E39: TYT MD-UV390 Plus 

So far its been a great radio, and good bang for your buck.

Do you know the purpose of the remote monitoring function or how to effectivley use it? I find this feature to be a grey area and have been unable to find much info on it via online forums. Thank you for your time ​@PartisanCommsGroup

I haven't attempted to use the Monitor feature. When I got the radio I read through the manual and noticed there is a function where I guess you can open a target radio's mic, and mointor whatever sounds it picks up. Or, at least that is how I think it works. I guess you have to have the radio you want to monitor programmed into your contacts. Then you have to select that radio ID to proceed with remote monitoring. As for the purpose of this functionality? I'm just guessing here, but a scenario could be if a member of a security team wasn't able to talk on the radio and the control operator needed to hear what was going on with the security team member, they could use this functionality to remotely monitor. I think I read somewhere that certain Motrola radios also have this functionality.

@@PartisanCommsGroup thank you I've got two md uv 390s that I've been playing with I've been able to select radio 2 in my contacts and click the remote monitor option. The only way I've gotten to to say it was successful is by hitting the ptt on radio 2. I believe radio 1 then goes into monitor radio 2 mode but during my tests it's not opening up radio 2's mic to actually work. If you do get some time and find a successful solution I'd definitely be interested. I'll also follow up if I am able to get any success. Thank you again

I haven't messed with the SMS functionality for either the 380 or 390. Since text messages can be sent in digital mode, my assumption is they could be. But, I'm not 100% sure on that. I haven't attempted to try that in the context of a business use case. I've read SMS works great on simplex, but can have issues with a repeater; and that SMS can be hit or miss in conjunction with different radio brands, as well as different types of comms networks. My understanding is, TYT radios play well with their own repeaters, but can have compitability issues with Motorola.