XG-100p for a civilian

[KJ4SKP]

I’ve just had my eyes opened to this radio. In searching for a durable radio for my PC, I found Harris radio. WOW, it checks a lot of boxes. I found a new one for less than a thousand. I know the programming software is expensive but for a multiband that competes with the Motorola APX 8000, it’s looking pretty interesting. I saw on another thread here that a tech reported many failures with this radio. Specifically there was great fragility and electronic failures. I’m curious if others with this radio have experienced similar issues? I was very surprised to hear this since the radio is supposedly based on a military version. Can anyone else comment on the ruggedness and durability of this radio? On another note how easy is it for a civilian to acquire programming software and support?

 

[prcguy]

I have an XG-100P and must admit I baby it but I'm surprised at all the problems that have been reported here. I'm a fairly new user and have had zero problems with my radio so far. I love all its bands and features. What I did find is once you join the Harris club things just start showing up in your mailbox like maybe software.

I’ve just had my eyes opened to this radio. In searching for a durable radio for my PC, I found Harris radio. WOW, it checks a lot of boxes. I found a new one for less than a thousand. I know the programming software is expensive but for a multiband that competes with the Motorola APX 8000, it’s looking pretty interesting. I saw on another thread here that a tech reported many failures with this radio. Specifically there was great fragility and electronic failures. I’m curious if others with this radio have experienced similar issues? I was very surprised to hear this since the radio is supposedly based on a military version. Can anyone else comment on the ruggedness and durability of this radio? On another note how easy is it for a civilian to acquire programming software and support?

 

[radiomankc]

The Harris product is excellent. The programming is different from that of Motorola and Kenwood. But dont let discourage you from the radio. It is excellent quality and durable. The Harris radios have a long lineage to military radios. So, programming is based on "Mission Plans". i have them all but Harris is a fantastic platform. just remember, programming is different that that of Motorola and Kenwood. But i only have great things to say about Harris XG series.

 

[KJ4SKP]

The Harris product is excellent. The programming is different from that of Motorola and Kenwood. But dont let discourage you from the radio. It is excellent quality and durable. The Harris radios have a long lineage to military radios. So, programming is based on "Mission Plans". i have them all but Harris is a fantastic platform. just remember, programming is different that that of Motorola and Kenwood. But i only have great things to say about Harris XG series.

thanks for your feedback on the Harris radios. I’m hopeful that more users chime in to give their opinions as well. I have one of these radios in my cart to purchase but I’m waiting to hear more. Can you give me an idea on how much the programming software costs?

 

[TDR-94]

Legitament versions of RPM are no longer provided by L3HARRIS to dealers.

L3HARRIS only provides the latest version of their programming software to dealers. The current RPM2 costs around $800-$900,but since it doesn't support the XG-100P,it's moot.

 

[KJ4SKP]

so you can’t get programming software for the radio?

 

[jparks29]

so you can’t get programming software for the radio?

You can, you just have to know people.

 

[merlin]

I would love one of these radios, they are getting 5 star ratings everywhere I look.
To the best of my know, you will need RPM R7 or newer for these. Not cheap software when you can find it.

 

[ElroyJetson]

Under a thousand dollars? Isn't your "STOLEN RADIO ALARM" ringing like mad?

NO WAY that's legit.

 

[prcguy]

It can be perfectly legit. These radios are getting old and one with minimal features could easily be under $1k.

Under a thousand dollars? Isn't your "STOLEN RADIO ALARM" ringing like mad?

NO WAY that's legit.

 

[KJ4SKP]

I’m still looking at the Harris XG 100 P radio. I have very basic requirements for this radio. I’m sure the Harris XP 100 G can do what I need but I should ask the experts here. My immediate needs are for the radio to...
1. Operate on UHF and VHF
2. work on my local VHF/ UHF repeaters using PL tones etc
3. allow me to communicate simplex with others using amateur radios and freq’s
4. Repeaters and simplex freq’s programmable via front panel
5. Basic programming without $800 software?
6. military standards of shock and water resistance

I’m primarily interested in this radio for its multi band capability and military heritage/ durability. I realize this radio is capable of much more than I require and many of its functions will be wasted on me. Is this radio capable of fullfilling my needs? I’ve found a used radio that I can afford but I’m concerned I won’t find reasonable programming options.

 

[TDR-94]

The XG-100P is not FPP like a HAM radio. All channels must be entered via RPM. You can only edit/change an existing channel and only a single channel can be edited at a time. You can not edit multiple channels.

The military standards for durability with any radio I would take with a grain of salt. Manufacturers are left to their own devices when it comes to coming up with the specific testing to meet those requirements. The don't specify an exact method for the testing, only the requirement that must be met.

 

[KJ4SKP]

The XG-100P is not FPP like a HAM radio. All channels must be entered via RPM. You can only edit/change an existing channel and only a single channel can be edited at a time. You can not edit multiple channels.

The military standards for durability with any radio I would take with a grain of salt. Manufacturers are left to their own devices when it comes to coming up with the specific testing to meet those requirements. The don't specify an exact method for the testing, only the requirement that must be met.

thanks for your reply, can you comment on my additional questions about this radio’s capabilities?

 

[TDR-94]

1. Operate on UHF and VHF
Yes
2. work on my local VHF/ UHF repeaters using PL tones etc
Yes
3. allow me to communicate simplex with others using amateur radios and freq’s
Yes
4. Repeaters and simplex freq’s programmable via front panel
Can edit a single existing channel at a time. TX/RX Frequency,PL,NAC etc..
5. Basic programming without $800 software?
Can reconfigure channels for scan and zones etc.. via the front panel. Can not program in new channels or change many of the specific radio wide settings without RPM10 or higher and the appropriate firmware.
6. military standards of shock and water resistance
Claims to meet Ruggedness Rating: MIL-STD-810C, D, E, F and G
Immersion/Submersible Rating: MIL-STD-810C, D, E, F and G Method 512.5/1 (1 meter for 30 minutes, non-operating exposure)

 

[KJ4SKP]

Excellent. Thanks very much sir

 

[KJ4SKP]

How does one go about purchasing the programming software? Is that done through Harris direct or are there programmers out there that will do that for you?

 

[TDR-94]

How does one go about purchasing the programming software? Is that done through Harris direct or are there programmers out there that will do that for you?

L3HARRIS does not sell directly.L3HARRIS dealers handle sales of radios,features,software etc... There are some who will program radios for others.

And BTW,I'm no expert.My only experience with these is strictly in a hobby and not professional capacity. I've learned a few things along the way through my own research and from others who use and maintain these in a professional capacity.

 

[KJ4SKP]

I would be very interested in talking with anyone who might be able to offer programming services for this radio. Got any connections ?

 

[APX7500X2]

Under a thousand dollars? Isn't your "STOLEN RADIO ALARM" ringing like mad?

NO WAY that's legit.

We had a local FD give away 6 of them because they got a grant for new APX8000s for the whole town.

 

[K2NEC]

Something that everyone failed to mention is that the XG100p is an amazing radio but it is an absolute BRICK. It is not light, it is not small. It's a big beefy radio so just don't be surprised if you get one and the thing is way bigger than you expect it to be.