Hardware help

[duckaholic]

First off, if this isn’t the right place to post this let me now and I can repost.

Im currently working with a vendor to process my commercial business application for the Business Band.

As I’m waiting Im working on narrowing down the hardware but I am having a tough time with it.

Looking for repeater, mobile units and handhelds that will work well together under AES 256 encryption.
This network will be used for emergencies when need arises so I’m not looking for and LTE and WiFi hardware- had that mentioned by another member recently.
Anyone have a solid direction to point me in?

 

[chief21]

Almost any commercial vendor... Motorola Solutions, Kenwood (commercial), Icom (commercial), Vertex, Harris, etc.

Hint: Bring lots of money!

 

[DeoVindice]

If AES is required, MSI is right out as they will not sell AES-equipped TRBO radios in the US to encourage APX sales. It's unfortunate, because TRBO radios are affordable, tough, and readily available. The best you'll get with them is 40-bit ARC4 ("Enhanced Privacy").

Kenwood's NX-3000 and NX-5000 lines are available with AES modules. I have a bit of experience with NX-3000s as an end user and was satisfied with their durability.

 

[N4KVE]

Actually XPR7550’s, & 5550’s already have the AES feature built in from the factory. The trick is unlocking the feature to work. A simple task around here that literally takes a second to unlock. And no Depot is involved.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Your FCC license can have emission designators for multiple technologies. These should include narrow band FM, P25, NXDN and DMR. Ask your vendor to put as many as you are considering on the license as it will cost you more coordination fees to do so later.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Actually XPR7550’s, & 5550’s already have the AES feature built in from the factory. The trick is unlocking the feature to work. A simple task around here that literally takes a second to unlock. And no Depot is involved.

When did MSI change their policy? Is this as easy as getting an EID? What will stop MSI from turning it off in future FW releases?

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Maxon is a viable low cost DMR option that includes AES256;

MDP-6000 Series Digital Radio – Maxon America, Inc.

maxonamerica.com

ER-9000 Series Digital/Analog Repeater – Maxon America, Inc.

maxonamerica.com

Maxon resells Bridgecom repeaters as well. But I would avoid that option. They are probably analog.

 

[N4KVE]

When did MSI change their policy? Is this as easy as getting an EID? What will stop MSI from turning it off in future FW releases?

They didn’t, & it’s easier. But I’m saying instead of having to download the feature from them, it’s already in the radio. One simply clicks a box to unlock the feature, & then it’s listed as purchased feature, but was never shown as a feature available to purchase. Works with any FW & CPS up until the new 2.0.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

They didn’t, they’re not giving it out, & it’s easier. But I’m saying instead of having to download the feature from them, it’s already in the radio. One simply clicks a box to unlock the feature, & it’s instantly in the radio. Works with any FW & CPS up until the new 2.0.

That's good to know. But clearly boneheaded MSI won't sell or support it in new radios.

 

[kny2xb]

Alinco offers the DR-MD500 mobile Alinco DR-MD500 Mobile Dual Band VHF/UHF DMR Transceiver

and the DJ-MD5XT hand-held Alinco DJ-MD5XT - 2nd Generation DMR

Both state that they can use AES 256 bit encryption in digital mode