CP200 vs BPR40

[Meestor_X]

I'm having a lot of trouble finding out detailed information on what the differences are between the BPR40 and CP200.

I've used the CP200 before, but the BPR40 looks like a newer product with a lower price. What features do you give up for that lower price?

 

[SteveC0625]

I'm having a lot of trouble finding out detailed information on what the differences are between the BPR40 and CP200.

Not sure why you're having trouble locating info on these two radios. The specs sheets are easily located with a google search:
http://www.motorolasolutions.com/US...ble+Radios/On-site+Communications/BPR40_US-EN
http://www.motorolasolutions.com/US...ble+Radios/On-site+Communications/CP200_US-EN

I've used the CP200 before, but the BPR40 looks like a newer product with a lower price. What features do you give up for that lower price?

BPR40 has no Quick Call II or MDC capability.
If you're looking at the CP200-XLS, then there's a whole host of features over the BPR40.

The BPR40 looks to be a a low end radio for commercial or personal use. I'd never consider it for public safety or any other heavy duty use. It's arguable that the CP200 (and it's little brother the CP150) aren't really HD public safety radios, but there's thousands of them in use in that arena.

 

[Meestor_X]

Thank you for your reply. I use radios a lot (rentals) but I am just starting to learn about the features and other information. Please excuse my new-ness in the possibly dumb questions I may ask!

Not sure why you're having trouble locating info on these two radios. The specs sheets are easily located with a google search:
http://www.motorolasolutions.com/US...ble+Radios/On-site+Communications/BPR40_US-EN
http://www.motorolasolutions.com/US...ble+Radios/On-site+Communications/CP200_US-EN

Sorry, my bad. I mis-wrote. I meant to say I was having trouble finding information on the differences between the two radios. The spec sheets look to me (as a layman) very similar.

BPR40 has no Quick Call II or MDC capability.

I think I don't need those features. Just looking for a durable radio with at least 8 programmable-frequency channels, and that feature that doesn't allow you to transmit until the channel is free. (I forget the acronym...)

If you're looking at the CP200-XLS, then there's a whole host of features over the BPR40.

No, just the basic CP200 (UHF).

The BPR40 looks to be a a low end radio for commercial or personal use. I'd never consider it for public safety or any other heavy duty use. It's arguable that the CP200 (and it's little brother the CP150) aren't really HD public safety radios, but there's thousands of them in use in that arena.

Not for public saftey, just for indoor event communication.
Can the BPR40 be programmed to different frequencies like the CP200? (I know you need the software for that)
I'm not clear on the licensing requirements. I typically rent the radios, but they are so cheap now and I use them so much, it makes sense to get my own. I do events all over the USA and Canada, do I need an FCC license to use these radios? Is it different from state to state?
I've tried reading up on this, but a lot of the info is for systems with a big main station at a fixed location. (Is that called a trunked system?)

Thanks in advance for the help. Sorry to be so green on all this stuff.

 

[SteveC0625]

Not for public saftey, just for indoor event communication.
Can the BPR40 be programmed to different frequencies like the CP200? (I know you need the software for that)

It appears that they can be programmed as you want.

I'm not clear on the licensing requirements. I typically rent the radios, but they are so cheap now and I use them so much, it makes sense to get my own. I do events all over the USA and Canada, do I need an FCC license to use these radios? Is it different from state to state?

FCC is federal and is good nationwide. States have no jurisdiction over radio communications, especially in the business bands. You'll most likely want to get an itinerant business band license for several frequencies in your chosen spectrum (VHF or UHF.) Yes, you'll need a license unless you want to use one of the open groups like MURS which you could potentially be sharing with many users. Not desirable in my view.

My advice to you is to seek out a local Motorola radio shop and explain your needs to them. They can help you through the licensing process and purchasing. They can also offer advice on most any aspect of radio communications. They can also set up and maintain your radios once you have them.

Trying to get this kind of info over the internet via forums is not a good way to do this. You'll get a lot of conflicting advice and much of it will be more technically advanced than you need. And a lot of it will be opinions which, while not necessarily bad, may confuse you more than help you.

I accept a client every now and then like you, but only if they are local and I can work with them in person. I suggest that you do the same.

 

[Meestor_X]

Good advice. Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

 

[2WayOldDog]

Good question

Both of these are great radios. I just went through the same process of figuring out which to get. I stumbled on talk two way and they were super helpful. They also had the cheapest prices on both that I could find online. Check em out if you are still looking..

Motorola CP200

Motorola MagOne BPR40

 

[Kf4mnc]

Not to hi-jack, but ignoring all extra features and using them as a simple dummy device which radio would one expect to have the best range?

It is my understanding features aside the transmit and receive specs are identical.

I have about 20 BPR40s that I am very disappointed with regarding range and durability. Is it worth upgrading to the CP series which is about $100 more per radio? I am also considering going to DTR. I know less watts, but 900 MHz inside a smallish building it should work, and we gain extra features like one to one calling, one to many, and notification of successful transmit. The DTR is about the same cost of the low end CP 200 with more features . . . Not to mention no licensing and easy user programming for my organization with free software. (Note I will be testing the DTR on my own, and my local radio shop has been less than helpful. They say it works fine but we frequently have range issues.)

What do you all think??