TK-2180 vs TK-2312

[apx7000xe]

Looking into a Kenwood radio to replace my HT1550. I'm set on either a 2180 or a 2312. The main feature I need are 2 tone and long tone decode and encode. We run on a conventional analog VHF repeater system. Which of these radios would be the best for my use and the most durable and reliable? Price is not a factor for me.


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[DJ11DLN]

I'm not familiar with the 2180 but the 2312 is a great radio, our Dept has used them for a few years now. It should do what you need it to do. Like all Kenwood LMR products, they're pretty rugged and durable; if something can be broken, a Firefighter will break it, and now on our 3rd generation of Kenwood radios, we've had very few casualties and zero "non-mechanical" failures. Small Dept but that's still a pretty good record, IMHO.

 

[mmckenna]

If you have the option, go with the TK-2180. It's got a bigger display and more channels.

TK-2312:
128 channels
8 character display

TK-2180:
512 channels
12 character display

Both will do FleetSync and MDC-1200
Both will do 2 tone paging.
Audio output is the same.

New, the 2312 will be a bit cheaper.

Durability and reliability will be the same.

If you do not need the bigger display or more channels, then take your pick. Personally I'd go with the 2180 as it shares batteries with more radios, so those might be cheaper in the long run.
I'm also running a few hundred NX-410's and NX-210's, which are built off the same chassis. We've got almost 5 years on those radios in both public works type use and daily Police use, and we've had very few issues.

I don't have any 2312's to compare to, though.