eVerge DMR radios released! I can hardly contain myself. How about you?

[K1MIZ]

I got it to read. I had to adjust baud rate.

 

[WelshCymru]

I have been reading your posts regarding the Vertex digital repeaters.

I was planning on buying a couple of Mototrbo repeaters until I heard about these.

I know youve already mentioned on here that theyre not compatble with capacity plus or IP site connect but can any of you advise if Vertex have their own version of these protocals?

I would like to be able to connect 2 or 3 repeaters across the internet so stretch coverage. I see the repeaters have the RJ45 network connection so I cant see why this wouldn't work.

Any advice greatfully received.

Thanks,
KN

 

[SCPD]

Question for you guys: would you purchase the VXD-720 or the EVX-539 -- or just go with a Motorola? The 539's are $380 shipped at the moment. The VXD-720 is crazy expensive..? From what I can tell, the specs are virtually the same between the 720 and 53x series...

I do plan to use it with DMARC.

 

[WISCOMM]

My last check of stock of the VXD-720 was NONE available from VS directly. You might find some collecting dust on dealer shelfs. We do not have any on ours.

I would stick with the eVerge line, it gets regular updates from VS and has a roadmap to future. Expect some updates to the line in 2015.

Craig

 

[SCPD]

I would stick with the eVerge line, it gets regular updates from VS and has a roadmap to future. Expect some updates to the line in 2015.

Thanks Craig. Yeah I have the VSOL account and it appears the EVX53x is very well supported. Loads of technical information there...

Seems like the best value at the moment (with battery, charger, antenna, etc.) The programming cable(s) are the only extra expense.

 

[JRayfield]

The Vertex DMR repeater is the same hardware as the Motorola XPR-series repeater. However, the Vertex doesn't have the same firmware in it, as the Motorola, and it does not support any kind of IP connection between repeaters.

John Rayfield, Jr. - W0PM
Rayfield Communications

I have been reading your posts regarding the Vertex digital repeaters.

I was planning on buying a couple of Mototrbo repeaters until I heard about these.

I know youve already mentioned on here that theyre not compatble with capacity plus or IP site connect but can any of you advise if Vertex have their own version of these protocals?

I would like to be able to connect 2 or 3 repeaters across the internet so stretch coverage. I see the repeaters have the RJ45 network connection so I cant see why this wouldn't work.

Any advice greatfully received.

Thanks,
KN

 

[Kf4mnc]

Question for you guys: would you purchase the VXD-720 or the EVX-539 -- or just go with a Motorola? The 539's are $380 shipped at the moment. The VXD-720 is crazy expensive..? From what I can tell, the specs are virtually the same between the 720 and 53x series...

I do plan to use it with DMARC.

Thanks Craig. Yeah I have the VSOL account and it appears the EVX53x is very well supported. Loads of technical information there...

Seems like the best value at the moment (with battery, charger, antenna, etc.) The programming cable(s) are the only extra expense.

Since you have the VSOL account you should see that the 720 was EOL in October of 2014. And, as of today no new product will be made available from VS directly. As Craig mentioned you may find some dealers with existing stock.

I have been using the EVX series for DMARC and in a Business environment and have been quite pleased with them. I think you will find the software easier to use and the availability of accessories cheaper and more available then then 720.

Regarding the programming cable I would encourage you to pick up the official VS cable as myself and others have had trouble using aftermarket cables programming the EVX radios.

 

[FastusBirdus]

regarding the VXD720 FWIW

Kind of a moot point now that they have been disco'd, but I figured I'd share some of my experience with the VXD720.

I've had about 250 of them in my fleet for about two years now. I'd say over 25% of them have gone back for warranty repair. Biggest issues have been the volume control and channel selector knobs failing. Other significant issue has been the speaker mic screws breaking off in the case, although after the first six months or so, that problem seemed to go away.

I run Mototrbo XPR 6350s side by side with these. As most know, these have the same guts, but different firmware. The XPRs seem to handle our high noise environment better. I have the same knob issues though (no surprise).

Up until very recently, there were no updates for the VXD. Same firmware package since ~7/2013 (which is available on VSOL). Just last month though, I had a radio come back from service with updated firmware and codeplug. Not available on VSOL. Of course, no release notes either.

I also have about 60 EVX531s in my fleet. These get utilized in a lighter service environment, but in the last year, I've only had to send one in for service. Since the discontinuation of the VXD I have been buying XPRs, but as my warranties expire, I may start more aggressively migrating to the EVX series. I've got about another year on my warranty to figure that out.

