The Maxon SL55 is a handportable radio designed for professional users. It is compact yet rugged with features like long battery life, scanning, encryption, and programmable settings. The radio has 16 channels across VHF and UHF bands with adjustable channel spacing and transmit power up to 5 watts. It performs well in both transmit and receive modes with clear audio and strong selectivity. The SL55 is simple to use but still offers advanced features through programming with accessories.