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Radio Compatibility: Which Models Will Work Together

One of the questions that we are asked frequently is if a new two way radio that a customer is considering purchasing will be compatible with older radios that they already have. This compatibility question is best answered based on the type of radio (such as consumer vs. business), as the answer is very different.

Consumer Radios
Midland GXT2000 Two Way RadioConsumer radios generally operate on a standard set of frequencies assigned to preset channels. But that's only part of the equation. There are different types of consumer radios, so these frequency and channel assignments depend on what type of radio it is.

Perhaps the most popular types of consumer radio are the FRS and GMRS walkie talkies. These radios operate on the UHF band. At one time this type of radio used either the GMRS or FRS services, and for awhile most were manufactured as "dual service" radios that supported both FRS and GMRS. These radios typically had 22 channels. Older models with only 14 channels were considered FRS radios.

After the FCC Part 95 reform in 2017, these combo radios were no longer considered dual service, but reclassified as either FRS or GMRS, depending on their wattage among other things. Today, FRS and GMRS share the same channel and frequency assignments and are able to communicate with one another on the same standard 22 channels. Additionally, Some GMRS radios have 8 additional channels to communicate with GMRS repeaters.

Regardless, all of the radios that support FRS and/or GMRS use the same frequencies and are compatible with one another. Simply set all radios to the same channel number and privacy code, and you will be able to communicate. FRS and GMRS radios are not cross compatible with other types of consumer radios.

CB radios operate on the 11 meter AM band, and have their own channel and frequency assignments. CB radios have 40 channels, and some are capable of Single Side Band (SSB) operation. CB radios are not cross-compatible with any other consumer radio service.

Consumer Marine radios operate on VHF marine frequencies and are intended for use on private, non-commercial vessels over water. Some older marine radios were dual service radios combined with FRS/GMRS, but
the FCC no longer allows the manufacture or sale of these models. Marine radios are not cross-compatible with other types of consumer radios.

MURS radios operate on the VHF band and have 5 dedicated channels. These radios can be used by consumers or businesses, which technically puts them in both types for this discussion. However, it is its own radio service with specific operating requirements and restrictions. MURS radios are not cross compatible with other types of consumer radios.

Popular manufacturers of consumer radios are Cobra, DeWALT, Galaxy, Midland, Motorola (Talkabout series), President, Uniden and Wouxun. Kenwood used to make GMRS models (the TK-3101 and TK-3131, for example), but have moved away from consumer radios and no longer produce them.

For a more in-depth discussion on the different types of consumer radios, listen to episode 75 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast.

Business Radios
Kenwood TK-3402 Two Way RadioCompatibility is not nearly as straightforward when it comes to business radios. First of all, there are several types of frequencies that business radios are made to support: VHF, UHF, and 800/900 Mhz frequencies, for example. The first step in finding a compatible radio is choosing a model that supports the same frequency type as your existing radios.

These frequency types refer to an entire range of actual frequencies, and just choosing the same frequency type does not guarantee compatibility. If you purchased your existing radios from a true two way radio dealer, there is a possibility that the dealer could have programmed special custom frequencies into the radio. If this were the case, your radios may not be compatible with a new radio even if you purchased the exact same model.

Usually most compatibility issues arise with 4 or 5 watt radios, which are much more likely to support custom programming. With one or two watt business radios, it is a little easier to ensure compatibility. The Motorola CLS series of radios and the two watt RM series models will always be compatible, and two watt Kenwood radios that are marked with a ProTalk label will always be compatible, provided you purchase the same model.

In addition to band and frequency compatibility, there are different types of digital business radios which are not inherently compatible with one another. These include DMR, NXDN, and 900 MHz digital radios.

DMR is a very popular digital technology used by Motorola, Vertex Standard and TYT. There are a plethora of DMR radios available that are compatible with one another.  NXDN is used by Kenwood and Icom. While not as prevalent as DMR, NXDN radios are popular with some businesses and organizations. These two technologies use different methods and protocols, so are not cross-compatible on their own without some type of digital converter.

The 900 MHz digital radio is another thing entirely. It uses Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum or FHSS technology. This is a clever concept that increases secure communications, but comes with the caveat that one brand of 900 MHz radio may be completely incompatible with another.

If you have any questions or concerns about business radio compatibility, the easiest option is to simply contact us and we can recommend a compatible solution. For older radios or radios that could have been custom programmed, we may ask that you send in the radio so that we can read the actual frequencies from the radio before making a recommendation.

