HT1250 or PR1500?

GP-38 · Post by **GP-38** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 8:02 am

[null]

WFD44 · Post by **WFD44** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 1:28 pm

First off the PR1500 is 32 channels conventional not 64.

Second I have both the HT1250 and a brand new PR1500 both in VHF. The PR1500, IMHO, by far out preforms the HT1250 in both RX and TX capabilities. The PR1500 is at 90% full quieting and the HT1250 is barely recognizing there is traffic on the frequency with both radios sitting side by side.

Yes there are a couple of quirks with the PR1500. But that is true of any newly released radio. However I don't need 128 channels and the bells and whistles of the HT1250. I need a radio that will talk and hear where and when I need it to talk and hear on the fireground.

If Motorola adds QCII to the PR1500 and makes a couple of minor tweeks this just could be a great replacement for the HT1000. Time will tell.

jim · Post by **jim** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:24 pm

The PR1500 has no QCII?

And this is the radio that everyone's recommending for public safety?

All I can say is: LEAD BALLOON

Post by **wavetar** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:30 pm

There is no 128-channel HT1250 anymore. You are stuck with the HT1250-LS+, which only has 34 conventional channels (7AN & 9AN models only, the 5AN & 6AN models are 18 conventional channels). You can upgrade to an HT1550XLS with 160 channels if you're looking for a new radio. Unless of course you're looking at buying used.

Todd

Garyf629 · Post by **Garyf629** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:34 pm

A properly tuned 1250 will receive as well as anything else. I still get surprised by radio people who compare radios side by side. How do they know if both radios are tuned? (Of course unless they tuned both of them with the proper test equipment, and they know what they are doing.)

WFD44 · Post by **WFD44** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 3:25 pm

"Garyf629" may I suggest that you take a look at the specs on both radios. The HT1250 has a 3% audio distortion TX and RX vs. PR1500 at 1% audio distortion TX and RX. Now I may not be an "expert" but having been in this business for over 30 years, I would suspect that both radios functioning at spec, the PR1500 WILL out perform the HT1250 and mine does.

And oh by the way, yes, the HT1250 was FULLY check Tested and Tuned the day I recieved the PR1500 as I intend to sell it soon. Don't get me wrong, The Ht1250 is a nice radio and has served me well. I just personally like the PR1500 better for my purposes.

I do know where your answer is coming from as there has been a lot of "expert advise" given out lately by those who are asking rather simple and basic questions in the "next thread".

Yes, the PR1500 does NOT currently recieve QC-II. That is one of the things that Moto needs to address if they really want this radio to replace the HT1000. Another is tne lack of a visual signal that the radio is in scan mode. A blinking green led like the HT1250 would be nice.

jim · Post by **jim** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 7:22 pm

The audio distortion is only going matter at max volume. How often is it there?

By lacking QC and a scan indicator, a simple HT1250 or a Kenwood 80/90 seems to be the most logical alternative. And yes- Kenwoods have great TX and RX. Besides, I've never heard a Kenwood with distorted audio as some have claimed. They surely get better battery life too!

FMROB · Post by **FMROB** » Mon Jun 06, 2005 7:32 pm

Jim,,, It does matter. This is a major problem in the fire service. Using the radio full volume is often found under rigerous conditions. Plain and simple, the 1250 is a piece of crap for publix safety use. It may be a great radio for hotels, plants, service persons, etc... But it doens't have it's place in the fire service.
Just my 2 cents.

Tony Soprano · Post by **Tony Soprano** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:57 am

I just received my PR1500 demos Friday and should receive my programming cable today to play with. I was surprised at first when I realized there is no QCII on them, but since the radio is based on the lower priced XTS P25 radios, it makes sense because they don't have it either. I guess that's how they get you to carry a pager also.

Thanks WFD44 for the preliminary review, the I had to think the TX/RX performance should be at least as good as the HT1000, and it appears that it is. If I can get any more useful data I will post it as well.

Tony

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:43 am

Well, here's my input (for what it's worth)

I have been using a PR1500 on the job (firefighter / paramedic) for several weeks. Our comparison was to the HT1000 and HT750 / HT1250.

Compared to a HT750 / HT1250, there's no comparison that the PR1500 is MUCH better. You can't beat the durability, audio quality or RF performance.

Compared to the HT1000: I prefer (as do others around me) the PR1500. The audio is a touch better. Transmit and recieve is also a little better.

The PR1500 is the SAME as an MT1500 / XTS1500 / XTS2500. The BOARDS ARE THE SAME. The only difference is plastic and internal options. All use DSP. The PR1500 has analog only flashcode. The recovered audio is cleaner than the HT1000, static within a received signal is not as pronounced as it is in the HT1000.

