🔴Motorola XPR7550e For Amateur Radio Review - How good is it?

[@StarShipAdventures]

The noise you hear at the end of my transmissions made by the XPR is called MDC1200. It's a signaling mode meant to transmit a numerical identifier to the other radios on the frequency. I have it turned on because I like the sound. It can be enabled in the CPS under each channel's settings.

[@LWRC]

If you use the MDC on your hsndheld on a local repeater here in SoCal, you will still up a hornet's nest and someone will jump down your throat before you even unkey😂😂😂

[@jamesphilips4290]

If you create an account with Motorola you can get the Programming software {CPS} directly from them. No dealer needed for this to happen. Also once you have the software you can get an entitlement so you can use it on the wider Amateur Radio frequencies. The software will only let you program it in the narrow band mode without this entitlement. Going this route you stay 100% legal. It takes a little bit of work to do all this stuff but it's worth it.

[@nine7295]

Ya, he said "thousands of dollars..." , maybe it's different in his country?

[@uppo9301]

@@nine7295 no its just an old video with outdated info. Motorola used to charge an arm and a leg for CPS, but they recently decided to make CPS free for download with a business account, no test or license required.

[@SacramentoDeathSticks-c8c]

You are correct no charge for free.

[@WeekdayWeekend]

Thanks for the review. I use this radio daily at work, so I wanted to know what it was capable of in the HAM scene. To me, as someone who's still just studying for my Technician license, I think it would probably be less trouble to get something designed with HAMs in mind first and foremost.

[@nate18268]

This is a great radio. The biggest limitation is you can't use Bluetooth programming, if it's been hit with CPS 2.0. You can find a lot of them used that still work with CPS version 1.

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

@Nate Randall But you _can_ use wifi programming, which works better, anyway.

[@JCunningham21]

cps version 16 build 128. never down load 2.0. look around the net. I think the firmware might be able to be put back on 2.09 so you can use v16

[@jhutch1470]

The "chirp" noise you hear is called "MDC 1200." The lower, longer "chirp" is called the "MDC 600." It is a data burst that sends radio info within it. You can set it to send at the beginning, or end, of your transmissions. I programmed mine to send my call sign on ham frequencies, and my unit number on commercial.

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

There's a _load_ of things you said that I'd like, not to contradict, but to clarify (wish it was in a qso so my thumbs didn't get so tired!) I'll just mention the ones I found myself actually mumbling "Nuh-UHH!". 1) Going back to the older firmware (ie. to get your Bluetooth back) from CPS 2.0; yeah, it's totally possible but using clandestine methods, so probably inappropriate to detail here. 2) No VFO function; There's actually an entitlement available that gives you a rudimentary FPP function, but it's pricey ($199, last I looked). Apparently only available in the US from N Georgia Communications. I'm told the Asian market version is available with a different FPP variant, but don't quote me on that) 3) The thing you were demonstrating with different distances from the microphone; I don't know if you're already using it, but another entitlement (cheap- $2-3!) called RX Audio Levelling basically eliminates any discrepancy between overly loud/quiet stations. Works so well I got it for all my Gen-2 TRBO radios. Strangely, some versions of firmware give it to you free, some don't... That's all I can remember at the moment; I'll comment again if more occur... Oh, EXCEPT... DON'T use the feature called "Intelligent Audio", unless you want to jump out of your skin when you least expect it; it can, AND WILL suddenly turn the audio up full blast if it mistakenly thinks there's background noise. Maybe it works fine for professionals who hangout near large grinding equipment but not for hams quietly walking into a restaurant... in my opinion, the feature would be better named, "Psychotic Audio"...

[@Jah_Rastafari_ORIG]

Just realized, #1 was a commenter, not you (or maybe you mentioned something about it; too tired to re-watch the vid).

[@aj2183]

Glad to know l,, much more about great radio.

[@henryatkinson1479]

Any idea if theres a way to get FPP on a 7550e without dropping 200 USD?

[@aj2183]

@@henryatkinson1479 nothing that i know.

[@Porty1119]

Psychotic Audio is nearly the only feature on TRBO junk that I like, it's useful when working around heavy equipment. Otherwise, TRBO is borderline dangerous junk and should not be used when life safety is dependent on reliable communications.

