Batboard

Is the FleetSync (that Kenwood has) the same as MDC-1200?
Will a Kenwood TK290 decode MDC?

no, they are not the same... as far as i know

While similar in function, they are incompatible both in command structure and data format.

No, the TK-290 does not decode fleetsync.

what is Kenwoods name for MDC? I know they have it dont they?

i believe kenwoods can use 3rd party add-on boards such as Cimmaron or Midians, although, again... don't quote me on this... im a motorola/vertex guy

Fleetsync is Kenwood's version of MDC1200. Same concept and features, different system. It is built into the radios and they are designed around it, programmable by the kenwood software. You can also get an aftermarket add-on board to make it do MDC1200. Again, this is an aftermarket add-on, not something built into the radio. You can actually have it installed by the factory or your dealer if you want. But it is not a Kenwood brand function.

Some of the newer Kenwoods are designed with a place to plug a cimmaron board directly in. The older ones can usually have a board wired in, as long as there's room inside to mount the module.

http://www.cimtechcorp.com/CIM-1000K.asp

And for the radio that allow the plug-in option board, remember there is only ONE option board slot. There is a voice-guide option board, a scrambler option board, and the MDC1200 option board. You can only pick one.

If I am not mistaken, MDC1200 is off-patent, so if this is the case then we will probably see it standard on many competitor's radios going forward instead of going through option boards made by a licensee.

escomm wrote:If I am not mistaken, MDC1200 is off-patent, so if this is the case then we will probably see it standard on many competitor's radios going forward instead of going through option boards made by a licensee.

Yeah, I see that Vertex has used it on the radios sold to the NYPD, I was wondering the same thing about if they have made the format public.

escomm wrote:If I am not mistaken, MDC1200 is off-patent, so if this is the case then we will probably see it standard on many competitor's radios going forward instead of going through option boards made by a licensee.

That's correct. Icom now sell certain radios with MDC-1200 as standard.

Fleet synce Ids are set up like this 100-1002 first three are fleet# second four are your Id

All Icom radios will have mdc1200 by next year.I am sure all other brands will follow suit.Motorola no longer has the hold on MDC-1200 so its all fair game