The durabilty:
Rugged. I wasn't happy with the battery clips similar to the HT1250 / XTS2500, but after some testing... they hold up just fine. We did the "tpg torture test" and it passed, whereas other radios did not. (Ht750 failed, HT1250 failed, most ICOM failed)

As for QCII, I'm not surprised it's not in there. I can't think of an astro product that WILL do QCII.

If you need any specific info regarding the experience.. let me know.

tpg

jim · Post by **jim** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:10 pm

I don't know about that- I use my lowband 1250 in fire service and never had a problem at full volume. Even with a speakermic, I never get distortion and the audio is strong, load and clear.

kf4sqb · Post by **kf4sqb** » Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:42 pm

The Pager Geek wrote:We did the "tpg torture test" and it passed

OK, I'll bite. I want details of the "tpg torture test"!

What exactly does that one entail?

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 7:15 am

It voids the warranty, but:

Find a parking lot, then use it as the ball when you play soccer for a half hour. (Add speaker mic for entertainment)
Take a fire hose and spray it with a solid stream (1 3/4" Line, smooth bore, 60psi)
Drag it thru 6 or seven mud puddles
Leave it out in the weather for 3 days without drying from previous tests
Clean exterior after three days
Go to roof of firehouse (single story commercial) and drop test:
1st into bushes
2nd onto grass
3rd and 4th onto sidewalk

Retest functionality (Normal transmit and receive via service monitor, then use it for comparative test)

PR1500 passed all of the above
HT750 didn't make it passed step one.

I've also been in a few fires with it, transmit audio is better with a mask than HT1000, and it's less prone to feedback. (I'm exploring that with further testing, but my guess is due to DSP. More on that later.)

Testing is FUN!!!

tpg

hsfdchief200 · Post by **hsfdchief200** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 1:56 pm

Must be nice to be in a department that has the money to destroy 2 radios like that...

kf4sqb · Post by **kf4sqb** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 2:30 pm

Damn, TPG, and I thought railroad train crews were tough on HTs!

So what's your test for mobiles? Put them in the middle of the Interstate to be ran over continuously for a day or two?

Garyf629 · Post by **Garyf629** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 3:06 pm

I had a 1250 run over by a type III ambulance. It looked totally destroyed. Replaced the antenna, jumper clipped a power supply, and guess what, IT WORKED! Had another run over by a brush truck, guess what IT WORKED! Both radios were later mounted on plaques and given to their respective "owners" at the annual dinners.

They are not as fragile as people would like them to be.

jim · Post by **jim** » Wed Jun 08, 2005 6:16 pm

I have a 1250 sitting on the bench right now that failed the "LaFrance" test....big time! The antenna is okay though.

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 4:12 am

Motorola must have fired the smack-addict Waris designers, and gotten the XTS designers onto making the HT1000 replacement.

Tony Soprano · Post by **Tony Soprano** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 4:42 am

Well I've had my hands on a 1500 for a couple of days, and I don't have much to add to what's already been said in terms of performance and features, the radio has incredible receive sensitivity and audio clarity, even at full blast. The radio feels rock solid, like you could put it through anything, such as TPG's test. Minor feature omissions aside, this is a more than worthy replacement for the HT1000. Performance-wise, it is better in almost every sense. Time will tell on how they hold up long term.

Kudos to Motorola for taking a high tier radio, stripping it down and bringing it to a reasonable price.

To answer the orginal question, if you need features and an alpha display, and don't plan to abuse it on purpose, the 1250 will work for you. The 1500 is missing a lot of features that 1250 users will miss, even though it hands-down works better.

mr.syntrx · Post by **mr.syntrx** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:09 am

It would be nice to see a HT1250 style radio based on the PR1500, with an XTL2500 style screen or something.

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:33 am

This was ALWAYS a complaint of "on the job" public safety people. They DON'T CARE about all the features that radio geeks want. Modat, 1000 member MDC alias list, Talk to NASA, raise your kids, kitchen sink.... they just want it to talk from point A to point B, as far and as clear as possible.

Only us geeks want a million features to keep us from being bored.

PR1500 is a nice grunt portable that takes a beating, and talks WELL.

tpg

Post by **wavetar** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:44 am

Speaking of the PR1500, I just programmed my first two demo units yesterday. Now, keeping in mind I was rushed & only spent about 5 minutes total with the radios....how the heck do you clone these suckers??

