Kenwood VHF NXDN-Capable Portable?

[ScanFanEd]

Not sure how much of a long-shot this is, however I am hoping to purchase a professional grade portable to monitor a couple of VHF NXDN frequencies. I know there are a couple of scanners on the market that will do NXDN, however I am hoping for something that is better quality than a scanner. Would anyone be able to suggest a Kenwood VHF NXDN-capable portable that isn't horrible expensive? I am also looking for programming suggestions? Is it possible that a dealer/seller would program it for me, or possibly it is a radio that I can easily acquire the cable and software?

Thanks!

 

[KK6ZTE]

If your goal is to monitor trunking systems, it won't work.

If your goal is just NXDN conventional (railroad) then the NX-210 is the perfect radio for you (it's what the railroads use).

 

[ScanFanEd]

Thanks! I did fail to mention that it is a couple of conventional VHF frequencies - not trunked. I will look into the NX-210. Do you know if it is user programmable?

Thanks again!

 

[KK6ZTE]

It's not front panel programmable, but the programming cable is easy to find (common Kenwood cable) and the software isn't to expensive. They're pretty easy to program. I'll be honest, they're a gateway radio. You'll get hooked.

They're pretty common on ebay for cheap. I would be wary of anything with a RR engraving though as it's 99.9999% stolen/lost.

 

[ScanFanEd]

Thank you for the very helpful information! Much appreciated.

 

[Remington12G]

Not sure how much of a long-shot this is, however I am hoping to purchase a professional grade portable to monitor a couple of VHF NXDN frequencies. I know there are a couple of scanners on the market that will do NXDN, however I am hoping for something that is better quality than a scanner. Would anyone be able to suggest a Kenwood VHF NXDN-capable portable that isn't horrible expensive? I am also looking for programming suggestions? Is it possible that a dealer/seller would program it for me, or possibly it is a radio that I can easily acquire the cable and software?

Thanks!

I would strongly recommend buying a scanner for monitoring these VHF NXDN Frequencies, Especially if they are public safety. It's too common for a scanner enthusiast to get in trouble for having a look-alike radio as the department and be accused of stealing it. Also, I don't know of any dealer willing to program a radio for a individual who is not with that agency or department.

But an NX-1200 won't break the bank. Simple and easy, single digital model of your choice and analog. The CPS is a learning curve so If you haven't used Kenwood CPS before it will be different. The model you would want would be NX-1200NVK2 which holds 260 channels and has a screen.

Models and pricing!
NX-1200NVK2 - $295
KPG-D6NK - $78
KPG-22UM - $121

 

[mmckenna]

Some options, depending on what your budget is:
NX-5200 VHF portable. Will do analog and any two of the following: P25, NXDN, DMR $$$
NX-3200/NX-3220 portables. Will do analog and NXDN -OR- DMR (not both at the same time) $$
NX-1200 portable. Will do analog and NXDN or DMR, you order which digital mode you want when you buy the radio, although you can change it later with a license key. $

Programming the NX-5000 and NX-3000's is NOT for the beginner. Haven't got my hands on the NX-1000 series yet, but I suspect the software is similar to the other two.

We use NX-210's at work. Our officers have had them for about 7 years and they've stood up well. KPG-111DN is the programming software.

Just make 100% sure that anything you program that you are not licensed to transmit on is set to RX only. Even if its for a department you work for, the only one who can legally add radios to the system is the licensee.

 

[PriorMike]

NX-200's seem to be fairly common and inexpensive on the 'bay...

 

[jaspence]

The Icom R30 does a good job on the NXDN monitoring in my area. It isn't cheap, but the most flexible handheld receiver you can buy.

 

[mmckenna]

NX-200's seem to be fairly common and inexpensive on the 'bay...

Yep, same programming software as the NX-210. Just a shorter/fatter radio.

 

[PriorMike]

Yep, same programming software as the NX-210. Just a shorter/fatter radio.

Without derailing this thread; I'd like a 200 in IP67 and intrinsically safe....

 

[mmckenna]

Without derailing this thread; I'd like a 200 in IP67 and intrinsically safe....

With the Yellow or Orange case. You know, for street cred...

 

[Floridarailfanning]

I've been looking into getting an NX-3220 or 3200 for monitoring the AAR channels as NXDN seems to be getting closer. I got an online quote this morning for the 14-pin VHF 3200 which was pretty good but Kenwood's LMR stuff is totally foreign to me.

If I understand correctly the software is only sold by the dealers?

 

[Remington12G]

I've been looking into getting an NX-3220 or 3200 for monitoring the AAR channels as NXDN seems to be getting closer. I got an online quote this morning for the 14-pin VHF 3200 which was pretty good but Kenwood's LMR stuff is totally foreign to me.

If I understand correctly the software is only sold by the dealers?

Yes. Only Kenwood Dealers will sell you the software