The Kenwood NX-200 is a 5 watt portable digital radio. The NX-200 is very similar to the analog Kenwood radios previously used by the Department; therefore, their basic functions should be familiar. However, these radios have numerous useful features that were previously unavailable. (See below for operating instructions)

First, we'll talk about the difference between NEXEDGE™ and NXDN™. NEXEDGE™ is a brand name for a line of Kenwood radios, not a type of technology. On the other hand, NXDN™ is a protocol name for a type of digital radio technology using the FSK (frequency-shift keying) modulation scheme. Simply put, NXDN™ is the name for the technology inside the radio that makes it work differently than other radios. NXDN™ is a digital technology but it is NOT compatible with APCO Project 25, Motorola TRBO™, TETRA or any other digital radio standard. When we hear "digital radio" in Kentucky, we typically think of KSP's digital repeater system or the statewide digital system used by KyEM and the KY National Guard. Both of these systems are based on P25 technology and are completely incompatible with the new MCFD radios.

In 2004, the Federal Communications Commission issued a mandate requiring that certain radio users would be required to update their radio systems to operate on 12.5 kHz narrowband voice channels by January 1, 2013. Our switch to the new NEXEDGE™ system will satisfy the FCC narrowband requirement and give us access to some of the benefits of digital radio such as individual and group calling, as well as increased coverage and greatly improved voice quality.

MCFD members are welcome to purchase a radio to use on the MCFD NEXEDGE™ system. Several electronics companies were involved in the development of NXDN™ technology; however, only two radio manfacturers produce portable radios compatible with our system. Our system is a conventional repeater system in the VHF frequency range. The Kenwood NX-200, NX-210, NX-220 and ICOM iDAS™ IC-F3161D and IC-F3101D radios are the only portable radios that will work on the system. If you purchase an ICOM, you must get the "D" version or the analog version with the UT-126H digital unit installed. To see pictures and descriptions of compatible radios, see our "Radio ID" page. Although ICOM and Kenwood developed this technology together, there may be certain features on ICOM radios such as the scrambler and individual/group call functions that will not work with the Kenwood infrastructure and other Kenwood radios. For that reason, the Department purchased Kenwoods exclusively. Again, no other portable radio will work on the digital side of our system, regardless of what you may have heard. If you have questions, please contact Unit 102 or Unit 1220 prior to making your purchase. For information on mobile radios, see the mobile radio page.

Click here for the NX-200 Instruction Manual