Motorola R7 vs. Motorola 7550e: Which One is Right for You?

Motorola recently released their Motorola R7 DMR handheld radio to replace the Motorola 7550e. Which one is right for you? I discuss what features immeidately stood out to me and whether you should consider purchasing the Motorola R7.
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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:57 Radio Thickness
1:27 Ergonomics
2:26 Keypad Differences
3:22 Emergency Button Size
3:48 Activity Light Redesigned
4:16 User Interface
5:25 Noise Cancelling System
7:42 Speaker Loudness
8:29 Ruggedness
9:34 Which Would I Choose?
#HamRadio #AmateurRadio #DMR

[@Zukuri620]

Just bougt a 7550e. I watched your video before deciding, but the biggest factor for me was price and availability. 3x the price for the R7 just wasn't worth it.

[@dangerranger7209]

Thanks for the review from N2DMR

[@K0LWC]

No problem 👍

[@CoveyHillFarm]

Great review. Thank you!

[@K0LWC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@troyrowe2559]

Great review! Can you recommend a wireless noise cancelling headset that would work with the R7?

[@michaelt.9372]

I got the ion and im very happy with it

[@N4EJM]

How much were you able to get the Ion for if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve heard they go for $2,600 but are much cheaper for PS and hams.

[@michaelt.9372]

@@N4EJM call north Georgia communications. I think it was like $1700

[@gottago1052]

KOLWC alright got the radio signed up with Motorola turned on radio states it is unprogrammed and won't connect to wi-fi, any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

[@gottago1052]

KOLWC quick question is there and issue that you know of with R7 Regionalization if I were to purchase my radio in the UK and use in the UK and USA?

[@BobSmith-vu9fw]

Nice HT. I'd like to purchase this.

[@K0LWC]

You should!

[@crackerwood661]

​@@K0LWCill need your support when I do 😉

[@gottago1052]

Thanks for the video it's my understand it's either UHF Or VHF cannot be programmed for both?

[@K0LWC]

Yes, they’re monoband only.

[@georgevauter9086]

Thanks for the great video. Would you recommend the R7 over the Smart ION?

[@K0LWC]

That's a great question, George. I haven't used the Smart ION personally. However, I've had friends who at first scoffed at the idea of the ION and now want one, and or, have one themselves. My only question would be the stability and usability of the Android OS long-term over the years. That very fact kept me away from purchasing one.

[@samjonesmartin]

With the ION the main catch you have is that it’s subscription based for programming through Motorolas radio central system where as the R7 once it’s been regionalised by connecting to Wi-Fi it doesn’t need to call home to Motorola again and can be programmed over USB like normal or OTAP or Wi-Fi if using Radio Management.

[@georgevauter9086]

Thank you both for the info!

[@RookieLock]

Wow, both beautiful radios.. My dream ht.. Wish I could afford one, lol

[@markfrost2707]

I'll sell you a 7550e in perfect condition with all new everything. leather case, speaker mic, charger...all NEW in box (not the actual radio but all the accessories). For like 400.00

[@RookieLock]

I would, but i really cant afford it right now.. im not working atm..

[@capei208]

​@@markfrost2707still selling?

[@mainetomass99]

Frustrating that this rig is monoband only. Wish I could Mod my work APX 8000 to the ham bands ;) Did you go with the UHF for inside residence hotspot use since UHF penetrates better?

[@dylanfeeney2373]

Apx8000 works on the ham bands I have a buddy who has one ans runs it all the time

[@lasersights]

1600 bucks... holy hannah montana

[@seanrance5993]

Are the chargers different for these two radios or do you have to get all new chargers and base stations for them?

[@tommyakin8794]

ALL NEW, BIGGER CAPACITY, thinner form factor

[@BilalAhmad-mh1xb]

I want

[@gottago1052]

Where do you suggest I buy the radio and can it be a tri band radio. Thanks.

[@K0LWC]

It’s monoband only. If you wanted triband you’d need to go with the APX series. Check out North Georgia Communications.

[@gbcengineering5237]

Can you confirm you were able to program a 25khz channel spacing with that entitlement loaded on your CPS for a analog frequency? I can’t get confirmation either from a dealer or moto. Thanks

[@K0LWC]

Yes, I’ve done it successfully. You need to take the course from Motorola to successfully get access to the entitlement key and flash it to the radio.

[@gbcengineering5237]

@@K0LWC thank you.

[@crackerwood661]

​@@K0LWCcan you post a video if what it takes to do the course?

[@N4EJM]

Do they make a mobile dock for them like they do for the XTS series radios?

[@K0LWC]

Not that I’ve seen. And don’t see any listed on the compatible accessories.

[@N4EJM]

@@K0LWC That stinks. That dock for the XTS series is sweet.

[@krisrc4life]

I found the noise canceling for the R7 doesn't work well for me. I work in a plant and the volume fluctuates so much its quite a nuisance. Got 8 of these radios and almost no one in my shop uses them. They continue to use the 7550e's instead. I got to see if I can turn this feature off altogether.

