Wednesday, January 15, 2014

REVIEW OF THE MOTOROLA DP2400

A two-way radio has to be able to work quickly and efficiently. It has to be simple to use, robustly designed and multi-faceted enough to appeal to a variety of users. Fortunately, Motorola are very, very good at fulfilling these criteria. So, with that in mind, we put the DP 2400 through its paces.

THE SPECS

The clarity of digital audio is undeniable. But if you still prefer analogue, then don’t despair. The DP 2400 is completely comfortable handling both analogue and digital signals.

But there’s a lot more it can do besides that.

The DP 2400 can even use its ‘IP Site Connect’ function to expand the capability of the device via the Internet. In addition, the ‘capacity plus’ function can use a single-site trunking system to enable over a thousand voice or data transfer-users without adding any new frequencies. It can even use an (optional) ‘linked capacity plus’ feature (a multi-site version of the ‘capacity plus’ function) that works in tandem with the IP functionality to ensure even broader fields of communication over greater distances.

There’s even an enhanced security function.

The Motorola DP 2400 comes in both VHF and UHF forms.

THE PRICE

At £284, this is a reasonably priced, yet high spec, device. With the release of the 3400, we can reasonably expect the price to drop a little more as well soon, but probably not by an incredible amount, as both models do seems to specialize in slightly different areas.

Overall, it does look like Motorola are offering a good radio-based product for your money, yet again.

THE PERFORMANCE

The design is hardy and utilitarian; this is the sort of two-way radio a security guard or professional soldier might use. Its tough, square edged and no-nonsense, but it still looks modern and professional. On top of this, the Motorola DP2400’s ease of use makes the simplicity of the design a perfect marriage of model and operation.

As with most of Motorola’s designs, the DP 2400 is a tough little doohickey. The bodywork is so tightly sealed, in fact, that it is almost completely dust and sand proof and has a water protection rating of IP55 (that means you can use it in the rain, but you probably can’t take it snorkelling).

The audio performance of the DP 2400 is nothing short of spectacular. It even adjusts the levels to compensate for background noise automatically.

In fact, so high performance is this radio, that it actually meets US military standard 810 C D E F and G.

The only negative we could find was that the design was slightly bulky and the battery was a little heavy, however, the battery life is so good that we really don’t mind. Besides, it’s reassuring to be absolutely sure that you aren’t about to lose the product (you’d soon notice if you dropped it).

As an optional extra, you can even get a function that will interrupt an existing signal in order to deliver critical information without waiting for a line to close/open.

THE VERDICT

It really does seem as if Motorola have thought of everything this time around. What we’ve got here is a two-way radio that is pretty close to perfection. It seems to do anything you could possibly want it to and, when ‘pimped out’ with all the optional extras, it will surely do a lot more besides.

There aren’t really any downsides with this product, it works extremely well, is pretty much top of the line in its price range and is bang up to date technologically. What more can you ask for?