Related Resources
Looking for a MURS Compatible Radio?
It's Official: Vertex Digital and Motorola TRBO Radios Now Compatible
The Two Way Radio Show TWRS-07 - Comparing Small Business Radios
Radio 101 - The facts about GMRS two way radio compatibility

240 thoughts on “Radio Compatibility: Which Models Will Work Together”

  • Aaron

    We just started using Motorola CLP1080e at work and the ear piece is incredible annoying to have in to hear broadcasts and I haven't found a direct way to turn that into something that doesn't have to sit in my ear. A compatible more "traditional" radio would be ideal with a speaker. It seems the CLS1110 may be compatible? Any other manufacturers/models that would work with the CLP1080?

    Reply
    • Rick

      Any on-site business radio that supports 450-470 MHz UHF business frequencies should work with the CLP1080e, it just may require the radio to be programmed to the same frequency and tone the CLP2080 is using.

      Reply
  • Sean

    We use the Retevis H777 and want to get the RT45, for the weather alerts, are the 2 compatible out of the box?

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi Sean, we do not carry models from that brand, so we have no information on them. You may need to contact the manufacturer for specifications and compatibility between those models.

      Reply
  • Gabe Warren

    Can the Motorola talk about mh230r connect with other average walkie talkies?

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi Gabe, the term "walkie talkies" refers to handheld radios in general. Radios operate on different bands and frequencies. Can you specify what you mean by "average" walkie talkie? The Motorola MH230R is an FRS radio. As stated in the article, FRS and GMRS radios are not cross compatible with other types of consumer radios.

      Reply
  • Lia

    Hi,
    we use a Motorola cls1110 at work and I was wondering if a Midland gxt1000 would be compatible with it. If not, could you recommend a radio that would be compatible with the Motorola cls1110? Thank you in advance.

    Reply
  • Jace

    Hi, I’m looking at buying some kenwood radios to go with my Motorola HT750s
    They are kenwood nx-1200. Will these be compatible together?

    Reply
    • Rick

      That depends on what version of the HT750 you have. The lowband version, which operates on 29.7–42 or 35–50 MHz, is not compatible. The UHF and VHF versions may work, but you will need to be sure you choose the correct band of the NX-1200 to match your HT750 radio.Give us a call weekdays at 1-800-584-1445 for further assistance.

      Reply
  • Mike

    Will a Motorola RDU4100 connect with a Kenwood ProTalk LT?
    If so, what would the frequency/QT/DQT be?

    Reply
  • Jason

    Would a Motorola DTR700 be compatible with a Cls1410?

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi Jason, the short answer is no. The CLS1410 is an analog radio and operates on 400 MHz business frequencies in the UHF band. The DTR700 is a 900 MHz digital radio that operates on the license-free ISM band. Episode 182 of The Two Way Radio Show Podcast covers 900 MHz radios in detail.

      Reply
  • Steven

    Hello -

    I'm curious if the Motorola cls1410 and the motorola t2xx (talkabout) are compatible. i've been staring at charts all day and cant figure it out. Any help would be much appreciated.

    Reply
  • Anna

    Wondering if Cobra marine hh500 is compatible with Motorola t600?

    Reply
    • Rick

      No. As you stated, the Cobra HH500 is a marine radio. The Motorola T600 is an FRS radio. Marine and FRS are two completely different radio services. As you can tell from the product descriptions in the links to each model, the Cobra operates on frequencies in the VHF band and the T600 operates on frequencies in the UHF band. So, no, they are not compatible.

      Reply
  • leo

    Would my current motorola GP688 radios work with motorola XT420 radios? and if not are there any other motorola radios that would be compatible with my current ones?

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi Leo, we're based in the US, so we are not familiar with these models sold in the UK, but from checking over these models it seems the GP688 is an older business radio and the XT420 is a PMR446 model. You may need to contact a dealer in your country for support.

      Reply
  • Eric

    If I buy a new Motorola CP200d UHF, will that automatically work with my existing radios on property or will I need to have any service done to make it work? I am buying the exact same model, but was unsure if there is any "programming" involved. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi Eric, the radio will need to be programmed to the same frequency(ies) as your other CP200d radios. Depending on whether you are using it in an analog or digital configuration, there may be other setttings that will need to be programmed as well. The good news is that when you purchase the Motorola CP200d from us at Buy Two Way Radios, we program it for you at no charge.

      Reply
  • Dalton Estes

    Are the Baofeng DR-1801 and the Motorola xpr 3300e radios compatible for using them together or what radios are compatible with the xpr 3300e radio!?

