What ever happened to the BKR9000?

[axel]

If the thing ever ends up existing outside of demo units, it's definitely a strong contender for an APX replacement as my primary portable. V/U/7/800 and even 900 (allegedly) in one radio would be killer. I know some people complain about the looks, but that's not exactly the primary driving force for me when I'm choosing my radios.

Just curious if anyone more connected to the industry than I am has heard anything more than "it's coming."

 

[ndp]

Seems like it just dropped off the face of the earth. I've heard nothing about it myself. Newest thing I've had in hand is the KNG2 but that's been out for some time and wasn't particularly earth shattering in terms of upgrades over the KNG IMO.

Supposedly the single-band unit (the BKR5000) is available for sale. Anyone got one of those to play with?

 

[Gtaman]

It’s available. Just no one has ordered them AFAIK. The RES supports it and all the documentation and accessories are available.

 

[axel]

The last thing I had heard (and this was about a year ago) was that BK had snagged an ex-Moto systems engineer who basically proceeded to rework the BKR9000 from the ground up, and that's why it went from "coming soon" in 2019 to the vaporware product we have now.

 

[ppcradioman]

It’s available. Just no one has ordered them AFAIK. The RES supports it and all the documentation and accessories are available.

All the BK Technologies web site says is "coming soon" and the copyright date on the web page says 2019.......

 

[David]

I know of a couple folks working on demoing the BKR5000 and so far hearing good things about it. Not enough info to give any specific feedback but besides the odd ergonomics, the user ability made up for it.

 

[xpr8300]

There was a webinar a few months ago, and the pricing I saw on the 5000 wasn't enough to make me go "oh wow lets not buy an APX". I don't remember prices but that thought has stuck with me. Seems the prices were not really that much lower than an APX with the options. I could be wrong though. On that same webinar, there was ZERO mention of the 9000. In fact at that time, the 5000 was only available in VHF.

 

[CARC383]

The last thing I had heard (and this was about a year ago) was that BK had snagged an ex-Moto systems engineer who basically proceeded to rework the BKR9000 from the ground up, and that's why it went from "coming soon" in 2019 to the vaporware product we have now.

Maybe they got Alfonso. Hope this radio works out and can bridge the gap between the APX8000 and used, discontinued XP-100Ps and Liberty's.

 

[Gtaman]

Just did a YouTube search. Plenty of videos on the BKR5000 looks like the dealers have demos. So far it might just make the competitors sweat a little.

 

[ppcradioman]

Just did a YouTube search. Plenty of videos on the BKR5000 looks like the dealers have demos. So far it might just make the competitors sweat a little.

This thread is about the BKR9000

 

[Gtaman]

This thread is about the BKR9000

It’s the same radio essentially isn’t it?

 

[axel]

It’s the same radio essentially isn’t it?

I would assume there's substantial differences in the RF hardware unless they're pulling an APX6000/8000 - but if that were the case you'd think the 9000 would be out already instead of being stuck in development hell.

 

[Avery Johannssenn]

It’s the same radio essentially isn’t it?

I believe so. Just like the 6000 and 8000 share the same housing overall design/ergonomics. Seems like a decent enough radio. Looks a bit thicker than the 8000.

 

[Gtaman]

So I guess the dealers only have the VHF model currently as they needed to certify that model for USFS and CALFIRE. I would expect the UHF and 700/800 models to show up in the next few months with the BKR9K showing up late summer. From what I’ve been told the 5000 and 9000 are the same radio just with different RF boards. Rumor is a 5000 can be sent to BK and upgraded to a 9000 similar to the KNGS to a KNG.

 

[axel]

The big reasons why I'm super interested in the 9000 to replace my APX7K:

1. BK has fantastic NAS capability from what I've heard and I'd love to have 1 HT for my hammy & scanning needs
2. 896-940 MHz support - anyone know how good out-of-banding works on BK radios? There's not a ton of 900 activity near me but a decent amount at a lot of the locations I travel to for work.
3. NEW pricing seems to be nearly the same as a USED APX8000, and with (theoretically) more bang for your buck.

The only other thing that could really compete for me would be if Kenwood decided to make a multiband NX5000-series HT.

 

[PSEhub]

Sorry, but without airband and 220, its useless.

V/U/7-8-9 alone don't cut it.

Also needs DMR


Seriously, its impossible to offer these incredible RF boards at a cheap price unless you have insane volume, and I mean incredible volume.

And nobody besides Motorola has that kind of volume, so its not going to be cheap just because its not Motorola.

When push comes to shove, on these all band radios, Motorola will always have more wiggle room on bids and can easily win on price if they want.

 

[xpr8300]

It also looks like a beta project. Its down right ugly and no way would I be taken seriously for suggesting this radio to an agency. Im sorry, but appearance is how things are first judged, and this thing looks like the project manager used to work for little tykes.

Now for a hammy/nas radio? sure. FPP? even better. 900 Amateur? Ok thats a neat add on. Feature wise, It looks good on paper.