 

[Gashliquor]

Vertex Standard eVerge Line

I have read this entire thread with interest, I have purchased Multi eVerge eVR-5400 radios from dealers on the East coast and West coast of the U.S.A.


The radios sound very good and for the price they do a heck of alot, They been out to date about a little over 2 yrs and not 3 yr's yet at the time of this message.



One thing I must say in the last week I been up Vertex Standards you know what over things they missed
in this radio in over two years and never did anything about it until I brung it up in a way that if something isn't done two of there dealers will get back near $5000.00 worth of radios back each.


For starters as some know you can download also the service manual, It has been incorrect since the radio was released, Look under the Alignment for TX RF Power that mistake stands right out.


Here is where it gets even worse, I been in to radio for 40 years so this isn't a new rodeo for me, I only own
professional test equipment here, I have tested "10" eVX-5400 radio's on the analog side and all 10 radios did not come from the same dealer.


Not " ONE" of them puts out 50w on high nor 25w on L2 or 10w on L3, When I asked Tech support about this no one heard of such a thing, Until one Tech named Norb has had complaints of RF output but almost 3 years later NOW there looking into it and talking to Japan for a answer. What they requested from me is proof and I gave them everything they wanted " Digital Photo's " of the test equipment and reading and code plug.


Your eVX-5400 puts out more like 40w not 50w, Of course I can make it right in the service menu BUT it states these radio are ready to go and full alignment from 136 - 174 Mhz. A end user should not have to touch the service menu. What your radio really puts out is 40w on high, 20 on Mid and 8 watts on low. To be fair they ask for a +/- 5%, well do the math +/-%5 of 50 watts = 45w or 55w.


When it comes to RF Power the difference between 40w and 50w is none, But don't sell and put out ad's
it's a 50w radio. I can only speak for the VHF version, They know they have a problem because my vids
etc from me to them show the pics, equipment, and uploaded code plugs.


To close this if someone owed you one dollar and gave you 99 cents 9 out of 10 people would say nothing, But 99 cents doesn't equal $1.00 either and 40w doesn't equal 50 either with the industry standard -/+ 5%



These radios are designed in Japan, Made in China and who ever does QC I wonder, You can't test with any ole meter or a antenna, A real pro Dummy Load and Meter must be used on the Analog side of the radio as Digital "TDMA" can NOT be read with just a plain jane meter.
on 10k Bird RF test equipment.




They promised a answer this Monday from Japan " 03/02/15 " Just because I'm a RF engineer I'm a END USER to this company and I should not have to repair or touch and computer internal setting to make it right, But the truth is. I know what Japans answer is going to be already!.

 

[cmpsa]

Hey Gashliquor:

We bought a few EVX-5400-D0-50 VHF mobiles and I had to tweak up the RF power in analog, as you stated. My wattmeter only shows about 27-watts on one mobile, 26-watts one another, and 30-watts on 3 more (this is in digital mode). When I toggle to same frequency, analog mode I get my ~50-watts out. I have a Bird watt meter w/ the slug. I don't own any service monitor, just the watt meter.

Curious question: By chance have you had the same results in digital mode? I know digital mode when listening "skips" because it's TDMA - so I'd assume using a Bird watt meter would provide a true reading of RF power out.?.

 

[Gashliquor]

Hey Gashliquor:

We bought a few EVX-5400-D0-50 VHF mobiles and I had to tweak up the RF power in analog, as you stated. My wattmeter only shows about 27-watts on one mobile, 26-watts one another, and 30-watts on 3 more (this is in digital mode). When I toggle to same frequency, analog mode I get my ~50-watts out. I have a Bird watt meter w/ the slug. I don't own any service monitor, just the watt meter.

Curious question: By chance have you had the same results in digital mode? I know digital mode when listening "skips" because it's TDMA - so I'd assume using a Bird watt meter would provide a true reading of RF power out.?.

Hello cmpsa,


Thank you for the reply, Oh I know what I see with these radios and I know what you see with yours. And I know what Vertex Standard didn't see in over two years and nothing was done. You know why?. Most ppl buy the radio and hook it up to a antenna and if it works its ok. For me it goes right to test equipment and if not within specs that U.S. based comany is going to hear about it.

To fix your radio actually you have 3 ways of doing it, First off I assume your using a Bird 43 and a dummy load, Do not use a watt meter and a antenna!. If you have a Bird 43P it would be better.


MOST IMPORTANT: Before you adjust ANYTHING READ the radio with the SW and then SAVE AS and keep your Code Plug. Read in SW is UPLOAD.



To adjust RF output VS did something dumb in the design of the radio, 1st the service manual has errors and 2nd the way they made alignment for that radios RF section is beyond me so here is how to do it.



