Review Connect Systems CS800 UHF Digital Moblile Radio

The Connect Systems CS800 UHF Analog/Digital Moblile Radio is first moblile of the latest additions to Connect Systems’s MOTOTRBO line of Digital Mobile Radio (aka DMR) TDMA radios, featuring audio, Remote Head Capability, with a DTMF Microphone included, mono color LCD display, plus much more. This is a great single band radio for ham radio use on either the 2m or 70cm bands, as it is valued price, durable and likely to more than satisfy even the most demanding user. At the time of this review, pricing for a new Connect Systems CS800 mobile is about $300US.  The price of $280 for the radio with a DTMF Microphone included, $15 for the pair of programming cables, and $15 for the remote mounting kit.

Cost: $280.00 usd.

EDITORS’ RATING
Excellent

  (3.5 stars)

THE GOOD

• Audio Quality: The speaker audio is full, with a good response to low frequencies, making it pleasing to listen to;
• Audio Volume: The audio from this radio will get heard, even in the noisiest environments;
• Rugged Construction: This radio is well built, molded plastic, so it should keep going long after typical ham radio units call it quits;
• Remote Head Capability:  This makes it possible to make the head remote within any vehicle.
• Code plug Sharing: code plug conversion between Connect Systems handheld and mobile
• Comparative Value and features - Good value
• Buttons function visually impaired (not tested):  In future updates of the radio CS will have firmware optimized for the visually impaired.   Hopefully the visual impaired will not also be driving.
• FM Modulator Mode:  12.5KHz / 25 kHz FM Operation: To be able to use this radio with the standard 25 kHz channel width found on the ham radio bands. "Channel Band" in the CPS and it is in the Channel Menu. (An added Cost $$$ with Motorola Radios)
• The Microphone shipped with all the units are DTMF microphones.

THE BAD

• Monocolor LCD Display: Having a monocolor LCD display on the radio allows for easy use and programming while on the move, sadly not color.
• Not Bluetooth Capability: Bluetooth is not included with the radio, not allowing for wire free operation and programming.  Driver safety was our concern.
• Buttons at Night:  buttons are not back lit (future firmware updates for visually impaired )
• The CS800 mobile still is buggy with issues discussed at a yahoo focus group.

Support included for CS800 Mobile Radio button programming. This version supports both the CS75x and CS800 radios and allows code plug conversion between them.

THE FULL REVIEW

Review Connect Systems CS800 UHF Analog/Digital DMR Moblile Radio