Kenwood NX-1700H / NX-1800H
The NX-1700H and NX-1800H are straightforward multi-protocol mobile radios for commercial fleets that need NXDN or DMR digital alongside FM analog without the complexity of a high-end platform. Up to 6 watts of audio output, a white-backlit alphanumeric LCD, and 260 channels at 128 zones. IP54 and MIL-STD-810 C through H.
Overview
Commercial fleet operators often resist digital migration because it feels like an all-or-nothing commitment. New digital radios, infrastructure upgrades, and retraining all at once. The NX-1700H and NX-1800H are designed specifically to remove that barrier by making analog and digital coexist in the same radio, switchable by software, with no firmware upgrade required.
The NX-1700H covers VHF at 136-174 MHz with 50/25/5 W output. The NX-1800H covers UHF at 400-470 MHz at 45/25/5 W. Both support NXDN Conventional, DMR Tier II, and FM Analog, with 260 channels and 128 zones covering the needs of most commercial fleet deployments. The 6 W audio output handles loud environments like construction sites, loading docks, and industrial floors without an external speaker.
The white-backlit alphanumeric LCD displays 10 digits or 13 characters with channel aliases and status icons. A 7-color LED indicator gives at-a-glance status. IP54 rating meets IEC60529, and MIL-STD-810 C through H certification adds H compliance for current-generation durability standards, covering the full -22 to 140 degree F range. Lone Worker and a configurable Emergency button are standard. Remote Stun, Kill, and Check enable over-the-air fleet management. Horn alert and Public Address are built in, and an ignition sense input enables automatic channel switching on vehicle startup.
Key Features
Software-Switchable Digital Mode
Digital and analog mode switching happens via software option without any firmware or hardware change. An organization can deploy the NX-1700H or NX-1800H on analog today, add NXDN or DMR infrastructure at their own pace, and activate digital mode on the existing radios with a programming update. No second capital purchase required.
6-Watt Audio for Loud Environments
Maximum audio output is 6 W, higher than most compact mobiles in this price range. The TX/RX audio profile is tunable via Audio Equalizer, Auto Gain Control on both transmit and receive, and microphone type settings. Voice announcements confirm channel selection audibly, useful for operators who can't look at the display while driving.
Lone Worker and Emergency Features
Lone Worker mode triggers an automatic emergency alert after configurable inactivity. The orange Emergency button has a customizable emergency profile. Remote Stun, Kill, and Check let dispatch manage radios over the air. Dual and single priority scan, multi-zone scan, and single-zone scan modes are all supported.
Fleet Management Integration
Horn alert and Public Address allow broadcast announcements over external speakers. An ignition sense input enables the radio to respond to vehicle key state, and a 3.5 mm external speaker jack and D-sub 15-pin GPIO connector accommodate accessories. GPS connectivity support enables optional fleet tracking without modifying the radio body.
IP54 and MIL-STD-810 C Through H
IP54 per IEC60529 covers dust and water spray resistance for vehicle environments. MIL-STD-810 H compliance is the current-generation military standard, covering shock, vibration, humidity, salt fog, and temperature extremes. Operating range is -30 to 60 degrees C (-22 to 140 degrees F). Dimensions are 161 x 43 x 168.2 mm at 1.21 kg.
Interested in the Kenwood NX-1700H / NX-1800H?
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