[@lastmanstandingtactical]

Nice review. Could you please video comparison of the XPR7550e vs the Motorola R7?

[@billyboy664]

You need the entitlement ID number cost $30. It allows you to turn the radio to white band and add more to the menu options where you can change frequencies.

[@StarShipAdventures]

Not if you have the hacked CPS and can get all the entitlements enabled for free, like I did. If you get the entitlement straight from motorola it's still free though.

[@BVN-TEXAS]

Biggest issue is just getting Motorola to approve your account and get you an entitlement key.

[@andrewproductionsrp]

How?! ​@@StarShipAdventures

[@safety86]

Good review! The 7550 is a great radio.

[@phatboizbackyardkustomz9006]

You can have front panel programming if you get someone that has the right software to do it but it only works for the freq that you entered it will not store it and when you turn off the radio it is gone.

[@bkehlin]

How do I reset to factory settings?

[@otakurj]

I assume something changed as I've been hearing that CPS 2.0 is free along with APX CPS

[@RaulAlvarez-vw4jj]

Hello, how are you doing? Would you happen to know how to factory reset the unit?

[@muzaffargawar1879]

How to create frequency

[@gozillatrade5178]

I have a xpr3500e-U using mototrbo cps2, programmed analog channels. Can't get the Home button to work.

[@coejone]

did you find out how to reset to factory settings?

[@henryatkinson1479]

1:40 So if you upgrade past this version of the firmware, you *CAN* program frequencies from the front panel? Asking since I have a 7550e that I got used, and the prior owner already paid Motorola for all of the feature entitlement, so by upgrading I don't theoretically lose anything, but I can't find any other info on the newer firmwares actually supporting front panel frequency adjust. Can you elaborate or point me to where you heard this? Thanks so much!

[@StarShipAdventures]

So from what I understand, the newer versions of the firmware have FPP (front panel programming) built in to the firmware. Technically the version in the video has it too, but there is a bug/glitch where the frequency adjustment menu is missing. The bug is fixed in newer versions. The problem is that upgrading removes all the hacks and tricks that make using this radio on Amateur bands so cheap and easy. Without it, you will have to take it to a dealer every time you want to reprogram it, all the options like the 25KHz, audio enhancements, etc, will cost lots of money. Now if these features are already purchased, it will probably keep working. I'm fairly certain that the radio will want to "phone home" a lot more then it does, which makes using non-official CPS software impossible and you'd have to become a Motorola dealer to get the software to work. I'm no Motorola radio expert so this is all going off what I learned from a friend of mine who shall remain anonymous. He's a Motorola dealer who's dealt with these radios for a long time so I trust him. There's probably a better explanation of what exactly happens when you upgrade somewhere else online. If you're willing to risk paywall-locking the radio it would be interesting to see what really happens, but personally I wouldn't do it.

[@henryatkinson1479]

@@StarShipAdventures Thanks for the info! I already have 25khz entitlement for it (not actually that hard to get, Motorola gives it for free, just takes a while). I'll definitely do some research, but it sounds like updating won't actually be the end of the world for me. I appreciate your insight and detailed answer! Thanks again!

[@StarShipAdventures]

@@henryatkinson1479 Please keep us updated if you do!

[@henryatkinson1479]

@@StarShipAdventures Will do for sure! I'm going to check with a friend of mine who knows a pretty sizable US-based Motorola dealer to see if they can get me any info before going ahead, will report results here.

[@henryatkinson1479]

Current situation seems to be that no US-market 7550e radios have a VFO, and that it is intentional. The APX 900 *does,* and hardware-wise is very similar to the 7550e, but costs a lot more and needs the APX CPS software.

[@joshsniper1]

How well would these radios work for radio too radio communication? No repeaters. An actual working range in suburban, rural, wooded areas and semi hilly /mountain area? I'm looking for something geared towards group communication of around 3-5 people with a range under 2-3 miles.

