Which one to buy?

[Onetechyguy]

Trying to decide which 8200 to buy. There is a new unblocked one on ebay for $619 and the US blocked one for $709 at universal radio. I know theres not much advantage to having an unblocked receiver nowadays but am I missing something? Which is the better buy? Thanks

Rick
KC9PXL

 

[trap5858]

The unblocked radio will be more versatile and have higher re-sale value.

 

[prcguy]

Your joking, right? Please tell me your joking....

You can find NIB military surplus unblocked units in the $400 to $450 range and you can later sell them for what you paid if in good condition. An unblocked unit is always worth more than blocked. There is no difference between the blocked and unblocked except for the silly US regulated block of some frequency ranges.
prcguy

The unblocked radio will be more versatile and have higher re-sale value.

 

[n0ypd]

How much difference will there be when the digital board is installed? or still no advantages?

 

[prcguy]

If you mean the P25 upgrade the radio will receive everything it used to do but will also decode P25 digital transmissions. They include a voice recorder and 4GB micro SD card which will record about 70hrs of stuff.

You will loose functionality with some accessory cards and the programming cable will be different but they will supply you with a new cable as part of the upgrade.

The radio will also have less battery life and may have more birdies which have not been determined yet.
prcguy

How much difference will there be when the digital board is installed? or still no advantages?

 

[prcguy]

Some people have asked where the reasonably priced AR8200s are and here is a MKIII unblocked for a good price.
AR8200 MK3 Govt VI8200 Voice Inverter | eBay
prcguy

 

[W2WP]

I have a mint USA version for sale. No box but has The memory card, telescopic and 800 MHz antennas, vinyl case, 4 rechargable batteries, belt clip and a beat up manual. $400 + shipping. Not a scratch or mark on the radio.

 

[prcguy]

There is a nice looking unblocked US Govt version on Epay now for $379.
prcguy

 

[fourthhorseman]

Yeah,,i was surprised that the 8200s were as easy to come by,unblocked n all...got mine for 362$ door to door from Maryland to Philly in less than 48hrs.

Almost makes me think theres something wrong with this line-being the low resale value..but its probably just high supply and moderate demand..

 

[dkf435]

One thing to remember is that you have a Unblocked unit without the proper papers AOR cannot work on the radios.

David Kb7uns

 

[reconrider8]

my question is how do you really know which radios are unblocked on ebay? i could tell you that my bct 15 is unblocked if i wanted to sell lol and it be just a regular scanner.

 

[prcguy]

They did for me.
prcguy

One thing to remember is that you have a Unblocked unit without the proper papers AOR cannot work on the radios.

David Kb7uns

 

[prcguy]

Its a good selling point so if its unblocked the seller will let you know.
prcguy

my question is how do you really know which radios are unblocked on ebay? i could tell you that my bct 15 is unblocked if i wanted to sell lol and it be just a regular scanner.