The Entel DX400 Series of Portable 2 way radio
The Entel DX400 series of portable two-way radios includes the DX446e, DX446L, DX482, DX422, DX425 and DX485 models. These are similar handsets and much of what is discussed in this review is applicable to the series. These radios by the way are all waterproof and submersible in liquids. They include the latest digital technology as you might know, and also have an analogue mode too. The devices include audio tailoring technology that ensures the best range in quality. The radio discussed is actually the DX485.
So, what's in the box?
- A quick start guide
- The radio handset
- An antenna
- A large battery
- A charger base
- A power supply
Assembling the components
The little handbook shows how to assemble the components, and that's great for users that have no knowledge of wireless radios, but if your familiar with assembly then likely you would just clip the parts together - its really easy. Screw on the antenna, and fit the battery, it clips in to place. And that's it! But do remember to charge the battery before you proceed further.
DX 400 Series features
The DX400 series is bristling with innovation and features that make this handset one to look very carefully at and consider its merits closely. It is a very robust series of radio; it has some really good analogue and digital modes and enhancements. The DX400 series are made to be compact and fit the hand really well, and its easy to notice things like the battery clip that will surely keep the radio in place when in use.
User Controls
There are a few user controls on board, there's the on and off switch, there's a channel selector, there is a red emergency button so this unit can be used for man down and lone worker environments if necessary. And of course there is the usual PTT controls, connectors for accessories and that sort of everyday aspect that you would expect.
The Screen (for certain models)
The screen is a black and white screen that has a completely flicker free display and is not tiring on the eyes if you're looking at it over some time. It is a high resolution screen.
Analogue or Digital Channels
The series can operate in analogue or digital modes, and is simple to set up however you might want depending if you have older analogue radios that you want to work with, or whether you are working digital only. The digital modes are far more desirable and offer more features, but more about that later.
Waterproof and Submersible
Some two way radios are not waterproof (many claim 'splash proof' which is a lame excuse) but these Entel DX400 series - in fact ALL Entel radios are protected as IP68 - which really means that you can even drop the radio in to water, that is up to two metres deep for up to four hours without any issues. This level of being waterproof is excellent especially for the cost price of the handsets. It takes a lot to create this level of protection and it says a lot about the overall methodology of Entel.
Best in Class Performance
Entel says that the DX400 series of two way radios offer a best in class performance range and the clarity (for example) of the audio is very good to exceptional. There's an entry model (Tier 1) that is best suited for the push-to-talk communications within small groups such as calling a handful of people or initiating emergency calls and that sort of thing. Tier 2 (under review here) that also has the high contrast screen, it has a navigation button, there are menu's for easy use, and a really extensive contact list so users can pre-code the contacts right in to the radios. This feature also includes the ability to set up other radio users and even groups (and multiple groups!) all at once. If there is an emergency call the user ID is displayed on screen with free form text messages. Its also possible to send pre-formatted text messaging too. Lastly the Tier 3 of the series (the top level) that gains all the benefits of the other models AND has a full user keypad that makes things much easier if you need to enter text often, but also for navigation and other uses.
There is quite a strong move in the communications sector to digital technology that can be really confusing to some readers, especially those that have not experienced analogue or digital radio before. So why digital? The reasons are generally very simple.
1. Louder and clearer audio
2. Longer battery life
3. Superior privacy compared to analogue
4. Superior reduced interference from other channels
And there is more too, relating to communications: Digital is 'split' in to three types of service. There's a short range license free, international or international connected networks.
Tier 1 is best used with 'direct mode' operation and no repeaters are allowed. However in this mode there is no license needed either in the UK or Europe. Tier 2 is used for small to medium sized systems that use direct mode or with a repeater if you need to significantly extend the range of Tier 2 - and Tier 2 repeaters can be networked to extend the range very significantly. For Tier 3, that's generally used for medium to large sized license systems with trunks repeaters (as they are called) and those support very large numbers of radios over very large areas which are beyond the scope of this review.
Most importantly for regular readers Entel has created an important aspect of digital radio. Using an analogue channel is easy to understand, you get the use of just one channel. However, that same channel in digital mode actually produces TWO channels of digital radio. So often you can achieve 16 channels of digital radio and 8 channels of analogue radio channels. And it does not stop there either - the mid and higher tier gain substantially more channels as found on these DX400 series handsets.
Future proof? or is that just sales talk?
You will hear about equipment being future-proof in technology and sometimes that is hard to believe really. Phrases like 'this changes everything' become hard to believe and usually have to be taken with a 'pinch of salt'. In the case of the Entel radios, Entel supply free software upgrades as and when necessary, rather like a mobile phone, or computer - everything is constantly being updated. So your radio WILL at the very least be constantly up to date.
Audio Quality and Output
There are many advantages of digital technology when integrated in to communications, and one such improvement is audio. Entel includes an 'intelligent audio technology' feature that creates audio of the highest quality, while at the same time reducing noise levels. In the case of audio accessories and optimization, earphones and other accessories are designed to work best with this feature.
Bluetooth
While Bluetooth is an optional extra, Entel do include it at least as an option - some companies don't even offer it. In this case it's version 4 and class 2. Its not really expensive and worth getting as an option because you can use Bluetooth earphones and a host of other connections to microphones and so on.
Other Features and Power Output
There is a simple user programming app that can allow for easy set up of the radio and if you have a number of them to set up, then this is very useful. There would be nothing worse than trying to set up 20 radios any other way. The radios are available in VHF and UHF and the output power will vary dependent on the frequency chosen (VHF or UHF) and either license free or licensed option. For UHF license free is 1 watt and licensed is 5 watts. For VHF its 1 watt for license free and 4 watts for licensed units.
Warranty
Entel thankfully has a two year warranty on ALL two way radios they supply, which generally about twice the warranty on most walkie talkie type communications products out there. It is good to see these sort of extended warranty on equipment because it shows that the maker also has faith in their products.
Accessories
There are a whole range of accessories available for Entel radios, as well as compatible equipment if you need to watch the prices of some of those accessories - costs can soon mount up. Generally the genuine product accessories offer good value, but there are also some very good brands around currently of high quality. If in doubt? Try and obtain a 'sample' of the compatible product to test to ensure quality or you might end up with less than perfect compatible accessories.
Summing up
It can be a 'make or break' if you buy the wrong two way radio that is not exactly what you need. But one of the good things about these particular handset choices, is that depending on the model you get a huge amount of features and benefits. Whether you need analogue or digital, whether PMR466 licence free or licenced radios are needed and of course for the waterproof aspect this DX400 series is exceptional in offering the IP68 level of protection thus ensuring that in most cases liquid water won't be a problem. The two year warranty is really the cream on the cake. Its the little things that make this series of wireless radios stand out and the accessories are not ridiculously priced either.
Overall Score
There has to be something special about any handset to achieve good review scores from Truthful Reviews otherwise any review that is not most considerate for the customers point of view and bearing in mind the uses such as leisure, business, safety and more would be worthless. For the Entel DX400 series a score of 9 out of 10 confirms that this series is a great choice and should be seriously considered by ANY potential buyer of a 2 way radio solution.
Conclusions
When considering the various points about reliability, how robust an item might be, the submersibility, whether analogue or digital, the features included or options available they all add up to what any radio is likely to provide to users - whether a layman or fully versed user. Sadly often most reviews don't turn the subject matter in to something that is understandable by all. In this case we have tried hard to offer an overall opinion about the brand and model series that is easily understandable and covers many of the features that someone might want to hear about. The Entel DX400 series is recommended and should get a closer look by any potential user, making the consideration of this series easier than working through pages of meaningless text from others.
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