This article was made possible with the big help of Radim Švrček, who provided all photos and text.
Introduction
In the world of two-way radios, choosing the right model can be a daunting task. With options like FSC, TRI, and TCA, each offering unique features and capabilities, it's essential to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive review will delve into the specifics of each model, highlighting their pros and cons, and provide a recommendation for purchasing a radio from TCA due to its reliability and accessibility.
PRC 152 A FSC 2022 Radio Review
Pros:
- Programmability: Featuring an ESP32 module, the FSC offers extensive programming possibilities, ideal for tech enthusiasts.
- Connectors: The six-pin connector is well-made, fitting all accessories seamlessly. The side connector on the KDU is also visually well-crafted.
Cons:
- Build Quality: The screws on the body do not align properly, and some were loose upon unpacking, including one inside. One screw was even stripped straight from the factory.
- Adhesive Sticker: The sticker on the dial started peeling off from new.
- Software: Despite the promise of the ESP32 module, the radio came with various errors. Some of these were fixed with an update that added Bluetooth connectivity for Android phones. However, this update caused the original KDU to stop working. Attempts to reflash it with new firmware failed.
- Multifunction Knob: The multifunction knob doesn't work well in practice. It responds correctly only when turned slowly. Quick turns often result in incorrect or backward position changes.
- Electronic Volume Control: The electronic volume control feature is good but sometimes difficult to set. It cannot be easily shifted, which can be both an advantage and a drawback.
- Headphone Output: The output is very quiet when using various accessories. The internal speaker is loud, but external devices have very low volume.
- Menu Layout: The menu layout is different and may take time to get used to. The manual is only available in Chinese, so users must rely on Google Translate.
The FSC radio offers excellent features and advantages, especially its design and programmability. However, it suffers from several construction and software issues that can affect its overall performance and user-friendliness.
PC 152 A TRI 2020 Radio Review
Pros:
- Volume Control: Volume can be adjusted electronically using the side knob or by switching the menu to the multifunction knob.
- Speaker: It likely has the loudest speaker for both internal and external accessories.
- Microphone Sensitivity: When compared directly with the TCA radio using the same Thales handset, the TRI was more sensitive in picking up voice, better transmitting quiet sounds.
Cons:
- Connectors: The pins in the connector have weaker springs compared to TCA or FSC.
- Manual: The manual is insufficient, as it does not explain all the options in the menu, leaving about a third of the items unclear.
- Reliability: After about the third use, part of the radio broke and it stopped transmitting correctly – it only transmitted static. The radio had to be sent for repair to China, and since then, it hasn't been used as much.
The TRI radio offers robust construction and quality sound output, which is beneficial when using various accessories. However, it suffers from connector problems and an inadequate manual, which can affect its user-friendliness and reliability.
TCA Radio Review
Pros:
- Weight: The TCA radio strikes a balance in weight between the TRI and FSC, providing a good mix of robustness and comfort.
- Build Quality: The body is well-made, similar to the FSC, but without any loose screws. Overall, the build quality is good.
- Keyboard and Buttons: The keyboard and side buttons are robust, ensuring long-term durability.
- Stiff Pins in Connectors: The six-pin connector has very stiff pins, ensuring a better and more secure connection with accessories.
- Manual: The physical manual is the best among the three models, although it could still be more detailed in explaining each menu item.
Cons:
- Menu Control: Menu control is similar to the TRI, which may be less intuitive for some users.
The TCA radio provides balanced weight and good build quality, particularly regarding the keyboard and buttons. However, issues with menu control can affect its overall user-friendliness. The manual is the best of the three models, but it could still be more detailed.
Recommendation: Why TCA is the Best Choice
After evaluating the pros and cons of FSC, TRI, and TCA radios, the TCA model stands out as the best choice for most users. Despite some minor issues with menu control, the TCA radio excels in build quality, robustness, and user-friendly documentation. Its balanced weight makes it comfortable for extended use, and the robust keyboard and buttons ensure long-term durability.
Moreover, the TCA radio is well-tested and has proven to be reliable in various conditions. Its accessibility and superior manual make it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced users. Therefore, for a dependable and well-rounded two-way radio, the TCA model is highly recommended.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each model, you can make an informed decision and choose the radio that best meets your needs. Whether you prioritize lightweight design, robust construction, or overall reliability, this guide has provided the insights necessary to select the perfect radio.
TCA Radio Review
Pros:
- Build Quality: The body is well-made, similar to the FSC, but without any loose screws. Overall, the build quality is good.
- Keyboard and Buttons: The keyboard and side buttons are robust, ensuring long-term durability.
- Stiff Pins in Connectors: The six-pin connector has very stiff pins, ensuring a better and more secure connection with accessories.
- Manual: The physical manual is the best among the three models, although it could still be more detailed in explaining each menu item.
Cons:
- Menu Control: Menu control is similar to the TRI, which may be less intuitive for some users.
The TCA radio provides balanced weight and good build quality, particularly regarding the keyboard and buttons. However, issues with menu control can affect its overall user-friendliness. The manual is the best of the three models, but it could still be more detailed.
Recommendation: Why TCA is the Best Choice
After evaluating the pros and cons of FSC, TRI, and TCA radios, the TCA model stands out as the best choice for most users. Despite some minor issues with menu control, the TCA radio excels in build quality, robustness, and user-friendly documentation. Its balanced weight makes it comfortable for extended use, and the robust keyboard and buttons ensure long-term durability.
Moreover, the TCA radio is well-tested and has proven to be reliable in various conditions. Its accessibility and superior manual make it an excellent option for both beginners and experienced users. Therefore, for a dependable and well-rounded two-way radio, the TCA model is highly recommended.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each model, you can make an informed decision and choose the radio that best meets your needs. Whether you prioritize lightweight design, robust construction, or overall reliability, this guide has provided the insights necessary to select the perfect radio.
