They are a ton of fun purely for the LARP and aesthetic. And they work...which is a plus. The only issue I run into is real headsets and amplified PTTs can be a pain in the balls sometimes but that isn't anything to do with the radio. The TRI allows me to run my real CT1 and I love that thing. My 2 cents, totally worth the pennies.
@@tomgosy just ensure the PTT is amplified and you will be straight. Check with CAATail antennas or Disco 32 those 2 places can sort you out. Or get a surplus PTT like a real U94 or Real Comtac PTT..as long as it is functional you should be Good to go.
I have two, an older plastic and a newer metal version (bought in January), and my primary gripes with them are the fact that frequency stepping sometimes jumps completely random (especially in FM mode, but also in regular VFO) and that the AM mode completely bypasses the squelch (I live close to an airport :P). They're all firmware issues though, so theoretically fixable but nobody has successfully extracted the firmware, let alone managed to patch/reinstall it on the TRIs. It doesn't do anything that a typical multi-/triband (i.e. more than just VHF/UHF) radio can't do. As a pure communication device for airsoft it's absolutely amazing though, and it sure looks the part.
Thanks! Appreciate the comment. My unit got 152s in 2006 and whe. We went to Iraq we were some of the only folks in our AO with them at the time. I recall a lot of commo folks nerding when they saw them LOL. I loved the 152, it was an amazing asset.
What is the full receive range ? What are the gaps ? What is the full transmit range ? What are the gaps ? I found that a lot of these knockoff radios have a much wider receive range than what is advertised and there are no gaps even though they advertise that they stop at 176 and pick back up at 2:20 they actually don't have any Gap in that range and the same goes from 260 to 330 and 380 to 520 there's no gaps I don't know about the transmission ranges as I don't have an antenna to test outside of the bands The only issue I've encountered is it's all FM so even though mine receives the aircraft bands of 108 to 136 and 300 to 420 I can't hear anything because they don't have an AM mode on the radio. Just wondering what capabilities this radio of yours has Thanks
Let me preface the upcoming comment with a disclaimer of Amateur license requirements for any TX on these radios that are not kept to GMRS and MURS freqs. These radios are technically HAM radios, not Walmart bubblecrap radios. Not alone are they not FCC allowed, you don’t want to upset all the bored HAMs out there. Removable antenna TX capabilities on GMRS and MURS freqs….. I have both the TRI and TCA 152s. When it comes to usable surplus/aftermarket parts, feel, look etc, they are 6s. Metal case, great battery life, water proof etc. BEASTS!! That said, I MUCH prefer the latest version of the TRI. It (supposedly) has up to 15W transmission power. The max I’ve squeezed out of it has been 12w on VHF 2m. Which is still better than the TCA which is max possible 10w. The TRI is quad band R/T also (1.25M, 2m, 70 cm and 330mhz), where the TCA is dual band R/T (2m and 70cm). The TRI also does RX on air band (listen to airlines) and FM radio. The 1.25m and 330mhz transmit on low power only ( 1w on 1.25 m and less than that on 330mhz). The stock antennas on both radios are solid on VHF, not nearly so on UHF freqs (70cm/GMRS and 1.25m). The SWR was bad on UHF. So, don’t burn out ur radio by mashing the PTT on GMRS freqs, having a 10 minute conversation. Tactical 3-4 second bursts. I also prefer the keypad interface of the TRI. It can also use an available KDU. The TCA doesn’t have one available, the TRI KDU doesn’t work on the TCA. The TCA has some positives. The case it comes in is really nice, pelican looking. Also the TCA interface regarding repeater function is better than the TRI. Programming the TCA is possible with cable and software, whereas the TRI is still key jammin. Long comment short, I agree with you, I love the TRI, thrilled that I got it, would buy another. Not so for the TCA. My advice, save the money and get either another TRI (then you can use the little CT button on the top to talk to each other ) or buy other toys like amplifiers and better tuned antennas to maximize the capabilities of the radio. With a Btec AMP-V25D you can squeeze out 40w of power.
Holy hell thank you for this amazingly long and detailed comment! I am absolutely getting a second TRI, probably the newer model and downloading this one to my son. Will probably get MBITR as well. Recently picked up a second CATTAIL antenna for a second kit as they have been great antennas. I really need to dive deeper into this radio.
