Standard vs Railroad Versions

[ComradeGlock]

Anybody know the difference between the Icom “Standard” versioned LMR radios and the same model radios but in the “Railroad” version?

I know they utilize different firmware, but what (if any) are the functional differences between the 2 flavors?

Thanks!

 

[ElevatorsAndRadios]

RR version allows for keypad entry of RR channels. It also allows for menu function keys to have two functions, and you toggle between the two with a menu soft key

 

[JustinWHT]

Anybody know the difference between the Icom “Standard” versioned LMR radios and the same model radios but in the “Railroad” version?

This might help...

Icom F3261DT RR Railroad Radio | Discontinued

Icom F3261DT RR Railroad Radio - Discontinued, Replaced by the F3400D RR 512 Channels, 128 Zones 8 Programmable KeysRailroad Version Model Waterproof 24 Character Display Trunking Capable - LTR® / IDAS® Analog or Digital Mode Extra Loud Audio - 800mW Full Keypad Version Built-in

quality2wayradios.com

 

[ComradeGlock]

Thanks for the responses! Direct keypad entry of AAR channel numbers sounds like the biggest difference and makes sense that feature would require a different firmware. Justifies the price difference too.

I did see the Quality2wayradios listing, but their description is virtually identical to the standard version. I own the F3400DT and was wondering what if anything was different.

 

[Falcon9h]

What RR's are using these? (curious)
When I was out there railfanning it was Motorola or nothing.

 

[ComradeGlock]

When the FCC mandated Narrowband and warned that it was only an interim step towards Very Narrow Band, the AAR settled on the NXDN/IDAS (digital) emission protocol to meet the eventual VNB mandate. For their own reasons, at that point Big M lost interest in the railroad industry.

So at least on the Class 1's (and most others), you won't find Motorola's anywhere for voice, only Icom and Kenwood.

 

[Falcon9h]

When the FCC mandated Narrowband and warned that it was only an interim step towards Very Narrow Band, the AAR settled on the NXDN/IDAS (digital) emission protocol to meet the eventual VNB mandate. For their own reasons, at that point Big M lost interest in the railroad industry.

So at least on the Class 1's (and most others), you won't find Motorola's anywhere for voice, only Icom and Kenwood.

You can tell it's been a long time since I've been out there! I knew about nxdn but that's it.
Bummer, I guess in time analog is gonna be completely obsolete.

 

[ComradeGlock]

Sooner or later . . .

The best thing about the transition is if you're itching for a new radio, it's real easy to convince yourself that you need to be NXDN capable, "just in case". (Worked for me anyhow!)

 

[Falcon9h]

Sooner or later . . .

The best thing about the transition is if you're itching for a new radio, it's real easy to convince yourself that you need to be NXDN capable, "just in case". (Worked for me anyhow!)

That's my take on it for future (distant I wish). Love your Soviet moniker, that's why I bailed 20 years ago!