Best programmable radio 2017

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Admiral
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Re: Best programmable radio 2017

Post by Admiral »

Radiotronics wrote: 04 Nov 2017, 13:14
Admiral wrote: 12 Oct 2017, 15:06 These are one of the best programmable analogue radios, they also do them in black.

.. motorola-gp340-ex ...
That's an ATEX-rated radio. But it's good advice. However, look for the non-EX version. You can usually pick up some good working Motorola GP340 radios on eBay for around £60-£80 each. They're rock solid and stand the test of time. Furthermore, you can usually buy replacement housings to keep them in good condition long term. Also look for the Motorola CP040 as it's a little cheaper than the Motorola GP340 and takes the cheaper 2-pin Motorola accessory connector, so earpieces are cheaper.
Indeed they are, but he started off enquiring about the 'best'.

If I went to a comms hire place and was given a bunch of ten Dollar 888's then I wouldn't be too impressed.
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Radiotronics
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Re: Best programmable radio 2017

Post by Radiotronics »

Admiral wrote: 04 Nov 2017, 14:07
Radiotronics wrote: 04 Nov 2017, 13:14
... That's an ATEX-rated radio. But it's good advice. However, look for the non-EX version. ...
Indeed they are, but he started off enquiring about the 'best'.
Indeed.
Admiral wrote: 04 Nov 2017, 14:07 If I went to a comms hire place and was given a bunch of ten Dollar 888's then I wouldn't be too impressed.
Yes, you're right.

But ultimately, it depends on the client. If client want's to pay £20 for a week hire of, say, 6 radios then they're not likely to care what they are. But a seasoned client who requires ultimate reliability and resilience, they'll want something with substance and would be very disappointed to be handed $10 radios - and I dare say that client would likely go elsewhere in future.
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wheelbarrow
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Re: Best programmable radio 2017

Post by wheelbarrow »

Yes I've certainly worked with an OFCOM engineer who was camped out at a regular yearly event that I've worked at.....
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Re: Best programmable radio 2017

Post by paulears »

What exactly would the OFCOM engineer be doing at an event? Protecting the essential services, starting with safety, then moving to perhaps business radio, but spending time monitoring hundreds of people on PMR446? I find that unproductive use of an expensive person. It's unprotected spectrum, so way why even monitor it? Even if they did, how would they tell who was on a legit bubble pack, legit pro PMR446 radio, or a Baofeng to similar working on it? If a dealer had a load of radios out and was silly enough at an event to try to use PMR446 with a charge, the clogged up channels would no doubt cause the users to complain? If the eagle eared OFCOM man saw somebody speaking into a radio, heard them on his scanner - how would he know at a distance what radio was being used? Would he actually investigate, or continue to listen to ST John or the other first aiders or safety people who need clean radio channels?

It makes no sense to spend time on a band with no protection, and tiny fines. Somebody mucking around with the cranes, first aid, security radios, VIP protection is important. Last time I spoke to an OFCOM engineer at an event he was monitoring the radio mic channels of the stage people, the broadcasters and web casters on site.
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Re: Best programmable radio 2017

Post by MrWeetabix »

Excellent post. Much appreciated RT :thumbup:
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