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List of commercial UHF radios that are field programmable?

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Bailey1213

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Is there a list of commercial UHF radios that are field programmable. Meaning you dont need to hook them up to a computer to add frequencies or CTSS codes. I know the Kenwood TK-805 is one.
 

N5XPM

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There are many. TK 805 is Wideband only and not very useful to transmit since narrow banding. Kenwood NX 5300 would be a current model that can be configured.
To scope the question better, answers to the following would help.
1) What is the intended usage?
2) Mobile or portable?
3) Budget.
 

APX6k

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Motorola XTS5000 with FPP flash
Motorola HT1550 with special FPP battery
 

KG4INW

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No, all JT1000s are narrowband capable.

Since this is the GMRS subforum, I assume you're asking about commercial radios that also have Part 95 certification? I don't believe any of the FPP Motorola models have that.
 

kayn1n32008

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Motorola HT1550 with special FPP battery

No longer need the ‘red’ battery. There is a hack that’s been published detailing how to modify the radio to not need it.

As for radios that can do FPP, there are lots that can.
 

jaspence

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EF Johnson 5100, even with the limited keypad models. They have been EOL for some time but are decent and affordable.
 

ecps92

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Not true,
it was Firmware dependent and not upgradable - and 95% of what I have seen were NOT capable.
Very few later released models, but that was just before EOL

No, all JT1000s are narrowband capable.

Since this is the GMRS subforum, I assume you're asking about commercial radios that also have Part 95 certification? I don't believe any of the FPP Motorola models have that.
 

KG4INW

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I'm not sure where you heard that as the JT1000 was built on the same platform as the HT1000 which has been narrowband capable since they were introduced in the early 90's (except the AN revision, which was either or). The JT1000 came out in 1995 and has always been selectable. I have one from then and it works just fine with being set to 12.5 kHz/2.5 kHz deviation. Early models weren't capable of "splinter" frequencies. Is that what you're referring to? It's true that firmware isn't upgradable though. I worked for a Motorola dealer for 7.5 years and although it was well after the Jedi line, I still worked on quite a bit.
 
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russbrill

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Nevermind ya'll I'll just get one of the Midland MXT series and be done with it, Mods please close this thread.

It sounds like you're not very thrilled with the Midland products.. You're not the only one, my understanding is they (Midland) will be making some improvements to the Micro-Mobiles in mid to late 2020... Hang in there...
 

mmckenna

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Kenwood TK-390 is FPP.
Many newer radios (Kenwood NX-5000 series, NX-3000 series) can be ordered with an FPP option.
 

APX6k

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Kenwood TK-390 is FPP.
Many newer radios (Kenwood NX-5000 series, NX-3000 series) can be ordered with an FPP option.

I’ve seen FPP 290’s and 390’s here and there on eBay. I’ve got a 290 collecting dust. How does one go about enabling that option, and how cumbersome is the programming process?

Thanks!
 

mmckenna

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The function needs to be active in the radio, that is done with programming software, and then you have to do one of the following:

Short pins 8 and 10 on the mic connector.
or
Remove R491(labeled "self") on the TX-RX board.

Turn the radio off, then hold PF1 and PF2 buttons on the side and turn the radio on. If you have an old speaker mic, you can make an "FPP Key" by shorting pin 8 and 10 and attaching that to the radio (a-la JT-1000)

The process is pretty simple, just stepping through the options and setting them. It's all covered in the service manual.

I had a TK-290 at work that I used as my "shop" radio, having the FPP was handy for making changes on the fly. Doesn't replace programming software, but it's good for quick changes.
 

APX6k

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The function needs to be active in the radio, that is done with programming software, and then you have to do one of the following:

Short pins 8 and 10 on the mic connector.
or
Remove R491(labeled "self") on the TX-RX board.

Turn the radio off, then hold PF1 and PF2 buttons on the side and turn the radio on. If you have an old speaker mic, you can make an "FPP Key" by shorting pin 8 and 10 and attaching that to the radio (a-la JT-1000)

The process is pretty simple, just stepping through the options and setting them. It's all covered in the service manual.

I had a TK-290 at work that I used as my "shop" radio, having the FPP was handy for making changes on the fly. Doesn't replace programming software, but it's good for quick changes.

Thank you for taking the time to illustrate required steps! I’m sure I’m not alone when I thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with the lesser informed, such as myself.

I really wanted to make a “red light keeps blinking” NAS joke, but common sense prevailed, doesn’t seem appropriate at this point. Happy Friday to the group, hope everyone is staying safe!
 

mmckenna

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Thank you for taking the time to illustrate required steps! I’m sure I’m not alone when I thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with the lesser informed, such as myself.

You are welcome. I have a remote site that is still using a couple of the TK-390's, although not with FPP. Solid radios, and dirt cheap on the used market.

I really wanted to make a “red light keeps blinking” NAS joke, but common sense prevailed, doesn’t seem appropriate at this point. Happy Friday to the group, hope everyone is staying safe!

Well, hang onto it, I'm sure we'll see a similar post in the not too distant future. They seem to roll around every few months.
 
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