Looking for cheap MDC1200 radios

[DylanMadigan]

Good morning everyone,

I am looking for cheap radios that support MDC 1200. What models would you guys recommend? I'll probably get them off of Ebay (unless theres any other sites you suggest).

I am buying used, and I'm looking mostly for mobile/desktop units. I did find a post that listed a couple handheld models that I was looking at (including some of the Motorola HT series and the CP200). I'm fairly new to the radio world so if there's any particular reason why you'd recommend one over the other please let me know.

It's to my understanding that some radios don't have all MDC1200 features (where it appears my CDM1550s do). The main thing I'm looking for is to at least transmit PTT IDs, for most of these I don't really care if they can read IDs, and if they could do the radio check feature where I "ping" them with my base station and they automatically reply that would be useful.

Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

 

[mikewazowski]

Moved.

 

[SteveC0625]

Good morning everyone,

I am looking for cheap radios that support MDC 1200. What models would you guys recommend? I'll probably get them off of Ebay (unless theres any other sites you suggest).

I am buying used, and I'm looking mostly for mobile/desktop units. I did find a post that listed a couple handheld models that I was looking at (including some of the Motorola HT series and the CP200). I'm fairly new to the radio world so if there's any particular reason why you'd recommend one over the other please let me know.

It's to my understanding that some radios don't have all MDC1200 features (where it appears my CDM1550s do). The main thing I'm looking for is to at least transmit PTT IDs, for most of these I don't really care if they can read IDs, and if they could do the radio check feature where I "ping" them with my base station and they automatically reply that would be useful.

The CDM1250's will transmit and decode MDC1200. Any of the HT1250's will transmit PTT ID and the HT1250's with a display will decode them.

The HT750's and CDM750's transmit PTT ID.

The Commercial series is pretty much the same.

 

[K2NEC]

Good morning everyone,

I am looking for cheap radios that support MDC 1200. What models would you guys recommend? I'll probably get them off of Ebay (unless theres any other sites you suggest).

I am buying used, and I'm looking mostly for mobile/desktop units. I did find a post that listed a couple handheld models that I was looking at (including some of the Motorola HT series and the CP200). I'm fairly new to the radio world so if there's any particular reason why you'd recommend one over the other please let me know.

It's to my understanding that some radios don't have all MDC1200 features (where it appears my CDM1550s do). The main thing I'm looking for is to at least transmit PTT IDs, for most of these I don't really care if they can read IDs, and if they could do the radio check feature where I "ping" them with my base station and they automatically reply that would be useful.

Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

As Steve said if you are looking for the Warris series then the CDM will all encode MDC and the 1250/1550 will decode the MDC. Same with the Portables. The HT750 will encode it and the HT1250/1550 will encode and decode. The CP200 will encode and the CP200xls will encode and decode. Since you already have a CDM I reccomend the HT1250 if you want to encode and decode because they are good radio's despite EOL. Same goes with the CP200's if you want to just encode then they will suffice. Again EOL was announced but the CP200D's will do the same with digital capability. Personal preference if you dont need digital and want a display I would get the HT1250. I have one and it is my favorite analog portables.
EDIT: All of these radio's can be found for fairly cheap on eBay because they were discontinued and many businesses and companies are getting rid of them for upgrading. A nice CDM can be found for less than $150

 

[mmckenna]

I'd agree with the CDM-750's if all you need is 4 channels or less. They'll do what you want.

If you have a CDM-1550, then you probably already have the right software and programming cable.

I've purchased use CDM-750's off e-Bay for less than $100. Picked one up for $75. Deals are out there if you shop around and know what you are looking for.

 

[K2NEC]

I'd agree with the CDM-750's if all you need is 4 channels or less. They'll do what you want.

If you have a CDM-1550, then you probably already have the right software and programming cable.

I've purchased use CDM-750's off e-Bay for less than $100. Picked one up for $75. Deals are out there if you shop around and know what you are looking for.

And be patient. I payed $80 for a pretty much brand new HT1250 UHF2. If you be patient it can be rewarding.

 

[WISCOMM]

You can pick a BRAND NEW Motorola / Vertex Standard VX-261 for under $150. Does MDC / Two-Tone.

 

[mmckenna]

Good point, MDC is no longer limited to just Motorola gear. When the patents expired, many companies added it.
Most of the newer Kenwood gear will support it. Older stuff can have optional boards installed to transmit an MDC ID.

 

[K2NEC]

And most EF Johnson's can also do MDC with the addition of P25 if you need it.

 

[SMFD34]

I know this is a Moto thread but there are other formats that may also be useful for the purpose listed (encode ID/radio check) such as Fleetsync or GE-Star (definitely encode ID, not sure about radio check). There may be other options besides MDC. I have found that across multiple brands MDC seems to be most universal.

 

[tekheavy]

Most Icom's support MDC also.

 

[jeepsandradios]

It also depends on what you need it or want it for. MDC came in the GM300 and MAXTRAC series and they can be had for $25.00 and up on ebay. With that said you will not find many that support 12.5 khz. They did make a few and over the last year I was able to find 1 but thats it. If your using this on GMRS or amateur its an option.