Cheap, compatible alternative to digital/analog CP200d

[tiggen]

All, I need a cheap but compatible alternative to a Motorola CP200d which will have both digital and analog channels programmed. The long and short of it is that I will be helping an amateur auto racing team part time, and the owner of the team uses Motorola gear. The freqs are in the UHF band. I will be using the radio primarily to monitor pit/driver comms. I have analog capable radios, so primarily I need a radio that will do the digital side, but, of course, it would be easier to have one radio that does both.

I have zero digital experience outisde of DStar, and the specs/terminology of these radios is confusing me to no end. I need something cheap, preferably <$200 (<$100 would be even better). Ideally it would work with my Baofeng Bf-888s capable accessory cable (for my headset/earplugs). Being able to program the radio myself would also be a plus.

After a short root around the internet and this forum, it appears that my choices are:

Anytone D878UV
Baofeng/BTech DMR 6x2
TYT MD-360G

I realize these are transcievers, but transmit is not a priority. It just appears that they would be cheaper than any digital capable scanner. (Does anyone even make a digital/analog capable scanner?)

Any way, I appreciate any help!

 

[alcahuete]

You can buy used CP200d all day long within your budget, but of course they are used, and who the hell knows. You also have to be sure that digital is actually enabled, otherwise it's an entitlement key that isn't so cheap.

MD380 is a good radio, D878UV is a fantastic radio. GD-77 is another good one (and <$100).

 

[bharvey2]

Although I haven't used the particular model, The Connect Systems CS610 or CS611 may fit the bill. If you can live with analog only, they also have a CS100.

 

[ladn]

I also recommend the Anytone 878. They are decent radios and the software is free. As alcahuete pointed out, you roll the dice with used Motorola. Another advantage of the Anytone is there are a wide range of accessories available (it uses the Kenwood-style dual pin mic/speaker connector).

 

[tiggen]

After more thinking and poking around, I have narrowed things down. Here's what I need:

UHF digital and analog
Kenwood style connector for existing cables
User programmable
Programming cable
Waterproof
Long battery life and extra batteries available

I took a look at that MD380, but there is no IP rating. If it were a $13 Bf-888s I wouldn't care, but I'm not gonna spend this much on a radio just to have it go out on us when raining. (Having said that, my fleet of Bf-888s radios has performed beyond my wildest dreams; we've abused those things, and they keep going!) Unfortunately the lack of IP rating took out the GD-77/s as well.

I still like the Anytone, but that's a whole lot of radio for what I need. The Connect Systems looked like it would fit the bill, but wasn't available on their website. Couldn't eve find a price.

I'm starting to like the GD-55 PLUS and the TYT MD-390 on the Radioddity site, as well as the TYT MD-398 on eBay if it is totally MOTOtrbo compatible. Anyone have experience with any of them?

 

[bharvey2]

The Connect Systems CS100 is listed on their professional radio side at www.connectsystems.com While their price isn't listed on the website, they run a little over $100. I just call in to the shop and order them. They are usually in stock. While they do have the two pin accessory connector for mics and programming, the Kenwood mic's don't fit. The acc connector pins are a little closer together and fit Motorola spaced pins.

 

[dcr_inc]

The TYT MD380 may not have an official IP rating but I can speak from experience, That is one tough little radio. We have over 100 of them in service at an amusement park. They are subjected to just about everything you can imagine. So far the only definate killer has been a direct bath for several minutes. Dust , Dirt, Temperatures (High and Low), Rain have not hurt them.
Best part is they are only $90.00on Ebay (letsgetready is the dealer I buy from).. If it dies a hard death, throw it away and get another one. I also have a few on a Prototype racing team in Florida and they love them.

 

[tiggen]

I went with the GD-77s. As @dcr_inc said and as I thought about my Bf-888s, I figured why not for $65. Got the radio and a spare battery for $75 shipped on Wed morning, package arrived on Friday afternoon...from China. Amazing.

Thanks to all for their nput.