[ETS/PARC List] Fwd: DMR Options

[E Drew Moore]

*IPhone-forgive Typos*

Begin forwarded message:

From: N0TAZ LEON <n0tazradio at gmail.com>
Date: January 2, 2017 at 10:04:47 PM EST
To: Leon Grauer <N0TAZRADIO at gmail.com>
Subject: DMR Options

Happy New Year to all!

     This is being sent to those already into DMR (Digital Mobile Radio), and those who may be considering it.  If you're considering a new DMR HT, there are some good, inexpensive options.  Before discussing those, let me say that Motorola radios are excellent and durable.  They are, however, not inexpensive.  And, unlike the other companies, Motorola charges a premium to lease their programming software in three-year increments.  If your heart desires a Motorola and your pocket can bear it, then go for it and you will enjoy high quality radios.

     For those who have not yet experienced DMR, let me say that it is probably the simplest way of all the digital modes to communicate locally, statewide, regionally, throughout North America and worldwide, using only a handheld radio.  The programming is a bit tedious and time-consuming, but once programmed, these radios could not be easier to use (far simpler than D-STAR, Fusion, EchoLink and IRLP - - and I use all of these except Fusion).  

     The more cost efficient options are Hytera, Connect Systems and TYT (a.k.a. Tytera - - not to be confused with Hytera).  Hytera Radios are high quality commercial radios.  They are equal to or better than Motorola in all respects.  They are well built, durable and have quality audio in and out, Hytera radios are Front Panel Programmable (for a limited number of channels). They sell for a good bit less than Motorola, noticeably more than TYTera and only slightly more than Connect Systems radios.  The top-of-the-line Connect Systems HT is Front Panel Programmable.  So, here are some suggested radios to check out:

Hytera X1P:    http://nebula.wsimg.com/19eef4225d41978418c7aabd336b3256?AccessKeyId=9D203D89A80D8EA0ECAE&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Hytera PD782G:     http://nebula.wsimg.com/f1996f49b4b5d2d7dbd014e595aeb0db?AccessKeyId=9D203D89A80D8EA0ECAE&disposition=0&alloworigin=1

Hytera PD362:   https://www.gigaparts.com/hytera-pd362-dmr-handheld-radio.html

*  Note:  If you purchase a Hytera radio, be sure to purchase from a ham-friendly dealer, such as TA Radios (taradios.com), or Gigaparts (gigaparts.com).  Also be sure that the dealers includes the wideband option, which is installed by the dealer.  TA Radios will send you the radio with this feature enabled.  Gigaparts requires you to download the modification and do it yourself after purchase.  

CS760:   http://connectsystems.com/products/top/radios%20CS760.htm

CS580:   http://connectsystems.com/products/top/radios%20CS580.htm

Tytera MD380:   http://www.va3xpr.net/tyt-md-380-dmr-portable-radio-review/

     The MD380 is widely available on eBay from about $90-$120 with free shipping.  

     Questions?  Contact me.

N0TAZ  -  LEON GRAUER

WHEN THE TIME TO ACT ARRIVES, 
THE TIME TO PREPARE HAS PASSED.