Installing encryption MTS2000
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Installing encryption MTS2000
I have opened and installed modules in radios in the past, but I wanted other opinions. I have two mint condition MTS2000 48 channel top display models and I want to install DES-XL modules in both radios. Before I crack these radios open, I want to knw if there are any tricks to this or is it straight forward? Are there any risks or pitfalls that I should be aware of? Thanks everyone for any help.
Once you open the radio, you should see a small opening in the top cover, on the lower right side of the radio, this is the controller board that the module will sit above.
If the cover does NOT have a 'notch' open that exposes a white socket, then your radio is not secure capable and a new controller will need to be obtained for use with encryption.
My MTS2000 A4 is also 'capable', but does not have the proper controller installed to allow encryption, it is an option though.
The other possibility exists that you may have the proper controller, but the top shield is made for NON secure radios, and thus, the cover does not have the opening to view the socket on the controller.
Opening the radio is really easy....just like a GP300, just insert a slotted screwdriver into the base and pry out to free the chassis, then CAREFULLY remove the chassis from the housing...Oh, and remove all knobs first though!
Watch for the front ribbon flex, it's not long and care is needed or you will pull it out of the socket on the radio.
That's pretty much it...quite easy to do....the top shield is retained the same way the GP300s are, with spring clips.
If the cover does NOT have a 'notch' open that exposes a white socket, then your radio is not secure capable and a new controller will need to be obtained for use with encryption.
My MTS2000 A4 is also 'capable', but does not have the proper controller installed to allow encryption, it is an option though.
The other possibility exists that you may have the proper controller, but the top shield is made for NON secure radios, and thus, the cover does not have the opening to view the socket on the controller.
Opening the radio is really easy....just like a GP300, just insert a slotted screwdriver into the base and pry out to free the chassis, then CAREFULLY remove the chassis from the housing...Oh, and remove all knobs first though!
Watch for the front ribbon flex, it's not long and care is needed or you will pull it out of the socket on the radio.
That's pretty much it...quite easy to do....the top shield is retained the same way the GP300s are, with spring clips.
I finally investigated my own MTS2000 and found that even though the top shield covers the entire board, the socket for encryption is still on the controller board, though covered by the shield completely, so this rules out the idea that the opening is a surefire method of discerning between secure capable or incapable operation.
I also opened #2 MT2000 and the MTX9000, and all three radios have the socket for the encryption boards...NOW, the big question of the day would be: are they all actually capable of encrypted operation simply by the presence of this socket?
Logic would tell me yes, but I've seen radios outfitted identically that can not be encrypted even with the socket in place on the controller.
Because I no longer have a KVL or cable/board to test these theories, I can prove or disprove this.
In conclusion, with the presence of the sockets on the controller boards, I'd personally assume the radios can be encrypted, it's just the option is probably not flashed into the firmware to enable operation.
I also opened #2 MT2000 and the MTX9000, and all three radios have the socket for the encryption boards...NOW, the big question of the day would be: are they all actually capable of encrypted operation simply by the presence of this socket?
Logic would tell me yes, but I've seen radios outfitted identically that can not be encrypted even with the socket in place on the controller.
Because I no longer have a KVL or cable/board to test these theories, I can prove or disprove this.
In conclusion, with the presence of the sockets on the controller boards, I'd personally assume the radios can be encrypted, it's just the option is probably not flashed into the firmware to enable operation.