It uses the same software/cable as the XTS2500/5000. When I read the radio & then go into the clone menu, everything is grayed out. If I try to just 'write' a different radio, it gives the 'wrong serial number' error.

Like I said, no time to delve into it as of yet. Anyone else figure this out?

Todd

PS: The radio really does look & feel rock solid!

Tony Soprano · Post by **Tony Soprano** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:48 am

wavetar wrote:Speaking of the PR1500, I just programmed my first two demo units yesterday. Now, keeping in mind I was rushed & only spent about 5 minutes total with the radios....how the heck do you clone these suckers??

It uses the same software/cable as the XTS2500/5000. When I read the radio & then go into the clone menu, everything is grayed out. If I try to just 'write' a different radio, it gives the 'wrong serial number' error.

Like I said, no time to delve into it as of yet. Anyone else figure this out?

Todd

PS: The radio really does look & feel rock solid!

Todd-From the menu, go Tools>Cloning>Clone Radio. Then click "Read Serial Number". Then you're set.

I hate this software program. But I'm sure it's just because I'm new to it.

Tony

Post by **wavetar** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 9:51 am

Tony Soprano wrote:
Todd-From the menu, go Tools>Cloning>Clone Radio. Then click "Read Serial Number". Then you're set.

I hate this software program. But I'm sure it's just because I'm new to it.

Tony

That's exactly where I went to look, as it's the same thing for XTS2500/5000 radios, but it was all grayed out. I shall look further into it.

Tony Soprano wrote:
I hate this software program. But I'm sure it's just because I'm new to it.

Tony

I actually quite like it. It's very similar to the Waris CPS, but has tons of extra features to make the programming easier, such as "+" and "X" buttons to add/remove channels in the Zone/Channel assignment. No more 'right-clicking' to do that. Also, you can 'fill up' or 'fill down' certain fields, which can save a whole lot of repetitive typing. The tutorials are really worth watching for this CPS.

Todd

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:21 pm

Prior to an upcoming release, dealers with Astro 25 Portable subscriptions may download a patch from MOL to allow cloning. Regular 5.0 will not clone PR1500's.

tpg

Bob · Post by **Bob** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:26 pm

I've had the opportunity to play with one for a little while. Nice radio.

I have to replace the HT1000s on my ambulances in the next six months or so. Make available to me 1) a drop-in 12v charger (like the ones with the PAC-RT switch) and 2) MDC1200 PTTID and QCII decode on the same channel; I'd buy a dozen of them right now.

Post by **wavetar** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 5:04 pm

The Pager Geek wrote:Prior to an upcoming release, dealers with Astro 25 Portable subscriptions may download a patch from MOL to allow cloning. Regular 5.0 will not clone PR1500's.

tpg

Well, that explains it then. I cannot find the patch on MOL though...nor even any mention of it.

Why would Tony's 5.00.00 work and mine not? The newest CD must ship with the patch. Why they wouldn't call it 5.00.01 or something is beyond me.

Todd

libuff · Post by **libuff** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:17 pm

i can apreciate the feelings all people have for the PR1500.. im just still need more than 32 channels... the radio i am trying to replace is my MT2000 A7 255 Channels... got 150 or so ch's in there... and i can't afford a ASTRO Portable...

so i'm basically stuck with the HT1550?

Tony Soprano · Post by **Tony Soprano** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 4:29 am

wavetar wrote:
The Pager Geek wrote:Prior to an upcoming release, dealers with Astro 25 Portable subscriptions may download a patch from MOL to allow cloning. Regular 5.0 will not clone PR1500's.

tpg
Well, that explains it then. I cannot find the patch on MOL though...nor even any mention of it.

Why would Tony's 5.00.00 work and mine not? The newest CD must ship with the patch. Why they wouldn't call it 5.00.01 or something is beyond me.

Todd

Todd-I'm running version 5.02, downloaded from MOL. I think we've been through this before- does your MOL version lets you download software? If it does, it's in the Resource Center. If not, then Motorola needs to get you folks from the great white North (Canada, I mean) better MOL access.

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 4:31 am

I recant the previous. Patch was removed due to the release of 5.02.

tpg

Post by **wavetar** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 5:36 am

Tony Soprano wrote: Todd-I'm running version 5.02, downloaded from MOL. I think we've been through this before- does your MOL version lets you download software? If it does, it's in the Resource Center. If not, then Motorola needs to get you folks from the great white North (Canada, I mean) better MOL access.

I can normally download the CPS we have subscriptions for. Our Astro25 subscription had run out & it was removed, but I re-subscribed specifically to be able to access the downloads. It's been a few weeks since I re-upped, I'll have to make a few calls.

