That’s hilarious, I guess I have been looking for the white whale that doesn’t exist. I would have sworn you were incorrect, but Google agrees with you and I can find no reference of a 7000BN. Thanks for setting me straight.
@@AdventureCruiser The release order was 7000 then 6000 AN and 4000. Then they refreshed the hardware (updated CPU, RFIC, Wi-Fi/BT chipset, more RAM and single flash chip) when they made the 8000, and then back-ported the changes to make the "enhanced" 6000 BN. Therefore the 8000 (AN) and 6000 BN have the newer features and software support. Even though it's current production, I'm expecting the 4000 (two-knob) to be discontinued soon because it still has the original design.
@@straightpipediesel I honestly would be suprised if they got rid of the 4000. It is widely used and still actively purchased for public works and lower budged public safety agencies. If anything, I would expect the APX 900 to go away.
@@AglowgibbonThe successors are out: APX 900 is going to N30, the 4000 is going to N50, and the 6000 is going to N70. The public works 4k (1 knob) was already discontinued and replaced by the 900. The two knob 4k is really a XE, it was initially marketed as such and I suspect they felt it was going to eat into the 6000XE if they called it that. That's a lot of the appeal, you get a XE for cheap and I don't think Motorola likes that. I don't think they're going to redesign the 4k 2-knob after the successor is out, but the components are old: the CPU came out in 2003, the receiver RFIC is the same one they used in the XTS 5000.
@@straightpipediesel I guess I forgot about the N30, N50, and 70. I've only seen pictures, but they all look very nice. My only complaint is they're all single band. I doubt we will upgrade out 4Ks anytime soon, but as we retire it might be something to look at moving to.
120 different agencies within LA county, wow! As a HAM, it's cool to hear about the use cases and requirements of those in the emergency services. Subscribed.
My department uses the apx 4000 and we recently switched to digital from analog. Didn't realize how ancient our radios are but have no complaints. Rugged and tough and never had any problems in the field.
Great collection of radios. I like the 7k better due to the larger screen AND dual speakers. I’m surprised they didn’t incorporate that into the 8k. Not even on the 8KXE. And thanks- I never realized the connector difference between the 6(an) vs. bn and 8k. Learn something new everyday! Good stuff 👍
Loving this series man.. Thanks.. I was also wondering if you have a video talking about accessories that connect to the radio (besides the speaker mic)
Multi-band two way radios for public safety (law enforcement and fire-rescue) and general local government is the future due to county-wide collaboration. APX8000 now has many competitors from the Kenwood VP8000 and the just released BK9000.
Another great video. I love the best radios Moto has, so a year before Covid hit, I purchased a APX8000 $7k only because I knew a dealer who will sell it new without any B.S., I sold it 3-yrs ago.
Great videos, keep up the great work! We all appreciate them, especially us hobbyists! I'm sure you may know but at about 13:25 on this video you mentioned about the extended battery. I didn't know they made that ginormous battery in a 2100Ah configuration kind of a moot point in that size. I have a similar battery, Model# PMN4494A and has a capacity of 5100Ah. And I agree they're a bit overkill and I don't like how they make the radio look. I do like the capacity due to how much the APX series eats through batteries compared to the XTS series in my opinion. But the smaller batteries look and feel better on the radio I think. Just my 2 cents in my experience.
What you said about LA almost running strictly UHF is false. LA County fire uses V TACs every day. Additionally every brushfire with multiple agencies attached is on a VHF coms plan. Not to mention LAFD is 800mhz. Other than that, great video!
Fascinating. I hear random chatter on VHF in LA, and then the RICS system is both UHF and now 7/800 simulcast but I was under the impression that LA was truly a UHF city/county. Thanks for setting me straight, I really appreciate the info.
Back in the day single band 7000s/7500s were ordered because well... there were no other "next generation" radios available. Single banders are common, but not crazily common.