[@K0LWC]

You can turn off the second mic and use the same canceling as the 7550e. It’s true that if the noise in the background is fluctuating way up and down quickly it has to track that and it will have a delay/issue with it. Seems constant levels it handles best.

[@bradl2636]

With respect to the R7… which iCom and Yaesu units would be closest analogs (most similar in features)? What is the philosophy of use/what kind of user would pick the R7? Thanks for the video.

[@tecdive8045]

The comparable iComs would be either the ID-52 (D-Star), or F4400D (NXDN). In Yaesu it would be the FT5-DR (C4FM). The user who would pick the R7 is one who wants to play on DMR but doesn't want to use a cheap Chinese radio (CCR), and is willing to get the next level up above the XPR7550e.

[@bradl2636]

@@tecdive8045 Thank you for the clarification. Not my area of expertise.

[@tommyakin8794]

@@tecdive8045 There is a user segment in digital radio that will buy the R7 for 1 of 3 reasons: 1. They are more technically inclined to move to the newest technology to enjoy new features & abilities, 2. Will own one as it is an "EGO" radio, proving they can afford it and have what you don't, like an Icom 7851 or Yaesu FTdx9000D. 3. An "early adopter" who will learn all features and use them well. I have used the XPR7550E for years, and have found it to be extremely reliable, and will work more distant repeaters that the TYT/Baofeng, Alinco and others wont get to at all. Where I live, cell phones are not 100% reliable, but we enjoy good coverage on FUSION, D-Star, P25 and DMR. My safety and the safety of my family doesn't become a reality with a $60-$90 radio made in China.

[@XxThegr81xX]

Would you recommend either one of these over the Rfinder B1+?

[@K0LWC]

Yes, I’d take either of these radios over an RFinder. RFinder is a cool idea, but really no comparison to the quality and engineering of a Motorola radio. If you want a cool toy and some headaches, get an RFinder. If you want a quality DMR radio get a Motorola.

[@markfrost2707]

YES

[@gottago1052]

So say I purchase a new Motorola R7 where do I get it programmed or do I buy the software and cable to use it as a Ham Radio? Thanks.

[@K0LWC]

You need to register with Motorola as an amateur user. They’ll refuge you the software for free - but the hoops do take a couple weeks to jump through.

[@ivanthegreat1004]

@@K0LWC can you explain this. I’m new to all this too haha

[@gottago1052]

@@K0LWC Thanks got it down question can you recommend a antenna better than the original? Thanks.

[@gottago1052]

Also what vendor has the best price...thanks.

[@K0LWC]

You’d have to check with a vendor as prices can vary between them.

[@turbo2ltr]

Spec sheet says 25khz bandwidth is not available in the US. So do you only use these for DMR? Or do you just operate 12.5khz analog even if the repeater is wideband? As someone that only has older motorola radios, what is the additional cost for the CPS software?

[@K0LWC]

You can obtain a 25khz bandwidth entitlement key, but you have to take a short training and sign off on how you’ll use it. You’ll then get issued 25khz keys to flash to the radio. CPS 2.0 is $170 every three years.

[@rrrussell1009]

Pretty sure CPS is free now, but I think you have to purchase an entitlement for software updates now.

[@varojvimarapirat6936]

I have some question about R7 it can use FPP for change frequency?

[@AsyncProductionsRP]

No, it cannot I believe.

[@DonzLockz]

They must be expensive. The R7 looks awesome! Why are the antennas and knobs on the wrong side on Motorola's? I have two GP328, great audio and range even for an older Motorola HT radio. Cheers for sharing the HT radio porn. Lol 🍻👍

[@K0LWC]

Glad you enjoyed. They run about $1,500 USD with all the entitlements, so not too shabby compared to other Motorola models.

[@P25AES]

They can be had for $1k~

[@K0LWC]

@@P25AES Yes, but I'm assuming that's bare bones with no extras.

[@P25AES]

@K0LWC I got the enabled version. Everything enabled with charger, antenna, battery, clip etc.

[@colfax13]

The antenna is on the same side as the mic Jack so that you can use a combined mic/antenna that sits on your shoulder. This is something that’s really common in industry and public safety.

[@sr-xv7eu]

It can't be the same as the iPhone screen because they brake to easily lol. But I like the R7

[@lancedooley7558]

What real radios are for Ham, DMR and GMRS repeaters and true simplex encryption. 😎. A big way to give the middle finger to the government. Motorola does not give your information out from what I hear. Correct me if I'm wrong. Just got into these. Working on Hammy License but have my gmrs license. EXCELLENT VIDEO!!😎😎🔥🔥

[@K0LWC]

Well what you're describing would be Motorola, but you won't be able to use encryption on many of the services you listed.

[@lancedooley7558]

@@K0LWC not legally no. In a shtf that might be different story. I wouldn't use for ham but for simplex commercial only. The encryption does work. I want to pick up 2 or 3 Motorola's for my squad.