Todd

E911EMT · Post by **E911EMT** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:18 am

Hello All,

On the PR1500 i currently was playing with one and noticed that when transmitting it has an echo in the background of my transmissions and also when changing the channels it had a 3 to 5 sec delay before i can use channel.

Has any one exsperienced these problems.

Thanks

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:42 am

Echo in the transmission is due to the DSP. Common with all Astro / Digital products.

Channel taking 3-5 sec before use I haven't seen.

tpg

E911EMT · Post by **E911EMT** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 11:48 am

Is there a way to make that stop because that has to be very annoying and why would someone buy that radio if it does that ...

olderookie · Post by **olderookie** » Sun Jun 12, 2005 7:31 pm

Ok does the orange button do MDC emergency we use it here and it works on the HT1000 and if this is to replace the HT1000 then it should do it on the PR1500?

This is one of the things I look at when I preview a radio can I use it at work?

In all sounds like they have a great replacement finally for the HT1000

Got to have that silly button

Alan · Post by **Alan** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 7:16 am

There is no 128-channel HT1250 anymore. You are stuck with the HT1250-LS+, which only has 34 conventional channels (7AN & 9AN models only, the 5AN & 6AN models are 18 conventional channels). You can upgrade to an HT1550XLS with 160 channels if you're looking for a new radio. Unless of course you're looking at buying used.

Todd

Yes there is. There are 2 models still. The limited keypad AAH25KDF9AA5AN and the full keypad AAH25KDH9AA6AN. Both are 128 channel conventional VHF models. There are also UHF 403-470 MHz models that are also 128 channel.

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 11:52 am

olderookie wrote:Ok does the orange button do MDC emergency we use it here and it works on the HT1000 and if this is to replace the HT1000 then it should do it on the PR1500?

This is one of the things I look at when I preview a radio can I use it at work?

In all sounds like they have a great replacement finally for the HT1000

Got to have that silly button

Yes it does.

olderookie · Post by **olderookie** » Mon Jun 13, 2005 1:51 pm

thanks pager geek

The Pager Geek · Post by **The Pager Geek** » Tue Jun 14, 2005 6:11 am

OK, I've tried and tried....

Why force the user to have the concentric switch be all zone (3 zone) when you only have 32 channels to work with?

My master plan was:
A Zone 1 - 16 Channel
B Zone 2 - 16 Channel
C Scan List Program
One of the sides would toggle scan

BUT, you can only have:
A - Zone
B - Zone
C - Zone
And NO scan list program with that config...

The radio is so limited to begin with, (HT1000 options) why can't you (M) just let the programmer choose what functions the buttons do???

WTF

tpg

wkr518 · Post by **wkr518** » Mon Jan 23, 2006 11:50 am

GP-38 wrote:Hey guys. I'm purchasing a new VHF portable this week, and I've decided on either the brand-new PR1500, or the HT1250. Initially, I was pretty excited about the 1500, but I started to think...if I'm going to spend over a grand on a brand new radio, I want to get the most out of it. The 1500, being a new release, will likely have a few issues. I haven't seen a DTMF version yet, and at only 64 channels I cannot have all 97 AAR freqs. that I need for my job.

I know the 1250 wasn't (and still isn't by some) well-received, but I won't be relying on it in life or death situations. It will be well taken care of as a backup railroad portable, seeing more MURS use probably than anything else. What revision is the 1250 at by now? Current list price for the 128 channel, DTMF full display model? I'm pretty much set on the 1250 at this point...any advice would be appreciated.
~Billy Myers,
GP-38

Hey Billy
What did you guys go with? 1250 or 1500?
Wayne

wkr518 · Post by **wkr518** » Mon May 15, 2006 3:49 pm

jim wrote:The PR1500 has no QCII?

And this is the radio that everyone's recommending for public safety?

All I can say is: LEAD BALLOON

After May 15 Impres will be standard on all PR1500 models being shipped from /\/\,also a DTMF signalling and QCII enhancement coming in Sept 06 or whatever M's Q3 is.Finally!
I still want a display.Even if it is only 2 character numeric.Sheesh!
Wayne

Hightower · Post by **Hightower** » Tue May 16, 2006 8:43 pm

The PR1500 is actually 48 channels - 3 zones of 16 channels.

Commissioner Gordon

Tony Soprano · Post by **Tony Soprano** » Wed May 17, 2006 4:30 am

Still no scan indicator.

