Motorola EX500

[Chevyman22360]

Recently acquired a Motorola EX500 VHF. Don't know much about these radios. More used to the Motorola CP200's. The battery in shot on the EX500 and haven't been able to test it. Just wondering before I go out and get a battery if these radios are really any good compared to a CP200.. I like the size about the same as a Minitor V pager. Thanks

 

[mbnv992]

I had an EX600 back in the day ( same radio as yours but with a display and keypad ).

Feature wise - it was a great little radio. However - the audio was terrible. Just like any other Waris radio of the era. Ended up selling it off for a Visar ( which even though was a terrible radio in itself - the audio was much better than the EX radio ).

 

[chrismol1]

Ive got a EX560XLS a few years now, its rugged IP67 waterproof display version of that line, nice compact radio, its built for LTR trunking but will do 160 conventional channels, quick call and MDC if you need that stuff. Got an aftermarket li-ion thats super slim fits with the back of the radio without a bump. I really like it, they'll do full U4/V5 watts. Nice little modern compact motorola thats not a baofeng. With an earpiece and it works great nice covert/pocket radio

 

[IAmSixNine]

I have had HT1250, HT1550xls and EX600ls and they dont stick out in my head as having bad audio.
I know if you dont program it right, (i believe companding audio, expand and something else would cause issues) Its been 5+ years since i have had to program one. But if you dont adjust the audio settings correctly it can sound tinny.

 

[K2NEC]

However - the audio was terrible. Just like any other Waris radio of the era.

IDK what radios you have had in the past but I think the Waris radios have amazing audio.

OP to answer your question the EX500 is a pretty good radio. They are pretty outdated and accessories aren't as common but I'd say the radio is worth having around.