Agreed! I prefer the screen on the 7000 to the one on the 8000. It's not only larger, but has better/smoother resolution. I wish I could fit the 8000 into the 7000 body. To me, that would be the best :) @13:16 you show a large battery that's supposedly about 2000mAH? Where did you find that? I have the large battery ( NNTN7034B ) and it's 4400mAH. Sure it ads weight and changes the profile, but for long duration events where you don't know when you'll have a chance to recharge, it'll certainly keep you going.
Hey man, I know, this is a weird question. You have probably been asked it before, but I was wondering if you would be able to give up an older analog radio that can do 460 uhf frequency. I'm in desperate need of a radio. And I don't have really any money to spend. I need anything better than A baofeng or any cheap chinese radio. I am stuck with a uv 5r and it is awful.
It’s not proven to be an issue, but it is possible to completely clone the FLASHcode and Serial number to a radio with software that escaped Motorola years ago. I think the fear is that somebody may try to use your legitimate serial number to have their illegitimate radio serviced as if it were yours. I’ve personally never heard of this actually happening, but it’s likely the same reason why people often don’t post pictures of their cars for sale with visible license plates. For me it’s simply an ounce of caution. One more thing I can think of has to be discussed, there is always a chance that the radio could have been stolen at some time. These second hand radios change hands so often that nobody wants to be stuck with an unknowingly stolen radio. At least that’s my suspicion and theory. I hope this helps.
I bailed on all this Motorola stuff. I'm really liking the offerings from Harris much better. Especially if you want to monitor a trunked system, none of that non-affiliate programming fiasco. Even for straight up hammy stuff, the Harris receivers better and so is the audio quality. Mobile or handheld, Harris audio rocks. 20 plus years of Motorola and I'm done with it. Good luck with your Motorola's.
I totally get where you’re coming from, and I’m also exploring Harris. However, I strongly encourage you to look into BK Technologies for non-affiliate scanning. It’s all I use right now, the software is a one-time purchase of $150 and they (BK) even have a video showing how to do non-affiliate scanning. I’m going to (hopefully) post a video next week showing exactly how to do it. Harris is great, but sometimes it’s hard to get clean programming software. BK has been incredible to work with. I have nothing but good things to say about them.
@@AdventureCruiser Yeah I just watched the other video comparing the 8000 to the new BKR9000. That's good to know that BK will support individuals using this type of gear. I've had my eye on the BK stuff for a while and then all this Harris stuff fell in my lap. I've liked that 9000 since it was first talked about, good to see it available finally.
Back in the eighties we had the GE PE series handhelds. These radios were a brick of poo. Half the time they did not work so many officers used them as batons. For hams that might want to use their radios in Europe they will need radios that can go down to 400 MHz since the ham bands operate mainly at 430 to around 440. The VHF frequencies are the same. Motorola did the connector change out even between the Saber and Astro Saber. Even internal parts are the same. Don’t even try to switch between Saber vehicular adapters. Each one has its own adapter otherwise you can damage the external antenna connector within the vehicular adapter. Motorola has issues in todays world with parts comparability. They were spoiled with the federal government giving grants post 9-11 for interoperability in communications. Obsolete parts and they will have to purchase new radios after 8-10 years. A money bank for Motorola.
I hate MARCS 700/800 bandradios. They are too expensive, terrible when the signal is weak. It srambles all the time. They work half as good as the old VHF repeater radios in the hilly terrain I work in. All that interoperability at the expense of everyday use.Post 9/11 interoperability at the expense of the single channel we use every single day. Great thinking . Can verify 10k for a radio is the norm in public safety. And my $25 UV5R works better and is clearer on the VHF repeater 15 miles down the road. Grrrrrr
It's unfortunate that these 700/800 trunked systems are being pushed as a one-size-fits-all solution. A neighboring county has a conventional VHF P25 system and it works great - better coverage than narrowband analog plus it supports data/signalling/encryption. Single-band conventional P25 radios are $1500-3000 from Harris or EFJ. Texas and Missouri have VHF P25 trunked systems that also work well. Using 700/800 in hilly terrain without adding additional sites is a recipe for poor results.
