X[T]S3000 Opinion

[mtitteri]

Hello all,
I am a broadcast engineer and Ham, but admitedly not familiar with the Motorola line.

I'm looking for an Astro UHF (403-470) that will serve as a reliable commercial portable in analog and APCO25 modes. I also need to program it myself (just set up a Mot account to buy the CPS software, pending radio.)

My confusion is mainly in being sure that I'm getting a decent Flashcode, Host and DSP. I looked at the main Bat-page, but could not find model specifics on the X[T]S3000. ...apologies if I missed it

I found a prospect on eBay and wanted to run it by the experts on this board. I realize that I have to make the decision, but I do want to be sure I'm getting something that will fit the bill and has current/correct, or upgradable Flash:

H09RDH9PW7BN
Flash code is 5000008-000000-1
Host is 07.01.01, the DSP is 07.03.09

Thanks in advance.


Mark

[Corrected the radio model to XTS - Alex]

[MTS2000des]

what features do you need? be a little more specific there. as far as buying Ebay Astros a word of caution: you may get a good deal or may buy a pile of junk that costs more than it's worth to get fixed. Digital radios are a new ball game, and if you get something that's had the "golden screwdriver" it can take several hundred dollars to fix. Problem is, XTS3000's and Astro Sabers can get really hosed up by inexperienced persons with wrong software (ie, using LAB/DEPOT and forcing codeplugs without retuning), wrong tools to open the radio extracting encryption boards, incorrect servicing and assembly, etc. And with anything on Ebay, you never see what you are getting. There are alot of sellers who pawn off junk, and alot of sellers who don't know what they have. Don't drop a wad of cash with someone you don't know.

FYI the HOST/DSP you listed is a couple years old, big improvement in DSP 8 on IMBE.

[mtitteri]

what features do you need? be a little more specific there. as far as buying Ebay Astros a word of caution: you may get a good deal or may buy a pile of junk that costs more than it's worth to get fixed. Digital radios are a new ball game, and if you get something that's had the "golden screwdriver" it can take several hundred dollars to fix. Problem is, XTS3000's and Astro Sabers can get really hosed up by inexperienced persons with wrong software (ie, using LAB/DEPOT and forcing codeplugs without retuning), wrong tools to open the radio extracting encryption boards, incorrect servicing and assembly, etc. And with anything on Ebay, you never see what you are getting. There are alot of sellers who pawn off junk, and alot of sellers who don't know what they have. Don't drop a wad of cash with someone you don't know.

FYI the HOST/DSP you listed is a couple years old, big improvement in DSP 8 on IMBE.

Thanks for the reply.

Everything you mention in your post is what has made me cautious about buying anything on the auction site. Here are my needs...

* 440-450 analog and APCO25/DCS/CTCSS
* The ability to buy my own CPS and program my own radio - Motorola account created, sale pending radio purchase
* Not a necessity, but 250 channels would be nice
* A 4 watt+ Portable, unhacked, with current Flashcode, firmware and with matching stickers

After a few recommendations from other helpful board members and my own searching, I've narrowed it down to an Astro Saber III (I'd like DTMF) or an XTS3000 (I suspect a model III?) Besides being too pricey ($1000+), I don't think I'd benefit from a 3500 or 5000?

Any ideas or suggestions are welcomed and appreciated. Thanks in advance.


Best Regards,
Mark, KB2EGB

[Rayjk110]

The only beneficial factors to take into consideration with the XTS5000 is FPP and DSP9, plus the fact that it is a "current production radio" - whereas the XTS3000 and AstroSaber are not, and I believe support thru Motorola ends for those (if not already) within the next year or something like that. The XTS3500 was initially developed for government users in that it has a faster booting time and can support more advanced forms of encryption, but that's about it's only differences from a 3k.

$1000 seems a little far-fetched for an XTS3k or AstroSaber, however $500-$700 is fair - possibly a bit more if you're talking accessories, especially with impres.

If you like thin but taller radios, AstroSaber is your friend, but if you don't mind a bit of a bulky radio, than the 3k will do just fine - even better with the thinner li-on batteries. BTW, DSPN08.03.03 is current for the AstroSaber/XTS3k. I think rev07.71 was the latest host.

[N4DES]

Don't forget about the XTS2500 series. It is current production like the 5000 but smaller and IMO has just as much bling bling.

If the FPP features don't interest you then the XTS1500 may also work out. A few months back Moto was running a $300.00 off special and new the U and V 1500's were in the high $700.00 range and included digital P25 conventional flash.