The NX-200 was the standard-issue radio for the Department when the digital system went online in 2010. This radio comes in two versions; the "K" version has the standard 6-key keypad and the "K2" version has the additional 12-key keypad. These are fairly standard 5 watt, 512 channel radios with 14 character displays. They are compatible with all the analog and digital functions of the MCFD system. Although this is an impressive radio, it was the least expensive of the NEXEDGE™ radios when they were introduced. The introduction of the NX-220 in 2011 changed that (see below); however, this radio remains a great choice, especially if you need a basic radio with a lot of channels for ham radio or other uses.

The NX-210 was introduced in 2009 as the "high end" digital radio from Kenwood. This radio's feature set and physical dimensions match more closely with the older Kenwood TK-2180. It is larger than the NX-200 but the basic radio functions and features are nearly identical - 5 watt output, 512 channels, 14 character display, etc. This radio comes standard with a full DTMF keypad and is more expensive. It would appear that this radio is still available, although Kenwood's main NEXEDGE™ page no longer has it listed as a current model. (Note - the MCFD radio shop has never seen one of these. They are not common in this area due to the fact that they cost more than the NX-200)

The NX-220 series is the most recent addition to the NEXEDGE™ line of radios. These radios are described as a "mid tier" (i.e. less expensive) radio. This radio comes in three variations, as you can see in the picture to the right. All the radios produce 5 watts of output power but the other features vary depending on the model. The "K" version has no keypad or display. This is a very basic 64 channel radio with few bells and whistles. However, it will accomplish everything most members would ever need from their radio. The "K2" version has a four key keypad and an 8 character display. The "K3" version adds a 12-key DTMF keypad. Both the "K2" and "K3" versions feature 260 channels and function keys on the front to control scan, key lock, etc.

The NX-700 is Kenwood's only mobile NEXEDGE™ radio. This radio is installed in all MCFD apparatus and stations and is compatible with all functions of the digital radio system. The feature set is fairly standard - 512 channels, 14 character display, 6 programmable function keys, etc. The control head, or face, of the radio can be mounted separately with a separation kit. The NX-700 comes in two versions; the NX-700(H)K features 50 watts of output power whereas the "K" version is a 30 watt radio. There is no K2 version of this radio. The 30 watt NX-700K should be sufficient unless you spend a lot of time outside the county.

This portable is the most basic of all the NXDN™ radios. This is a 5 watt, 16 channel radio with no display and no keypad. It has a tri-color LED to indicate the radio status. There is only one version of this radio, so if you find one with the exact model number listed above, it should work. ICOM offers a wide variety of accessories for these radios including a battery case that runs off of AA batteries. Since the MCFD Radio Shop is not familiar with the ICOM radios, please read the disclaimers section at the bottom of the page.

This is ICOM's more expensive, high-end radio. One of the most striking features of this radio is the dot matrix LCD display that will handle up to two lines of text with 12 characters each. Having 24 letters on the screen allows you greater flexibility in naming channels and cuts down on having to use abbreviations that are hard to remember. This is a 5 watt, 512 channel radio. It comes in two versions, IC-F3161DT and IC-F3161DS. The "D" is for digital, so make sure you get a radio with "D" in the model number. ICOM does make an analog-only version of this radio that is upgradeable to digital with an add-on circuit board.The "T" version of the radio has a full 16-key keypad whereas the "S" version has only four function keys. Since the MCFD tech guys have not had a chance to play with one of these, see the disclaimers below.

Te IC-F5061D features 512 channels and is only available in a 50 watt model. As with the IC-F3161D, it has the 24-character display and is offered in a "digital upgradeable" version so make sure you're getting one with the digital functionality installed. ICOM does make a separation kit which allows you to mount the control head away from the body of the radio. See the disclaimers below regarding this radio.

Despite the higher model number, this is ICOM's more basic mobile radio. It features 128 channels, an 8 character LCD display, and comes only in a 50 watt version. This radio is not offered in an analog-only configuration, so all IC-F5121D's are digital. However, ICOM has an analog radio that looks very similar called the IC-F5021. The main physicaal difference is that the analog radio's keys are white and the digital radio's keys are black. Please see the disclaimers below.