I would almost recommend the MT1500 instead, it does have a display but but I can't see where QCII is listed in its feature set. It would make sense to put it there if the PR1500 will have it, maybe it is also forthcoming.

wkr518 · Post by **wkr518** » Wed May 17, 2006 6:05 pm

Tony Soprano wrote:Still no scan indicator.

I would almost recommend the MT1500 instead, it does have a display but but I can't see where QCII is listed in its feature set. It would make sense to put it there if the PR1500 will have it, maybe it is also forthcoming.

Adding QCII to MT1500 would indeed be nice.

kd6rfs · Post by **kd6rfs** » Wed May 17, 2006 7:01 pm

I would go with a HT1550-XLS...VHF with the Q409 optional battery, so that you can field program your freq's without using CPS.....like a JT1000...the battery is a standard hi-cap NiCad....but has a jumper in it (I guess) to allow for field programming....I hear it allows many more in the field options then a JT1000 does...I was thinking about getting one to replace my JT1000.....also they do make a all steel vehicular style charger, like the jedi one with the PAC-RT....but it is more rounded and has no switch for Rpt/Off...it only rapid charges....also, the 1550-XLS seems to be built better then the 1250-LS+ is...(just my opinion holding the two side by side) I like the fact that the 1550 is longer and has a bigger display....and the field programming option is awesome for Ham/Disaster/Fire comm's...BUT, my JT1000 still has a much louder speaker and IS built better...David KD6RFS

wkr518 · Post by **wkr518** » Thu May 18, 2006 3:39 am

kd6rfs wrote:I would go with a HT1550-XLS...VHF with the Q409 optional battery, so that you can field program your freq's without using CPS.....like a JT1000...the battery is a standard hi-cap NiCad....but has a jumper in it (I guess) to allow for field programming....I hear it allows many more in the field options then a JT1000 does...better...David

Anyone actually done this field programming on HT1550XLS? How does the battery allow this to be enabled?
Thanks
Wayne

kd6rfs · Post by **kd6rfs** » Thu May 18, 2006 6:12 pm

from what I hear it is like the JT that requires that key in order to field program....so this time motorola made the key (I beleive just a jumper wire, like the JTs key was) inside the battery....so you have to use this special battery in order to be able to access the freq change screen....they call it the Q409 option, you can order the radio with the special battery instead of the reg. battery....both batterys are hi-cap standard NiCads...I have not seen the special battery in Metal Hydride or Lithium...I think they told me its about 30-50 dollars more to order it with the special battery....BUT you still will need to set-up the radio wide info, and basic functions thru the CPS, like the JT1000....then you can change freqs in the field, PL/DPL, power output, squelch, bandwith stuff like that.....I think the 1550 can allow alot more options then the JT does in the keypad programming...thats about all I know ....i'm sure someone else will know more and respond...good luck, David KD6RFS

wkr518 · Post by **wkr518** » Fri May 19, 2006 2:20 am

kd6rfs wrote:from what I hear it is like the JT that requires that key in order to field program....so this time motorola made the key (I beleive just a jumper wire, like the JTs key was) inside the battery....so you have to use this special battery in order to be able to access the freq change screen....they call it the Q409 option, you can order the radio with the special battery instead of the reg. battery....both batterys are hi-cap standard NiCads...I have not seen the special battery in Metal Hydride or Lithium...I think they told me its about 30-50 dollars more to order it with the special battery....BUT you still will need to set-up the radio wide info, and basic functions thru the CPS, like the JT1000....then you can change freqs in the field, PL/DPL, power output, squelch, bandwith stuff like that.....I think the 1550 can allow alot more options then the JT does in the keypad programming...thats about all I know ....i'm sure someone else will know more and respond...good luck, David KD6RFS

I will order the battery and find out myself for sure shortly.
Thanks for the info David
Wayne

precoislen · Post by **precoislen** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:17 am

Hightower wrote:The PR1500 is actually 48 channels - 3 zones of 16 channels.

Commissioner Gordon

Is this a new upgrade or something, because my PR1500, w/ a ship date of 1/09/2006 from M in Ill. only has 32 channels in it?

precoislen · Post by **precoislen** » Fri May 19, 2006 5:19 am

Tony Soprano wrote:Still no scan indicator.

I would almost recommend the MT1500 instead, it does have a display but but I can't see where QCII is listed in its feature set. It would make sense to put it there if the PR1500 will have it, maybe it is also forthcoming.

Tony,

Any information, model number, or literature on the MT1500's w/ a display? All I saw of them were Model I type radios w/ no display.....

HT1250 or PR1500?

HT1250 or PR1500?

Re: HT1250 or PR1500?