That EFJ brought back some nightmares. We were issued the model 3 (full keypad & display) during their fire service trials for P25 Phase 1. Reportedly , those radios actually came off a /\/\otorola production line in Malaysia. The model 1 radios were rugged enough and had decent RF and audio performance. But… not so much for the batch of 3’s we got. We were running clear / no encryption (fire dept) and when changing between repeater and direct (simplexj modes o foperation, the radios intermittently spit out a “key fail” error message and you had to cycle power. They do boot back up quickly, but still worrisome. I’m fairly certain that the EFJ 5100 and 5300 saw most use in federal law enforcement.
I'd like to see a video or series of posts on building a communications network from scratch, how to build upon what you have and upgrading your systems especially if you can only do it piecemeal, maybe something about using existing repeaters or building and/or emplacing them, then eventually adding ATAK, or something similar. Just my thoughts
Thanks for the feedback! This is exactly what I’m looking for, it helps me come up with ideas for future videos. I agree, a series would be a great idea
Solid testing, the only tweak I would have done would have been to do it without getting them wet. Also, up here in North Dakota, we're rocking XPR 7350e and 7550e handhelds, the only thing that seems to get them is the -20 ambient temperature. One way we mitigate the battery loss (only real problem we have) is keeping it under our coats. Use your body heat to keep the battery from freezing. I'll look into it too, but I THINK the lithium batteries drain much quicker. Roomie and I both got some XTS handhelds, and his has a nickel battery, we'll play around with those this winter and let you know how his holds up in the cold compared to my stock Impress battery.
I’d love to see some team setups. Especially ones that would work “off grid” type situations. Like what radios should we use, how to link networks, best ways to mount to kit etc
I wonder if the baofeng didn't tx bc of the low battery power but could rx just fine. Curious of swapping out for a fresh battery after that freeze would be a field expedient way of getting that radio running again
Very nice test. Next time liquid nitrogen and really thick gloves. 🤣 IMHO Those 686 portables just don’t have good ergonomics. Thickness, light PTT, low batt life compared to 782 and 982 AND the ice cold aluminum housing. It would be perfect if just housed differently. If I recall , the 686 series originally came out for the amateur/ham market a little after the orange/black frame radio came out. Despite being only one band, the 682 did the WHOLE band. In 70cm/UHF, you could get 380-527MHz in a single radio. GigaParts was their main stocking “Ham” distributor in the US but they ditched Hytera a few years ago. Thanks for a great radio channel. You are honest. You don’t try to push affiliate links to absolute garbage. You are VERY knowledgeable in what is the best bang for the buck in comms gear. You seem to like Hytera. LOL I still can’t believe they didn’t take over the world. Great and very rugged gear WITH FPP at a decent price. They didn’t offer P25 and lost public safety.. though you can’t beat /\/\otorola when it comes to lobbying and suing Chinesium pirates. I guess that’s why Hytera was so much less $$ than M.? 🫣😆
Thanks for weighing in! The liquid nitrogen is a great idea I might have to try and make that happen. I actually quite like the aluminum frame on that particular model - it feels very durable. You’re correct on the wider range although my notes state 400-527MHz it is wider than other single band (70cm) offerings. I do appreciate your comments. For full transparency I do sell Hytera radios. That said, I do like them because they are the best bang for your buck (for a brand new, not second hand) digital radio that is actually good quality. Hytera doesn’t have a market for P25/Public Safety thanks to the lobbying - they are on the covered telecommunications list meaning they are prohibited in public safety.
That EFJ brought back some nightmares.
We were issued the model 3 (full keypad & display) during their fire service trials for P25 Phase 1.
Reportedly , those radios actually came off a /\/\otorola production line in Malaysia.
The model 1 radios were rugged enough and had decent RF and audio performance.
But… not so much for the batch of 3’s we got. We were running clear / no encryption (fire dept) and when changing between repeater and direct (simplexj modes o foperation, the radios intermittently spit out a “key fail” error message and you had to cycle power. They do boot back up quickly, but still worrisome.
I’m fairly certain that the EFJ 5100 and 5300 saw most use in federal law enforcement.