Radio must be hooked up in this case to a "BIRD 43" or P and then to a dummy load with a known VSWR of no reflect PWR, Take a 5-10 watt bird slug " Thats a C slug " for this radio and put the slug in reverse did it move with high PWR NO?. Go to next step.


The way this radio was designed adjust your radio to WHICH way you WANT to as you have 3 choices and they are, Adjust power output for just this Freq or Adjust PWR to center of band 136-174 Mhz which is default and don't work. Thats what the factory does. or agjust PWR for all FREQ, I can't see why VS didn't adjust the radio to ALL FREQ, But I'll know why tomorrow!. Take your pick.



When you adjust your power to 50 watts in analog it will read 50 watts and you did the right thing BUT a Bird 43 or 43P isn't cheap but it won't read digital CORRECT, and thats normal without me writing a text wall why.


The way the radio is designed the RF output gets adjusted on the analog side anyway, So even though you have 50 watts on XYZ Freq on analog but on same Freq on digital the Bird 43 doesn't READ 50 watts
in digital is normal.


I did have a talk with Bird company in Ohio and they said if you have a Bird 43P which I do put the meter in the PEAK mode and read the digital watts and if that don't work your looking at big bucks. But if your analog watts are 50 but your digital read like between 20-30 watts on a Bird your at 50 watts in digital.



I tested with 40 watts out analog and on the same Freq digital reads about 20, But look real GOOD at the Bird meter when in digital mode you'll notice REAL FAST and ever so slighty the meter movement is shaking fast. So if your at 50 watts at a freq on analog go to the same FREQ in digital and I bet it will read 25 watts +/- a little on the bird.



I would like to know your results, Right about now VS don't feel to good after hearing from me for a entire week, Now there is a phone conference with Japan and the U.S. tomorrow. I feel all END USERS are not techie, Radio is out under 3 years, It would be a bummer and alot of $ for a recall but then again there is a legal matter selling things WAY out of spec.


BTW: The radio should DO 10w-25w-50w on a 50 watt model radio and thats +/- 5%



Paid your hard earned money for your radio?, Vertex Standard Tech support would NOT like to get a phone call from you because since I proved the resuts they are scrambling to Japan for answers and the answer is YOU pay cheap labor in China the product suffers, The kicker to this is......It makes Motorola look bad!.


I read your message again, what you SEE in digital on your Bird is normal and it is doing 50w even though it reads 25+ watts only.


1-800-2-Vertex

 

[VertexStandard]

Curious question: By chance have you had the same results in digital mode? I know digital mode when listening "skips" because it's TDMA - so I'd assume using a Bird watt meter would provide a true reading of RF power out.?.

You will still get a lower value even with the bird watt meter. if you do not have a digital service monitor, your best bet is to tune the radio in analog.

 

[Gashliquor]

Not True!

You will still get a lower value even with the bird watt meter. if you do not have a digital service monitor, your best bet is to tune the radio in analog.

Not true, A bird 43P will read the digital power output correct because I tested it with a digital service monitor and a Bird 43P and they read the same. A bird 43 will not read the digital correct but a Bird 43P
will and I confirmed that with the radio and with bird in Ohio because I just realigned the power output
on my eVX5400, As a side note VS has some lousy QC as it's has to be done in China thats doing it.



When I did my alignment in the "Basic Mode" in ANALOG of course on the set FREQ of 136.05000/154.05000/173.95000 the radio was at least 7-15% out of spec's for RF Output.



Good ole Chinese QC, I adjusted the 50w-25w-10w, after adjustment all ok on on service monitor, I took a Bird 43P with the PEAK button off and used a 10-50-100w "C" slug and radio read 50w/25w/10w anywhere from 136-174Mhz, When I went to digital at 50W the Bird read 20W but when I put the Bird 43P in the PEAK mode "Like Bird Said". The digital RF Power read 50w just like analog. However because of tolerance +/- 5% it did read 55w out digital on the Bird 43P which is normal. Nice radio but there QC needs some work and there so minor error in there service manual hasn't been fixed in over 2 years doesn't look good. I've seen more eVX5400 out of spec then I would like to, If Tech support gets enough of complaints I guess china will work better, I just feel sorry for the end user that can't do there own radio!.


P.S. I'm talking a REAL 43P not a 43 with a Made in China aftermarket Peak Kit.




BTW: The service manual does not say to adjust the RF output either in Digital, It more like refers to without saying for it to be done in analog, Buyers of a VS radio should NOT have to adjust anything. Pay cheap labor. You know the out come!.

