Cheapest NXDN Trunking UHF receiver

[robertsdoug]

Does anyone have any recommendations on what the cheapest UHF hand held radio would be that is capable of receiving trunking NXDN? I'm specifically looking to receive this network-

Rebel Communications NXDN Trunking System, Las Vegas, Multi-State

Rebel Communications NXDN Trunking System Profile

www.radioreference.com

 

[bearcatrp]

The 325P2 is probable the cheapest trunking scanner. But if you know the frequencies, the 160 DN is cheaper.

 

[robertsdoug]

The 325P2 is probable the cheapest trunking scanner. But if you know the frequencies, the 160 DN is cheaper.

Nice. It looks like that unit is $200 or less. I was thinking an actual Kenwood or icon radio would be cheaper, but this scanner may be lower cost. But I have heard that scanners have difficulty with NXDN trunking versus an actual NXDN radio.

 

[buddrousa]

If you are trying to use a Kenwood NX Radio to listen to a NXDN Trunking System YOUR ONLY OPTION IS TO HAVE THE SYSTEM ADMIN PROGRAM YOUR NX RADIO IS YOUR ONLY OPTION.
Stick with a Scanner.

 

[robertsdoug]

If you are trying to use a Kenwood NX Radio to listen to a NXDN Trunking System YOUR ONLY OPTION IS TO HAVE THE SYSTEM ADMIN PROGRAM YOUR NX RADIO IS YOUR ONLY OPTION.
Stick with a Scanner.

Ah yes. The same issue is with Motorola, need a system key to scan on a Motorola radio. What about icom?

 

[jtwalker]

Nice. It looks like that unit is $200 or less. I was thinking an actual Kenwood or icon radio would be cheaper, but this scanner may be lower cost. But I have heard that scanners have difficulty with NXDN trunking versus an actual NXDN radio.

Neither of the two scanners mentioned is under $200 new. And the BCD160DN will handle NXDN conventional but will not handle any trunking.

 

[737mech]

The BCD436HP and BCD536HP work well on that system but you have to buy the upgrade for NXDN.

 

[StoliRaz]

Nice. It looks like that unit is $200 or less. I was thinking an actual Kenwood or icon radio would be cheaper, but this scanner may be lower cost. But I have heard that scanners have difficulty with NXDN trunking versus an actual NXDN radio.

325p2 is $320-$420 new. It was just $320 on Amazon but currently out of stock. Be prepared to spend more money to buy the NXDN upgrade too.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Nice. It looks like that unit is $200 or less. I was thinking an actual Kenwood or icon radio would be cheaper, but this scanner may be lower cost. But I have heard that scanners have difficulty with NXDN trunking versus an actual NXDN radio.

That scanner (160 DN) will not do trunking, only scan all the voice channels, you will not be able to hold on a TG, lock out a TG or properly follow conversations.

 

[robertsdoug]

The BCD436HP and BCD536HP work well on that system but you have to buy the upgrade for NXDN.

Oh nice. I actually have a 536 but it is currently streaming the Las Vegas city marshals on Broadcastify. I may buy another one if it works well for NXDN.

 

[mmckenna]

Nice. It looks like that unit is $200 or less. I was thinking an actual Kenwood or icon radio would be cheaper, but this scanner may be lower cost. But I have heard that scanners have difficulty with NXDN trunking versus an actual NXDN radio.

Kenwood NexEdge system packets are tagged as from a trunked system.
A Kenwood NexEdge capable radio will not decode a system unless it has:
1. Been programmed by the system administrator with the system key
2. Has registered with the system.
3. Has a valid ESN/UID in the system if the system admin has set the trunked system up to control access that way.

So, buying a Kenwood NexEdge radio is -not- an option. Even if you program it as conventional, the radio will not decode trunked system packets.

I've heard that Icom radios will decode the packets in conventional mode, but it won't trunk track.

Really, your best option is the scanner. It'll be cheaper than the radio + software + cable + learning curve. Plus the scanner will have much more capability.

 

[bearcatrp]

That scanner (160 DN) will not do trunking, only scan all the voice channels, you will not be able to hold on a TG, lock out a TG or properly follow conversations.

Reason why I mentioned if he were to have all the frequencies of the system using NXDN, program them into the scanner and scan just those frequencies. I do this with my R30 on P25 systems and works fairly well.

 

[dave3825]

Be prepared to spend more money to buy the NXDN upgrade too.

And avoid Zip Scanners for any Uniden upgrades. They charge almost double of what Uniden charges...

SDS100/SDS200: - Just bought a SDS100 got a couple questions.

AngWay: (OP) Again, in reading all of your questions, I'd strongly recommend getting a better grasp of trunking. Please take the time to go to the below links. Trunked radio system - Wikipedia How does trunking work? | Tait Radio Academy Trunking Basics - The RadioReference Wiki

forums.radioreference.com

 

[BinaryMode]

Oh nice. I actually have a 536 but it is currently streaming the Las Vegas city marshals on Broadcastify. I may buy another one if it works well for NXDN.

Use SDRTrunk for the stream... Handheld for on the go.

 

[RaleighGuy]

Reason why I mentioned if he were to have all the frequencies of the system using NXDN, program them into the scanner and scan just those frequencies. I do this with my R30 on P25 systems and works fairly well.

Agreed it will work well, that is how the Whistler TRX scanners do it, but unlike the Whistlers the 160DN still has the limitation of not being able to hold on a TG, lock out a TG or properly follow conversations.

 

[R0am3r]

Use SDRTrunk for the stream... Handheld for on the go.

The current version of sdrtrunk [0.6.1 Beta 3] is a non-starter for streaming NXDN as this protocol is not yet supported.

 

[W4KRR]

DSD+ Fastlane and a cheap USB dongle or two will track NXDN systems.