I'd like to see a video or series of posts on building a communications network from scratch, how to build upon what you have and upgrading your systems especially if you can only do it piecemeal, maybe something about using existing repeaters or building and/or emplacing them, then eventually adding ATAK, or something similar. Just my thoughts
Thanks for the feedback! This is exactly what I’m looking for, it helps me come up with ideas for future videos. I agree, a series would be a great idea
This is a great idea!
Absolutely what is missing. Would love this.
You are the Flannel Daddy of comms. Much respect.
Thank you 😭
Probably a dumb question but can the EFJohnsons and Motorola XTS be set up to interoperate with encryption?
Love the content brother
Thank you Robert!! Thanks for watching
Solid testing, the only tweak I would have done would have been to do it without getting them wet. Also, up here in North Dakota, we're rocking XPR 7350e and 7550e handhelds, the only thing that seems to get them is the -20 ambient temperature. One way we mitigate the battery loss (only real problem we have) is keeping it under our coats. Use your body heat to keep the battery from freezing. I'll look into it too, but I THINK the lithium batteries drain much quicker. Roomie and I both got some XTS handhelds, and his has a nickel battery, we'll play around with those this winter and let you know how his holds up in the cold compared to my stock Impress battery.
Hope you are running AES
@@P25AES no clue if we are at work (I doubt it), but personal, yes
Excellent video Alex!
Thanks!
the intros are nuts ! keep em up !
I’d love to see some team setups. Especially ones that would work “off grid” type situations. Like what radios should we use, how to link networks, best ways to mount to kit etc
I wonder if the baofeng didn't tx bc of the low battery power but could rx just fine. Curious of swapping out for a fresh battery after that freeze would be a field expedient way of getting that radio running again
love my xts5k, the hytera did great!
Very nice test.
Next time liquid nitrogen and really thick gloves.
🤣
IMHO Those 686 portables just don’t have good ergonomics. Thickness, light PTT, low batt life compared to 782 and 982 AND the ice cold aluminum housing. It would be perfect if just housed differently.
If I recall , the 686 series originally came out for the amateur/ham market a little after the orange/black frame radio came out.
Despite being only one band, the 682 did the WHOLE band. In 70cm/UHF, you could get 380-527MHz in a single radio.
GigaParts was their main stocking “Ham” distributor in the US but they ditched Hytera a few years ago.
Thanks for a great radio channel.
You are honest.
You don’t try to push affiliate links to absolute garbage.
You are VERY knowledgeable in what is the best bang for the buck in comms gear.
You seem to like Hytera. LOL
I still can’t believe they didn’t take over the world.
Great and very rugged gear WITH FPP at a decent price.
They didn’t offer P25 and lost public safety..
though you can’t beat /\/\otorola when it comes to lobbying and suing Chinesium pirates.
I guess that’s why Hytera was so much less $$ than M.? 🫣😆
Thanks for weighing in! The liquid nitrogen is a great idea I might have to try and make that happen.
I actually quite like the aluminum frame on that particular model - it feels very durable. You’re correct on the wider range although my notes state 400-527MHz it is wider than other single band (70cm) offerings.
I do appreciate your comments. For full transparency I do sell Hytera radios. That said, I do like them because they are the best bang for your buck (for a brand new, not second hand) digital radio that is actually good quality. Hytera doesn’t have a market for P25/Public Safety thanks to the lobbying - they are on the covered telecommunications list meaning they are prohibited in public safety.
Impressive performance in such harsh simulated weather conditions. Definitely displays quality and justifies premium cost.
Excellent video, with a great intro.
Love that FOG patch
Pls make more tutorial vids. Would love to see more tutorials. You def gained a sub!
What mobile antenna do you have on your truck? Thank you
That is a firestik antenna
Really expected to see an APX and MPU5 included in the test 🤷🏻♂️
Dude no doubt. Buy all my stuff and then when I have enough money I promise you I’ll remake this video with an APX and MPU5 😂
Need to toss in an XL200p while your at it.
Garandthumb vibes
Somebody tag this man
REAL VONS HOURS
Only place to get dry ice 😂
✔️ 𝓹𝓻𝓸𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓶
@garandthumb