Does it chirp? If not he'll no. If a manufacturer will not let me do whatever I want with a radio without buying special expensive software then they are worthless.
I see your point, and that is the logic behind ham radios. But, the details that go into public safety radio systems are exacting and extensive. Also, there is no reason to have a firefighter or police officer make changes to a trunked system, can you imagine the additional training g they would ALL need? Wildland fire is another story. But there is wisdom behind locking it down. However, as an aficionado, yes it is a huge pain. But it’s my fault for wanting something that was never designed with the amateur in mind. Horses for courses.
The software is no longer expensive. The APX and Mototurbo CPS is FREE and has been for several years now. All you have to do is establish a Motorola Online account and go through the steps. Did I mention it's FREE?
@@richie_vee true. I really use my apx for analog and the cool features. I wish they had a less tech capable radio that was like it. Sometimes I feel bad for not using the p25 part.
There is no APX 7000 BN. The only BN models are 6000s.
That’s hilarious, I guess I have been looking for the white whale that doesn’t exist. I would have sworn you were incorrect, but Google agrees with you and I can find no reference of a 7000BN. Thanks for setting me straight.
@@AdventureCruiser The release order was 7000 then 6000 AN and 4000. Then they refreshed the hardware (updated CPU, RFIC, Wi-Fi/BT chipset, more RAM and single flash chip) when they made the 8000, and then back-ported the changes to make the "enhanced" 6000 BN. Therefore the 8000 (AN) and 6000 BN have the newer features and software support. Even though it's current production, I'm expecting the 4000 (two-knob) to be discontinued soon because it still has the original design.
@@straightpipediesel I honestly would be suprised if they got rid of the 4000. It is widely used and still actively purchased for public works and lower budged public safety agencies. If anything, I would expect the APX 900 to go away.
@@AglowgibbonThe successors are out: APX 900 is going to N30, the 4000 is going to N50, and the 6000 is going to N70. The public works 4k (1 knob) was already discontinued and replaced by the 900. The two knob 4k is really a XE, it was initially marketed as such and I suspect they felt it was going to eat into the 6000XE if they called it that. That's a lot of the appeal, you get a XE for cheap and I don't think Motorola likes that. I don't think they're going to redesign the 4k 2-knob after the successor is out, but the components are old: the CPU came out in 2003, the receiver RFIC is the same one they used in the XTS 5000.
@@straightpipediesel I guess I forgot about the N30, N50, and 70. I've only seen pictures, but they all look very nice. My only complaint is they're all single band. I doubt we will upgrade out 4Ks anytime soon, but as we retire it might be something to look at moving to.
120 different agencies within LA county, wow! As a HAM, it's cool to hear about the use cases and requirements of those in the emergency services. Subscribed.
APX 5000 is exactly the same as a 6000, just marketed for international sales.
6000BN also changes audio quality by a long shot, a BN with Adaptive noise suppression flash with give it the same 3w speaker output as an 8000
You are spot on for price for the 8000s we are looking at some for about $8000
My department uses the apx 4000 and we recently switched to digital from analog. Didn't realize how ancient our radios are but have no complaints. Rugged and tough and never had any problems in the field.
Great collection of radios. I like the 7k better due to the larger screen AND dual speakers. I’m surprised they didn’t incorporate that into the 8k. Not even on the 8KXE.
And thanks- I never realized the connector difference between the 6(an) vs. bn and 8k.
Learn something new everyday! Good stuff 👍
Loving this series man.. Thanks.. I was also wondering if you have a video talking about accessories that connect to the radio (besides the speaker mic)
really enjoyed the video on the radios, yes Motorola are very expensive
the single band 7k means when you order, you get a $800 credit from the radio so instead of it being $3800, it was $3000. same with the 8k.
Multi-band two way radios for public safety (law enforcement and fire-rescue) and general local government is the future due to county-wide collaboration. APX8000 now has many competitors from the Kenwood VP8000 and the just released BK9000.
