My exploration of available 33cm radios continues. I recently acquired a Motorola XPR6580 HT. This radio is capable of 800/900MHz and both digital (DMR/TDMA) as well as analog operation.
I currently have it programmed for local analog 33cm repeaters, however I’m exploring the options/opportunities to play with TRBO. Programming is not the easiest process. You have to program bogus channels with the programming software, then while that software is running, load in a hex editor and read that part of memory used by the software, search and replace, then save back the active memory. It’s a very tedious process. Additionally you must work from your saved file. Reading the radio will result in all non-standard channels being converted back to non-ham frequencies.
All in all, I’m rather pleased with the radio. It has great receive and seems to do well inside while working local repeaters. I may look at getting a UHF version in order to play with the TRBO options since there is an international network of 70cm TRBO repeaters.
Attached is a picture of my radio. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know!