[@StarShipAdventures]

Suburban range (in my experience) is around 1 mile at the best. You'll probably get half a mile in an area with houses, trees, and small hills. Rural areas will average further, measuring in 2-3 miles over minor hills and few trees. Wooded areas are the worst, measuring in 1/4 of a mile or less. The UHF version of this radio would do a lot better in wooded areas and suburban areas. Semi Hilly/ Mountainous areas are where the VHF model shines. It works about twice as well as a UHF radio over hills. All in all, there are MUCH cheaper and just as reliable radios that would suit your needs. That being said, if you want the best of the best, this motorola radio is really good at being just that.

[@cpreovol]

The biggest problem for ham is the weird antenna connector. I have repeaters that I regularly use I can hit with all of my other radios with higher gain antennas like a signal stick. It's not a deal breaker but someting to think about. XPR6550 you cna use SMA antennas on. But I do really like mine for public service events and in my CERT group for the robustness and simpllcity of use.

[@josephhacker6508]

They sell an adapter for the 7550e, it would let you use a signal stick

[@cpreovol]

@@josephhacker6508 Who is they? ;-)

[@cpreovol]

well, I mean it does accept a normal SMA to BNC connector, but all of those have a center pin, the motorola do not have a center pin, so I am kind of confused by all of this.

[@JOutterbridge]

​​@@josephhacker6508I was unable to find a definitive part number/adapter to make another antenna work. Are they custom made? I'm trying to get more range out of the xpr7550e. I'm limited to about 1 mile in a hilly area. The OEM antenna barely works when inside a building:/ *UHF 400-512Mhz

[@danlora5599]

Hi, do you know how I can figure out the date of manufacture? I heard something about looking on the back of the radio but it seems to discuss more the batteries rather than the radio itself.

[@StarShipAdventures]

It's available in the radio's menu

[@NM_Tech]

How is this radio in terms of other features like promiscuous mode, GPS, APRS? Evidently you need an entitlement for promiscuous mode?

[@redacted_platypus]

Anyone have a link for one of these? Looking to upgrade my current radio to something more durable and better quality

[@roycox-oi7zm]

How Can I Order A Motorola walkie-talkie radio

[@markfrost2707]

by going to Sony's website

[@andrewproductionsrp]

eBay

[@rickbrooks1608]

Hi, recently got an xpr7550e VHF model and the firmware was already updated beyond the firmware version you recommended. Is there a way to revert it to the older version or is there a work around?

[@MercedesMechanic]

do you use a lapel mic/speaker with the xpr 7550e ?

[@StarShipAdventures]

Not Yet! We are in the process of upgrading our equipment.

[@princearthur4946]

Can this radio be programmed directly on the keypad for HAM frequencies and repeater operations?

[@NM_Tech]

0:57

[@andrewproductionsrp]

What about the XPR7550? (NOT XPR7550E)

[@Tschubritza]

Can it do AES256?

[@recepnarin4246]

Hi do you have hotspot problem ?

[@StarShipAdventures]

No

[@BVN-TEXAS]

Biggest pain is getting a Motorola account and getting the wideband entitlement.

[@andrewproductionsrp]

Real

[@Pops_607]

So the hams in your area don’t mind the MDC on the end? What do you use as your mdc id seeing as it won’t let you put ham calls… 73

[@StarShipAdventures]

Sometimes I get critics of the MDC noise but then I give them an earful and leave the tone on. For the actual data being sent it’s just 000001. I could modify it to transmit my callsign but I haven’t performed that hack yet.

[@andrewproductionsrp]

Me: DMR is cool but complex Me: *buys a radio that is mainly for DMR*

[@بدر-ع6ق]

ممكن استفسر منك عربي عندي نفس الجهاز مقفل كيف اشغله

[@anishasramom]

Hw can i get tis set, i m frm India VU3EQP

[@andrewproductionsrp]

"It is designed to be beaten up" me: Oh really?

[@Jacob-mm8xq]

You can’t really expect a lot of these ham features on a radio like this. It’s a commercial radio just was not made or designed with ham in mind at all.

[@بدر-ع6ق]

بليز ساعدني

[@ThatCleanMT]

Any idea why my P1 and P2 button don’t do anything when I press them despite there showing “zone” and “BT Aud” above the buttons. They don’t do anything.

[@buzman1985]

Post MDC, turrible.

[@StarShipAdventures]

Bug off I think it's cool