I will check my radio. I bought it late in 2022. I have mine hooked up in the M1152 HMMWV with the Harris amp, H-350 handset, Harris Speaker, and KDU. Definitely want to get the repeater enabled. I have 5 more I am programming in the next few weeks that are 2023 models.
The TCA branded model allows computer programming making it a bit easier, both brands have functions that do not work such as the GPS function. The cross-band repeat function may be for show only as well, I never tried the cross band on my TCA. Look forward to any updates on these radio's.
Mine is about 6 months old, The repeater function does work, sort of. The audio quality is mediocre at best😮, but the biggest issue is when repeating the transmitter in the radio severely desensitizes the receiver unless the received signal is very strong and close by. This makes the repeater function pretty much useless other than playing with radios very close by. The TRI and TCA radios are kinda tacticool in appearance but the buggy firmware and overall lousy audio and RF performance makes them more or less rather expensive paperweights, IMHO. The cheapest Icom or Yeasu handheld radios generally work much better,
I tend to agree. The ruggedness and compatibility with the military peripherals is good, but the issues with the firmware is by far the largest letdown. And needing to program via the keypad. Kind of ashamed since it's a missed opportunity. The newest generation TCA & FCA made some big steps.
I just bought two of these to do some radio instruction courses in the tactical industry because I'm a huge fan of the original harris an/prc 152, but I'm unsure if I can instruct or even use these at all due to ham radio licenses and the fcc's restrictions on things. Do I need a license to operate this even if I'm not on GMRS freqs or anything? I'm still pretty new to civilian comms so if anyone knows anything on how I could go about this, that'd be awesome.
I'm still happy with it, though I've purchased real radios recently. I still would like to make a few more videos showing things on the TRI before retiring it. You'll only see them from overseas sellers or second hand individually due to the FCC.
I can't really say. All depends on settings, use, and to many variables. Also, what battery you are using & it's health. It's a big battery though & it will last probably a day of hard use.