But, technically speaking in the US. they are not type accepted for any service outside of the amateur radio bands. Not FRS, GMRS, MURS or public safety.
I recently picked up a TRI-152 Plastic Version not sure if you would have the answer but thought I’d ask, would it work seamlessly with a Tac-Sky Comtac III if I use way a Tac-Sky PTT or do these need to have amplified PTT?
Legit depends on what you are going for, I like the AR152 for the fact I have commonality with the UV5R and other Baofeng radios but if you wanted to use real NATO 6 pin downlead PTTs you might want to try out the TRI.
@@Muddy_Reviews I want to use headsets like MSA Sordin Peltor comtac Earmore m32 Want it to have a good range (over 10 miles) I don't know if they are like this because I never seen this model before, I'm from Brazil
Haven't tried a real KDU with the TRI radios but I have been wanting to get the TRI KDU that they make. I don't have first hand knowledge or experience with the newer TRI and real components sadly. I can say.for certain my TRI works with real Harris batteries and Antenna though.
@@Muddy_Reviews also on taobao you can get a TRI radio which also supports sending and receiving at 25-30mhz which is crazy. It’s only 1980 yen on taobao aka $280 but I never ordered on this website and its all in Chinese
Seller shipped me a TCA sooo I will get that TRI radio with 30mhz next instead of TCA haha this one is pretty nice and wow this radio is huge. Didn’t come with batteries so I ordered some. Read that it lacks some rubber rings and threading at the 6pin connector. Manual says you can even config it as a repeater and also manually send dtmf codes with the keypad so in theory you could send your gps location with it. It came with an abbree style antenna instead of the regular antenna and inside a nice plastic briefcase. Also metal and heavy but probably less nice build quality than the TRI from what I have seen in the videos. Pretty happy so far but haven’t turned it on yet but now I really want the tri too
So it has a feature that dies indeed "scramble" you andnit the same as on a real 152 however I don't think it's actually doing Crypto and just f-ing up the transmission. I will probably be corrected by someone more knowledgeable but that is how I have experience with it so far.
You have to hand jam all your channels like a Baofeng. I know the newer models have a functional KDU that plugs in but I don't know if you can program from a PC from that port on those models.
@@Muddy_Reviews wanted to buy for paintball/Larp but also have a good alternative for an emergency radio. (Something dual purpose so I don’t spend too much) I have a normie BAO UV-5R atm but here goes: How effective is the voice scrambler? Can it transmit on emergency freq/mil (What antenna required for it?) How long is the battery life? What earpiece adapters do you recommend for hooking this up to a plate carrier? (PTT on vest instead of ear) There is a way to have your own encrypted key so that you can communicate privately (key emulator or something) where do I buy it or learn more about it? What’s the difference between the GPS and non GPS version? If this is a replica, where do people get the REAL thing? And why is it so damn expensive? Plastic or metal? If metal how do I avoid plastic sellers(unless stated in desc :p) What are the differences between TCA and TCI? I watched your previous video but I’m still left confused. Ik there are cons and pros for both tho Sorry it’s a lot of questions but Id greatly appreciate your time
@randomguyonyoutube4833 Okay, a lot to unpack here, I will do my best to answer them in the order they were asked: 1.) The voice scrambler isn't a feature I mess with much, so I don't have good input on it. 2.) Transmits and receives on UHF 400-480 MHZ and VHF 136-274MHZ I haven't tried on mine, but some models can receive on aviation band 109-135 MHZ You need an antenna that can work within these frequency ranges, and the TRI is compatible with real Harris broadband and Whip antennas. 3.) Battery life varies on how long the radio is on, how much or how little you are using it, and the battery itself. I can usually get a few days of hard use out of a battery. 4.) PTT is really a preferred, but what makes this such a great radio is that it accepts real Military 6 pin PTTs. I personally like the U94(V1) PTT and the Peltor PTT. 5.) Nope, you aren't running encryption. 6.) The GPS version has a GPS module built onto the back of the radio. 7.) Three Harris radios that have the encryption for the military are restricted items and not for commercial sale if memory serves. They are so expensive because they are basically little computers more than radios. 8.) Metal (alluminum) it just feels better and is more robust. Most if not all sellers say if it is plastic or metal. I think all the 10-14W versions are metal. 9.) I can't give you a comparison or educated answer as I don't have experience with the TCA yet.
