I am contemplating purchasing either a TK-7180 or a TK-5710. I've already programmed a TK-7180, which oddly uses the same programming software as my current TK-2180. I have two must-haves for my mobile, the first is that it needs to be remote-able... I have space in the trunk for the main unit and only room for a head unit in front of my car. The other must is being able to add GPS and transmit it via FleetSync. I already have a TK-7360HV in another vehicle, which I've added a GPS receiver inside and it works exactly as intended.
Now, for why I'm interested in the TK-5710. I use these radios as a communications volunteer for a sheriff's department search and rescue unit. The sheriff's department has moved off of their original conventional, analog VHF channels to a VHF trunked P25 network. I like the fact that the TK-5710 says P25 trunking is optional. It also transmits with a higher power (110 watts instead of 50 watts of the TK-7180H), which may be a plus. I've downloaded service manuals on all of the radios I've considered and I'm not seeing anything on HOW to add GPS to the TK-5710, but it appears as if it is possible... somehow. Also, I looked into the programming for the TK-5710 and P25 trunking is greyed out. I'm sure that due to the nature of the network, they try to limit who can program a radio onto the network. My only problem with that is all of the sheriff's department radios are Motorola radios and I don't believe they have any Kenwood radios on their network. For that reason, I doubt they have the programming software to add my radio. As my primary purpose of the radio is for search and rescue where we use FleetSync with GPS, I'm limited to a Kenwood. I really don't want to go with two separate radios, as it is already going to be a pain to add ONE radio.
If I were to go with a TK-5710, (or a TK-7180H for that matter), it will likely be used. I am hoping someone with experience in this can give me some advice.
Now, for why I'm interested in the TK-5710. I use these radios as a communications volunteer for a sheriff's department search and rescue unit. The sheriff's department has moved off of their original conventional, analog VHF channels to a VHF trunked P25 network. I like the fact that the TK-5710 says P25 trunking is optional. It also transmits with a higher power (110 watts instead of 50 watts of the TK-7180H), which may be a plus. I've downloaded service manuals on all of the radios I've considered and I'm not seeing anything on HOW to add GPS to the TK-5710, but it appears as if it is possible... somehow. Also, I looked into the programming for the TK-5710 and P25 trunking is greyed out. I'm sure that due to the nature of the network, they try to limit who can program a radio onto the network. My only problem with that is all of the sheriff's department radios are Motorola radios and I don't believe they have any Kenwood radios on their network. For that reason, I doubt they have the programming software to add my radio. As my primary purpose of the radio is for search and rescue where we use FleetSync with GPS, I'm limited to a Kenwood. I really don't want to go with two separate radios, as it is already going to be a pain to add ONE radio.
If I were to go with a TK-5710, (or a TK-7180H for that matter), it will likely be used. I am hoping someone with experience in this can give me some advice.