    Reply
    • Rick

      We do not carry the Baofeng DR-1801, so we have no information on it. Based on a Google search it appears to be a DMR radio. The Motorola XPR3300e is also a DMR radio that purports to be compatible with DMR radios from other manufacturers. This may or may not include the Baofeng.

      Reply
  • Maria M

    Is the Motorola cp185 compatible with the Motorola t100 series.

    Reply
    • Rick

      No. The Motorola CP185 is a commercial radio that operates on business frequencies. The Motorola Talkabout T100 is an FRS radio that operates on the license-free Family Radio Service.

      Reply
  • John Doyle

    So I have a couple of Retevis RT15 radios that I want to communicate to with a new RT45 radio, but can only communicate one way. The RT15 works fine talking to the RT45 but when I try to transmit from the RT45 the signal isn't picked up by the RT15. It was my understanding that these two radios would be compatible. Is there something I can set in the RT45 that will allow the transmission? Transmitting to a Cobra MicroTalk works just fine. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi John, we don't carry the Retevis brand, so we don't have a lot of information on these radios, but a quick search indicates these are all FRS/PMR446 models. You didn't mention what country or region you are in so they could be either type. Based on your comment, it seems like they are all of the same type, so that leaves us with the CTCSS tones and DCS codes. The most likely cause of your issue is that the RT15 and Cobra radios are using the same privacy tone or code and the RT45 is either set to a different one or is not using one at all. The easiest way to resolve this is to turn off the CTCSS tones and DCS codes on all the radios and test them. This short video explains what privacy codes are and how they work. Radio 101 - Privacy Code Issues on GMRS Radios

      Reply
  • NICK

    im wondering if motorola RMU2040 is compatible with a MAG ONE BPR40

    Reply
    • Rick

      That depends on whether you have the UHF or VHF version of the BPR40. The RMU2040 operates on specific UHF business frequencies, and the Mag One would need to be programmed to the same frequency the RMU2040 is using.

      Reply
  • Conrad

    Would a Motorola Gm300 be able to talk to a Motorola T82?

    Reply
    • Rick

      From a technical perspective that would depend on whether it is the VHF or UHF version of the GM300. The Talkabout T82 is a PMR446 radio, so you would need to match the frequencies programmed into the GM300 with the frequencies on the PMR446 channels that the T82 supports. We are based in the US and do not carry PMR446 radios, as that is a standard in Europe. You may need to contact Motorola in your country to determine compatibility.

      Reply
  • jackal

    I have Baofang UV-5R and a Motorola talk-about t6530. But the Motorola works, but when when ever I try to talk through the Baofang
    the Motorola does not receive signal. But when I talk through the Motorola it works. Is there something I can do for that?

    Reply
    • Rick

      The Motorola Talkabout T6530 is an FRS radio. The Baofeng UV-5R is not. Although the UV-5R can technically be programmed to communicate with the Motorola, it will not do so out of the box and is not approved by the FCC for legal use on FRS. If you want a radio that is compatible with the T6530 and deliver the best performance on FRS, we recommend the Wouxun KG-805F.

      Reply
  • Charles

    I am wondering if the Motorola Sport 7X, Motorola Talk about T5100, and the Motorola CLS 1410 are compatible? Been having a hard time finding a channel frequency that will work on all.
    Thank you in advance, for any knowledge on the subject.

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi Charles, those are three different radios that operate on different services and frequencies. I'm not familiar with the Sport 7X, but it seems to be an older GMRS radio, well before the 2017 changes with FRS and GMRS. The CLS1410 is a business radio, the Talkabout T5100 is an FRS radio. They are limited to operation on specific frequencies for their approved services, so they are largely incompatible with one another.

      Reply
  • Angel Montalvo

    Will Boafeng uv-9r pro work with Motorola cp200 thanks

    Reply
    • Rick

      That depends on what version of the CP200 you have (analog or digital, UHF or VHF) and what frequencies the UV-9R support. We do not carry the Baofeng UV-9R Pro so we have no information on it. You may need to consult the manual of each radio and check the supported the band and frequencies of each model to determine compatibility.

      Reply
  • Jim Hartz

    Will the Motorola RDU4100 match with Motorola T200TP?

    Reply
    • Rick

      While both radios operate on the UHF band, they operate on different frequencies. The Motorola RDU4100 is a business radio. The T200TP is a consumer FRS radio. They are not cross compatible.

      Reply

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