@@Muddy_Reviews Just a follow up on the other ones: 4.) which antenna do I need specifically (model?) for this to work? which PTT adapter is a good recommendation to latch it onto a carrier (a little clamp thing I think) 5.) But how do I run encryption or atleast a secured 2 way chnl with two different radio brands(baofeng & TRI/TCA) 6.) So GPS just tracks where you are? No other feature you can personally use?
@randomguyonyoutube4833 The antenna comes with the radio it is a copy of the Thales broadband antenna and works fine. Real Thales antennas can be used on this radio, and you can find them surplus online. Check eBay and Google. PTT is personal preference and also headset dependent. What type of down lead your comms.have is going to drive what PTT you get. The PTT will need to be a NATO 6 pin downlead and a real PTT, not a civilian wired Airsoft version with the NATO 6 pin. I don't know why you need encryption for LARPING but if.you want encryption you are going to have to put out the cash for it and get a high end high dollar civilian digital radio with encryption you aren't getting that here. GPS, like I said, I don't have that model and didn't run that version in the service, so I couldn't tell you the specifics on that. Google is your friend on that. This radio isn't terribly higher than a Baofeng (it isn't a Baofeng) and like a UV-5R or pretty much antenna radio. Honestly, once you energize it and transmit, everyone knows where you are.
I appreciate it. The manufacturer claims that the radio meets IP67 ingress protection standard, I don't know if this is actually accurate and don't have a way to say for certain but they do claim it.
I haven't tried on mine, some models of the TRI actually can and have a cable for programming but I have heard there is issues with the reliability. I will have to look into it for 2023.
@@Muddy_Reviews I noticed that TCA had one, I might try to nab one of those instead. My only other concern is transmit power, some of these radios claim they are 15 watts, are they true to that statement? Not sure if you have any information on that
@@devingardella678 mine is the 10W radio and I haven't tried to check it. Yeah the TCA does come with the cable and has been known to work with the computer programming. I want to get a TCA at some point to compare myself.
@@herrent I think that is all going to depend on what you want. If you want a radio that is going to be compatible with real military PTTs and Antenna then I would absolutely say the TRI is the way to go. If you are just looking for something close in size to the 152 but will accept the same PTTs as a Baofeng UV-5R and Antenna then absolutely go with the AR152. I personally would go with the TRI radio since I want the real comms compatability.
So tempted to buy one just for fun. They look so legit, plus they actually work
They are a ton of fun purely for the LARP and aesthetic. And they work...which is a plus. The only issue I run into is real headsets and amplified PTTs can be a pain in the balls sometimes but that isn't anything to do with the radio. The TRI allows me to run my real CT1 and I love that thing. My 2 cents, totally worth the pennies.
@@Muddy_Reviews I was interested in being able to run my Comtacs with one. I guess it'll be a bit of trial and error
@@tomgosy just ensure the PTT is amplified and you will be straight. Check with CAATail antennas or Disco 32 those 2 places can sort you out. Or get a surplus PTT like a real U94 or Real Comtac PTT..as long as it is functional you should be Good to go.
@@Muddy_Reviews I was looking at the real 6pin comtac ptt, so that answers my question. Thanks for the advice
@@Muddy_Reviews got the radio. So far it functions with PTT and ComTacs just fine. Just need to work out the programming side of it
I have two, an older plastic and a newer metal version (bought in January), and my primary gripes with them are the fact that frequency stepping sometimes jumps completely random (especially in FM mode, but also in regular VFO) and that the AM mode completely bypasses the squelch (I live close to an airport :P). They're all firmware issues though, so theoretically fixable but nobody has successfully extracted the firmware, let alone managed to patch/reinstall it on the TRIs.
It doesn't do anything that a typical multi-/triband (i.e. more than just VHF/UHF) radio can't do. As a pure communication device for airsoft it's absolutely amazing though, and it sure looks the part.
Totally agree on them looking the part. I haven't done a deep dive on mine where I had any of those issues yet.
That's awesome. I was in RF Transmissions with an ASOS and used the PRC152 daily. I preferred over the 148. Thanks for the review!!
Thanks! Appreciate the comment. My unit got 152s in 2006 and whe. We went to Iraq we were some of the only folks in our AO with them at the time. I recall a lot of commo folks nerding when they saw them LOL. I loved the 152, it was an amazing asset.
