XTS-1500 Software Refresh

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ASTROMODAT
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XTS-1500 Software Refresh

Post by ASTROMODAT »

The XTS-1500 now has some new features that require existing radios to be refreshed with the latest new firmware. The price book indicates two different numbers for this firmware uplift, both priced at $75. One is Q811AP, and the other is Q880AD. Does anyone know which of these is correct? Both are indicated as P25 ASTRO Conventional, with one being under the regular FLASHport list of upgrades, while the second one is specifically located under "Refresh." My Moto guy is on vacation, and I don't want to run someone else down in the meantime.

Thanks for any help on this.
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wavetar
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Post by wavetar »

I'd say if you're just strictly wanting to update your firmware, then you only need 'refresh' option Q880AD. If you need a FLASHport upgrade for new features, then you'll be ordering option Q811AP along with whatever FLASH option(s) you're adding. Best to double-check with your sales guy, of course, but that's how I read it.

Todd
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ASTROMODAT
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Post by ASTROMODAT »

Todd, whenever you order a FLASHport feature, the refresh is normally included at no charge. For example, if you order an IMBE uplift for a Quant, the refresh is automatically included, at no extra charge. Given that a Quant refresh is $1,200, and the IMBE uplift is $1,700, a guy going from analog to IMBE on his Quant compared to a guy just getting a refresh is really getting his IMBE for only $500 incremental. From my experience, the refresh is normally included with most of the new feature sets. However, it makes no sense here with the XTS-1500, so you may very well be right.
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wavetar
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Post by wavetar »

I know it's always been that way in the past...but I figure Motorola has decided to stop giving out 'free' firmware upgrades with every FLASHport package. Why update you to 6.00.00 if the option you want flashed is already supported with your 4.00.00 firmware? Then, if you need another feature a year later, they can hit you with the extra $75/radio if the newer feature requires a higher firmware rev.

Todd
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ASTROMODAT
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Post by ASTROMODAT »

You may be very right, Todd! I remember Galvin's kid telling us in a "Winds of Change" seminar how Motorola planned to generate more than 50% of its profits from software by 2000. That was back in 1987 when he said that.
Alan
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Post by Alan »

Is it still under warranty?

Can't you just send it in with some line about "unit locks up" or "misses calls" or something like that.

They generally do a firmware upgrade when they go to depot.
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wavetar
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Post by wavetar »

Alan wrote:Is it still under warranty?

Can't you just send it in with some line about "unit locks up" or "misses calls" or something like that.

They generally do a firmware upgrade when they go to depot.
Not exactly a viable option for a fleet of radios...

Todd
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