XPR5550 vs NX5x00

[daugherh]

Hey experts,

I currently am running XPR portables and mobiles for ham and commercial use on analog and DMR.

We have a couple nxdn systems coming into play that are using the NX5x00 mobiles.

Being able to monitor and use those systems would be nice and why I'm thinking about selling my XPRs and going the Kenwood route, however it's not a necessity.

My question for the experts is what is everyone's thoughts about the NX5x00 series for DMR. I like that the Kenwood would do DMR and nxdn along with analog (not to mention P25 if the need arises). Is the programming easy enough to learn going from mototrbo cps to Kenwood? Are firmware updates freely available for the Kenwood's like the motos or do they cost each time? And lastly for now, I've heard talk that the DMR quality just isn't as good as moto. Is that true?

I appreciate everyone's thoughts and input.

 

[daugherh]

Also, I couldn't decide what category this should post in. If the mods have any ideas as to a better category please feel free to move it.

 

[mmckenna]

My question for the experts is what is everyone's thoughts about the NX5x00 series for DMR. I like that the Kenwood would do DMR and nxdn along with analog (not to mention P25 if the need arises).

Just keep in mind that the radio will only do 2 digital modes + analog at a time. You cannot put in P25 channels, DMR channels and NXDN channels. You choose two.

Is the programming easy enough to learn going from mototrbo cps to Kenwood?

KPG-D1N is some weird software. I've been using it for a few years, and I've learned it pretty well, but that learning curve is STEEP. It's not like Motorola software, and it's not like previous versions of Kenwood software. It's challenging, but once you figure it out, it's fine.
Software is also licensed by seat (computer). You don't get to make copies of it and put it on all your computers. You buy a licenses for software on one computer. If you want to add it to an additional computer, you have to buy a new license.

Are firmware updates freely available for the Kenwood's like the motos or do they cost each time?

Firmware updates are free. The challenge is getting them.
Kenwood does not have a customer portal like Motorola does. You need to have a relationship with a dealer that will help you when you need firmware/software version updates.
There is a webpage that often has the latest KPG-D1N version as well as the firmware, but it is not a Kenwood page.

News

Kenwood / JVCKenwood NX5000 radios Fan Club. P25 / DMR / NEXEDGE / NXDN information. NX-5000 software, firmware and documentation free download.

nx5000.com

That site also has some of the documentation that makes life easier.

And lastly for now, I've heard talk that the DMR quality just isn't as good as moto. Is that true?

I've found Kenwood radios to sound better than Motorola. My experience, others may disagree.

 

[daugherh]

@mmckenna thank you again for some amazing advice.