What is the full receive range ? What are the gaps ?
What is the full transmit range ?
What are the gaps ?
I found that a lot of these knockoff radios have a much wider receive range than what is advertised and there are no gaps even though they advertise that they stop at 176 and pick back up at 2:20 they actually don't have any Gap in that range and the same goes from 260 to 330 and 380 to 520 there's no gaps
I don't know about the transmission ranges as I don't have an antenna to test outside of the bands
The only issue I've encountered is it's all FM so even though mine receives the aircraft bands of 108 to 136 and 300 to 420 I can't hear anything because they don't have an AM mode on the radio.
Just wondering what capabilities this radio of yours has
Thanks
I will for sure let you know when I am able to get a good test in again.
Try out the KDU panel and let us know if it is worth it. I am thinking about the TCA version of the PRC-152A with the control panel.
Let me preface the upcoming comment with a disclaimer of Amateur license requirements for any TX on these radios that are not kept to GMRS and MURS freqs. These radios are technically HAM radios, not Walmart bubblecrap radios. Not alone are they not FCC allowed, you don’t want to upset all the bored HAMs out there. Removable antenna TX capabilities on GMRS and MURS freqs…..
I have both the TRI and TCA 152s.
When it comes to usable surplus/aftermarket parts, feel, look etc, they are 6s. Metal case, great battery life, water proof etc. BEASTS!!
That said, I MUCH prefer the latest version of the TRI. It (supposedly) has up to 15W transmission power. The max I’ve squeezed out of it has been 12w on VHF 2m. Which is still better than the TCA which is max possible 10w.
The TRI is quad band R/T also (1.25M, 2m, 70 cm and 330mhz), where the TCA is dual band R/T (2m and 70cm).
The TRI also does RX on air band (listen to airlines) and FM radio. The 1.25m and 330mhz transmit on low power only ( 1w on 1.25 m and less than that on 330mhz). The stock antennas on both radios are solid on VHF, not nearly so on UHF freqs (70cm/GMRS and 1.25m). The SWR was bad on UHF. So, don’t burn out ur radio by mashing the PTT on GMRS freqs, having a 10 minute conversation. Tactical 3-4 second bursts.
I also prefer the keypad interface of the TRI. It can also use an available KDU. The TCA doesn’t have one available, the TRI KDU doesn’t work on the TCA.
The TCA has some positives. The case it comes in is really nice, pelican looking. Also the TCA interface regarding repeater function is better than the TRI. Programming the TCA is possible with cable and software, whereas the TRI is still key jammin.
Long comment short, I agree with you, I love the TRI, thrilled that I got it, would buy another.
Not so for the TCA.
My advice, save the money and get either another TRI (then you can use the little CT button on the top to talk to each other ) or buy other toys like amplifiers and better tuned antennas to maximize the capabilities of the radio. With a Btec AMP-V25D you can squeeze out 40w of power.
Holy hell thank you for this amazingly long and detailed comment! I am absolutely getting a second TRI, probably the newer model and downloading this one to my son. Will probably get MBITR as well. Recently picked up a second CATTAIL antenna for a second kit as they have been great antennas. I really need to dive deeper into this radio.
But, technically speaking in the US. they are not type accepted for any service outside of the amateur radio bands. Not FRS, GMRS, MURS or public safety.
I recently picked up a TRI-152 Plastic Version not sure if you would have the answer but thought I’d ask, would it work seamlessly with a Tac-Sky Comtac III if I use way a Tac-Sky PTT or do these need to have amplified PTT?
It shouldn't need an amplified PTT, as long as the PTT and head set match and the PTT has the proper NATO 6 pin downlead you should be fine.
Is it better thanthe baofeng 152?
Legit depends on what you are going for, I like the AR152 for the fact I have commonality with the UV5R and other Baofeng radios but if you wanted to use real NATO 6 pin downlead PTTs you might want to try out the TRI.
@@Muddy_Reviews I want to use headsets like
MSA Sordin
Peltor comtac
Earmore m32
Want it to have a good range (over 10 miles)
I don't know if they are like this because I never seen this model before, I'm from Brazil
@eduardolimaargimon5499 one of these that is 10W would get you right.