[@mehdizayid181]

Hello, does the motorola r7 work with the internet or with the number on the motorola walkie-talkies

[@Hero1395]

I thought I was cool when I had a 99ch MT1000.

[@K0LWC]

That’s still cool!

[@shutterbug2193]

How much does the R7 cost?

[@K0LWC]

$1200 - $1500 depends on options.

[@erics6177]

It's only Motorola would sell their radios to ham radio operators. You have to know a dealer and figure out all kinds of other crap once you get in the commercial realm. It seems really difficult to even figure out how to get your hands on one. Is it hard to get analog wideband enabled on them?

[@K0LWC]

No. There are dealers out there that sell to the ham community. The wideband entitlement is just a simple training and you get access to it. I didn’t find it all that hard.

[@P25AES]

There is no money to be had in amateur radio when it comes to commercial equipment.

[@markfrost2707]

I have a bunch of beautiful 7550e's with all new accessories for sale

[@MarkWasylyshyn]

@@markfrost2707how much do you want for them?

[@B83024]

LOVE this new radio ! ( BUT ) i have heard from 4 different people u have to go threw HELL to get the programming soft wear from Motorola ? like pay out ( BIG ) money and take a test to get the soft wear SERIOUSLY ! ? ! ? wow ok then ???????? how did u get the soft wear and if u did get it from Motorola what hell did u go threw ?? thanks 73's

[@PhilBaker1]

It doesn't sound like the CPS costs anything. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oqGUiIqQeZWKf6M

[@AL6S00740]

The only sad thing is the on the fly programing. That I mind a lot.

[@AL6S00740]

That does not exist on Commercial radios.

[@K0LWC]

The radio will be front keypad programmable. It’s a feature offered by Motorola, but they haven’t rolled it out on the R7 yet.

[@hbryant1971]

No dispute that Motorola is Extreme High Quality, but WAY OERPRICED!

[@galax574]

V

[@gilad211073]

Hi I am the biggest company that sells motorola in Israel. Am I allowed to show my visitors in my site your video?

[@K0LWC]

Sure.

[@henryatkinson1479]

Big factor you miss here is the price. You can get a 7550e and every accessory you could ever want for 3 times over for the price of an R7.

[@P25AES]

7550e can be had for 350...

[@henryatkinson1479]

@@P25AES Exactly, and you can, for another ~150, get a remote mic, a bunch of batteries, and a charger. So lets say 500 for a complete setup. That gets you ~1/3 of the way to an R7.

[@P25AES]

@@henryatkinson1479 although I'd rather have the R7.

[@K0LWC]

That’s simply because the used market is pretty sparse. Your comparing a new radio to a used market that’s been around for many years. It’ll come down slowly over time.

[@BobSmith-vu9fw]

@@P25AES is EBAY the best source for the 7550e?

[@johnreno8909]

how much is brand new motorola R7 ???

[@mipars]

Really no USB connector for charging in 2022. Shame

[@jeffccr3620]

R7 is what they are using in Ukraine for rescue and medical teams

[@MikeG-js1jt]

they want $200 for the programming software.......... I was ok with paying a premium for the radio, but when I found out it was $$$ for the programming software....well

[@XCFloresX]

If you have an MOL account, the CPS is free

[@ManuelPinner]

Motor Motorola used to be good when they were American made, but they no good no more cuz they made in communist China, I buy a Yeasu or an icom which is made in Japan,

[@K0LWC]

My Motorola wasn’t made in China. Also, Yaesu does have manufacturing in China so it’s not solely Japan.

[@ManuelPinner]

@@K0LWC Yes the FT 70, I have the FT5D made in Japan!

[@gMan1971]

Motorola commercial radios are made in Malaysia, and only the top tier APX radios IIRC are made in the USA. Only the cheap stuff is made in China AFAIK.

[@markfrost2707]

Theyre solid as a rock and bullet proof still

[@MikeG-js1jt]

for a 1200 dollar radio, they should have at least gave it the ability to put out more than 4 and 5 watts on UHF and VHF I mean ShEEESHH!

[@K0LWC]

I like my brain too much for that.

[@Porty1119]

But why? That would just drain the battery much faster for minimal extra performance, to say nothing of RF safety concerns.

[@MikeG-js1jt]

@@Porty1119 because its $1200.00 ...... it should be available if need be,,,,,, Because its $1200.00

[@Porty1119]

@@MikeG-js1jt No.

[@markfrost2707]

he's being paid to talk up thr new model. Or he got free radios, etc. Trust me....this is NOT an honest assessment

[@K0LWC]

Ha. I wish. I haven’t been paid by anyone nor given anything Motorola for free.

[@markfrost2707]

@@K0LWC Then my sincere apologies. I shouldnt have wrote that unless I knew.

[@davidconlin6878]

What Talk groups are you on DMR ? It would be interesting to talk to you on dmr.

[@K0LWC]

31272 and 3127.