Interesting read here. I'm working to upgrade our fire department radios from Hytera (yuck, wasn't involved in getting them) radios to literally anything else. We are on VHF DMR as the sole user of our frequency pair, we have mutual aid with the US (800MHz P25PII) and with The Quebec departments to our north (UHF Analog, might be going DMR). I've been trying to decide if it is worth the push to get the VP8000 or just get something like the NX-5200 and roll with it for now and forget inter-agency stuff. This thread gives me pause though to wonder what's on the horizon and if investing in the NX series now might be short sighted. Curious if others have takes on the matter. Is it worth waiting for new NX series stuff at this point, or just roll with it. I realize this could be it's own topic, but also feel it is in the spirit of the discussion at present. Too bad the VP5000 portables don't do DMR lol, I've heard Armada is amazing to use.
-
To anyone looking to acquire commercial radio programming software:
Please do not make requests for copies of radio programming software which is sold (or was sold) by the manufacturer for any monetary value. All requests will be deleted and a forum infraction issued. Making a request such as this is attempting to engage in software piracy and this forum cannot be involved or associated with this activity. The same goes for any private transaction via Private Message. Even if you attempt to engage in this activity in PM's we will still enforce the forum rules. Your PM's are not private and the administration has the right to read them if there's a hint to criminal activity.
If you are having trouble legally obtaining software please state so. We do not want any hurt feelings when your vague post is mistaken for a free request. It is YOUR responsibility to properly word your request.
To obtain Motorola software see the Sticky in the Motorola forum.
The various other vendors often permit their dealers to sell the software online (i.e., Kenwood). Please use Google or some other search engine to find a dealer that sells the software. Typically each series or individual radio requires its own software package. Often the Kenwood software is less than $100 so don't be a cheapskate; just purchase it.
For M/A Com/Harris/GE, etc: there are two software packages that program all current and past radios. One package is for conventional programming and the other for trunked programming. The trunked package is in upwards of $2,500. The conventional package is more reasonable though is still several hundred dollars. The benefit is you do not need multiple versions for each radio (unlike Motorola).
This is a large and very visible forum. We cannot jeopardize the ability to provide the RadioReference services by allowing this activity to occur. Please respect this.
VP8000 NXDN confirmed
- Thread starter wd8chl
- Start date
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Good question.
I was trying to think what they could add to a NX-5K replacement that would make it "better".
WiFi/LTE?
More memory so you could have all 3 digital modes active at the same time instead of just 2?
Better software?
I mean, the product line does a lot as is. Maybe a refresh to more modern components?
I've been buying NX-5K's and don't really plan to stop. They've been solid radios and I have no concerns with them. Even if they do EOL them in the next couple of years, they'll still be supported for quite a while.
I'm involved with a rather large project and Kenwood bid the NX-5000 line for some of the applications, so they don't seem to be too concerned.
I was trying to think what they could add to a NX-5K replacement that would make it "better".
WiFi/LTE?
More memory so you could have all 3 digital modes active at the same time instead of just 2?
Better software?
I mean, the product line does a lot as is. Maybe a refresh to more modern components?
I've been buying NX-5K's and don't really plan to stop. They've been solid radios and I have no concerns with them. Even if they do EOL them in the next couple of years, they'll still be supported for quite a while.
I'm involved with a rather large project and Kenwood bid the NX-5000 line for some of the applications, so they don't seem to be too concerned.
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ Say it, say 'ENCRYPTION'
I'd seriously consider the VP8000. Just the software experience alone is worth it. One radio, all three bands, and both modes you will need. The ONLY issue is if the DMR is trunked. AFIK the VP8000 is ONLY Tier 2 at this point(Conventional DMR) and if it does get Tier 3 Trunking, it will not be compatible with Capacity Max enhanced or what ever Motorola calls it to make it vendor locked.
The NX5K is a very solid line, and will be supported even when the gen2 version comes out and I think you won't see gen2 until 27ish. D1N is probably the biggest drawback to the line.
A top screen would be nice, Wifi (especially for OTIP like the VP/M8000) and LTE would be great but those options would only be something that would be proprietary to a Kenwood system (I would guess), multi-band in the same footprint would be great, CPS modeled after Armada.
A top screen would be nice, Wifi (especially for OTIP like the VP/M8000) and LTE would be great but those options would only be something that would be proprietary to a Kenwood system (I would guess), multi-band in the same footprint would be great, CPS modeled after Armada.
EFJ supports Tier 3, it's been out for a few months, EFJ confirmed that it works on Leonardo T3 and Tait T3 with more features being supported for DMR in every release of FW. They won't work on moto proprietary protocol, but what will?
The Viking 8000 series would make the most sense considering you need multi-band and multi-protocol, this platform is proven on the P25 side, and as the product matures the other protocols will be more refined.
Don't forget that you can purchase the radio configured with specific bands that fit your needs, and if you opt to leave a band out it can be added later on, same for protocols. Very scalable.
