[GCARC] P25

[Cory Sickles]

Hi, Randy:

Not any ham gear, as there is not enough of a market for this particular DV
methodology.  However, there are retaskable radios available.

First you need to determine if the communications for the agencies you are
interested in are encrypted.  If so, don't waste any further effort.

Next question is what band(s) you are interested in - 136 ~ 174, 450 ~ 512,
or 700 / 800 MHz.  For any of these the least expensive approach would be
used gear, from dealers such as Sunny Communications.  They will provide
some programming and offer a warranty.  Most P25 gear is mono-band,
especially what you will find in a previously-owned model.  If you want
this just for commercial / municipal listening use, do yourself a favor and
get those channels programmed as receive-only.

If you wish to have something that is multi-band, then look at new Motorola
APX or Kenwood NX series.  The upper end of the Kenwood line allows you to
select up to 2 DV methodologies - rom DMR, NXDN, or P25.  I will caution
you that if you believe a suitable scanner is expensive then as the song
goes - "you ain't seen nothin' yet..."

Best regards,
Cory, WA3UVV



On Mon, Dec 22, 2025 at 11:24 AM Randy T via GCARC <gcarc at mailman.qth.net>
wrote:

> Is there a mobile and/or portable dual band ham radio, that also has the
> ability to scan P25 frequencies?
> I have an FTM300DR in my car and I used to be able to listen to my local
> Police and Fire.
> They have since upgraded their radio system to P25 and I lost the ability
> to listen.
> I know there are portable and handheld scanners that can monitor P25, but
> they are quite costly.
> Thanks
> Randy
> KC3VCC
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