Another great video. I love the best radios Moto has, so a year before Covid hit, I purchased a APX8000 $7k only because I knew a dealer who will sell it new without any B.S., I sold it 3-yrs ago.
Thank you for this series. As a newbie to this teir of radios so this helps.
Great videos, keep up the great work! We all appreciate them, especially us hobbyists! I'm sure you may know but at about 13:25 on this video you mentioned about the extended battery. I didn't know they made that ginormous battery in a 2100Ah configuration kind of a moot point in that size. I have a similar battery, Model# PMN4494A and has a capacity of 5100Ah. And I agree they're a bit overkill and I don't like how they make the radio look. I do like the capacity due to how much the APX series eats through batteries compared to the XTS series in my opinion. But the smaller batteries look and feel better on the radio I think. Just my 2 cents in my experience.
Fantastic series of explanations. Subscribed !
What you said about LA almost running strictly UHF is false. LA County fire uses V TACs every day. Additionally every brushfire with multiple agencies attached is on a VHF coms plan. Not to mention LAFD is 800mhz. Other than that, great video!
Fascinating. I hear random chatter on VHF in LA, and then the RICS system is both UHF and now 7/800 simulcast but I was under the impression that LA was truly a UHF city/county. Thanks for setting me straight, I really appreciate the info.
Back in the day single band 7000s/7500s were ordered because well... there were no other "next generation" radios available. Single banders are common, but not crazily common.
Agreed! I prefer the screen on the 7000 to the one on the 8000. It's not only larger, but has better/smoother resolution. I wish I could fit the 8000 into the 7000 body. To me, that would be the best :) @13:16 you show a large battery that's supposedly about 2000mAH? Where did you find that? I have the large battery ( NNTN7034B ) and it's 4400mAH. Sure it ads weight and changes the profile, but for long duration events where you don't know when you'll have a chance to recharge, it'll certainly keep you going.
UHF2 on APX7000s is 450-520, the 7000 and 6000ANs have no support in depot anymore, no parts around
The APX 5000 is just a 6000 missing some algos and sold to RoW markets.
10K is about right with all the bells and whistles.
Hi, good video, my grand pa have an apx6000 and others radios, I try to make it work, but I can't, so is there any way to leave the radio as default?
Informative for newcomers to the APX line. However, not APX7000 in BN. The APX6000BN yes.
Thanks for the correction, and sorry about the misinformation. It wasn’t intentional. I’m an aficionado, not an expert.
Hey man, I know, this is a weird question. You have probably been asked it before, but I was wondering if you would be able to give up an older analog radio that can do 460 uhf frequency. I'm in desperate need of a radio. And I don't have really any money to spend. I need anything better than A baofeng or any cheap chinese radio. I am stuck with a uv 5r and it is awful.
Do they make any over 9000?
Motorola does not, but BK Technologies makes a BKR9000 multi-band radio that I really like.
What’s the deal with people blacking out serial numbers in photos on listings?
It’s not proven to be an issue, but it is possible to completely clone the FLASHcode and Serial number to a radio with software that escaped Motorola years ago. I think the fear is that somebody may try to use your legitimate serial number to have their illegitimate radio serviced as if it were yours. I’ve personally never heard of this actually happening, but it’s likely the same reason why people often don’t post pictures of their cars for sale with visible license plates. For me it’s simply an ounce of caution.
One more thing I can think of has to be discussed, there is always a chance that the radio could have been stolen at some time. These second hand radios change hands so often that nobody wants to be stuck with an unknowingly stolen radio. At least that’s my suspicion and theory.
I hope this helps.
Can you program different radio ID’s on a per channel basis?
Not really, you would need to create new personalities for each unit ID. It’s possible but takes a few additional steps.
Yes. Requires a separate system for each ID.
I bailed on all this Motorola stuff. I'm really liking the offerings from Harris much better. Especially if you want to monitor a trunked system, none of that non-affiliate programming fiasco. Even for straight up hammy stuff, the Harris receivers better and so is the audio quality. Mobile or handheld, Harris audio rocks. 20 plus years of Motorola and I'm done with it. Good luck with your Motorola's.