 

[Gashliquor]

Hey Gashliquor:

We bought a few EVX-5400-D0-50 VHF mobiles and I had to tweak up the RF power in analog, as you stated. My wattmeter only shows about 27-watts on one mobile, 26-watts one another, and 30-watts on 3 more (this is in digital mode). When I toggle to same frequency, analog mode I get my ~50-watts out. I have a Bird watt meter w/ the slug. I don't own any service monitor, just the watt meter.

Curious question: By chance have you had the same results in digital mode? I know digital mode when listening "skips" because it's TDMA - so I'd assume using a Bird watt meter would provide a true reading of RF power out.?.

Hello cmpsa


I have a concern that your seeing in the high 26-30 watts when your in digital mode on High PWR on a ANALOG meter unless you tell me you tested with a Bird 43P. Then I would say i'm curious of the slug your using.


I have used a Aeroflex 8800 Analog and Digital service monitor and also a Bird 43P will align the RF in the eVX4500 no problem at all, I have done a total of 14 radios which 10 were mine.


The eVX5400 is a real nice radio, The RF output is off more on the Analog as the Digital was within specs I would have to say.


Anyway this radio uses a RA60H1317M1B Mitsubishi 60 Watt MOSFET that is used mostly for LMR Digital



To align your RF output correct with a Bird Meter it would be better to use a Bird 43P but it isn't needed, IMO you can adjust the radio in ANALOG which it is the way it's done anyway. But it would be alot easier if you have access to a Bird 10C-50C-100C Slug to keep within specs and accurate and here is how.


Go into the service menu and click on the HIGH PWR adjustment "50W", Put a 50C slug in your meter and adjust in "BASIC MODE" 136.05000/154.05000/173.95000 so the Meter reads 50 W, Now save that setting.


Now go to L3 the 25w setting using the same FREQ above and adjust RF Output on that 50C slug to 25w and save.


Now go to L2 and change your slug to a 10C and using the same FREQ above again adjust Power Output to 10 Watts. Then save.

Your done!, The program will auto download this to your radio.



NOTE: Before you do anything in there YOU should of wrote down the "9" factory settings!. If not they aren't coming back.


You must use a dummy load not a Bird and a antenna!.


Once finished you'll notice anywhere in ANALOG from 136-174 on HIGH is 50w/L3=25w/L2=10 watts but read below!.



When looking at your output on your meter into a Dummy Load on any FREQ in the 136-174 Mhz range and your using HIGH PWR and a" 50C " 50 Watt slug it is normal for you to see between 47 1/2 watts up to 52 1/2 watts on Analog.


If your using a 100 watt slug "100C " and reading the HIGH Power it is normal to see between 45w - 55 watts output on Analog.


To check the 25w output same as above use the "50C" Slug. However it will be normal to see between
22 1/2 to 27 1/2 watts output.

To check the 10w output use a Bird 10C slug and its normal to see 9 1/2 to 10 1/2 watts output. If you check the 10w output using the "50C" slug it is normal to see between 7 1/2 to 12 1/2 watts output. If you use a 100C slug it will be normal to see between 5- 15w output.



If you do have a Bird 43 and want to read your Digital output if you have a Bird 43P you must turn on the PEAK with the button on the right side of the meter, Things change here, With radio on High Power 50W in Digital with a Bird "50C" Slug it is normal to see a RF output of 46 to 54 watts. If your using a 100C slug it is normal in High Power to see 42-58 watts output. Digital reading will be 8% of your slug in this mode, 8% of a 100C slug is +/- 8 watts etc.


Great radio, enjoy it. Sounds good and I thank the guys from Vertex Standard I worked with on the land line.



Until I check out the eVX5400 UHF

 

[oquintan]

Folks,
I have purchased an EVX539 portable and have the programming up and running. I can get the radio programmed to some local DMR repeaters however I get Time Out on the screen when I PTT.
The TOT is set to Disable in the software.
Any suggestions? Is there a WIKI or other help to program these radios for ham use?


Oscar

 

[Gashliquor]

Folks,
I have purchased an EVX539 portable and have the programming up and running. I can get the radio programmed to some local DMR repeaters however I get Time Out on the screen when I PTT.
The TOT is set to Disable in the software.
Any suggestions? Is there a WIKI or other help to program these radios for ham use?


Oscar

Yeah. Call 1-800-2-vertex, it may take them a month to figure out there own radio!

 

[timpruner]

evx-534

You had to adjust the baud rate to what? I can not seem to get past the Product Type error issue. windows 7.

 

[chucklynde]

So EVX531 wont play with Moto XTS digital?

 

[kayn1n32008]

So EVX531 wont play with Moto XTS digital?

Nope


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk