Here is a quick snapshot of handhelds I have worked with recently and my impromptu thoughts for the everyday concerned citizen...
Of course some of the features discussed would violate FCC rules. Consider these features for SHTF use only of course.
What am I missing here?
Wouxun KG-UV9xx
Pros:
- Wide receiving
- Full Duplex! (satcom friendly)
- Crossband repeater!
- Software TX expansion
- Superheterodyne receivers
- 1-10 Watt output for some models
- Easy to program on radio or PC
Cons:
- Analog Only
- color screens are bright at night and washed out by sun during daylight
- Noise/Light discipline issues
- Some radios are region locked and can be expanded
- customer support is lacking unless you buy a rebranded USA based one
Motorola HT series
Pros:
- Rugged/ Proven
- Single band receiver w/ good filtering
- Loud Audio
- Easy operation for grunt users
- Lots of Aftermarket refurb parts
Cons:
- Need PC to program unless you have special cable
- Analog only
- Single band receiver
- Proprietary Antenna jack(can swap BNC adapter though)
- Limited channel banks/Zones
- NiMH batteries suck(Lithium available)
EF Johnsons
Pros:
- Fairly cheap to buy, at least at the moment
- P25
- Multiple encryption Types
- Multiple Bands available
- Programming Software easy to source
- Motorola compatibility
Cons:
- Huge and heavy(especially with NiMH chemistry battery)
- Louds tones and lights(but can be turned off)
- Multiple board internal design utilizes a lot of spring terminals and grounds
- Diminishing aftermarket support
- Keyloader needed for encryption(KFDTool and KFD shield are cheaper options)
Motorola XPR Series
Pros:
- DMR Tier 1 & 2
- Fairly inexpensive
- Lots of aftermarket refurb parts
- Programming Software easy to source and now Motorola Solutions will even support
- Multiple Encryption Types
- No Keyloader needed
Cons:
- Proprietary Antenna Jack
- Older models don't have AES256
- Mic gain is finicky
- Some models are limited zones/channel memories
Motorola XTS
Pros:
- P25
- AES256 capable
- Mil/Surp models available
- FPP Capable
- Rugged/ Proven
- simple disassembly
- Many refurb parts available
- 3d Print community parts available
Cons:
- Simple PCB design limits option boards, and complicates component replacement in some instances
- Big when compared to some DMR options
- Newer Models are pricey esp APX
- Keyloader needed(KFDTool and KFD shield are cheaper options)
Anytone DMR
Pros:
- Full DMR capabilities
- Tons of channel/Zone memory
- APRS(not very functional though)
- Supports multiple radio IDs
- Can be software unlocked for 70cm, 1.25m and 2m bands!
- Compact when compared to some designs
- AES256 compatible with some Motorolas
- GPS on board
- Loud Audio
- Bluetooth models available
- excellent battery life
- Many Aftermarket items
Cons:
- Not rugged(battery mount especially)
- Never ending CPS and firmware updates
- APRS function is horrendous
- GPS antenna is weak and takes time to get a fix
- Noise/Light discipline issues and BT vulnerability
Of course some of the features discussed would violate FCC rules. Consider these features for SHTF use only of course.
What am I missing here?
Wouxun KG-UV9xx
Pros:
- Wide receiving
- Full Duplex! (satcom friendly)
- Crossband repeater!
- Software TX expansion
- Superheterodyne receivers
- 1-10 Watt output for some models
- Easy to program on radio or PC
Cons:
- Analog Only
- color screens are bright at night and washed out by sun during daylight
- Noise/Light discipline issues
- Some radios are region locked and can be expanded
- customer support is lacking unless you buy a rebranded USA based one
Motorola HT series
Pros:
- Rugged/ Proven
- Single band receiver w/ good filtering
- Loud Audio
- Easy operation for grunt users
- Lots of Aftermarket refurb parts
Cons:
- Need PC to program unless you have special cable
- Analog only
- Single band receiver
- Proprietary Antenna jack(can swap BNC adapter though)
- Limited channel banks/Zones
- NiMH batteries suck(Lithium available)
EF Johnsons
Pros:
- Fairly cheap to buy, at least at the moment
- P25
- Multiple encryption Types
- Multiple Bands available
- Programming Software easy to source
- Motorola compatibility
Cons:
- Huge and heavy(especially with NiMH chemistry battery)
- Louds tones and lights(but can be turned off)
- Multiple board internal design utilizes a lot of spring terminals and grounds
- Diminishing aftermarket support
- Keyloader needed for encryption(KFDTool and KFD shield are cheaper options)
Motorola XPR Series
Pros:
- DMR Tier 1 & 2
- Fairly inexpensive
- Lots of aftermarket refurb parts
- Programming Software easy to source and now Motorola Solutions will even support
- Multiple Encryption Types
- No Keyloader needed
Cons:
- Proprietary Antenna Jack
- Older models don't have AES256
- Mic gain is finicky
- Some models are limited zones/channel memories
Motorola XTS
Pros:
- P25
- AES256 capable
- Mil/Surp models available
- FPP Capable
- Rugged/ Proven
- simple disassembly
- Many refurb parts available
- 3d Print community parts available
Cons:
- Simple PCB design limits option boards, and complicates component replacement in some instances
- Big when compared to some DMR options
- Newer Models are pricey esp APX
- Keyloader needed(KFDTool and KFD shield are cheaper options)
Anytone DMR
Pros:
- Full DMR capabilities
- Tons of channel/Zone memory
- APRS(not very functional though)
- Supports multiple radio IDs
- Can be software unlocked for 70cm, 1.25m and 2m bands!
- Compact when compared to some designs
- AES256 compatible with some Motorolas
- GPS on board
- Loud Audio
- Bluetooth models available
- excellent battery life
- Many Aftermarket items
Cons:
- Not rugged(battery mount especially)
- Never ending CPS and firmware updates
- APRS function is horrendous
- GPS antenna is weak and takes time to get a fix
- Noise/Light discipline issues and BT vulnerability