Any idea if the new model Triumph 152 supports the genuine Harris KDU and cable? As I've found, it does not work.
Haven't tried a real KDU with the TRI radios but I have been wanting to get the TRI KDU that they make. I don't have first hand knowledge or experience with the newer TRI and real components sadly. I can say.for certain my TRI works with real Harris batteries and Antenna though.
where are these priced at under $300??
I got this year's ago,.but Ebay is the way to go.
What headset do you use with the Tac Sky ptt?
Ztac comtac IIs and Tacsky Comtac IIIs
Is there a harris logo under the tri sticker?
Oh later in the video you said so
I will probably also get a TCA next year. I ordered the 2021 TRI a few days ago
LOL,.yup Harris logo under the sticker...I also want.to grab a TCA sometime next year.
@@Muddy_Reviews also on taobao you can get a TRI radio which also supports sending and receiving at 25-30mhz which is crazy. It’s only 1980 yen on taobao aka $280 but I never ordered on this website and its all in Chinese
Seller shipped me a TCA sooo I will get that TRI radio with 30mhz next instead of TCA haha this one is pretty nice and wow this radio is huge. Didn’t come with batteries so I ordered some. Read that it lacks some rubber rings and threading at the 6pin connector. Manual says you can even config it as a repeater and also manually send dtmf codes with the keypad so in theory you could send your gps location with it. It came with an abbree style antenna instead of the regular antenna and inside a nice plastic briefcase. Also metal and heavy but probably less nice build quality than the TRI from what I have seen in the videos. Pretty happy so far but haven’t turned it on yet but now I really want the tri too
Does it scramble like the real version?
So it has a feature that dies indeed "scramble" you andnit the same as on a real 152 however I don't think it's actually doing Crypto and just f-ing up the transmission. I will probably be corrected by someone more knowledgeable but that is how I have experience with it so far.
Where is the best place to purchase one of these?
So far it had been Ebay, you can get them at a pretty good deal.
@@Muddy_Reviews Thx
How the ;:# do u store channels without hooking it to a pc
You have to hand jam all your channels like a Baofeng. I know the newer models have a functional KDU that plugs in but I don't know if you can program from a PC from that port on those models.
Interested in buying the radio but pretty new when it comes to research on this model. Do you still answer questions?🥺
If I have the answers, what do you have!
@@Muddy_Reviews wanted to buy for paintball/Larp but also have a good alternative for an emergency radio. (Something dual purpose so I don’t spend too much) I have a normie BAO UV-5R atm but here goes:
How effective is the voice scrambler?
Can it transmit on emergency freq/mil
(What antenna required for it?)
How long is the battery life?
What earpiece adapters do you recommend for hooking this up to a plate carrier? (PTT on vest instead of ear)
There is a way to have your own encrypted key so that you can communicate privately (key emulator or something) where do I buy it or learn more about it?
What’s the difference between the GPS and non GPS version?
If this is a replica, where do people get the REAL thing? And why is it so damn expensive?
Plastic or metal? If metal how do I avoid plastic sellers(unless stated in desc :p)
What are the differences between TCA and TCI? I watched your previous video but I’m still left confused. Ik there are cons and pros for both tho
Sorry it’s a lot of questions but Id greatly appreciate your time
@randomguyonyoutube4833 Okay, a lot to unpack here, I will do my best to answer them in the order they were asked:
1.) The voice scrambler isn't a feature I mess with much, so I don't have good input on it.
2.) Transmits and receives on UHF 400-480 MHZ and VHF 136-274MHZ
I haven't tried on mine, but some models can receive on aviation band 109-135 MHZ
You need an antenna that can work within these frequency ranges, and the TRI is compatible with real Harris broadband and Whip antennas.
3.) Battery life varies on how long the radio is on, how much or how little you are using it, and the battery itself. I can usually get a few days of hard use out of a battery.
4.) PTT is really a preferred, but what makes this such a great radio is that it accepts real Military 6 pin PTTs. I personally like the U94(V1) PTT and the Peltor PTT.
5.) Nope, you aren't running encryption.
6.) The GPS version has a GPS module built onto the back of the radio.
7.) Three Harris radios that have the encryption for the military are restricted items and not for commercial sale if memory serves. They are so expensive because they are basically little computers more than radios.
