Review of the DP 3400

We are grateful to be able to review the Motorola DP3400 2 way radio, this has been on the market for a while, but over the last few years you would have seen this radio used in many shopping centres, office buildings and venues across the UK.

THE SPECS

There’s quite a lot that makes the DP 3400 more than just another two way radio. For a start, the DP3400 employs a single-site trunking solution that can allow over a thousand users to share information, and even data, with each other, without adding new frequencies.

The DP 3400 also comes complete with an emergency button, this button, when pushed, automatically alerts the supervisor (or dispatcher) to any possible trouble without the user having to speak even a single word. Such a safety feature works in tandem with the DP 3400’s ‘Emergency Signalling’ capability, a function that will send an emergency signal to a pre-determined person or group.

The Motorola DP3400 is capable of signal migration for both analogue and digital signals; it easily (and handily) combines traditional radio technology with cutting edge digital methods.

The radio comes in both UHF (4w) and VHF (5w).

This model also comes with a cradle that charges your battery for you, it is an excellent charger, representing an efficient design and complete user-friendliness.

THE PRICE

This is a neat little gizmo, but Motorola know that. The price of £350 might seem a little steep at first, but if its professional quality you’re after, then you should be prepared to pay a professional price.

THE PERFORMANCE

Despite having a decidedly utilitarian feel overall, the outer design actually benefits from a softer, ‘sanded down’ finish. With smoother edges and a more contemporary feel, this two-way radio doesn’t seem as Spartan as a more military or security-centric model might. It provides all the same functions, but the end result is a little bit more aesthetically pleasing and somehow more reassuring. In short, this model will be better for business.

The brightly lit buttons are also very useful if you’re using the radio at night. It’s a Tricolour LED, so the lights appear modern and pleasing.

This is a very tough little device, with a sturdy outer casing and what appears to be shock proofing all the way around. The body of this radio is so well sealed that not even a particle of dust or grit can penetrate it. It can even be fully submerged in water for 30 minutes without succumbing to permanent damage.

The belt clip is sturdy and holds the radio to your belt so well, that you never fear it will fall off. You also get a dust cover, which protects the open accessory port in the event that you aren’t using any accessories. This is a welcome feature that is always nice to see. The addition of programmable side buttons is also a very welcome feature of the DP 3400.

The DP 3400 also benefits greatly from a very long battery life, which is ideal for outdoor work.

THE VERDICT

This is a marvellous radio. It is suitable for any number of events/functions. The sound comes through clearly, the large microphone/speaker setup allows for ease of use and the entire package is exceptionally well made. The DP 3400 is smart, user friendly and very high quality.

The only knock I’d give it is that the battery, although excellently designed, is somewhat heavy. That’s it.

However, I still think that the aforementioned episode of ‘Spaced’ would have gone a lot more smoothly if they’d invested in a couple of these little beauties.