I totally get where you’re coming from, and I’m also exploring Harris. However, I strongly encourage you to look into BK Technologies for non-affiliate scanning. It’s all I use right now, the software is a one-time purchase of $150 and they (BK) even have a video showing how to do non-affiliate scanning. I’m going to (hopefully) post a video next week showing exactly how to do it.
Harris is great, but sometimes it’s hard to get clean programming software. BK has been incredible to work with. I have nothing but good things to say about them.
@@AdventureCruiser Yeah I just watched the other video comparing the 8000 to the new BKR9000. That's good to know that BK will support individuals using this type of gear. I've had my eye on the BK stuff for a while and then all this Harris stuff fell in my lap. I've liked that 9000 since it was first talked about, good to see it available finally.
Which of these can I use to transmit atakc data
Back in the eighties we had the GE PE series handhelds. These radios were a brick of poo. Half the time they did not work so many officers used them as batons. For hams that might want to use their radios in Europe they will need radios that can go down to 400 MHz since the ham bands operate mainly at 430 to around 440. The VHF frequencies are the same.
Motorola did the connector change out even between the Saber and Astro Saber. Even internal parts are the same. Don’t even try to switch between Saber vehicular adapters. Each one has its own adapter otherwise you can damage the external antenna connector within the vehicular adapter. Motorola has issues in todays world with parts comparability. They were spoiled with the federal government giving grants post 9-11 for interoperability in communications. Obsolete parts and they will have to purchase new radios after 8-10 years. A money bank for Motorola.
where I can buy an APX8000?
Right now eBay is the best place for non-agency buyers.
@@AdventureCruiser which ebay sellers do you recommend buying from?
I hate MARCS 700/800 bandradios. They are too expensive, terrible when the signal is weak. It srambles all the time. They work half as good as the old VHF repeater radios in the hilly terrain I work in. All that interoperability at the expense of everyday use.Post 9/11 interoperability at the expense of the single channel we use every single day. Great thinking . Can verify 10k for a radio is the norm in public safety. And my $25 UV5R works better and is clearer on the VHF repeater 15 miles down the road. Grrrrrr
It's unfortunate that these 700/800 trunked systems are being pushed as a one-size-fits-all solution. A neighboring county has a conventional VHF P25 system and it works great - better coverage than narrowband analog plus it supports data/signalling/encryption. Single-band conventional P25 radios are $1500-3000 from Harris or EFJ.
Texas and Missouri have VHF P25 trunked systems that also work well. Using 700/800 in hilly terrain without adding additional sites is a recipe for poor results.
Stay away for buying used or cheap battery packs for the XTS series Radio's or you will switching out batteries every 10 mins.
W0TRJ
🤓
Does it chirp? If not he'll no. If a manufacturer will not let me do whatever I want with a radio without buying special expensive software then they are worthless.
I see your point, and that is the logic behind ham radios. But, the details that go into public safety radio systems are exacting and extensive. Also, there is no reason to have a firefighter or police officer make changes to a trunked system, can you imagine the additional training g they would ALL need? Wildland fire is another story. But there is wisdom behind locking it down. However, as an aficionado, yes it is a huge pain. But it’s my fault for wanting something that was never designed with the amateur in mind. Horses for courses.
The software is no longer expensive. The APX and Mototurbo CPS is FREE and has been for several years now. All you have to do is establish a Motorola Online account and go through the steps. Did I mention it's FREE?
Why is it that i want an APX radio even though my XTS 2500 works fine? LoL
Right lol. I guess the cool factor. I think the only difference in features I use everyday is the top display and the playback.
I should have never sold my 2500s or at least my VHF one. I think I paid $200 for it and $120 for the UHF one. The prices on eBay now are silly.
The XTS radios are Pw5 Phase 1 and the APX can do P25 Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 That would be my only motovation , pun intended...
@@richie_vee true. I really use my apx for analog and the cool features. I wish they had a less tech capable radio that was like it. Sometimes I feel bad for not using the p25 part.