motport

Motorola's portables, are among the most reliable in the world. The radios below are all constructed quite well; Well enough to survive a lot of misuse, including dropping, repeatedly!.

MT-500 (HT220).

This radio is available in 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 channel models. Some even have scan. Radios use crystals and their receive is simply amazing! I was able to hear more with the MT-500 radio alone, then with my scanner and base antenna! The only drawback with these radios is their size, difficulty of changing frequencies, and poor quality of stock antenna, however, it is easy to add an external antenna, and change the radio's stock antenna to a better style. These radios are available for around $35 each, stocked with crystals from [email protected]. This person is in business for himself selling old Chessie system radios.

HT-1000 (JT-1000 [JT-1000 is field programmable])

The HT-1000 and JT-1000 models are among Motorola's newest series the "PRO" series. These two models are by far the worst radios I've ever used in my life. The major railroads have spent thousands of dollars on these radios and the employees tell me that they wish they had their old HT-600 radios back. The price of a USED HT-1000 is about $200, retail price is around $800.

HT-90 and HT-440

The HT-90 and HT-440 are really just the same radio in a different case. They are crystal controlled, as the MT-500 is, and are equipped with a BNC connector on the top for easy connection of a different antenna. The radio's battery lasts long enough to accomodate DAYS of railfanning! I left mine on for 24hours straight and it didn't kill off the battery! The only drawbacks of these radios, is their crystal controlled heritage, which makes them a little less glamorous, but these "bricks" were built to last! Also, some HT90 and HT440 radios are equipped with Motorola's Heliflex VHF antenna which is by far the highest gaining portable "rubber duck" antenna available. The Heli-flex comes standard on all current Motorola radios, however, the connector is not compatible with a scanner. Some railroad compaitible radios can on eBay for about $20.

HT-600, P200, MT1000

These radios are built tough, are programmable, and will work long hours! The HT600 and P200 VHF radios feature up to 6 channels. This may be enough for many, but the radio doesn't have scan. I have an HT-600 set on the CSX road channel, and then all of the Dispatcher channels, so when a dispatcher says "come over to 84" I can turn the dial to that channel. The MT-1000 looks similar to the HT-600 (Differences in the case styles), but is capable of scan as well as 16 and up to 99 channels. The radio, however, is only capable of scanning 8 channels at a time, and the scan list IS user programmable!! HT-600s cost anywhere from $100-200, P200's cost around $200, and MT-1000's up to $400 for the 99 channel models, however, I've seen them sell for $300.

RADIUS GP300, GP350, P110, and P1225

Radios are probably you BEST choice out of all the radios spoken of on this page. I own both the GP300 and GP350 radios, and am very pleased with them. Both radios are 16 channel (15 with a scan position). Is capable of Priority scan, "DOS" (Data operated squelch) to eliminate the data burst associated with BNSF's radios. The GP300 is only different from the GP350 in case styling and position of accessory connector. Otherwise, they are the same. radios w/o DTMF pad have 2 programmable buttone, DTMF pad equipped have 6 and can be programmed for monitor, volume set, phone, memory, channel lockout (for scan), and phone exit. GP300s can cost up to $200, $250 with DTMF, GP350s $250, or $300 with DTMF (higher costs on the GP350 are due it being the newer of the two models.

The P110 is the cheaper version of the GP300. It features only one programable button on the left side and DTMF equipped models don't have any memory buttons. Radios are available in 2, 4, 6, 8, and 16 channel models. all but 2 channel models can have scan. radios can cost from $50 - $150

P1225 radios are among Motorola's latest additions to the Radius series. they feature up to 16 channels, scan of all 16 channels, and up to 3 programmable memory buttons. Theses radios are slightly lower in quality when compared to the GP300/ GP350 radios, but is still quite good nonetheless. Retail cost is $485, used cost may be around $200- $300.

Radius SP50 and SP50+

The SP50 radio is a pretty popular radio where new radios are used in business. They come in two different versions: The regular and short version. The difference between the two, is size and battery life. The tall version (pictured) lasts about 12 hour- no TX. the short or + version last only 6 hours. They come in 2 and 10 channels, and are capable of scanning all 10 programmed frequencies. This radio retails for about $300, used for about $200. It is a winner in my book, and can be a true asset to any railfan!

GOOD LUCK SHOPPING!!