ARC-4 in RX only mode (yes, you must lawfully have the ARC-4 keys).
Project25_MASTR
Millennial Graying OBT Guy
The most current version of RES can be downloaded from the BK website and is listed under the BKR menu. The version listed under the KNG2 is one release behind.
d119
Patch & Channels Clear...
2wayfreq
Member
A slight deviation: I have a G4 and a P800. The G4 has slight ARC4 decode problems just enough to be annoying. The P800 decodes perfectly! The P800 digital audio is clean and full! As far as SDS-100, I would choose the P800 over it.
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For what you are going to pay for a KNG2 you can buy 4 Harris XG25's or XG75s.
Software is bit harder to come by but you can find it if you look around. A programming cable from New London Tech will cost you $100.
IMO, Harris NAS its far better than the KNG because you can scan dozens and dozens of talkgroups.
d119
Patch & Channels Clear...
Right - but do you not still have to have something you aren't supposed to have in order to make it work?
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- May 5, 2007
- Messages
- 383
If you mean system keys, the answer is no.
d119
Patch & Channels Clear...
Hows that? Educate me.
- Joined
- May 5, 2007
- Messages
- 383
RR is no place to educate someone, moderators frown upon it when it comes to commercial radios.
Nice try L3 Man 😂
d119
Patch & Channels Clear...
Actually I just sold the XL200m in my car and replaced it with a VM8000, so if you think I work for L3, good God are you mistaken. They couldn't pay me what I make doing what I do. And I think the entire XL series is plastic-fantastic CRAP.
I'm also aware that "you're giving me incorrect information, sir...". You either need a key, or that s3kr3t h4ck we all know exists.
Best advice? Stick with the KNG/KNG2, and you, @RF-Burns, don't steer people in bad directions that break rules.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
The point is, there is no hacking of intellectual property with RES and the KNG. One can LAWFULLY download/purchase it and LAWFULLY program it like a scanner and there is ZERO risk of anything illegal but the same is not true for the Harris route. Sure the SU can be made to act like a KNG but it's how one gets there that is not the same route from a "being 100 percent legit" route.
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