8.) Metal (alluminum) it just feels better and is more robust. Most if not all sellers say if it is plastic or metal. I think all the 10-14W versions are metal.
9.) I can't give you a comparison or educated answer as I don't have experience with the TCA yet.
@@Muddy_Reviews
Just a follow up on the other ones:
4.) which antenna do I need specifically (model?) for this to work? which PTT adapter is a good recommendation to latch it onto a carrier (a little clamp thing I think)
5.) But how do I run encryption or atleast a secured 2 way chnl with two different radio brands(baofeng & TRI/TCA)
6.) So GPS just tracks where you are? No other feature you can personally use?
@randomguyonyoutube4833 The antenna comes with the radio it is a copy of the Thales broadband antenna and works fine. Real Thales antennas can be used on this radio, and you can find them surplus online. Check eBay and Google. PTT is personal preference and also headset dependent. What type of down lead your comms.have is going to drive what PTT you get. The PTT will need to be a NATO 6 pin downlead and a real PTT, not a civilian wired Airsoft version with the NATO 6 pin.
I don't know why you need encryption for LARPING but if.you want encryption you are going to have to put out the cash for it and get a high end high dollar civilian digital radio with encryption you aren't getting that here.
GPS, like I said, I don't have that model and didn't run that version in the service, so I couldn't tell you the specifics on that. Google is your friend on that. This radio isn't terribly higher than a Baofeng (it isn't a Baofeng) and like a UV-5R or pretty much antenna radio. Honestly, once you energize it and transmit, everyone knows where you are.
Nice review, does it have a IP 67 rating?
I appreciate it. The manufacturer claims that the radio meets IP67 ingress protection standard, I don't know if this is actually accurate and don't have a way to say for certain but they do claim it.
Can these things be programmed on a computer? Or is it all just hand jam?
I haven't tried on mine, some models of the TRI actually can and have a cable for programming but I have heard there is issues with the reliability. I will have to look into it for 2023.
@@Muddy_Reviews I noticed that TCA had one, I might try to nab one of those instead. My only other concern is transmit power, some of these radios claim they are 15 watts, are they true to that statement? Not sure if you have any information on that
@@devingardella678 mine is the 10W radio and I haven't tried to check it. Yeah the TCA does come with the cable and has been known to work with the computer programming. I want to get a TCA at some point to compare myself.
Can you send APRS text through this using atak?
Never tried, I am going to assume no but can't say 100%.
lol i use a xts5000, pretty awesome and actually does have digital voice and encryption
XTS5000s are good radios I used Motorola XTS series radios in The Navy.
Did you ever end up trying a TCA?
Not yet, haven't been able to find one locally. Will probably end up buying one with my tax return this year.
Where do you buy these TRI-152s? I didn’t see any on Amazon.
Ebay is where I got mine from. You can usually find a decent deal as well as differet sellers will get into pricing wars with one another.
@@Muddy_Reviews what is a fair price?
@@herrent I think under 300 shipped is a fair price for these radios. You should be able to find one for around 240-280 if you search for a deal.
@@Muddy_Reviews thanks much.
Are they better than the AR 152?
@@herrent I think that is all going to depend on what you want. If you want a radio that is going to be compatible with real military PTTs and Antenna then I would absolutely say the TRI is the way to go. If you are just looking for something close in size to the 152 but will accept the same PTTs as a Baofeng UV-5R and Antenna then absolutely go with the AR152. I personally would go with the TRI radio since I want the real comms compatability.
I have one its badass
I just got a plastic one and after seeing this, I regret it! I can't even get this one to transmit!
Is it the PTT? Or possibly the Headset and PTT compatibility issue?
@@Muddy_Reviews I just got it, so I've only used the PTT.
Boafeng came out with a AR-152 for $118 on Amazon
I just looked at that, definitely a neat looking radio, sadly it is still the Kenwood style 2 prong side jack.
Cheaper now btw. 7 watt radio with a fat ass battery is not a bath deal imo.
If you want a radio with major firmware problems, this has it.
I haven't experienced any on mine as of yet hopefully I won't either but we shall see. Have you experienced this personally?
So in the first three minutes you’ve established it’s made of metal and it’s 10 watt
Yup, and if you don't need an "impression" radio the Baofeng is fine, and the old 152s were prone to breaking. Thanks for watching the video 👍🏼